STOCKWELL, Ian Frederick

STOCKWELL, Ian Frederick – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWII
SERVICE NO : Q16740
RANK : Private
UNIT : 61st Battalion
ENLISTMENT DATE : 30/08/1940
AGE : 22
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Brisbane, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Warwick, Queensland
RELIGION : Church of England
OCCUPATION : Public Servant
DATE OF DEATH : 26/08/1942
PLACE OF BURIAL : No Known Grave, Papua New Guinea

MEMORIALS : Warwick State High School Roll of Honour 1939-1945, Warwick The Fallen 1939-1945, Warwick War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Port Moresby Memorial to the Missing

View this person’s Service File : STOCKWELL, Ian Frederick

NOTES : Ian Frederick Stockwell hailed from one of the earliest families to settle in the region. His mother’s great grandfather John Collins was with the Leslie Brothers when they first explored the area. Ian’s great great grandmother Catherine, was the sister of explorer Major Mitchell. The Horse & Jockey Hotel which stands across from the Warwick State High School was built by John Collins.

His father’s family emigrated to Australia in 1888, and his grandfather, William Stockwell worked as an accountant for Kennedy Bros in Allora before moving to Glengallan to take up the position of bookkeeper for the homestead. After seven years he moved to Warwick where he became the Warwick Ambulance’s first Secretary and then Superintendent.

Needless to say, Ian’s family had strong ties with everyone in the local community.

Ian Frederick Stockwell was the son of Frederick William and Edith Emily Stockwell of Pratten Street, Warwick. His education was obtained at Warwick Central State School and Warwick State High School. Ian was a member of the Past Student Association. Filled with a good public spirit and a desire to help others, he gave freely of his time to any worthy cause.

He worked for a time in the Taxation Department in Brisbane before seeking a transfer to the Warwick Courthouse to be closer to family.

His brothers Kenneth William Stockwell QX64381 was serving in the Australian Army, while Henry Beaumont Stockwell 24435 was serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.

He received his call up to the army and was posted to a Garrison Battalion on Moreton Island before being transferred to 61 Battalion. Ian was a member of the Intelligence Section which was attached to the Ahioma Patrol and was known to be aboard the Bronzewing which was involved in the Milne Bay campaign.

It is unknow if Ian was killed while swimming ashore or if he had been one of the prisoners taken aboard a Japanese ship for ‘interrogation’, but he was never seen again and his body was never recovered.

Both of his brothers survived the war and returned home to Warwick.

Read about Southern Downs Military History here.