Edward HODGSON

Edward (Smash) enlisted on 10 Jun 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in the Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He was promoted Corporal on 10 May 1942 and Sergeant on 1 Aug 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 was Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette, 25 May 1943 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No 119-3 Jun 1943. These are the two Gazettes for the Timor Campaign.

After leave and reorganization he embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Sergeant in the Engineer Section, Headquarters Group aboard  “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and flew to Australia to attend School of Military Engineers, NCO School No 74 from 3 Aug to 25 Nov 1944. He re-joined the 2/2nd on 24 Feb 1945 and after further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Sergeant. 

He transferred to 22nd Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945, returned to Australia on 20 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 18 Mar 1946.

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.