Peter Epps

George enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W36475. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 May 1941, was Promoted Acting Corporal on 11 Jul 1941 and confirmed Corporal on 8 Dec 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private. He was medevac'd to Australia from ”SUAI” aboard “KURU” on 15 Jul 1942. After medical treatment he transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion as an Instructor on 1 Jun 1943 and was discharged on 5 May 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

George 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 Private in No 4 Section, “B” Platoon. He took part in the raid on Dili, on night of 15-16 May 1942 and also took part in the ambush and killing of the “Singapore Tiger”, 22 Jun 1942. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. Transferred as an Instructor at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 19 Apr 1943, then 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Apr 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 11 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd as a Trooper in No 4 Section, “B” Troop on 28 Nov 1943 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 4 Section, “B” Troop. He transferred to 4th Survey Battery on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945 and 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Frederick 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 Killed in Action during the defence of the Dili Airstrip on 20 Feb 1942. He is commemorated on Panel 3, NORTHERN TERRITORY MEMORIAL. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Arthur enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (Reserve) on 18 Jan 1937 and was posted to 28th Militia Battalion. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 16 Nov 1940 and was promoted Acting Sergeant and taken on the strength of 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion on the 17 Nov 1940. He was posted to the Guerrilla Warfare School, Foster on 11 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Platoon Sergeant, “C” 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 transferred as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 15 May 1943 and when the unit returned from New Guinea, he re joined them on 11 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Sergeant. He transferred to 32nd Australian Salvage Section on 13 Jun 1945 and he returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 1 Aug 1945. Arthur was discharged on 20 Oct 1945. He was entitled to a 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War medal and an Australian Service Medal 1939-45, see photo below.

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

James (Jimmy) enlisted on 3 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. 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 at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 19 Apr 1943, then 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Apr 1943 and 1st Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 9 Oct 1943 and he was discharged on 7 Jan 1944. Jimmy was made a Life Member of the Association in 1988. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John (Jack) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in No 7 Section, “C” Platoon. He was Killed in Action, 20 Feb 1942, when the Section was caught in the Ration truck action, during the first landing of the Japanese on Timor. He is commemorated on the Northern Territory Memorial, Panel 3. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ross enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 10 Dec 1941 and was posted to Fortress Engineers on ROTTNEST, WA. He transferred to A.I.F. on 17 Aug 1942 and was posted to 1st Commando Training Squadron on 30 Jan 1943. He joined the unit on 15 May 1942 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. Ross was Medevac to Australia aboard 2/1st Australian Hospital Ship on 13 Jun 1944 and was discharged on 24 Sept 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

William (Jack) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 8 Section, “C” 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 transferred as an Instructor at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 10 oct 1943. Then joined Special Duties (Qld) on 31 Jan 1945 and joined the “Z” Special Force on 24 Apr 1945. He enplaned for MOROTAI on 3 Jun 1945 and returned from Service Outside Australia on 10 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 11 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".

Neil enlisted on 29 Jan 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in Headquarters Section of “B” Platoon. He was a member of the defence of Dili Airstrip during the first contact with the Japanese. He was Mentioned in Despatches, 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 medical treatment, Neil embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 28 Nov 1943. He transferred to 12th Australian Small Ships Company, Royal Australian Engineers, on 25 Jul 1944 and was promoted Acting Corporal on 11 Nov 1944, Sergeant on 5 Dec 1944 and Warrant Officer Class 2 on 23 Jan 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 19 Feb 1945 and was discharged on 20 Mar 1946.

Stanley enlisted on 5 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 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 “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 8 Section, “C” Troop. He transferred to 22nd Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia on 16 Jan 1946. He was discharged 5 Feb 1946. Stan was made a Life Member of the Association in 1990. He was the Brother of Charles Alfred Sadler WX11374 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

Ronald joined the unit on New Britain as a Signaller, in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was discharged on 13 Mar 1946.

Charles was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 8 Section, “C” 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 8 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and was discharged on 2 Mar 1945. Charles was made a Life Member of the Association in 1990. He was the brother on Stanley Sadler WX11372. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ian enlisted on 24 Nov 1941 and was poster to 12th Anti Aircraft Battery on 20 Apr 1942. He was poster to Guerrilla Warfare Centre at Foster on 4 Jul 1942 and after training he embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 17 Feb 1943 and joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 as a Trooper in No 10 Section, Headquarters Group. He embarked for Australia aboard “KATOOMBA” on 19 Feb 1944 and then embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 19 Jun 1944 and re-joined the unit on 25 Jun 1944. Ian 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 4 Section, “B” Troop. Ian transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 27 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia, he was discharges on 15 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".

Francis enlisted on 8 May 1941 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 medevac'd at “BETANO” for Darwin aboard the “KURU” on 2 Sept 1942 as a Private. After medical treatment he was posted to 30th Australian Garrison Battalion on 20 Aug 1943 and then to 6/30th Australian Garrison Battalion on 22 Jun 1944. Like all the men who served on Timor he had numerous medical treatment during his service. He was discharged on 4 Dec 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Rex (Tex) enlisted on 15 May 1941, appointed Lance Corporal on 4 Oct 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. He and Sapper Williamson blew the Dili Aerodrome as part of the No 2 Sect defence, in the initial assault by the Japanese on 19/20 Feb 1942. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. Tex was promoted Corporal on 10 Apr 1943, and after leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as Corporal in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He was medevac'd to Australia aboard 2/1st Australian Hospital Ship on 14 Jun 1944 and was discharged on 20 Jun 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Athol served with Service No 233847and posted to 12/50th Battalion, Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) from 10 Dec 1929 to 22 Mar 1932 and then 15 Jan 1935 to 5 Mar 1938 gaining the rank of Sergeant prior to enlisting in the A.I.F. on 9 Jul 1940. He was posted to 2/40th Battalion and embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941. He 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. He was posted as a Staff member of General Duties Depot , Tasmania on 11 Aug 1943 and promoted Acting Corporal on 8 Dec 1943 and confirmed Corporal on 13 Apr 1945. He transferred to Tasmanian Distribution depot on 3 Aug 1945 and promoted Sergeant on 14 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 30 Sept 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Jack enlisted on 16 Jul 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 16 Dec 1942. He transferred to 2/12th Battalion on 23 Jun 1943 and embarked for New Guinea with them aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Aug 1943. He returned to Australia aboard "TAROONA" on 6 May 1944 and was discharged on 30 Aug 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) with Service No V43658 on 8 Sept 1939 and was posted to 57/60th Infantry Battalion. He was promoted Corporal on 15 Jul 1940 and Sergeant on 30 Jan 1941. He was called up for full time duty on 31 Jan 1941. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943, reverted to Private at his own request on 8 May 1943. He joined the 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 7 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he was appointed Paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 7 Section, “C” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and on admission to hospital, reverted to Pte on 8 Jan 1946. He returned to Australia on 4 Feb 1946 and was discharged on 6 May 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

William served with the R.A.A.F. prior to joining the unit. 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. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. He was discharged on 17 Oct 1946.

Campbell enlisted on 2 Jul 1940 and was commissioned Lieutenant on 1 Aug 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 Lieutenant. He was later the Officer Commanding one of the Sections of “D” Platoon. 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 Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 8 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia by plane on 17 Jun 1944. He transferred to Land HQ, Operational Research Section on 16 Nov 1944 and embarked for Morotai aboard "GENERAL BUNTNOR" on 8 Apr 1945. He was promoted Temporary captain on 20 Jul 1945 and returned to Australia by plane on 26 Jul 1945 He relinquished the rank of Temporary Captain and was discharged on 19 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

George was a member of the First Reinforcements that arrive at Dili, Timor, aboard M.V. “Koolama”, on 22 Jan 1942, prior to the Japanese landing. He joined the unit as a Sapper. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942. George transferred to 1st Lines of Communication Provost Company in Queensland on 22 Apr 1943. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 2 Sept 1944 and transferred to 2/3rd Lines of Communication Provost Company on 19 Sept 1944. He transferred to 30th Australian Works Company on 25 Jan 1945 and embarked for MOROTAI aboard “FRED C AINSWORTH” on 4 Apr 1945. He returned to Australia on 28 Nov 1945 and was discharged on 12 Dec 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".

Campbell enlisted on 28 Nov 1940 and was posted to 75th Light Aid Detachment on 5 Dec 1940. He joined the unit on Timor as a Private from 75th Light Aid Detachment, 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 16 Dec 1942. He transferred to 106th Light Aid Detachment on 17 Feb 1943 and to 77 AASL Workshops on 11 Jun 1943. He transferred to 1st Australian Vehicle Park Workshop on 7 Oct 1944 and was discharged on 16 May 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below

Ivan enlisted on 3 May 1941 and was posted to 2/40th Battalion on 1 Jun 1941. He was appointed Acting Corporal on 1 Sept 1941 and joined the unit 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 16 Dec 1942. Ivan left the unit on 4 Mar 1943 and joined the 1st Lines of Communication Provost Company on 13 Mar 1943. His rank of Corporal was confirmed on 7 Apr 1945 and he was discharged on 15 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Keith enlisted on 7 Mar 1941 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. He was involved in building “Winnie the War Winner”. 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. Keith 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. Sadly, Keith died from complications after dental work on 3 Feb 1943 and is buried at Adelaide River Cemetery, N.T. Plot F. Row B. Grave 8. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.