Donald Cooper Blunsden, Leo and Jack Russel on HMS KANIMBLA

Date1939-1945

Object numberANMS0297[003]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

HistoryDonald Cooper Blunsden was born on 19 June 1906 in Frome, Somerset, England and migrated to Australia with his parents, living in Enmore, NSW. At the outbreak of WWII, at the age of 33, Donald enlisted with the Royal Australian Navy and was mobilised on 2 September 1939. He was described as being 5' 11'' tall, brown hair, grey eyes and sporting two tattoos - a dog on his left forearm and a shield on the right. Donald served as a shipwright and achieved the rank of Leading Seaman. He served in the following ships: HMA Ships PENGUIN II, HOBART and WESTRALIA, with the greatest time in HMS KANIMBLA (prior to its commissioning into the Royal Australian Navy). He served on KANIMBLA from 23 September 1939 to 25 May 1943. Donald was demobilised on 22 March 1946 having been Mentioned in Despatches on 9 October 1945 for his actions during in the Pacific. 'For gallantry, fortitude and skill whilst serving in H.M. Australian Ships Manoora, Kanimbla and Westralia, in numerous amphibious assaults in the South-West Pacific area, including operations in New Guinea, the Philippines and Borneo. These extensive operations covered more than two years of service'. His service record (held at the National Archives of Australia) also shows that he received his Good Conduct badge in 1942 but it was removed from him in 1944 due to some infraction on HMAS WESTRALIA; it was restored later that year.