Neil Singleton William HOOPER

Neil was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was involved with the defence of the Dili Aerodrome. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion as an Instructor on 27 May 1943 and re-joined the unit on 31 May 1943. Then embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and he was Medevac to Australia by plane on 21 May 1944. He re-joined the unit on 27 Oct 1944 and after further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop.

Neil transferred to 13 Small Ships Company on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "TAROONA" on 16 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 25 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 "S.W.Pacific".