WW2 AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDAL GROUP OF 4 CASUALTY LONERGAN PACIFIC NEW GUINEA

WW2 Australian Army ‘accidental death’ medal group to Gunner William Lonergan, who died as a result of a motorcycle accident in New Guinea.

1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-45 & Australian Service Medal 1939-45, impressed named NX102190 W. G. LONERGAN. Group court mounted for display. Also includes his brother’s War Medal 1939-45, impressed named 166964 B. M. LONERGAN. This last most likely being his only issue medal due to short service. Copy of full service record is included for William Lonergan.

William George Lonergan was born near Tumut, N.S.W. 21/10/1917, having served with the 36th Bn A.M.F. & 62nd A.A.S.L., enlisting into the regular army 14/7/1942. He saw service with the 73rd Anti-Aircraft Search Light Company R.A.E., when on the 6/9/1943, whilst serving in New Guinea, he fractured his skull, having fallen from a motor cycle. The court of enquiry stated the accident was due to wet conditions on the road. He was evacuated to 2/9 Australian General Hospital, where he died on the 7/9/1943. He was subsequently buried at the Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby.Bernard Michael Lonergan enlisted for service with the R.A.A.F. 2/1/1945, being discharged 6/9/1945.