About this objectFramed portrait of Herbert in army uniform, including forage cap. Simple blue background. Mounted on a rectangular green mat with inset for brass plaque. Framed with glass and wooden frame. Brass plaque attached to bottom of portraits on the frame with "NX50614
Pte Herbert Alfred CASSIDY
HQ 27 Aust Inf Bde Died POW 12.9.1944 WW2".
MakerAnne Marie Ingham
Medium and MaterialsAcrylic on canvas
Subject and Association DescriptionHerbert Alfred Cassidy died probably on 12 September 1944, after US submarines sank a number of Japanese ships en route to Japan & carrying POWs who had survived the Burma Railway. These ships were in a convoy with the ships carrying oil as the Japanese thought that the POW’S presence would prevent the oil tankers being attacked. 543 Australian servicemen(AIF, Navy and RAAF) were lost on the Ryuku Maru, 82 were rescued by the Japanese and 92 were saved by the American submarines. One survivor wrote to Herbert’s mother, Ruby, and told her how brave her son had been caring for his mates.
Dedicated to Herbert Alfred
Cassidy
Service: 27 Australian Infantry Brigade AIF WW2
Service Number: NX50614
Date of Birth: 13 February 1920
Place of Birth: Orange, NSW
Date of Enlistment: 24 June 1940
Locality on Enlistment: Molong, NSW
Place of Enlistment: Paddington, NSW
Next of Kin: Hazel Cassidy
Date of Death: 12 Sep 1944
Rank: Private
Posting on Death: HQ 27 INF BDE
Prisoner of War: Yes