Alfred Allan COUPLAND

Alfred enlisted into the Citizen Military Forces (Reserves) on 4 Jan 1940 with Service No W6758 in 11th Battalion. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941 and given Service No WX12137 and promoted Acting Sergeant on 12 May 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Platoon Sergeant of “B” Platoon. He later became part of "H" Force, 2 Officers and eleven other ranks, which, in Jul 1942, was detailed to patrol the east end of Timor and protect the Northern Flank of the unit from a surprize attack from the Japanese and also to procure supplies from this productive area. 

He was promoted to Acting Warrant Officer Class II on 2 Sept 1942.

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 reorganization he embarked for New Guinea as a Warrant Officer Class II, Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant, Headquarters Group aboard "KATOOMBA" on 27 Aug 1943 and re-joined the unit on 2 Nov 1943.

Alfred was Wounded in Action on 6 Jan 1944 during a long patrol at Topopo, New Guinea. He was medivac to Australia on 17 Feb 1944. He re-joined the unit on 9 Sept 1944 and promoted to Warrant Officer Class II on 6 Feb 1945.

He attended First Australian Army Regimental Training School, RSM & CSM Wing, Course 10, on 9 Apr 1945 and re-joined the unit on 29 May 1945. He flew to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain via Port Moresby and Lae, re-joining the unit on 29 May 1945. Alfred transferred to 4th Battery Survey on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945.

He was discharged on 21 Jan 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