Bigmore, Lionel James

Private Lionel Bigmore was a member of the 17th's Brigade's 2/6 Battalion. His service number was VX38220. He was living at Pimborneit East when he enlisted on 12 Aug 1940.

From the AWM website: In early April, the 2/6th, with the rest of the 6th Division, deployed to Greece to resist the anticipated German invasion. For the 2/6th, the Greek campaign was essentially one long withdrawal through a series of rearguard positions, beginning on 16 April. In the last days of the campaign its companies were dispersed by higher command; some were subsequently evacuated by sea between 26 and 29 April, but approximately a quarter of the battalion was left behind and taken prisoner. Some of the evacuees were landed on Crete and, after fighting with the 17th Brigade Composite Battalion, many of these men were also captured.

Lionel was captured at Kalamata, Greece. His POW number was 3808. Towards the end of the war, in April 1945, a large number of prisoners were transferred to Stalag 18C at Markt Pongau in the Salzburg redoubt. Some were transported by train while others, including Lionel, were forced to march. The march itself took 13 days.

AWM Nominal Roll

Lionel was born in Geelong, Victoria on 10 Jul 1916 and grew up in nearby Drysdale. He married soon after returning to Australia and for a few years did farm work. In the early fifties he got a position with the City of Geelong West's public works department and remained there until he retired. Lionel died on 11 Apr 2008. he was 91.

Lionel was a stage assistant in the theatre group's production of 'Flying High.'