Falkingham, Norman James (Private, b.1909 - d.1972)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX7611 Private Norman James Falkingham, 2/6 Australian Infantry Battalion, Second Australian Imperial Force, Australia, Middle East and Germany, 1940-1945.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Contains three folders of material relating to Private Norman James Falkingham.

Folder 1 of 3 consists of 36 letters [including associated envelopes], 17 postcards and one envelope from Private Falkingham to members of his family. These items of correspondence are dated between January 1940 and July 1944.

In his letters written during his training in Australia and service with 2/6 Australian Infantry Battalion in Palestine, Egypt and Libya, Private Falkingham writes about training, being the battalion film operator, waiting for embarkation, life on board the ship, on-shore leave, his first impressions of Palestine, life in the army camp, interacting with the local people, irregular mail, good relationships with fellow soldiers and officers, food rations, and weather conditions. He goes on to write about moving to Libya, engaging with enemy troops, the physical and mental strain of being in action, his experience of serving at Tobruk, taking Italian prisoners of war, meeting old friends, and moving back to Egypt. He also responds to news from home, and sends his regards to family and friends.

In his letters and postcards written during his time as a prisoner of war in Stalag VIII, Germany (later Poland), Private Falkingham writes about losing all of his photographs during his service in Greece, studying German language, the weather, playing sports, being in hospital with leg and spinal injuries, being considered for repatriation, and his plans for his return home.

Folder 2 of 3 consists of one medical document relating to Private Norman James Falkingham. This document contains entries dated between May 1943 and January 1945. It records medical examinations and treatments that Private Falkingham received while a prisoner of war in Germany.

Folder 3 of 3 consists of 13 photographs relating to Private Norman James Falkingham. These photographs date between 1940 and c1944, and include portraits of Private Falkingham and scenes of his service in Palestine, Egypt and Libya.