Laurence Neil TAIT

Laurence "Buller" enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 13 Aug 1940 and was posted to 31st Infantry Battalion. He was promoted to Corporal on 4 Oct 1940, Acting Sergeant on 9 Dec 1941 and Sergeant on 13 Jul 1942. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 20 Jul 1942 and posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 26 Feb 1943. He reverted to Private at his own request on 8 May 1943 and joined the unit at Canungra, Qld on 15 May 1943. He embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on 22 Apr 1945 and confirmed as Corporal on 22 Jul 1945. Left the unit and embarked for Australia aboard “ORMISTON” on 10 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 30 Oct 1945.

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".