Peter Epps

Albert (Alby) enlisted into the Citizen Military Forces (Reserve) and was posted to 13th Field Engineers on 23 Aug 1940, he transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Sapper in the 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 was appointed Lance Corporal on 10 Apr 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 Corporal in the Engineers Section, 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 Lance Corporal. He attended Course 5, Flame thrower School from 5 - 9 Jul 1945 and he transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "VITO" on 16 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 6 Feb 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".

Arthur enlisted on 21 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. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 16 Nov 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 “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Lance Corporal in No 3 Section, “A” Troop. He was appointed to Paid Lance Corporal on 1 Jul 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he was promoted Acting Corporal on 30 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a as a Corporal in No 3 Section, “A” Troop. Rank of Corporal confirmed on 30 Apr 1945 and he transferred to 22nd Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945. Arthur returned to Australia aboard "VITO" on 16 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 5 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

Harvey enlisted on 21 May 1941 and after recruit training was posted to Foster for commando training on 29 Jun 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “WESTRALIA” 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 Ration truck 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.

Louis 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 Headquarters Group. He also served in the Headquarters 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. Louis transferred to 2/7th Commando Squadron on 15 Jul 1943 and embarked for Morotai aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 753 on 25 May 1945, then embarked for BALAKPAPIN aboard "WESTRALIA" on 21 Jun 1945. He returned to Australia aboard LST 383 on 2 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 21 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

Wilfred enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No W4139 on 27 Dec 1941 and attended a 90 day camp at Guildford. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 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. After medical treatment, he embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 24 Aug 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. Wilf was medevac'd aboard 2/1st Australian Hospital Ship on 11 Jan 1944 and admitted to 110th Military Hospital on 8 Mar 1944 and was discharged on 15 May 1944. He was made a Life Member of the Association in 1989. For his service he received the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45.

Peter enlisted on 18 Oct 1940, was promoted Temporary Corporal on 27 Dec 1940 and 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. He was medevac'd from Betano aboard HMAS "KALGOORLIE" on 13 Sept 1942 and after medical treatment he transferred to 10th Garrison Battalion on 16 Sept 1943. Promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Headquarters, Fremantle Fortress on 15 Dec 1943. He was promoted Staff Sergeant on 2 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 5 Apr 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Philip (Gerry) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was seriously Wounded in Action whilst attached to “C” Platoon in Mar 1942 and evacuated by seaplane on 24 May 1942. He was discharged after recovery in hospital on 14 Jul 1944. Philip was made a Life Member of the Association in 1972 and awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 Jan 1987.

John 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. He was promoted Lance Corporal on 16 Nov 1942. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. Promoted to Acting Corporal on 24 Dec 1942. He embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in No 1 Section, “A” Troop. John was Killed in Action on 12 Aug 1943 and is buried at LAE WAR CEMETERY, Plot F. Row A. Grave 11. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Kenneth enlisted in the Citizens Military Force and served for 3 years in 16th Infantry battalion. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 30 Oct 1940 and was promoted Acting Corporal on 6 Dec 1940 and Lieutenant on 1 Mar 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, 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. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 6 Section, “B” Troop. He transferred to 2/7th Commando Squadron on 1 Nov 1943 and embarked for Australia aboard "BAN HONG LIONG" on 11 Jan 1944. He transferred as an Instructor at 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 20 Oct 1944. He was discharged on 29 Oct 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Harold enlisted on 23 Sept 1941 and was posted to 75th Light Aid Detachment, (LAD). He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor from 75th LAD, 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. He transferred to 2/4th Tank Workshop (W/S) on 8 Oct 1943, to 2/4th Base W/S on 7 Jan 1944 and then1st Australian Base W/S on 4 Oct 1946. He was discharged on 11 Mar 1947. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Lyle enlisted on 20 Dec 1941 and was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 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 7 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he was promoted to Acting Corporal on30 Jan 195 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as an Acting Corporal in No 7 Section, “C” Troop. He was confirmed as Corporal on 30 Apr 1945and attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He was promoted to Sergeant on 15 Dec 1945 and transferred to 12th Army Troops on 24 Dec 1945. He returned to Australia on 4 Feb 1946 and was discharged 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

Alexander was a permanent member of the Australian Army with Service No PF8570 serving with 8th Heavy Battery, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) when he enlisted in the A.I.F. on 17 Jun 1941. He was posted to 2/1st Heavy Battery, RAA and embarked for Timor aboard "WESTRALIA" on 8 Dec 1941. He joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Gunner, from 2/1st Heavy Battery, 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 returned to 2/1st Heavy Battery, RAA on 23 Mar 1943 , was appointed Lance Corporal on 27 Mar 1943, promoted Acting Bombardier on 9 Oct 1943 and transferred to 1st Australian Coastal Artillery Training Battery on 30 Mar 1944. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 30 Mar 1944, but reverted to Gunner on 20 Jul 1944 and was transferred to 1st Australian Base Depot on 19 Sept 1944, then to 1st Australian Army Ordnance Training Battalion on 26 Sept 1944 and then to 1st Australian Ordnance Vehicle Park on 16 Dec 1944. He was discharged on 26 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Arthur enlisted on 23 Feb 1942 and was posted to 17th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery on 20 Mar 1942. He transferred to 2/3rd Australian Independent Company on 23 Sept 1942 and embarked for New Guinea with them aboard "TAROONA" as a Private. He returned to Australia aboard "SYDNEY HALL YOUNG" on 7 Oct 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "OMISTON" on 16 Jun 1945 and flew to Jacquinot Bay, New Britain on 21 Jul 1945 and joined the 2/2nd as a Trooper on 25 Jul 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "LIDVARD" on 14 Feb 1946 and was discharged on 29 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 "S.W.Pacific".

John joined the unit on Timor as a Sergeant, from 2/1st Heavy Battery, Royal Australian Artillery, 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 either 11 Dec 1942 or 16 Dec 1942, as the embarkation rolls do not differentiate. He was discharged on 30 Jun 1947. John had a Service No 1142 which generally denotes service post WW2.

James enlisted on 20 Jun 1940 and was 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. 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 he was discharged on 19 Jul 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Max was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was heavily involved with the making of “WINNIE THE WAR WINNER”. Max 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. He embarked at “BETANO” for Darwin aboard the “KURU” on 2 Sept 1942 as a Signaller. He later served with Allied Land Forces Headquarters Wireless Group and was discharged on 26 Nov 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Colin enlisted on 21 Jun 1940 and was posted to 2/40th Infantry Battalion on 25 Jun 1940. He joined the unit 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 left the unit on 18 Mar 1943 and joined 2/12th Battalion 3 Jul 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Aug 1943 and he was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 18 Sept 1943 and Acting Corporal on 11 Feb 1944. He returned to Australia aboard "PAHUD" on 17 May 1944 and was discharged on 12 Sept 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Eric enlisted on 11 Jun 1940 and was posted to 2/40th Battalion. He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941, transferred to Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force on 28 Jan 1942 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Private, from Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force 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 3rd Australian Water Transport Group on 15 Dec 1943, promoted to Acting Corporal on 31 Jan 1944, Corporal Confirmed on 19 Apr 1944 and Acting Sergeant on 7 Aug 1944. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "ORMISTON" 29 Sept 1944 and confirmed Sergeant on 28 Oct 1944. He returned to Australia by plane on 17 Jan 1945 and transferred to 61st Australian Water Transport on 12 Mar 1945. He was discharged on 13 Jun 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Douglas enlisted on 1 Jul 1940 and was posted to 2/40th Infantry Battalion on 2 Jul 1940. he joined the unit on Timor as a Private, from 2/40 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 transferred to 2/12th Battalion on 19 Jun 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Aug 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard "PAHUD" on 17 May 1944. He embarked for MOROTAI aboard "JEFFERSON DAVIS" on 29 May 1945, embarked for BALIKPAPAN aboard "KANIMBLA" on 4 Jul 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "CHESHIRE" on 20 Nov 1945 and was discharged on 5 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".

David enlisted in to the Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 9 Jan 1942 and posted to 51st Infantry Battalion. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 25 Jul 1942 and posted to Guerrilla Warfare at Foster on 14 Oct 1942, then to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 22 Feb 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 13 Feb 1944 and joined the unit on New Guinea on 13 Mar 1944. He returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He left the unit on 27 Feb 1945 and his service papers state he returned to New Guinea on 12 Jul 1945 and joined the 2/7th Commando Squadron on 19 Jul 1945. He transferred to 110th Brigade Workshops on 7 Dec 1945 and return to Australia on 1 Apr 1946. He was discharged on 12 Apr 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 enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserves) on 7 Dec 1937 and was posted to 3rd Division Signals. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 13 Jun 1940 and was posted to 1st Australian Corps Signals on 2 Jul 1940. He transferred to 8th Division Signals, Sparrow Force on 5 Oct 1940. He joined the unit on Timor as a Signaller from 8th Division, Signals, after the fall of Koepang, approx March 1942. He was involved in the building of “Winnie the War Winner”. He was promoted to Corporal on 15 Aug 1942 and 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 Signals Training battalion on 13 Mar 1943 and joined “Z” Special Forces on 7 Jul 1943. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 13 Aug 1943 and parachute qualified on 1 Dec 1943. On 29 Jan 1944, Eric departed for service outside Australia. His rank of Sergeant was confirmed on 11 Aug 1944. Eric was reported missing believed P.O.W. on 2/3 May 1945, but he was confirmed, as died of disease, on 20 Nov 1944, whilst a P.O.W. His body was never found and he is commemorate on NORTHERN TERRITORY MEMORIAL, Panel 2. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

William enlisted on 5 Jun 1940 and posted to 2/9th Field Company. He was posted to Signals Training Depot on 20 Sept 1940, then transferred to 8th Division Signals, "K" Section on 10 Nov 1940. He was transferred to Composite Brigade Signals on 2 Feb 1942 and flew to Koepang, Timor on 10 Feb 1942. He joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Signaller after the fall of Koepang, approx March 1942. He was medevac'd to Darwin aboard HMAS "KALGOORLIE" from Betano on 17 Sept 1942. He transferred to the following, Australian Signals Training Battalion on 25 Dec 1942, Land Head Quarters School of Signals on 13 Dec 1942, 31st Australian Line Section (ALS) on 26 Dec 1943, 14th ALS on 27 Apr 1944 and 1st Australian Line Construction Group on 1 Aug 1945. He was discharged on 12 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

William 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. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 11 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit as a Trooper on 28 Nov 1943. 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. William transferred to 39th Australian Works Company on 18 Jul 1945 and was Medevac by plane to Australia on 13 Aug 1945. He was discharged on 24 Jun 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Malcolm enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) on 29 May 1938 with Service No 266157 and posted to 30th Battalion. When the Reserve was re-organized he was given a new Service No N18318 on 15 Dec 1941. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 Sept 1942 and transferred to Signals, 3rd Australian Corps on 30 Sept 1942. He was posted 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 “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, then to 44th Port Landing Craft Company on 2 Feb 1946 and then to 13th Small Ships Company on 11 Feb 1946. He returned to Australia on 14 Mar 1946 and was discharged on 17 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

Desmond 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. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942. Desmond re-joined the unit on 18 May 1943 and he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Private. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 29 Oct 1943. He transferred out of unit on 24 Aug 1944 and emplaned Nadzab, deplaned Townsville on 26 Aug 1944. Joined “Z” Special Force on 31 Aug 1944 and qualified parachutist on 24 Jan 1945. Desmond was promoted Acting Sergeant on 26 Apr 1945. He was listed as Missing in Action on 17 May 1945 and confirmed Killed in Action, Timor. on 17 May 1945. He is buried at AMBON WAR CEMETERY, Coll. grave 11. C. 1-15. Extracted from C D Doig’s “A History of the 2nd Independent Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron”. After the Japanese landed, there was a party of 4 of these first reinforcement men, who had not been attached to any of the Sections, who decided to try and get back to Australia by boat and advise that the 2nd Independent Company was still intact and fighting on. The party consisted of Privates, Robert Sydney Larney, Johnny Freeman, Desmond Laurence Lilya and Arnold Samuel Webb. They eventually reached Darwin and then embarked with the No 4 Independent Company for Timor aboard H.M.A.S “VOYAGER” on 22 Sept 1942. The men’s service papers state the following Robert Sydney Larney He was in 119th Australian General Hospital, Darwin from 11 Sept – 17 Sept 1942 and disembarked at Darwin from Timor on 16 Dec 1942. Johnny Freeman Disembarked at Darwin on 16 Aug 1942, He was in 119th Australian General Hospital, Darwin from 25 Aug – 8 Sept 1942 and disembarked Darwin from Timor on 16 Dec 1942. Desmond Laurence Lilya Disembarked at Darwin on 16 Aug 1942, He was in 119th Australian General Hospital from 16 Aug – 17 Sept 1942. Research shows he returned from Timor with the unit either 11 Dec 1942 or 16 Dec 1942, as the embarkation rolls do not differentiate. Arnold Samuel Webb Now reported “Returned to Australia” No Date, Disembarked at Darwin from Timor on 16 Dec 1942. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.