Koorey, Kelvin Norman (Private, b.1917 - d.1998)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX18470 Private Kelvin “Kel” Norman Koorey, 2/1 Pioneer Battalion and 2/3 Australian Infantry Battalion, Palestine and Australia, 1940-1950.

Folder One of this collection consists of ten letters from Koorey to members of his family, dated between c. October 1940 and December 1942. In his letters, Koorey described some of his experiences of service, including the monotonous sea voyage to the Middle East, observing Armistice Day, hearing of his brother Nicholas’ death, and training. After his letter of November 1941, there is a gap of one year. In this time, Koorey served in Greece and Ceylon before going to New Guinea. He was wounded on the Kokoda Track on 9 November 1942 and was evacuated to Australia. His next letters were written from the 2/2 Australian General Hospital. In them, Koorey tells his family not to worry about him and to send supplies if possible. This folder also includes four telegrams informing Koorey’s family of his injury and wellbeing.

Folder Two consists of documents relating to Koorey’s injury and discharge. These documents are dated between March 1943 and November 1950 and include one leave pass, one Statement of Account, one Military Allotments form, one letter from the Repatriation Commission dated 27 March 1943, one Pro Forma regarding war pensions claims, one Pro Forma regarding munitions work, one letter from the Repatriation Commission dated 21 May 1943, one Certificate of Discharge, two pay books, one envelope, and one letter from the Repatriation Commission dated 14 November 1950.