Kevin Thomas WYBURN

Kevin enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 12 Nov 1941 with Service No N251633 and was called up for full time duty on 7 Apr 1942 and was posted to 102nd Australian Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). He transferred to the A.I.F. on 19 Aug 1942 and was appointed Acting Bombardier (Corporal) on 25 Aug 1942. He was confirmed Bombardier on 23 Oct 1942 and transferred to 5th Anti Tank Battery on 23 Nov 1942.

Attended Officer Cadet Training Unit on 21 Feb 1942 and commissioned Lieutenant on 32 Jul 1943. He was posted to 1st Australian Tank Attack Training Regiment, RAA, on 21 Jul 1943 and then to 2/1st Australian Tank Attack Regiment on 11 Apr 1944.

He embarked for New Guinea aboard "LINDLEY M. GARRISON" on 4 Jan 1945. He was attached to 2/6th Australian Cavalry Regiment between 27 Apr 1944 and 6 Jun 1945. His service papers state, attached to the 2/2nd on 30 Apr 1944 but this has been deleted. Colin Doig has him as attached to the unit, for a short period, on New Britain for training purposes. Being attached meant that he was not part of the establishment of the Squadron.

He transferred to 2/14th Australian Field Regiment, RAA, on 26 Sept 1945. He flew from Wewak to Lae on 16 Oct 1945 and then flew to Rabaul, New Britain on 22 Oct 1945. He transferred to 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 23 Nov 1945 and then to 3rd New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 27 May 1946.

Kevin returned to Australia aboard "KANIMBLA" on 5 Jul 1946 and was discharged on 15 Jul 1946.

He was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South West Pacific (to be dated and November 1946, London Gazette 6 Mar 1947,

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "PNG".