Hookham, Denis McCully (Private, b.1917 – d.1990)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX145651 Private Denis McCully Hookham, 3rd Division Australian Concert Party (1st Australian Entertainment Unit), Second Australian Imperial Force, Australia, Torres Strait Islands and New Guinea, 1943-1946.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of two diaries written by Private Hookham, a service document and a driver’s licence relating to Private Hookham, dating from 1943 to 1947.

The first diary is dated 7 November 1943 to 4 March 1944. In this diary Private Hookham records his service in Red Isle Point, Australia, Thursday Island and Horn Island, Torres Strait, and Merauke, New Guinea. In this diary he writes about his movements, living conditions, rehearsals, performances and recreational experiences during this period.

The second diary is dated 5 March 1944 to 1 April 1944. This diary was written by Private Hookham during his service in the Torres Strait Islands. During this period Private Hookham records details of his movements, health, rehearsals, performances, living conditions, recreation and return to Sydney. This diary also contains a short poem.

This wallet also contains one Australian Military Forces driver's licence issued to Private Hookham, dated 28 February 1944, and one Certificate of Discharge relating to Private Hookham, dated 18 April 1946.

Private Denis McCully Hookham initially served in the Citizen Military Forces from 24 March 1942, and was transferred to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 20 September 1943. He served with the 3rd Division Australian Concert Party (later named the 1st Australian Entertainment Unit), as a musician. From November 1943 to April 1944 he performed for Allied forces, touring far north Queensland, Australia, Thursday Island, Horn Island, Torres Strait and Merauke, New Guinea. Private Hookham was discharged on 18 April 1946. In January 1947, Private Hookham changed his name to Denis King, and is commemorated as such.