DEMIRIS, Stavros - W60873, WX41031

Original items held by a member of the community

Cpl Stavros (Steve) Demiris

Conflict	World War 2
Service Arm	Citizen Military Force Australian Imperial Force
Unit	12th Employment Company; 33 Works Company
Service No.	W60873, WX41031
Service Arm	Army
Date of Birth	13 Sep 1921
Birthplace	Kastoria, Greece
Residence	Perth, WA
Date of Death	19 Dec 2002
Relatives	Father - Konstandinos Demiris Mother - Anthoula Nestorif

Stavros received his call-up papers and presented at the enlistment office in Claremont on 25th March 1942 and was assigned to the 11th Labour Company [later renumbered as the 12th Labour Company]. This Company was for 'alien' enlistments - men who were born in a non-Commonwealth country. His skills as a truck driver were highly regarded by the Unit which was involved in the movement of military equipment and supplies around Australia. He was not issued with a gun and it was never intended that he be sent to a combat zone.

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On 29th November, 1943, Stavros transferred to the AIF unit, the 33rd Works Company. He enlisted under his Australian-ised name, Steve Demiris.

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Steve served with the 1st Australian Armoured Division Provost Company (Military Police) on Morotai Island from 22 January, 1945, until 9 May 1946. War crimes trials were held here for the Japanese officers and men accused of the mistreatment of prisoners of war. One of his duties was to transport Prisoners of War from their camp to the trial. One of the POWs gave him this gift of a silk painting of a geisha girl.

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During his service, Steve collected bank notes as souvenirs.

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Steve didn't claim his medals until 1973. In 1991 he wrote to the Army Records Office requesting replacement medals after a burglary at his home.

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