Kenneth Harrowfield
Born to Robert James Harrowfield and Elizabeth Marie Anne Harrowfield (née Humphrey) in Birchip on 12 June 1918.
Ken went to school in Birchip and later worked as a grocer before enlisting for service. After the war, Ken worked for the railways.
Military Service
Kenneth Harrowfield
Army No. 181V64140, CMF
7th Battalion
Enlisted at Birchip on 25 March 1941, aged 22 and 1/2 years.
On 18 December 1941, Ken was called up for full-time duty. The 7th Battalion did garrison duties in Dandenong, Victoria.
On 24 January 1942, Ken was transferred into the 8th Battalion CMF, and on 26 January 1942, Ken was taken on strength with the 8th Battalion.
On 16 February 1942, Ken arrived in Darwin, NT, three days before the bombing of Darwin, and to assisting with the defence of Australia during the Japanese air attacks.
On 8 May 1943, Ken was promoted to Acting Corporal. Later, the rank of Corporal was confirmed.
On 17 September 1943, Ken left the Northern Territory for Victoria on leave. After a well-earned rest, Ken went to Atherton, Queensland, for jungle training.
On 19 March 1944, Ken embarked at Cairns, Queensland, on the SS Both and disembarked at Lae, Papua New Guinea.
On 26 September 1944, Ken embarked at Lae on the SS Carlas Carrilla for EmirauIsland.
In October 1944, the 8th Battalion took over from the Americans on Emirau Island. The 8th Battalion’s role was to defend the airfield and conduct surveillance of the surrounding islands.
On 19 October 1944, Ken was AWOL and was demoted from Corporal back to Private by the CO of the Battalion.
Ken’s battalion was transported from Emirau Island to Soraken, Bougainville, straight into action.
Ken embarked at Torokina, Bougainville, on 2 September 1945 aboard the SS Katombaand disembarked in Brisbane.
Ken was discharged on 11 April 1946.
World War Two Service Record
Private Kenneth Harrowfield
Service number: VX103377
Service: Australian Army
Date of Birth: 12 June 1918
Place of Birth: Birchip, VIC
Date of Enlistment: 25 June 1942
Locality on Enlistment: Birchip, VIC
Place of Enlistment: Noonamah, NT
Next of Kin: Harrowfield, Robert
Date of Discharge: 11 April 1946
Posting at Discharge: 8 Australian Infantry Battalion
Family Life
Following his return to civilian life, Ken married Irene Victoria Pyatt on 29 March 1951.
Together, Ken and Irene had eight children, building a large and loving family.
Ken passed away on 21st May 1962, as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
His life was marked by his service to his country, his roots in the Birchip community, and his dedication to his wife and eight children.