Rixon, Mervyn Frank (Private, b.1922 - d.2008)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX193259 (N186102) Private Mervyn Frank Rixon, 36 Australian Infantry Battalion, Second Australian Imperial Force, Australia and New Guinea, 1942-1943.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of two diaries of Private Mervyn Frank Rixon, covering the period of his service with 36 Australian Infantry Battalion in Australia and New Guinea.
The first diary contains entries dated between 17 May 1942 and 26 February 1943. In this diary, Private Rixon writes about his embarkation from Sydney, disembarking in Port Moresby, Japanese air raids, being ill in hospital, recovering at a convalescent depot, receiving mail from home, digging trenches, participating in training exercises, going on patrols, playing cricket, recreational activities, being on guard duty, swimming, route marches, assisting doctors with medical duties, doing laundry, playing in a band, the weather, moving to different locations to take part in the battle against the Japanese, and having infected sores.

The second diary contains entries dated between 27 February and 19 March 1943. In this diary, Private Rixon writes about returning to Australia by boat, recovering from an infected sore on his leg, receiving letters from family members, and travelling home to Sydney. This diary also includes addresses of correspondents and miscellaneous notes.