JOHNSTON Archibald VX41906 D Coy [F Force]
Archibald Johnston was born in Orbost on 12 July 1912. He enlisted on 11 July 1940 and joined the 2/29th Battalion on 27 November 1940.
Pte Johnston’s occupation was listed as Railway Line Repairer when he enlisted. He married Aileen Gwenda Basham in 1940.
He sailed to Singapore with the rest of the Battalion July 1941 and became a prisoner of war at the fall of Singapore.
At the end of the war Archibald returned to Australia in October 1945.
Archibald Johnston died on 22 December 1977, aged 65.
Snowy River Mail (Orbost, Vic. : 1911 - 1970), Wednesday 30 July 1941, page 3
0RB0ST SOLDERS HONORED
PRIVATES A. JOHNSTON and F OSTLER
A large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled at the shire hall on Tuesday .evening of last week to say good-bye good to Privates Archie Johnston and Fred Ostler.
The Two Diggers
Cr. Robinson, who occupeid the chair, observed that Archie Johnston and Fred Ostler were local boys, whose parents were will known local residents. He regretted that Mrs Ostler was unable to be present having met with an accident. He thanked the two boys for the job they had offered to do and were going to do, and hoped they would be spared to come back in just as good condiftion as they were in now. They would no doubt meet many cobbers on the other side and perhaps some with whom they had gone to school. But whether Orbost cobbers or not they would be cobbers of the Kind. (Applause).
Archie Johnston: This is one of the few times when I am dumb. I cannot say much, but I thank Cr. Robinson for his kind remarks and all my friends here. I think when I get over there I shall do my best to keep up the traditions of the AIF. (Applause).
Fred Ostler: I thank you for all you have said to-night. I hope I shall lie up to what you expect of me and do my best to uphold the traditions of the AIF. (Applause).
The Parents of Digger Johnston
Cr R. R. Johnston preposed his toast. Mr and Mrs Charlie Johnston were good citizens and had a fine family of sons and daughters. One of them was in the AIF and one in the navy. Mrs Archie Johnston was also present, and she too was of the right stamp (Applause).
Mrs Oster and Family
Cr. J. Lynn had great pleasure in proposing this toast. Two of the Ostler family heard the call to the colors. Frank was in the AIF and Fred was going away. He wish both Archie and Fred the best of luck and hoped he would be present to welcome them home. (Applause).
Presentations
Mr Baughurst then presented each of the diggers with a present from the Comforts fund, and wished them the best of luck and a safe return.
Mr Hall then mentioned that if it was the desire of the Citizens’ committee that each digger going away should receive some little token of their gratitude. The citizens of Orbost were proud of the way the boys acquitted themselves on the other side and he wished Diggers Johnston and Ostler the very best of luck and a safe return.
The chairman then mentioned that every man who left Orbost to serve his country received a razor, which was a gift from the ratepayers. About 180 or 190 had already been presented. Perhaps Archie and Fred would bring their razors back, although one digger was in such a hurry to leave that all he got away with was his boots, his shorts, and a phot of his girl (Laughter). Perhaps be valued the girl’s photo more than the razor.
The Lady Helpers
Mr Forrest. In proposing this toast paid a fitting tribute to Mrs R. R. Johnson, Mrs Lowe and Mr Dominey, for their generous help in such functions by providing tasty refreshments and doing all in their power to ensure a happy time for all.
Each of the three ladies found something interesting to say in response. They wished the diggers every success and assured the company that the assistance they gave was really a pleasure.
The Boys Overseas
Mr M. W. Cowell preposed this toast in a speech in which he spoke highly of the wonderful job the boys overseas had done.
The Red Cross
Mrs Dominey spoke about the wonderful work of the Red Cross among the sick and wounded. She hoped the diggers who were being honoured that evening would not need assistance form the Red Cross and she wished them godspeed and a safe return.
The proceedings closed with the National Anthem and ‘God Bless Our Splendid Men.”