The Army Service Records of Donald John Stott of the 2 nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War 2.

The Army Service Records of Donald John Stott of the 2 nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War 2. He was posted to the 5 th Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery and later served with the British Special Operations Executive, (the S.O.E.) in Europe, following which he joined the Australian Services Reconnaissance Department ( Z Special Unit) for service in the Far East. Due to the sheer number of pages that comprise his records and the fact that in the main they are perfectly legible, I have not attempted to transcribe every page. Rather, I have transcribed the more important ones and listed the content of the remainder. Page 1: Headed History Sheet This page is legible and contains his personal details, the name and address of his next of kin and information relating to him being taken prisoner in Greece etc. Page 2: This is a continuation from Page 1 and again records his personal details and in addition the following: Description of Soldier on Enlistment: Age: 24 years 60 days Complexion: Fair Hair: Fair Height: 6ft 1in Eyes: Blue Medals and Decorations: Distinguished Service Order, Africa Star and bar to the DSO Record of Promotions etc.: Particulars of Report: Place: Date: Discharged (Escaped) Greece 6.8.41 Awarded Bar to DSO Illegible ditto Trfd N.Z. Roll Spec M.E. 24.7.44 Was att, M.E. combined Training Centre 23.9.42 and remains seconded on XV List M.E. 23.9.42 CTBA M. E. combined Training Centre and 11.10.42 resumed special duty: was att 102 Military Establishment from 21 st Dec. 42 to 30 th Dec 42 Trfd N.Z. Roll Spec S/O X/V list & CTB seconded 24.7.44 Grtd temp rank of Major Illegible 27.12.44 Returned to???? A Force M.E. to date??? Cable States Major 21.3.45 Particulars of Will: Executor: Address: Anne Stott 28 Onewa St., Birkenhead, Auckland 1

Page 3: Headed Attestation for Service in time of War, within and beyond New Zealand Donald John Stott Where born: N.Z. Date of Birth: 23.10.1915 British Subject: Yes Birth place of Parents: England Trade: Rotary Machinist Address in New Zealand: 28 Onewa Street, Birkenhead Next of Kin: Mrs. A. Stott, Mother Next of Kin Address: 28 Onewa Street, Birkenhead Name and Address of Employer: NZ Herald, (Wilson and Horton), Queen Street, Auckland Educational Qualifications: 2 years Secondary Marital Status: Single Any Dependants: No Previous Military Service: No Medically Examined and where: Yes, 22.12.39 in Auckland Willing to be Vaccinated: Yes Willing to serve in Military: Yes Religious Denomination: Presbyterian Followed by the Oath and signed and dated. Page 4: This form is headed New Zealand Military Forces and merely records his personal details and the name and address of his Mother. Page 5: This is a continuation from page 4 and records the following additional information: Business Qualifications: Rotary Machinist Professional Qualifications: 2 years Secondary Education Complexion: Fair, Hair: Fair, Eyes: Blue Awards: Africa Star, Distinguished Service Order and Bar Page 6: This is a continuation from page 5 and records particulars of Service etc. Particulars of Service: Station: Date: See AFB 103 on Personnel File for History prior to first appointment to a Commission Was Att ME Combined Trg Centre 23.9.42 and remains seconded on XV List M. East 23.9.42 CTBA ME Combined Trg Centre and resumed special duty ditto 11.10.42 Was att 102 Military Establishment from 21 st Dec. 42 to 30 th Dec. 42 ditto To be T/Capt While employed on WE of GHQ (HQ???) ditto 9.7.43 Tfd NZ Roll (Special) Auth HQ 2 NZEF 40/24 24 July 44 32 NZ Fd Regt 24.7.44 Arrived at Melbourne, Australia for Special Duty with Services Reconnaisance Dept Melbourne 21.7.44 Reported Missing whilst on Special Operations Melbourne 21.3.45 2

Page 7: This is a continuation from page 6 and records his stations and periods of service: Country: From: To: Rank: Date: NZ 12.1.40 30.4.40 2/Lieut 26.5.42 UK 1.5.40 16.12.40 Lieut 26.5.43 M. East 16.12.40 T/Capt 9.9.43 Australia 21.4.44 Major (Temp) 27.12.44 Findings of the Medical Board as to Fitness for General Duty: Grade 1 dated 22.12.39 Page 8: Headed Liaison HQ Australia, History Sheet Army No.: 20681 Unit: 5 Fld Regt, crossed through and changed to 32 Fld Regt Rank: Captain Donald John Stott Attested: 22.12.39 Entered Camp: 12.1.40 Embarked: 1 May 40 Disembarked: 16.6.40 Re Emb UK: 16.12.40 Disembarked at Scotland: 16.2.41 Next of Kin: Mrs Mary Kathleen Stott, Wife Address: GPO Box 2068, Auckland Page 9: Continuation of Page 8: Army No.: 20681 Stott, D. J. DSO and Bar Unit: 32 Fld Date and Place of Birth: 23.10.15 in NZ Age: 24 years and 60 days Height: 6ft 1in Religion: Presbyterian Marital Status: Married Occupation: Rotary Machinist Place of Enlistment: Auckland Last Employer: NZ Herald Last NZ Address: 28 Onewa Street, Birkenhead Page 10: Headed Officer s Record of Service Regiment: NZEF Donald John Stott, DSO Under the heading: Examinations and Promotions it records: NZ Rank: Major Australian Rank: Local Major dated 26.5.44 3

Page 11: Continuation of Page 10: Report: Record of Promotions etc: Date: Place 12.4.45 Is attached Aust Special Unit, granted 26.5.44 Aust local rank of Major, reported for Special Duties 12.3.45 Deplaned WA from Melbourne 5.3.45 WA [WA presumably means Western Australia] Page 12: This is the newspaper cutting from the New Zealand Herald reporting on the presumed death of Donald John Stott. Page 13: A letter from the Adjutant-General to Pay Accounts and Base Records in Wellington approving the presumption of the death of Major D.J. Stott Page 14: Headed New Zealand Military Forces, Territorial Force. Rubber stamped at top: BASE RECORDS and DECEASED Donald John Stott, DSO and Bar Date of Birth: 23.10.1915 The next section is headed Transit and records references and dates that now have little meaning. Page 15: Headed New Zealand Military Forces. Personal Record of : Regimental No.: 20681 Donald John Stott Regiment: 5 th Field NZA [New Zealand Artillery] It bears a rubber stamp referring to Income Tax Clearance and another referring to Social Security Act 1938, Registration Fee Coupon Book No 206587 It is also boldly stamped Deceased File Purged 1949 Page 16: Headed Details of Decoration for Investiture Purposes Donald John Stott Army No.: 20681, 36 Fld Regt Present Rank: Major Decoration to be presented: Bar to DSO Other Decorations: DSO Rank at time of award: T/Capt If Deceased, name and address of person entitled to receive decoration: Mrs. M.K. Stott (Wife), 15 Puketai Street, Anderson s Bay, Dunedin Form is dated 26.1.50 Pages 17 and 18: An account of his activities in Greece for which he was awarded the Bar to the DSO. 4

Pages 19 and 20: An account of his activities in Greece for which he was awarded the DSO. Page 21: A typed account briefly relating his service from 1939 to 1945. Page 22: Headed Campaign Stars and Medals, Deceased Personnel (Army). It lists the medals for which he qualified: The 1939-45 Star, The Africa Star, The Pacific Star, The Italy Star, The Defence Medal, The War Medal 1939-45 and the New Zealand Medal. It states that the medals had been despatched to: Mrs. M. K. Stott, 15 Puketai St., Anderson s Bay, Dunedin, on 14 March 1950. Page 23: Headed Officer s Record of Service It merely gives his name as D. J. Stott, No. 20681 of the NZ Expeditionary Force and that he was promoted to Local Major on 26.5.44. Page 24: This is a continuation of Page 23. Date of Report: Record: Date: Place: 2.4.45 To be Local Major attached 26.5.44 Aust to Special Unit and passed spec duty 11.4.45 Allotted duty to service??? 26.5.44 20.2.46 Reported missing believed killed 1.5.45 Page 25: A letter to Donald John Stott s Wife confirming that he was presumed to have been drowned on the night of 20/21 March 1945 whilst engaged on Special duties in Borneo. Page 26: A letter from Mary Kathleen Stott to Base Records, Wellington, requesting confirmation of the Death of her husband as she now wished to remarry. See reply on page 25. Pages 27 and 28: A letter from Army Headquarters, Wellington to the Minister of Defence regarding a request from Don s Wife for a free railway pass in order to attend the Golden Wedding Celebration of her late husband s parents. The letter then relates the service records of Don Stott. Page 29: This is a similar letter as the one sent to the Minister of Defence (Pages 27 and 28), but briefer and was sent to the Army Department, Wellington. Page 30: Copy of a telegram confirming the address of Mrs. Mary K. Stott. 5

Page 31: Copy of a telegram requesting the address of Major D. J. Stott s widow. Pages 32 and 33: Claims submitted by Don s Mother, Annie Stott and his widow Mary Kathleen Stott, for the New Zealand Memorial Cross for which they were both entitled. The pages confirm that they were despatched. Page 34: Headed Certified extract from Will of deceased soldier It is the Will of Captain Donald John Stott in the 2 N.Z.E.F. and formerly a Rotary Machinist at the N.Z. Herald in Auckland. His widow is named as the sole beneficiary and is dated 14 th June 1944. Page 35: A memorandum to the Registrar-General stating that Don Stott had been presumed dead on 20 th March 1945. Page 36: A letter to Wilson and Horton Ltd (NZ Herald) confirming the death of Don Stott. Page 37: Headed Death Card Official No.: 20681 Unit: Z Unit in Australia Armed Force: Army Name in Full: Donald John Stott, DSO and Bar Sex: Male Born: 23.10.15 Occupation: Rotary Machinist Place of Abode in NZ: Auckland Where born: NZ Conjugal condition: Married Rank: Major Date of Death: 20.3.45 Cause of Death: Presumed dead, (believed drowned at sea) Proof of Death: Memo from AHQ Wellington Signed and dated in Wellington on 17 th June 1946 Page 38: Memorandum regarding the possible deaths of Major D.J. Stott and Captain L.T. McMillan. An enquiry had decided that due to lack of evidence, they should still be listed as missing. Memo dated 5 th June 1946. Page 39: This page is an Inventory of the Personal Effects of Major D. J. Stott now posted missing. It is rubber stamped New Zealand Army and Air Force Liaison Office, Melbourne and bears several signatures and dates. 6

Page 40: A memorandum to the N.Z. Military Forces, Wellington regarding the possible deaths of Major D. J. Stott and Captain L. T. McMillan. Pages 41 and 42: Headed Application for War Service Gratuity in respect of a Deceased Serviceman. The form was submitted by Mrs. Mary Kathleen Stott in respect of her late husband, Donald John Stott presumed dead on 20 th March 1945. Entries on form as follows: To which service was the deceased attached: Army Where did death occur: Overseas Marital Status: Married, 10.6.44 Relationship to deceased: Widow Application made for: Self and Child Did deceased leave a Will: Yes Beneficiary: Myself Dependency on deceased: Entirely Weekly amount received: Full Allotment and allowance Signed by Mary K. Stott with her address given as: 28 Mitchell Avenue, Maryhill, Dunedin. Page 42 asks for the details of any dependent children: Geoffrey John Stott, born 7 th March 1945. Page 43: Headed War Services Gratuity Assessment. Deceased Serviceman. Army No.: 20681 Name of Serviceman: Donald John Stott Name of Payee: Mary Kathleen Stott It relates to Service with the Army (2 N.Z.E.F.) from 12.1.40 to 20.9.45 of which 186 days were served in N.Z. and 1893 days Overseas. The N.Z. Gratuity amounted to 6.4s.0d and the Overseas Gratuity to 236.12s.6d giving a total Gratuity of 242.16s.6d. Date of Entitlement was 31.3.46. Page 44: This is a Draft Outward Cable referring to the Pay Cards of 20681 Stott and 3 of his colleagues, dated 26.3.46. Page 45: A memorandum to the Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, regarding correspondence details of New Zealand Personnel killed in the SEAC Area. Page 46: Copy of a letter to Allied War Graves, Singapore, giving details of the New Zealand Personnel killed in the area and records the following: Stott, Donald John, Major, D.S.O. and Bar. 20681 NZEF NOK wife Mrs. M.K. Stott, 69 Epsom Ave., Mt. Eden, Auckland, NZ, Killed in Borneo. (Information from Lt. R. Tapper, NZEF). 7

Page 47: A memorandum to Base Records, Wellington regarding 2 NZEF casualties attached to Australian Forces. Page 48: A letter to New Zealand Military Forces, Wellington from the Directorate of War Graves Services, Melbourne, regarding instructions given to their organisation in Borneo to carry out a thorough investigation and search. Page 49: A report regarding 2 NZEF Casualties attached to the Australian Forces. 4 servicemen are listed: VNZ 20681 Major Stott D.J. Reported missing 20 March 1945 VNZ 64785 Captain McMillan M.T. Reported missing, Believed P.O.W. 20 March 1945 VNZ 444165 W.O.11 Houghton R.G. Reported missing 21 March 1945 VNZ 616204 Myers E.H. Missing believed P.O.W. 30 June 1945 A report against the 1 st 3 names states: STOTT and McMILLAN put ashore in the BALIKPAPAN Area of Borneo. They were not seen or contacted again. Natives later reported that McMILLAN was a P.O.W. at BALIKPAPAN. HOUGHTON was put ashore, no further information available. A report against the 4 th name states: The only information to hand is a Native report that three white men were captured and shot at SEMOI near BALIKPAPAN. Page 50: A Statement made by Lieut/Colonel H.O. Rigg of the British Army Re the loss of Major D,J, Stott and Captain L.T. McMillan. In brief, it states that the submarine [of the US Navy] that was carrying the New Zealanders, had torpedoed a Japanese oil tanker and that the resulting blaze had no doubt alerted the Japanese resulting in increased activity in the area. It also states that as a result, the landing party may not have got ashore or if they had would have been continuously hunted. See page for full text. Statement was dated 22 nd Nov. 1945. Page 51: A Casualty Statement filed by a Lieutenant [name illegible], regarding an investigation into the loss of Major Stott. It states that the Japanese Area Commander and Natives were interrogated and that searches of the landing area were made without result. The Natives had no knowledge of the missing serviceman and it was therefore his opinion that he had been drowned at sea. Statement was dated 5 th November 1945. Page 52: Another statement from the same Lieutenant as Page 51 which states in full: Last seen leaving submarine about 3 miles off Cape Tambangonot, South Borneo. Jap Commanders in area report only twp Aust. soldiers captured in area, W.O. Farquarson and Sgt. Houghton. Natives in area report that they never at any time sighted either Maj. Stott or Capt. McMillan. Canoe in which they left the submarine has never been located. 8

Page 53: A memorandum to Army Headquarters, N.Z. Military Forces, Wellington, regarding the loss of the 4 New Zealand Servicemen. In the case of Major Stott and Captain McMillan, no definite proof of death had been found so it was recommended that they be retained on the missing list meantime. Page 54: This appears to be the 2 nd page of a report, possibly that on Page 50, stating that Major Stott should be classified Missing, believed drowned at Sea. A hand-written note on the same page reads: Discussed with Col. Rigg No evidence of the death of Major Stott in fact what evidence there is appears to point to this officer having been captured, - see reports from NZ RAPW1 Team. To be retained on the missing list meantime. N.O.K. already advised of circumstances. Pages 55 and 56: Extracts from the interrogation of Lt. Comdr. Yoshimura by Capt. Jacobsen, HQ 7 Aust. Div. concerning the landings and capture of some the party. Page 57: A memorandum to Army Headquarters, N.Z. Military Forces, Wellington, regarding the New Zealand casualties and a search for their possible graves. Page 58: A cover page for reports on the missing personnel. Page 59: A statement by Capt. D. Cunning of the Services Reconnaissance Department regarding the search for the missing men and interrogation of local Natives. Page 60: Appears to be a cover page relating to Page 59 above. Page 61: A statement of facts relating to the missing officers by Lt. W.C. Dwyer. Page 62: A statement made by a Native of Balikpapan of a sighting of a POW lying on the balcony of a house. When shown a photograph of members of the landing party, without hesitation he pointed out Major Stott. Page 63: A memorandum stating that with effect from 27/12/44, Captain Stott will be granted the temporary rank of Major. Page 64: A telegram to Army Headquarters, Wellington notifying them of the change of address of Mrs Stott, to 69 Epsom Avenue, Mount Eden, Auckland. 9

Page 65: A telegram to Army Headquarters, Wellington requesting the personal file of Captain Stott, dated 11 th October 1944. Page 66: A hand-written note to a Mr Beardsmore requesting he cable Middle East to see if they have any trace of the above officers duplicate file, dated 16/10/44. It does not name the officer but it must be assumed it was Major Stott. Page 67: A letter to Mrs. M.K. Stott from Pay Accounts and Base Records, Wellington, dated 1 st September 1944, notifying her that they had sent her under separate cover a King s Commission appointing her husband an officer in the New Zealand Military Forces. At the bottom is the acknowledgement of receipt signed by Mary K. Stott. Page 68: This is the same as page 67 but without the acknowledgement of receipt and with different rubber stamps. Page 69: A memorandum to Base Records, Wellington stating: Re: 20681, Capt. Stott D.J. In reply to your 20681 of 14 th June 1944, the above named officer is shortly to proceed to Australia on special duties and will remain on strength of 2 N.Z.E.F. Dated 23 rd June 1944. Page 70: A letter to Pay Accounts and Base Records, Wellington from the NZ Pay Office, NZ Maadi Camp, Middle East regarding the pay and allowances of Captain Stott. Page 71: A hand-written note requesting the pay records of Captain Stott. Page 72: A telegram to Army HQ, Wellington, requesting a copy of a document relating to the pay of Captain Stott. Page 73: A letter to Annie Stott from the Minister of Defence as follows: Dear Mrs Stott, I have learned with very great pleasure that your son, Temporary Captain Donald John Stott has been awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. The Prime Minister desires me to convey to you, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, the heartiest congratulations. Yours faithfully. Minister of Defence 10

Page 74: A typed note regarding the awarding of the D.S.O. and Military Medal to Lieutenant Donald John Stott, dated 21 st September 1943. Page 75: Another copy of the letter referred to on page 73. Page 76: A report on his personal file stating he had been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Page 77: A typed note stating that owing to special circumstances, no publicity was to be given to the Award of the DSO and Military Medal to Lieutenant Stott. Page 78: A letter to Mrs. A. Stott notifying her that her son Sergeant Donald John Stott was a prisoner of war in a hospital Kokinia [Greece] suffering from a gun shot wound. Page 79: An official form reporting that Sergeant Stott was missing [in Greece]. Pages 80 and 81: Headed Cadet Record Sheet, Middle East, Officer Cadet Training Unit. Army No.: 20681 (Sgt. 5/Fld Regt. NZA.) Stott Christian Names: Donald John Date of Joining O.C./T.U.: 6 th March 1942 Company Commander s Report: 1 st Month: A sound Cadet with plenty of personality and powers of command. His written work needs more attention. 2 nd Month: He has made good progress and has reached a satisfactory standard. I think that he will make a good officer as he has good powers of leadership. Commanding Officer s Remarks: A very good report. He will do well. Signed and dated 2.5.42 Pages 82, 83 and 84: Memoranda to Army HQ, Wellington regarding the loss of Major Stott and Captain McMillan during the landings at Balikpapan, Borneo. Page 85: A Message Form confirming the Commissioning of Captain Stott and his secondmet to the British Army, dated 6 th March 1945. 11

Page 86 and 87: A record of the promotion of Don Stott to Captain, including a cutting from the New Zealand Gazette dated 8 th February 1945. Page 88: A memorandum granting Captain D.J. Stott the temporary rank of Major. Page89: A letter headed Dominion of New Zealand from the New Zealand Liaison Office, Melbourne to Army HQ, Wellington, dated 12 th January 1945, requesting that Captain Stott be granted the temporary rank of Major. Page 90: A memorandum to Headquarters 2 NZEF confirming the arrival of Capt. Stott in NZ at the beginning of May 1944 and presented papers at Army HQ that he was under the direction of the War Office for special duties. It also confirmed his departure to Australia on 19 th July where he is serving with a special services unit. Page 91: A memorandum to Army HQ, Wellington, confirming the commission of Lt. Stott on 26 th May 1942 and his secondment to the British Forces. It also states that he was promoted to T/Captain on 9 th June 1943 and had since bee awarded to DSO and Bar. Page 92: A Gazette clipping recording the award of a Bar to the DSO to Lieutenant (temp. Capt.) Donald John Stott, dated 4 th May 1944. Page 93: A cable from Army HQ, Wellington dated 24/7/44 regarding the pay and dependants allowances for Don Stott. Page 94: A cable regarding the air passage of Capt. Stott dated 13 th July 1944. Page 95: A memorandum to the Military Accountant in Auckland confirming the validity of unspecified vouchers. Page 96: A memorandum to Army HQ, Wellington regarding the pay account for Captain Stott. Page 97: A cable from Army HQ to NMD confirming the postal address of Captain Stott. Page 98: A cable to Army HQ requesting the postal address and telephone number for Capt. Stott. 12

Page 99: A memorandum to Army HQ, Wellington, acknowledging receipt of the Royal Warrant in connection with the award of the DSO to Don Stott. Page 100: A memorandum to Pay Accounts and Base Records regarding the Royal Warrant appointing Lieutenant Stott to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. Pages 101 and 102: A memorandum to the Minister of Defence requesting him to sign the enclosed Warrant appointing Lieutenant Donald John Stott to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. Page 103: A memorandum to the Air Department, Wellington regarding the handing over of the DSO Warrant to Lieutenant Stott. Page 104: A memorandum to the Army Department, Wellington forwarding the Royal Warrant for Lieutenant Stott. Page 105: A cable to Army HQ, Wellington confirming Captain Stott being on loan to the War Office Special Unit and his departure for Auckland on May 3 rd. Page 106: 2 cables on 1 page. 1) To the Minister of External Affairs, Wellington confirming the award of the Bar to the DSO for Captain Stott. 2) To Army HQ Wellington, confirming Captain Stott being on loan to the War Office Special Unit. Page 107: A cable to Army HQ Wellington, confirming Captain Stott s departure from Sydney. Also a clipping from the London Gazette regarding the award of the DSO to Lieutenant Stott. Page 108: A Gazette clipping confirming the promotion of Lieutenant Stott to temp. Captain, dated 9 th July 1943. Page 109: 2 memoranda confirming the award of the DSO to Capt. Stott and his earlier promotion to Lieutenant. Pages 110 and 111: A extract from the New Zealand Gazette dated 3 rd September 1942 recording the promotion of Donald John Stott to the rank of 2 nd Lieutenant (page 111). 13

Page 112: An extract from the New Zealand Gazette dated 22 nd July 1943 recording the promotion of D.J. Stott to the rank of 2 nd Lieutenant. Page 113: An extract from the New Zealand Gazette dated 4 th November 1943 recording the promotion of Lieutenant D.J. Stott to the rank of temp. Captain. Page 114: A clipping from the Gazette dated 26 th May 1942 recording the promotion of Donald John Stott to the rank of 2 nd Lieutenant. 14