ANDERSON, John Hall (1923-1955)
John Hall Anderson was born at Geelong on 21 June 1923, the son of John Clifton Anderson and Ella Lily (nee Hall). He was enrolled as a day student at Geelong College from 31 May 1937 to December 1941. He had previously attended Drysdale Stae School. At College, he was a member of the 1st Football XVIII in 1940 and 1941, the 1st Rowing VIII in 1941, the Relay Team of 1941 and became a School Prefect. With his fellow crew members he was awarded the Senior Eights Rowing Trophy in 1941
During World War II, he enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 13 December 1944 from Duntroon.
Pegasus of December 1952 reported:
'On active service in Korea with the United Nations forces are Major Warwick Callander. who made a good recovery from his wound, Captain John H Anderson, Captain John Salmon and Lieutenant John Hooper'
Pegasus in June 1953 again reported:
Captain J H Anderson has completed his term of front-line service in Korea and is now stationed in Brisbane.'
He is listed with Korean War Service (No. 3399) by the Department of Veterans' Affairs as serving with 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 25 March 1952 to 24 March 1953.
His obituary was recorded in Pegasus in June 1956.
'Major John Hall Anderson, an Old Boy with an excellent record in school, sport and the army, died in England on December 14, 1955 when taking part in a course which was to fit him for further advancement. At school he played in the first football team for two years, rowed in the first crew, and was a prefect. Leaving College in 1941, he went on to Duntroon, where he graduated in 1944 and saw service in the islands, then with the Occupation Force in Japan, and again in action in Korea. After being stationed in Australia, he was selected to undergo a commando course in Britain. Major Anderson, who was 32 years of age, leaves a widow and two children.'
He married Joy Purcell of Canberra on 3 April 1948.
His brother, William Clifton Anderson and son, John Charles Anderson (1951-1991), were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Pegasus December 1952 p40; Pegasus June 1953 p33; Pegasus June 1956 p50; James Affleck. 'Geelong Collegians' at the Second World War p558.