Lance Corporal Ernest Keith GHIGGIOLI – NX36559
1st Independent Company
Born: 31 July 1918, Tumbarumba, NSW
Died: 1 July 1942, on the Montevideo Maru, South China Sea
Information provided by: Graham Keith Ghiggioli (nephew)
Ernest Keith Ghiggioli (who was known as “Keith”) was one of 6 children. His parents were Albert & Amy Ghiggioli and the family lived on a farming property named ‘Bonny Springs’ at Burrandana, near Wagga Wagga, NSW – they were mainly dairy & poultry producers.
Keith attended the Burrandana School which was approximately 1 mile away from their home.
He was known by everyone as ‘Tiger’, and was easily identifiable by the missing tip of one finger which was cut off by his older brother when playing a game of ‘dare’. He was a very keen sportsman and enjoyed playing cricket and tennis.
The Ghiggioli brothers worked on nearby properties, with Keith working on a very large property called ‘Wondoo’ which was owned by a Mr Ben Thompson who was a prominent local farmer. Whilst Keith was at war, Mr Thompson paid Keith’s wages into the bank, and when he did not return, he paid the wages to Keith’s parents.
Amy Ghiggioli (Keith’s mother) together with two of Keith’s older brothers – Pte Edward Arthur (“Ted”) Ghiggioli on the left and Leading Aircraftman Leslie (“Les”) Ghiggioli on the right. Both Ted & Les survived the war, but Keith was lost on the Japanese POW ship the Montevideo Maru.