Jack Wilson
Ivan Pretty, with his lifelong mate Jack Wilson, on final leave 1940.
Sid Matthews, Jack Wilson, Ivan Pretty
.
Full Name of Serving Member: John Stanley Wilson
Known as: Jack / Bluey
Regiment Number : VX 8318
Date of Birth : 25.12.1918 ( for enlistment purposes ) actually 1922
Where Born : South Melbourne
When and Where Enlisted : Caulfield on 19.05.1940
Reasons for Enlistment : Appropriate time
First Posting / Where / What Sub-Unit : 2/8th Australian Field Regiment “B” Troop at Puckapunyal on 16.05.1940
Outstanding or Significant Memory or Anecdote : The early days at Pucka in the “B” Troop Hut – all great new mates!
Who were your close Mates : Ivan “Skeeter” Pretty Being a Signaller – the Sigs.
Jack and Ivan worked together at CAC Port Melbourne - Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation – before the war and they also boarded together at St. Kilda in Melbourne. [The CAC was established in 1936, to provide Australia with the capability to produce military aircraft and engines.]
They enlisted on the same day, and Jack said that the Sergeant was concentrating so much upon Ivan’s shorter stature, that he completely failed to notice that Jack was actually only 17, and not the 22 as per his Army enlistment details!!!
Who did you Billet with : Signallers
What Ranks did you hold : Gunner
Date of Discharge : 11.12.1945