Peter Epps

John enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 21 Aug 1940 and was posted to 29th Infantry Battalion on 23 Jan 1941. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 8 Sept 1941 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 23 Jul 1942. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 25 Feb 1943, reverted to Private at own request on 6 May 1943 and joined the unit 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 3 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. Appointed paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and after leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 3 Section, “A” Troop and promoted Acting Corporal on 28 Apr 1945. Rank of Corporal confirmed on 28 Jul 1945. He left the unit on 7 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia on 13 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 20 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".

Harold 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 on 31 Aug 1945.

Leslie enlisted in the Citizen Military Force (Reserve) with Service No N456875 on 13 May 1941 but was not called up for full time duty until 7 May 1943. He was posted to 14th Infantry Training Battalion on 11 May 1943. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 2 Jun 1943 and was posted to 2nd Australian Regiment Signals Training Unit on 22 Aug 1943. He re-joined 14th Infantry Training Battalion on 8 Nov 1943 and transferred to 19th Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Dec 1943. He was posted to Jungle Warfare Centre on 28 Jan 1944, then to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 7 Feb 1944. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "ORMISTON" on 20 Apr 1944 and joined the 2/2nd on New Guinea as a Signaller on 6 May 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 Signaller. He returned to Australia on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 29 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

Jack enlisted on 2 Jul 1941 and was posted to 2/12th Field Ambulance, Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC). He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor from 2/12th Field Ambulance, 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 11 Dec 1942. After leave and reorganization he embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Private , RAAMC Section, Headquarters Group aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and medevac'd to Australia by plane on 21 May 1944. He was discharged on 1 Sept 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Edgar 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 21 Jan 1946.

John enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 2 Feb 1939 and posted to Signals 2nd Division. Appointed Lance Corporal on 15 Jan 1940, promoted Corporal on 26 Apr 1940 and Lance Sergeant on 4 Jun 1940. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 18 Sept 1940 and was promoted Lieutenant on 10 Jun 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He later took command of No 8 Section, “C” Platoon. 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 Timor, John was posted as an Instructor, to 2nd Australian Signals Training, Advanced Infantry Training Wing on 15 Sept 1943 and appointed Officer Commanding (OC) of the Advanced Infantry Training Wing on 4 Sept 1944. He was promoted to Temporary Captain on 22 Sept 1944 whilst OC of unit. He joined “Z” Special Force on 16 Feb 1945 and departed for service outside of Australia on 3 Mar 1945 and returned to Australia on 28 Aug 1945. He was discharged on 24 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Owen enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) on 1 Oct 1940 and was posted to Eastern Command Area Signals. He transferred to the A.I.F on 1 Oct 1941 and was posted to 1st Armoured Training Regiment. He transferred to 2/11th Armoured Corps on 9 Oct 1941 and promoted to Acting Corporal on 30 Jul 1943. He reverted to Lance Corporal on 28 Aug 1943 and transferred to 1st Australian Base Depot on 5 Jun 1944, reverting to Trooper same day. He transferred to 16th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 18 Aug 1944 and then to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 6 Nov 1944. Owen flew to New Guinea on 10 May 1945 and the embarked from LAE for New Britain aboard "SUVA: on 17 May 1945, joining the 2/2nd on 19 May 1945 as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He transferred to 554th Light Anti Aircraft Battery on 6 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 9 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

Henry enlisted on 1 Apr 1941 and posted to Eastern Command, Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) Training Depot on 3 Apr 1941. He was appointed Acting Sergeant on 18 Dec 1941 and transferred to AASC, Sparrow on30 Dec 1941. He embarked for Timor on 17 Jan 1942 and joined the 2/2nd as a Sergeant on Timor, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was medevac'd to Australia on 17 Sept 1942 and transferred to General Duties Depot on 1 Apr 1943. He reverted to Private on 20 Jan 1943 and transferred to AASC Training Depot on m18 Apr 1943, then to 20th Australian Supply Depot on 29 Dec 1943. He was discharged on 22 Jun 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Francis enlisted on 6 Jun 1940 and posted to 5th Australian General Hospital on 8 Jun 1940, promoted Corporal same day. He was promoted Acting Sergeant on 11 Jun 1940 and transferred to Australian Army Service Corps (AASC), Sparrow on 28 Jul 1941. He was promoted Acting Warrant Officer Class II (WO II) on 29 Jul 1941 and confirmed WO II on 29 Oct 1941. He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Warrant Officer Class 2 from Sparrow Force Army Service Corps, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He embarked for Australia on 9 Aug 1942 and was discharged on 30 Sept 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Wallace enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserve) and was posted to 19th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery on 2 Mar 1942. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 17 Jun 1942 and joined the unit in the Northern Territory on 25 Dec 1942. He was posted for training at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 27 May 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 22 Nov 1943. He joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 as a Trooper in Transport Section, Headquarters Group. As the unit had no transport, the Transport Section was used the same as the other Sections. 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 No 6 Section, “B” Troop. He left the unit on 8 Jan 1946, returned to Australia on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 31 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".

Mervyn (Merv) enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W12397 and posted to 44th Infantry battalion, He transferred to the A.I.F. on 28 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was severely wounded in the first action with the Japanese on 20 Feb 1942, during the defence of the Dili aerodrome, taken prisoner and spent three and a half years as a POW. After release from the Japanese Tanjong Pagar Camp, he returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 7 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 9 Jan 1946. For his service Merv was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45. This is a copy of a sheet that WX13624 Pte Mervyn Peter Ryan, was given when leaving Timor, as a POW after recovering from wounds received during the heroic defence of the Dili Airstrip. Merv was wounded and refused to be carried from the strip, as he realised it could cost more casualties to do so. He spent the rest of the war as a POW, returning home after hostilities ceased.

Gordon 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 11 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 Headquarters Group 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 Trooper in Headquarters Group. He returned to Australia aboard "ORMISTON" on 18 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 9 Nov 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".

William (Harold) enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W1850 and posted to 25th Light Horse Regiment. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 3 section, “A” Platoon. 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. Harry 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. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 21 Apr 1943 and attended Intelligence Course No 7 from 24 Apr to 20 May 1943. He was promoted Corporal on 8 Jun 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in No 9 Section, “C” Troop. He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 1 Mar 1944 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was discharged on 11 Dec 1944. William was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia 8 Jun 1987. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Steven enlisted on 9 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Corporal in No 9 Section, “C” Platoon. Reallocated to No 7 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 to 1st Australian Provost Company on 22 Apr 1943 and then to 7th Australian Provost Company on 4 Jul 1943. Promoted Acting Corporal on 7 May 1943 and confirmed Corporal on 7 Dec 1943. Attended No 11 Land Head Quarters Provost Training School from 2 Jan 1944 to 11 Apr 1944. He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 2 May 1944 and reverted to Corporal on admission to hospital on 16 Apr 1945. He was discharged 25 Jul 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as Private in No 4 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. Transferred as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 7 Jun 1943, Australian Training Centre (Jungle Warfare) on 25 May 1944 and then to “Z” Special Force on 31 Jul 1944. Qualified Parachutist on 25 Jan 1945 and departed for service outside Australia on 19 Apr 1945 and returned to Australia on 3 May 1945. No destination recorded. John was discharged on 1 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

James (Jim) enlisted on 18 Jun 1941 and posted to Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC) Training Depot on 20 Jun 1941. Promoted Acting Corporal on 23 Jun 1941 and transferred to AAMC on 6 Aug 1941. Appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 26 Aug 1941 and Acting Sergeant on 4 Sept 1941. He embarked for the Middle East on 26 sept 1942 and reverted to Private on 21 Oct 1941, promoted Acting Corporal 25 Oct 1941 and he transferred to 2/7th Field Ambulance and reverted to Private again on 16 Nov 1942. He returned to Australia with 2/7th Field Ambulance, AAMC on 28 Mar 1942. He joined the 2/4th Australian Independent Company and was promoted to Corporal again on 21 Sept 1942. He embarked for Timor aboard "HMAS VOYAGER" on 22 Sept 1942 and he returned to Australia with 2/4th Australian Independent Company on 18 Feb 1943. He transferred to the 2/2nd on 28 Apr 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in Medical Section, Headquarters Group 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 Corporal in Medical Section, Headquarters Group. He returned to Australia aboard "KANIMBLA" on 4 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 1 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

David was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in No 9 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 to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 26 Apr 1943, then 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 28 Apr 1943, the 25th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on10 Jul 1943, the 12th Australian Ordnance Company on 7 Dec 1943 and 7th Australian Advance Ordnance Depot on 30 Sept 1944. He 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.

Donald enlisted on 13 Oct 1941 and was posted to 11th Battalion on 18 Feb 1942. He attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943 and joined the 2/2nd 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 9 Section, “C” Troop. Whilst on patrol with 5 others to Kulau, New Guinea, he was Killed in Action on 10 Jan 1944. He is buried at Lae War Cemetery, New Guinea. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Donald enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 2 Jan 1942 and the A.I.F. on 20 Jul 1942. After training at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, he joined 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 7 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. He left the unit on 24 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia on 4 Feb 1946. He was discharged on 18 Nov 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".

William (Bill) enlisted on 30 Dec 1941 and was posted to 24th Infantry battalion on 11 May 1942. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 14 Dec 1942. He was posted to 2/5th Independent Company on 29 Mar 1943 and embarked with them for New Guinea on 17 Apr 1943 as a Signaller. He transferred to the 2/2nd on 26 Jun 1943 on New Guinea as a Signaller and returned to Australia with them aboard “DUNTROON” on 9 Jun 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He left the unit and returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAUA" on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 14 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".

Thomas was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 1 Section, “A” 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 12 May 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 22 Nov 1943, to re-join the unit as a Trooper on 28 Nov 1943. He transferred to 2/2nd Dock Operation Company on 4 Aug 1944 and was Medevac to Australia on 20 Sept 1944. After convalescing, he transferred to 6th Australian Base Ordnance Depot on 8 Feb 1945. Thomas was discharged on 14 Jun 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John (Jack) served in 3rd Field Regiment and 109th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. He was commissioned a Lieutenant on 2 Jan 1942 and posted to Headquarters of 29th Anti-Aircraft Battery on 15 Feb 1943. He trained at 1st Commando Training Squadron from 1 Jul 1944 and joined the unit on 29 Jun 1944. Jack embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 3 Section, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "SALAMANUA" on 18 Jan 1946 and discharged on 4 Feb 1946. John was made a Life Member of the Association in 1992. 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".

Edward (Ted) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 1 Section, “A” Platoon. After the unit left Koepang to proceed to Portuguese Timor, he and Private Charles Dodge were kept in Koepang as witnesses to Private Swift's death. After the Japanese landed at Koepang and the order was given "every man for himself", he and Charles tried to sail a native boat to Australia. Both were captured by the Japanese and spent the rest of the war as POW’s. Ted was confirmed a POW on 22 Apr 1943 and was repatriated from Fukuoka Camp, Japan on 19 Sept 1945 and was taken to Manila on 26 Sept 1945, then flown to Australia on 10 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 31 Jan 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He may now also be entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".

James (JIM) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 7 Section, “C” Platoon. He was Killed in Action, 20 Feb 1942, when the Section was caught in an ambush, 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.

William enlisted on 25 Jun 1941 and served with 2/28th Infantry Battalion in the Middle East from 7 Nov 1941 to 14 May 1942. He was posted to 1st Commando Training Squadron on 25 Feb 1943 and was promoted Acting Corporal on 31 Mar 1943. He joined the unit on 20 May 1943 and reverts to Private on 21 May 1943. He 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. William transferred to “D” Company, 67th Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for MORORAI aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 419 on 10 Dec 1945, he then embarked for JAPAN aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 15 Feb 1946 for service with British Commonwealth Occupation Force. He returned to Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 13 Nov 1946 and returned to JAPAN on 13 Feb 1947. He then returned to Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 5 Jul 1947 and was discharged on 21 Jul 1947. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa 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 clasps "S.W.Pacific" and "JAPAN".