Peter Epps

Ernest enlisted on 26 Nov 1941 and after serving with 5th Battalion, 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 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 in No 3 Section, “A” Troop. He transferred to 29th/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1954 and returned to Australia aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 29 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 22 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".

Harold (Harry) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 6 Section, “B” 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. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in Transport Section, Headquarters Group. As the unit had no transport, the Transport Sect was used as another Troop. Harry 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. He was promoted Acting Corporal and transferred to Australian Army Pay Corps on 28 Aug 1945 but stayed with the unit as Pay Clerk. Confirmed Corporal 3 Dec 1945 and Sergeant 19 Dec 1945. Embarked for Australia on 14 Mar 1946 and was discharged on 3 Dec 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".

Ronald 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 9 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. He transferred as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 May 1943 and then transferred to 2/12th Commando Squadron on 13 May 1944. He embarked for MOROTAI on 28 Apr 1945 with them and then aboard LCI 1074 to British North Borneo on 1 Jun 1945. He flew to Australia on 21 Dec 1945 and 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

Frederick (Fred) 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. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. He left the unit and served in the following Reallocation Section, 2 Aug 1943. 4th Australian Motor Vehicle Transport Troop, 16 Oct1943. 2nd Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 20 Nov 1943. 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 5 Feb 1944. 5th Australian Base Workshop, 28 Feb 1944. West Australian Workshop, 13 Dec 1944. He was discharged on 29 Nov 1945. Fred was made a Life Member of the Association in 1964. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Valentine (Val) enlisted on 5 Nov 1939 and was posted to 2/2nd Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), he was promoted Temporary Bombardier 6 Nov 1939 and Temporary Lance Sergeant on 29 Nov 1939. Promoted Sergeant on 8 Mar 1940 and attended the School of Artillery, Holsworthy, on 26 Apr 1940. He was appointed Lieutenant on 1 Jul 1940 and posted to 2/9th Field Regiment, RAA on 5 Aug 1940. Val embarked for the Middle East on 9 Apr 1941 and returned to Australia aboard "WEST PIONT" on 31 Mar 1942. He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 17 Dec 1942 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 Lieutenant, Officer Commanding No 1 Section, “A” Troop. Val was Killed in Action at KORAPA, New Guinea on 4 Oct 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John enlisted on 6 Oct 1941 and was posted to 19th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) on 4 Apr 1942. He transferred to 2/1st Medium Regiment, RAA, on 6 Jun 1942. He transferred to 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 8 Section, “C” Troop and was medivac to Australia by plane on 1 Jul 1944. He was discharged on 19 Dec 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John enlisted on 26 Jul 1940, was posted to 2/40th Battalion and embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941. He joined the unit on Timor from 2.40th Battalion as a Private, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was medevac to Australia from SUAI aboard "KURU" on 17 Jul 1942. He was discharged on 4 Jan 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Percival enlisted on 15 Jan 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 wounded in Action at SAME. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. Posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion as an Instructor on 31 May 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 1 Jul 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 27 Aug 1943 and joined the 2/2nd as a Signaller attached to “C” Troop on 2 Nov 1943, serving in most Sections except Headquarters and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. Percival was discharged on 8 Mar 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Bernard (Rip) enlisted on 11 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. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was medevac'd by plane to Australia on 15 Dec 1943 and after medical treatment he was posted to 10th Garrison Battalion on 27 Mar 1944 and was discharged on 30 Jan 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

James enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 25 Jun 1941 and was posted to 16th Battalion. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 2 Mar 1942, he enlisted in A.I.F. on 13 Jun 1942 and promoted Acting Corporal on 20 Oct 1942. He reverted to Private on 26 Jan 1943 and attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943. He joined 2/2nd 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 5 Section, “B” Troop. He was wounded in action and remained on duty on 25 Oct 1943 and returned to Australia with the unit 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 returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 2 Jan 1946. There is a notation on his service papers that he may have re-enlisted into R.A.A.F. on 4 Feb 1952. 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".

Sydney enlisted in Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) on 16 Dec 1940 and was posted to 16th Battalion. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 1 Sept 1941 and promoted Acting Corporal on 25 Oct 1941. He completed the No 21 Physical Instructors Course as a Corporal on 3 Feb 1942. Sydney enlisted in the A.I.F. on 15 Jul 1942 , he reverted back to Private on 24 Jan 1943 and attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943. He joined the 2/2nd 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 9 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 9 Section, “C” Troop. He transferred to 53rd Port Craft Company on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "GEORGETOWN VICTORY" on 4 Feb 1946. He was discharged on 19 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".

Richard was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in No 6 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. He transferred to the 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, as an Instructor on 14 Apr 1943 and then to 4th Reinforcement Training Battalion (Jungle Warfare) on 10 Oct 1943. He returned to Western Australia on 13 Mar 1944 and was discharged on 4 Apr 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Keith was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 3 Section, “A” Platoon. He was Medevac from BETANO, Timor, on 17 Sept 1942, aboard HMAS KALGOORLIE. He transferred to 35th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 10 Apr 1943 and the 47th Australian Movement Control on 8 May 1943. He was discharged on 11 Oct 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Robert (Spriggy) enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No W22980 and was posted to 10th Light Horse on 5 Jan 1942. He transferred to 10th Recon Battalion on 31 May 1942 and then 25th Recon Battalion on 16 Jun 1942. He transferred to the AIF and posted to 25th Cavalry Regiment on 27 Aug 1942. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 1 Mar 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 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 in No 3 Section, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 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". Bob was made a Life Member of the Association in 1963.

Neil enlisted on 31 Dec 1941 and was posted to 5th Infantry Battalion on 3 Jul 1942. He attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943 and joined the unit on 15 May 1943 at Canungra, Qld. After 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. After further 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. He transferred to 4th Heavy Battery on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 18 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".

Charles was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 1 Section, “A” Platoon. He embarked from Timor aboard HMAS "KALGOORLIE" on 13 Sept 1942 and transferred out of the unit on 23 Oct 1943. Charles was discharged on 30 Nov 1944.

Dale enlisted on10 Dec 1941 and was posted to 2/11th Armoured Car Regiment on 20 Dec 1941. He transferred to 16th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 7 Jul 1944 and then to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 6 Nov 1944. He enplaned to Moresby on 10 May 1945 then embarked for New Britain aboard "SUVA" on 17 Apr 1945 and joined the unit as a Signaller on 19 Apr 1945. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 21 Nov 1945. He returned to Australia 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Robert enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No N130363 and was posted to 7th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, on 17 Dec 1941 then to 14th Field Regiment on 27 Dec 1941. He embarked for New Guinea on 25 Jun 1942 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 9 Aug 1942. He returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 5 Feb 1944. He was posted to 1st Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 26 Jul 1944 and then to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 27 Nov 1944. He joined the 2/2nd on 31 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. He returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 13 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 25 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.

Athol enlisted on 24 Dec 1941 and was posted to 54th Infantry Battalion on 16 Mar 1942. he was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 1 Mar 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 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. He was Medevac by plane to New Guinea on 24 Sept 1945 and embarked for Australia aboard "MANUNDA" on 13 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 4 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".

John enlisted on 30 Sept 1941 into the Citizen Military Force (Reserve) and was a medical practitioner prior to enlisting. He was promoted Captain on 11 Feb 1942 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 15 Feb 1942, he was posted to 2/14th Field Ambulance on 16 Feb 1942. On 22 Sept 1942 he was posted to 3rd Independent Company, then on 1 Dec 1942 was posted to 2/4th Australian Pioneer Battalion. He was posted as the R.M.O. (Regimental Medical Officer) Headquarters Command, Australian Army Service Corps, Northern Territory Force on 12 Jan 1943. He was attached to 2/8th Independent Company on 15 Feb 1943 and posted to the 2/2nd as R.M.O. on 13 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as the Medical Officer, Headquarters Group and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. On 6 Nov 1944, he was posted as R.M.O. to 1st Australian Parachute Battalion, he qualified for parachute pay on 8 Jan 1945 and posted to 1st Australian Parachute Battalion on 21 Feb 1945. He was discharged on 15 May 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Padrie enlisted into the R.A.A.F. on 20 Jul 1941 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 18 Nov 1941. He 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 Private and was fluent in Portuguese. Padrie embarked at BENO for Darwin on 16 Nov 1942. He was promoted Lieutenant and joined the Intelligence Corps on 30 Nov 1942, serving in F.E.L.O. (Far East Liaison Office) (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far_Eastern_Liaison_Office) He embarked for New Guinea aboard "EDWARD CHAMBERS" on 10 Jul 1943 and returned to Australia aboard "CANBERRA" on 1 Oct 1943. He attended No 22 Course R.A.A.F. School of Army Co Operation, 4 Nov - 8 Dec 1943 and transferred to 6th Australian Command Air Liaison Section on 4 Feb 1944. He transferred to 57 Squadron Air Liaison Section as Officer Commanding on 16 Feb 1944 and was made Temp Captain on 28 Apr 1944. He embarked for Timor aboard HMAS MORSEBY on 7 Sept 1945 and transferred as Liaison Officer, Headquarters, Timor Force on 19 Sept 1945. He enplaned to Australia on 16 Dec 1945 and flew back to Timor on 22 Dec 1945. He returned to Australia aboard HMAS LISMORE on 21 Feb 1946 and was discharged on 19 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".

Ronald enlisted into the A.I.F. on 17 Oct 1941 and was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 6 Mar 1943 and joined the unit in Qld on 15 May 1943. 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 9 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. On return to Australia he left the unit and was discharged on 1 Aug 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Clarence enlisted on 10 Mar 1941, was promoted Acting Corporal on 11 Nov 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor and was confirmed Corporal on same day. He served in the Headquarters Group. He was medevac'd from Timor aboard "KURU" from SUAI on 8 Jul 1942. He was discharged on 25 Aug 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Bruce enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 5 May 1942 and posted to 4th Anti Aircraft Battery, Royal Australian Artillery on 8 May 1942. He transferred to 400th Heavy Anti Aircraft Gun Station, Royal Australian Artillery on 10 Sept 1942 and transferred to A.I.F. on 30 Apr 1943. He transferred to 472nd Heavy Anti Aircraft Troop, Royal Australian Artillery on 7 Sept 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "TAROONA" on 21 Oct 1943 and transferred to Headquarters, 11th Division on 3 Feb 1944. He joined the unit on New Guinea as a Trooper in No 1 Section, “A” Troop on 20 Jun 1944 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 1 Section, “A” Troop. He transferred to 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and was promoted Sergeant on 4 Feb 1946. He returned to Australia aboard "MANOORA" on 21 May 1946 and was discharged on 14 Aug 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".

Duncan enlisted on 20 Jun 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 11 Dec 1942. He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 14 Apr 1943, 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 28 Apr 1943 and then 3rd Australian Maintenance Platoon on 6 Nov 1943. He 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.