Peter Epps

Francis (Slim) embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop. He was discharged on 25 Mar 1946.

Jack AKA (Porky) enlisted on 28 Oct 1941, was promoted Acting Corporal on 5 Jan 1942 and was a member of the First Reinforcements that arrive at Dili, Timor, aboard "KOOLAMA” on 22 Jan 1942, prior to the Japanese landing. He took part in the raid on Dili, on night of 15-16 May 1942, as a member of the diversion party. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 11 Dec 1942. He was dishonourably discharged on 23 Apr 1943, due to him making a false answer on his attestation papers in regards to his age, correct date of birth 6 Oct 1925 not as stated 6 Oct 1920. He was 16 on enlistment. On 29 Mar 1950, he was declared "Discharge now Non Disciplinary authority Eastern Command 9194 of 29 Mar 1950". He could then apply for Discharge Certificate and medals. He is entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

This man is also known as John Daniel Thomas Daniels and John Henry Thomas Daniels. Jon (Dan and Combined Ops) enlisted on 24 Apr 1942 and was posted to No 8 Independent Company on 21 Sept 1942, he was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 21 Jan 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "CANBERRA" on 4 Feb 1943 and joined the unit on 25 Jun 1943 as a Trooper and served in Transport Section, Headquarters Group. As the unit had no transport, the Transport Sect was used as another Section. He was Medevac to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 6 Apr 1944 and after treatment, returned to New Guinea aboard "TAROONA" on 23 Jun 1944 and re joined the unit on 25 Jun 1944. He returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in Headquarters Section, “B” Troop. Dan transferred to "D" Company, 67th Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for MOROTAI aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 419 on 10 Dec 1945, he then embarked with them for KURE, Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 15 Feb 1946 for service with British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). He was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 11 Mar 1946. Reverted to Private on 22 Jul 1946 and appointed paid Lance Corporal again on 16 Sept 1946. He returned to Australia aboard "KANIMBLA" on 16 Dec 1946 and was promoted to Corporal on 22 Feb 1947. He changed his name to John Henry Thomas Daniels on 27 Mar 1947 and was discharged from the A.I.F. on 2 Jun 1948. For his service during WW2 he was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. For his BCOF service he is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific" and "JAPAN". Dan enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 22 Aug 1951 with Service No 3 / 73723 and served with "A" Company, 12th Infantry Battalion reaching the rank of Sergeant. He transferred to the Australian Regular Army as a Private with Service No 6 / 1215 on 1 Oct 1958 and was promoted to Temporary Corporal on the same date. He was transferred to 20th National Service Training Battalion on 19 Nov 1958 and promoted Corporal on 28 Aug 1959. On 4 Feb 1960 he was reduce to Private and on 11 Feb 1960 was appointed Lance Corporal. On 16 Feb 1960, he transferred to 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, he served with them in Malaya from 17 Nov 1961 to 2 Aug 1963. He was promoted to Corporal on 14 Dec 1963 whilst at Royal Military College (RMC), Duntroon. He was promoted Temporary Sergeant, at RMC, then on 1 Jan 1966 he was promoted Sergeant, again whilst at RMC. He was finally discharged in Nov 1970 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. 33 years service with 12 years overseas. He was Middleweight Champion of 34th Australian Infantry Brigade, British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan.

Joseph enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) on 3 Aug 1937 with Service No 63526 and was posted to 16th Australian Light Horse, he was discharged on 1 Aug 1938. He enlisted in the A.I.F. on 11 Aug 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) Sparrow Section. He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Private from AASC Sparrow, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was medevac'd to Australia from Betano aboard "KURU" on 27 Aug 1942. After medical treatment he transferred to 2nd Field Bakery on 28 Apr 1943 and was discharged 13 Jan 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ronald (Babe) enlisted on 24 Nov 1941 and was a member of the First Reinforcements that arrive at Dili, Timor, aboard “KOOLAMA”, on 22 Jan 1942, prior to the Japanese landing. He joined the unit as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 11 Dec 1942. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He transferred to 2/6th Field Company, 7th Division Engineers on 28 Dec 1943 and returned to Australia aboard "TAROONA" on26 Mar 1944. He transferred to Army Intelligence Corps on 3 May 1945, appointed Lance Corporal on 11 Jun 1945 and promoted Corporal on 30 Sept 1945. He was discharged on 3 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ralph enlisted on 24 Jun 1940 and was posted to 2/40th Battalion. He was promoted Corporal on 4 Jul 1940 and embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941. He joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Corporal from 2/40th Battalion, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was one of the former Koepang men, who moved to the village of Mape for intensive commando training and, on 8 May 1942, they were formed into a new Platoon, "D" Platoon under the command of Lieutenant Turton and later under Lt Doig. 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 posted to Tasmanian Lines of Communications, Records Office on 5 Aug 1943, promoted Acting Sergeant on 24 Mar 1944 and Sergeant on 24 Jun 1944. He was discharged on 23 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Donald (Don) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Engineers Platoon, Headquarters Group. On 8 May 1942, he took command of the newly formed “D” Platoon, which comprise his Engineers and the trained Koepang men. He was promoted to Temporary Captain on 4 Jul 1942 and Captain on 1 Sept 1942. He was Mentioned in Despatches (MID), for Gallant and Distinguished Service, 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 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 with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Captain, the Second in Command of the unit and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Captain, the Second in Command of the unit. Don enplaned to Australia on 29 Apr 1945 and was appointed Officer Commanding, 1st Commando Training Squadron. He was promoted to Major on 23 May 1945 He was discharged on 4 Dec 1945. Don was made a Life member of the Association in 1966. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below, with an MID emblem on his War Medal.

Thomas (Tommy) enlisted on 2 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in Headquarters, “B” Platoon. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 27 Aug 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd as a Trooper in Transport Section, Headquarters Group on 2 Nov 1943. As the unit had no transport, the Transport Sect was used as another fighting Section. He returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper, he transferred to "D" Company 67th Australian Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for Moratai aboard Landing Ship Troops 419 on 10 Dec 1945, he then embarked for Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 15 Feb 1946. He was appointed Paid Lance Corporal on 11 Mar 1946 and reverted to Private on 29 Apr 1946. Tommy returned to Australia aboard "KANIMBLA" on 5 Jul 1947 and was discharged on 12 Aug 1947. 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 two clasps, for PNG and JAPAN.

George enlisted on 9 Apr 1941 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. He transferred over to No 7 Section in early March and late Jul 1942 it was decided to form a small detachment, called “H” Force, comprising of 2 Officers and 10 other ranks, to serve as far right-flank protection for the unit. George was selected for this assignment. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. George transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on19 Jul 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 27 Aug 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 18 Oct 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 30 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as an Acting Corporal in No 8 Section, “C” Troop. George was promoted to Corporal on 30 Apr 1945 and whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 23 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

Edward embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. When the unit was disbanded he transferred to Water Transport on Rabaul and was discharged 3 Jun 1946.

Norman enlisted on 29 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Corporal in No 4 Section, “B” Platoon. He took part in both the raid on Dili, on night of 15-16 May 1942 and the ambush and killing of the “Singapore Tiger”, 22 Jun 1942. He was promoted Corporal on 1 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 with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in No 4 Section, “B” Troop. He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 28 Mar 1944 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Sergeant in No 4 Section, “B” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He was promoted Acting Sergeant on 18 Sept 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 4 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Eric was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in Headquarters, “B” Platoon. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942 . Transferred as an Instructor to 1st Commando Training Squadron on 19 Apr 1943, 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 27 Apr 1943. He was appointed Paid Lance Corporal on 1 Jul 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 22 Nov 1943. He re-joined the 2/2nd as a Lance Corporal in No 10 Section, Headquarters Group on 28 Nov 1943. He reverted to Trooper on 7 May 1944 and returned to Australia with the unit aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He transferred to 1st Australian Advanced Ammunition Depot, 13 Feb 1945 and was discharged on 16 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Lewis (Lew) enlisted on 2 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. He transferred to 116th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment on 7 Jul 1943 and discharged on 10 Jan 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Alexander was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 5 Section, “B” Platoon. 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 with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and after further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. He left the unit and returned to Australia aboard “WESTRALIA” on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 3 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Herbert (Herb) enlisted on 9 May 1941 and 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 a member of the defence of Dili Aerodrome on the night 19/20 Feb 1942, when the Japanese first landed and was wounded in the foot on 21 Feb 1942. Herb embarked at “BETANO” for Darwin aboard the “KURU” on 2 Sept 1942 as a Private and after medical treatment was discharged 30 Dec 1942. Herb re-enlisted on 9 Mar 1943 and was given service No WX22356. He attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 23 Aug 1943, was promoted Acting Corporal on 1 Nov 1943 and reverted to Private on 2 Feb 1945. He joined the 2/2nd on 26 Jun 1945 and after reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. Herb transferred to 130th Australian General Hospital on 19 Oct 1945 and embarked for Morotai aboard LST 419 on 10 Dec 1945 and then embarked for Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 22 Feb 1946. He transferred to 20th Australian Field Ambulance on 12 May 1946 and to H.Q. 34th Australian Infantry Brigade on 10 Jun 1946. He returned to Australia aboard "KALIMBA" on 13 Nov 1946 and was discharged on 18 Feb 1947. 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" and "JAPAN".

George enlisted on 9 May 1941 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, George and Private Andrew Smeaton, 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) George's body was never found and he is commemorated on Panel 4, 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 THOMAS, GEORGE EDGAR : Service Number - WX12592 - service record.pdf

William (Scotty) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in No 8 Section, “C” Platoon. He was Wounded in Action on Timor, date unknown. He embarked for Australia at “Betano” aboard “KURU” on 16 Nov 1942. He was commissioned Lieutenant on 22 May 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 26 Nov 1943 and posted to 2/6th Commando Squadron on 27 Nov 1943. He returned to Australia with them aboard “KATOOMBA” on 12 May 1944 and embarked for MOROTAI aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 1016 on 27 May 1945. He then embarked for BALAKPAPAN aboard LST 454 on 22 Jun 1945 and emplaned for MOROTAI on 18 Sept 1945 and returned to Australia on 23 Sept 1945. Transferred to Marrinup P.O.W. Camp on 29 Nov 1945 and was discharged on 28 Jun 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Reginald enlisted on 14 Feb 1938 in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W3875 and was posted to 13th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. He transferred to the A.I.F. 18 Dec 1940 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. 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 Personnel Staging Camp on 23 Jul 1943 and then 2nd Advance No 2 Echelon on 23 Oct 1944. He embarked for Morotai aboard "SEA BARB" on 16 Jun 1945 and returned to Australia by plane on 20 Oct 1945. He transferred to Western Australian Records on 23 Oct 1945 and he was discharged on 7 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Lawrence enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 22 Dec 1941 and was posted to 56th Australian Field Park Company. On 26 Jun 1942, he transferred to the A.I.F. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “TAROONA” on 2 Sept 1943 and joined the unit on 21 May 1944 as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop. Lawrence left the unit and returned to Australia aboard “SALAMAUA” on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged 21 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". Lawrence is the brother of WX10512 Dudley Lawrence Tapper.

Dudley was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in No 5 Section, “B” Platoon. He embarked for Australia at “Betano” aboard “KURU” on 16 Nov 1942. He was promoted Acting Lance Sergeant on 19 May 1943 and after leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Lance Sergeant in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. He was promoted to Sergeant on 8 Jan 1944 and returned to Australia with the unit aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as the Troop Sergeant in Headquarters, “B” Troop. Dudley was promoted Acting Staff Sergeant on 18 Sept 1945 and transferred to 4th Survey Battery on 29 Nov 1945. He returned to Australia aboard “KATOOMBA” on 16 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 15 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 "S.W.Pacific". Dudley is the brother of WX26468 Lawrence Sinclair Tapper.

John enlisted on 11 Jun 1941 and was posted to 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Sapper from 2/11th Field Company, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was medevac'd to Australia on 27 Sept 1942. After medical treatment he was appointed Acting Corporal on 1 Apr 1943 and posted to RAE Training Centre on 27 Nov 1943. He was promoted Acting Sergeant on 27 Nov 1943, Acting Warrant Officer Class II (WO II) on 14 Aug 1944 and WO II confirmed on 10 Jan 1945. He was discharged on 18 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Edgar enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 14 Apr 1942 and was posted to Royal Australian Artillery. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 24 Sept 1942 and posted to 1st Australian Commando training Squadron on 25 Feb 1943. He joined the unit at Canungra, Qld on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 3 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. On 6 Dec 1945, he transferred to “D” Company, 67 Infantry Battalion and embarked for MOROTAI aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 419 on 10 Dec 1945. He embarked for Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 15 Feb 1946 and served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. He returned to Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 8 Feb 1947 and was discharged on 14 Feb 1947. 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 clasps "S.W.Pacific" and "JAPAN".

Thomas joined the unit on Timor as a Sapper from 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on either 11 Dec 1942 or 16 Dec 1942, as the embarkation rolls do not differentiate. He was discharged 30 Nov 1945.

Laurence "Buller" enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 13 Aug 1940 and was posted to 31st Infantry Battalion. He was promoted to Corporal on 4 Oct 1940, Acting Sergeant on 9 Dec 1941 and Sergeant on 13 Jul 1942. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 20 Jul 1942 and posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 26 Feb 1943. He reverted to Private at his own request on 8 May 1943 and joined the unit at Canungra, Qld on 15 May 1943. He embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After 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. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on 22 Apr 1945 and confirmed as Corporal on 22 Jul 1945. Left the unit and embarked for Australia aboard “ORMISTON” on 10 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 30 Oct 1945. 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".

Walter enlisted on 29 Apr 1940 and was posted to 2/40th Battalion. He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Private from 2/40th Battalion, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was one of the former Koepang men, who moved to the village of Mape for intensive commando training and, on 8 May 1942, they were formed into a new Platoon, "D" Platoon under the command of Lieutenant Turton and later under Lt Doig. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942 After medical treatment he was posted to 22nd Australian Motor Regiment on 15 Mar 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard "CANBERRA" on 31 Dec 1943 to join 2/12th Battalion. Walter was wounded in action, Left ankle, on 21 Jan 1944 and evacuated to hospital. He re-joined the 2/12th on 10 Mar 1944 and returned to Australia aboard "TAROONA" on 6 May 1944. He embarked for Moratai aboard "PUTUS H ROSE" on 28 May 1945 and then for Balikpapan aboard Landing Ship Troops 456 on 23 Jun 1945. He returned to Australia on 5 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 25 Jan 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 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