W. O. John (Jock) Wilkinson (born 2 April 1921)
Service:
Jock was posted to the PIB at Madang on the 15th of April 1944 arriving on the HMAS Vendetta. On the 26th June 1945, Jock transferred to 2 NGIB and went to the Aitape – Wewak area where he served until 22nd January 1946. He then continued his service at Rabaul.
3 Pl, A Coy, 2 NGIB after victory at KIARIVU, August 1945. 2 NGIB soldiers with Australians – (R->L) Sgt Wilkinson, Lt Moore Pl Comd, and two Sigs Lt Wilcock and Sgt Simpson. This platoon led the brigade to contact.
(Photo used with permission of M.B. Pears and enhanced by F. Cordingley)
Post War:
Jock has been very active post-War in Commemorations up to the present.
Still able in his nineties, he proudly leads the PIB NGIB & PIR Unit on the Anzac Day March in Sydney. In 2015, at the 75th anniversary of the PIB held at Broadbeach QLD, Jock was awarded Honourary Life Membership of the PIB, NGIB, HQ, PIR Association and presented with a framed certificate of membership.
 W.O Jock Wilkinson (PIB&NGIB) in front of the Association banner before the Sydney march. |
 WO Jock Wilkinson (PIB and NGIB Life Member) |
 Jock & 100th cake on Anzac Day 2021, Sydney (photo Wayne Bensley) |
An article by Tony Wright (Sun Herald, Anzac Day 2021) may be read via this link: