Stanley Gibbs was sent to Port Moresby in 1943, a few months after the 1942 bombings by the Japanese. Photos were originally taken by Damien Parer for the Argus in Melbourne and Sydney Morning Herald, and sourced from the State Library of Victoria.
This week we continue to highlight the Finley High School project, which encourages Year 10 history students to research a family member or local person who served in either World War I or World War II.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
This meaningful project allows students to connect with personal stories and develop a deeper understanding of the past through the lens of real lives and experiences.
This week we bring you the story of Stanley James Gibbs, as told by his great, great nephew Elliott Loughridge.
•••
Stanley James Gibbs was born on June 21, 1913, in Shepparton, Victoria.
He grew up in Caniambo, a short drive from his birthplace, under the care of his father Ernest Alfred Gibbs and his mother Minnie Amelia Gibbs, and with his brother.
Stan loved the farm, and after secondary school began working on his 200 acres of land. He grew wheat and oats, as well as keeping sheep to shear.
Stanley enlisted for war at Shepparton on January 9, 1942.
He had turned 28 one month earlier and was still single.
Stan was 5ft 10.5 inches, with grey eyes, a pale complexion and fair hair, as well as scars on both knees. He was also a Methodist.
Stan was seen fit for Class 1 after his medical test and was required for 45 months of service.
Stan started the war in Strength ex Area 59c but switched two days later to the 15th Field Ambulance Unit.
His service number was V330215, and he was given the rank of Private, serving Australia as a medic.
Stan’s unit had served with distinction since World War I, and attended the wounded or sick soldiers of the 15th battalion.
In March of 1942, the unit relocated from Seymour to Hume Weir.
They then continued to move around the country after troops were deployed to defend Brisbane.
On March 8, 1943, Stan and his unit moved with the 15th Brigade to Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea.
The Japanese had bombed Port Moresby for the first time on February 3, 1942.
They relieved the 2/1st Field Ambulance at Wau, establishing a main dressing station at Bulolo and an advanced dressing station at Missim to treat soldiers.
They moved to Salamaua in September after it was captured, before returning to Port Moresby to rest.
In January 1944, Stan's unit relieved the 2/6th Field Ambulance by taking over stations at Mene River and Kesewai, as well as several staging posts to support the attacks on Shaggy Ridge.
Port Moresby during the 1942 bombings by the Japanese. Photos were originally taken by Damien Parer for the Argus in Melbourne and Sydney Morning Herald, and sourced from the State Library of Victoria.
The unit continued to Saidor in April and Madang in May.
Stanley disembarked in Australia on August 10, 1944, in Mapee Queensland for leave.
On December 29, he embarked on another mission to the Solomon Islands, where he spent the rest of his required time.
Stan was discharged and returned home on October 19, 1945.
Back at home, Stanley continued to work on his farm.
He remained a farmer and a shearer for the rest of his life. He also remained single and did not have any children.
Stanley died on March 6, 1991 at the age of 77.
He was buried in the Pine Lodge cemetery, in Greater Shepparton, on the plot Callistemon Glen 239.
Inscripted on his plaque are the words “In loving memory of Stanley James Gibbs. Died 6 March 1991, aged 77 years. Beloved son of Ernest and Minnie, Loved by all. Happy are those who die in the Lord. Till we meet again.”
Added info:
• The army suggested that Stan and his brother should be placed in separate camps, probably to stop them from fighting.
