Robert (Bob) enlisted on 21 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He and Sapper Richards blew the Dili Aerodrome in the initial assault by the Japanese on 19/20 Feb 1942.
After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942.
He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 14 Apr 1943 and then to 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 28 Apr 1943. He further transferred to 3rd Anti Aircraft and Fortress Company, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) on 25 Oct 1943, then 25th Fortress Works (RAE) Section on 1 Nov 1944. He was posted to 1st RAE Training Battalion on 19 Jul 1945 and then to Far East Liaison Office on 19 Jul 1945. bob flew to Moratai on 31 Jul 1945 and returned by plane to Australia on 26 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 6 Dec 1945.
He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.
Edited by Peter Epps
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