Learmonth, John Noel (Lieutenant, b.1915 - d.1944)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX114 Lieutenant John Noel Learmonth, 2/3 Field Regiment, Second Australian Imperial Force, Crete, 1941.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of two typed copies of partial letters written by Lieutenant John Noel Learmonth to members of his family. The first letter, dated 4 May 1941, was written by Lieutenant Learmonth to his father, Mr Noel Fulford Learmonth. In this letter, Lieutenant Learmonth writes about his trip across the Mediterranean, his impressions of Athens, sightseeing at ancient monuments, the high quality of local entertainment, his impressions of the Greek countryside, and his recollections of serving in the Greek mountains. The second letter, dated 5 May 1941, was written by Lieutenant Learmonth to his brother, Wing Commander Charles Cuthbertson “Charlie” Learmonth. In this letter, Lieutenant Learmonth writes about his service in Greece, including being under fire from enemy aircraft and the accuracy of Messerschmitt fighters.

Lieutenant John Noel Learmonth enlisted to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 3 November 1939, after previously serving with the militia. After a period of training, he served with 2/3 Field Regiment in the United Kingdom, North Africa, and Greece. Lieutenant Learmonth was captured by the Germans on Crete on 30 May 1941, and was interned at various prisoner of war camps in Germany. On 10 May 1944, Lieutenant Learmonth died while a prisoner of war. He is buried at Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. For his service in Greece and Crete, Lieutenant Learmonth was posthumously mentioned in despatches on 28 November 1947.