Townsville World War II soldier gets war medals 74 years late

HE WENT into Japan at a very unique time after two atomic bombs had been dropped. Now 74 years after enlisting the Townsville man has finally be recognised for his heroics.

Thomas Campbell, 91-year-old veteran receiving his medals from serving in World War II.

A TOWNSVILLE veteran who helped occupy Japan after it was almost destroyed during World War II has finally received his service medals, 74 years after he enlisted.

Father of four and grandfather of nine Thomas Lachlan Campbell, or Lachie as he likes to be known, joined the Royal Australian Air Force a day after his 18th birthday in 1944.

It was to be the first day of a 32-year career.

After US forces dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, putting an end to conflict with the Allies, ­Lachie became a part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) deployed to bring peace and stability to the region.

Visits to Japanese towns and cities included Hiroshima, where he witnessed the destruction, food shortages and the poverty among the community.

His service concluded in 1976 when he had risen to the rank of warrant officer and was a specialist in radio communications. On Monday, Lachie’s achievements were marked when he finally received the Australia Service Medal 1943-45, Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with Japan clasp, first, second and third clasp to the Defence Force Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.

Although BCOF veterans became eligible for the service medals in 1997, Lachie and his family were not made aware of the distinction until last year after he lost contact with his veteran mates.

Thomas Campbell, a 91-year-old veteran, fought in World War II.

“I’d given up all hope … I was meant to be dead by now. I’m 91 and will be 92 in July,” Lachie said.

Senior Australian Defence Force Officer of RAAF Base Townsville Wing Commander Phil Godfrey said ­Lachie had been patient but his medals were well earned.

“It’s no small thing to devote a career to the service of your country and its people in the Australian Defence Force and it’s right that we should celebrate that service and commitment,” he said.

“He’s gone into Japan at a very unique time, after two atomic bombs have been dropped. He saw the destruction first-hand, so for a young person that would have been quite hard to deal with.

“But his efforts after the war has helped Japan to be where it is today.

“Even for myself … probably not understanding the history of what our servicemen and women did after the war, it’s a valuable contribution.”

Lachie’s oldest son Matthew Campbell helped pursue the Federal Government to secure his father’s medals.

“It’s amazing what he can remember and he still has the technical manual he was given when he first started,” Matthew said. “It’s lovely to see him honoured and the respect shown.”

Lachie said he would display his medals on his wall at home and planned to proudly march in this year’s Anzac Day march in Townsville, after sitting out in recent years due to his ailing health.

Originally published as Townsville World War II soldier gets war medals 74 years late