Lead up to enlisting in the Aust. imperial Force: Samuel Oliver Neil Bickley declared bankrupt at age 28yrs, a father with five children the eldest being 9yrs and youngest barely a year old. Living in a portable home to save on rent. Originally an apprentice bricklayer of three and half years before the depression. His employer went out of business and was forced to work on the railways earning a slight margin above the basic wage - £3.18 a week.
Enlisted in the Australian army 11.12.1939 at 30yrs of age. Presumed dead 1945 as a POW #23099 Stalag? War records say he had light brown hair and grey blue eyes. Left behind his wife Una Ruby and mother V.J.Bickley.
Enlisted in the Australian army 11.12.1939 at 30yrs of age. Presumed dead 1945 as a POW #23099 Stalag? War records say he had light brown hair and grey blue eyes. Left behind his wife Una Ruby and mother V.J.Bickley.
