Able Seaman Rex Lawson Julius

Service number S/4176
Birth Date 1914-06-05
Birth Place Australia: New South Wales, Sydney
Death Date 1944-05-19
Death Place New Guinea1: Papua New Guinea, Papua, Milne Bay
Final Rank Able Seaman
Service Royal Australian Navy
Unit HMAS Lithgow
Places
Conflict/Operation Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Rex Julius was born on 5 June 1914 in Sydney. He served with the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War, from 1940 and in 1944 he was attached to the RAN Historical Section as an official war artist. Unlike other official war artists, Julius did not receive a status higher than the rank of able seaman.

Julius was the first of two artists appointed by the RAN Historical Records Section after senior officers saw a portfolio of drawings Julius had done for his own enjoyment.

The section intended to assemble a larger group of artists to document the RAN's activities, but this plan was never fully realised.

Two works produced by Julius were subsequently presented to the Memorial: Prayers at Divisions HMAS Lonsdale and Fairmile motor launch of RAN.

Rex Julius died from illness on 19 May 1944 while at Milne Bay, New Guinea.

Rolls

  • Roll of Honour:

    Unit
    HMAS Lithgow
    Conflict
    Second World War, 1939-1945
    Rank
    Able Seaman

Timeline

Date of birth 05 June 1914
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs) 17 June 1940
Date of death 19 May 1944
Date of discharge 19 May 1944