Arthur Edward COATS

Arthur (Boy) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard SS Zealandia on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 5 Section, B Platoon. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer Tjerk Hiddes on 16 Dec 1942. 

After leave and hospitalisation he embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps Section of Headquarters Group on 28 Nov 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard "TAROONA" on 3 Sept 1944.

After further leave and reorganisation, he embarked for New Britain aboard "TAROONA" on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps Section of Headquarters Group.

He transferred out of the unit to "D" Company, 67 Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for Japan on 7 Feb 1946 with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force of Japan. He embarked aboard "MANOORA" for Australia on 1 Apr 1947 and was discharged on 24 Apr 1947.

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 clasps "S.W.Pacific" and "JAPAN".