Lance Sergeant Noel Alexander Gardiner was born in Bundaberg on 30 November 1919 and he is the father of the applicant. He enlisted on 23 June 1943, and served in the 47th
Australian Infantry Battalion until discharge on 7 February 1946.
The following summary has been provided by the applicant:
Noel Alexander Gardiner served in the Citizen Military Forces from December 16, 1941 to June 22, 1943 and the Australian Imperial Forces from June 23, 1943 to February 7, 1946. L/Sgt Gardiner N. A. , QX54854, C Company, 47th Australian Infantry Battalion, 29th Brigade served overseas in New Guinea, including Milne Bay, Lae, Salamaua, Tambu Bay, Bougainville, Solomon Island and Goodenough Island.
While serving in Bougainville, Dad contracted malaria and dermatitis resulting in hospitalisation. Since contracting dermatitis a second time, he was dispatched from New Guinea to Bathurst where a small arms school was operating. He subsequently attended army school training at Seymour (Victoria, small arms); Bonegilla (Victoria,
machine guns/small arms) and at Cabala (Toowoomba, carrier course). Dad was transferred to and stationed in Bathurst, training the army recruits ready for war
service. World War II finished shortly afterwards.
A street named Gardiner Crt has been named in recognition.
…
Outside of Army Service, Dad was the head printer at the Bundaberg NewsMail, which has involved 3-generations association with newspapers in Bundaberg.
Grandfather, Father and Son with Jack Gardiner serving from 1908-1956 (48 years);
Noel Gardiner 1936-1984 (48 years) and son Graham Gardiner 1963-2007 (44 years): A total of 140 years of combined family service to the newspaper industry in
Bundaberg.
Gardiner Court was named on 4 September 1990 in honour of the Gardiner Family, an old and respected family of Bundaberg.
Lance Sergeant Noel Alexander Gardiner
Service Number: QX54854
Service Area: 47 Australian Infantry Battalion
Highest Rank: Lance Sergeant
Years of Service: 23 June 1943 – 7 February 1946
Photograph provided by family.