ALDRIDGE Hector John VX17158 B Coy [F Force Ponds Party]

Hector John Aldridge was born on 13 August 1910 in Mafeking, Victoria.

He joined the Battalion on 27.11.1940 and attained the rank of Corporal during his service.

Aldridge was captured by Japanese forces following the fall of Singapore in February 1942. He became a prisoner of war and was assigned to Ponds Party of “F Force”, a work group sent to Thailand to labour on the Thai–Burma Railway.

Unlike many members of F Force who did not survive, Aldridge endured captivity and was eventually liberated at the end of the war.

Aldridge is commemorated at the Australian Ex‑Prisoners of War Memorial at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, recognising his service and suffering as a POW of the Japanese.

Hector John Aldridge was died 13 October 1973 in Heidelberg, Victoria, aged 63.