Keith Mortimer HAYES

Keith was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in 7 Section, "A" Platoon. On the morning 20 Feb 1942, most of 7 Section were going into Dili for R & R aboard the ration truck, not realising the Japs had landed during the night they were ambushed and captured. Keith was a survivor of the ration truck massacre being both shot and bayoneted, and left for dead. He was found by some Timorese and taken to a village where he was treated by a Timorese lady Donnabella Martins. The unit was informed he was still alive and he was collected by members of the unit and placed in the very capable hands of Dr Dunkley and his medical team. Once contact had been made with Australia, Keith was evacuated to Darwin from "SUAI" aboard "KURU" on 17 Jul 1942.

After hospitalisation Keith joined 2/11th Battalion, A.I.F. on 24 Jun 1943.

He was discharged on 28 Aug 1946.

Keith was made a Life Member of the Unit in 1988 and awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2007.