Colin Robert LEHNER

Colin enlisted on 21 Jun 1940 and was posted to 2/40th Infantry Battalion on 25 Jun 1940. He joined the unit on Timor as a Private, from 2/40th Battalion, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was one of the former Koepang men, who moved to the village of Mape for intensive commando training and on 8 May 1942, they were formed into a new Platoon, “D” Platoon under the command of Lieutenant Turton and later under Lt Doig.

After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942.

He left the unit on 18 Mar 1943 and joined 2/12th Battalion 3 Jul 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Aug 1943 and he was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 18 Sept 1943 and Acting Corporal on 11 Feb 1944. He returned to Australia aboard "PAHUD" on 17 May 1944 and was discharged on 12 Sept 1944.

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