Andrew SMEATON

Andrew enlisted on 11 Dec 1940 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 8 Section, “C” Platoon.

No 8 Section were operating an observation post (OP) near Mindelo, overlooking Maubisse, reporting on Japanese movements. Before dawn on the 11 Nov 1942, Andrew and Private George Thomas, went to man the OP and they were never heard of again. It was surmised that they were ambushed by the Japanese when they arrived and must have put up a terrific fight, as a patrol who went there later, although not finding any bodies, saw a big heap of expended ammunition shells, as indication that these two men had sold out dearly. (This is condensed from C. D. Doig's book)

Andrew's body was never found and he is commemorated on Panel 3, on the Northern Territory Memorial.

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

Report below was for George Thomas but includes Andrew.

SMEATON ANDREW : Service Number - WX5537 - NAA_ItemNumber6449305.pdf