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Frank John Partridge (1924–1964)

Frank John Partridge, 40, the youngest and last Victoria Cross winner of World War II died tonight after a motor accident.

He received head, chest and internal injuries when his car and a timber truck collided on Thora Road, near Bellingen, a short way from his home, late this afternoon.

He was admitted to Bellingen Hospital but died at 6.35 p.m.

He was alone in the car.

Partridge won his V.C. in the Japanese attack on Bougainville in 1945.

Armed with grenades, he stormed and wiped out a Japanese gunpost.

In the last few years, Partridge, a farmer, became quiz idol to thousands of television viewers throughout Australia. In two and a half years he won more than £12,000 on the national Pick-A-Box show compered by Bob Dyer. He was planning to return to the show in the next few months.

He is survived by his widow, Barbara, and their three-month-old son, Lachlann.

The national president of the R.S.L., Mr. A. J. Lee, said Australians would be shocked to hear of the tragic death of one of Australia's outstanding servicemen of the 1939-45 war.

"He was an honorary member of the R.S.L., a rare distinction conferred on V.C. winners and representatives of the Queen," Mr. Lee said.

"I feel I can speak for all members of the R.S.L. in extending deepest sympathy to Mrs. Partridge."

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Citation details

'Partridge, Frank John (1924–1964)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/partridge-frank-john-11346/text34804, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

29 November, 1924
Grafton, New South Wales, Australia

Death

23 March, 1964 (aged 39)
Bellingen, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

motor vehicle accident

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation
Military Service
Awards
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Political Activism