Francis Vincent Terence O'NEILL

Francis (Curly) was a member of the First Reinforcements that arrive at Dili, Timor, aboard M.V. “Koolama”, on 22 Jan 1942, prior to the Japanese landing. He joined the unit as a Private and served mainly in No 4 Section, “B” Platoon, where he was a member of the diversion group for the Dili Raid and later, in No 13 Section, “D” Platoon. He was wounded on Timor. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942.

Transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training squadron on 14 Apr 1943 as an Instructor. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 11 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 as a Trooper in No 1 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944.

Appointed paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 1 Section, “A” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945.

Francis transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard USA Transport "TAOS VICTORY" on 29 Jan 1946.

Curly was discharged on 7 May 1946.

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 "S.W.Pacific".