Harold James GARNETT

Harold ("Baldy") was a member of the Citizens Military Forces from 3 May 1940 to 30 Jun 1941, serving in Northern Command Signals, No 4 Detachment. He was promoted Lieutenant on 19 Aug 1940 and joined the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) on 1 Jul 1941. After Commando training, he was a member of the first reinforcements that arrived at Dili, Timor, aboard MV "KOOLAMBA", on 22 Jan 1942, prior to the Japanese landing. He joined the unit as a Lieutenant and was a member of the diversion group for the Dili raid, carried out by No 4 Section on the night of May 15/16, 1942. A patrol led by Lieutenant Harold Garnett, which brought back a 6-volt, and 100-watt battery charger salvaged from a car near Dili. He embarked at Betano for Darwin aboard the "KURU" on 27 Jul 1942.

Harold transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, as an Instructor on 13 May 1943 and relinquished the appointment of Instructor on 22 Nov 1943 and served with numerous Land Headquarters, Signals units. He was promoted Captain on 3 Feb 1945 and was discharged on 7 Nov 1945.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.