Peter Epps

Cyril enlisted May 1940 and served with 2/13th Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. He embarked for Ocean Island (4,000kms North of Sydney) as part of “Heron Force” on 26 Jan 1941 and returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 5 Sept 1941, then embarked for the Middle East with 2/13th Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery aboard HMT "KK" on 1 Nov 1941 and returned to Australia aboard "U.S.S. WEST PIONT" on 31 Mar 1942. He trained at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron 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 9 Section, “C” Troop. He was appointed Lance Sergeant and transferred to New Guinea Infantry Battalion on 3 Jul 1944 and promoted Sergeant on 3 Oct 1944. Cyril emplaned for Australia on 11 Nov 1944 and was discharged on 13 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Roy enlisted on 19 May 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force on 29 Jul 1941. He joined the unit on Timor as a private from Australian Army Service Corps, after the fall of Koepang, approx March 1942. Late in Mar 1942, he was part of Lt Doig's No 13 Section, comprising men, from the Koepang end of Timor, that were stationed at Maliana to patrol the boarder area. He later attended a special training course at “Sinaro” and served as a Tommy Gunner with Lt Rodd and Lt Green’s Sect’s. 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 discharged on 20 Jun 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Philip enlisted on 15 May 1941 and posted to Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) Training Depot, he was posted to AASC Section Sparrow on 29 Jul 1941 and appointed Lance Corporal on 6 Oct 1941. he embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and Promoted Acting Corporal on 13 Feb 1942. He joined the unit on Timor as a Corporal from AASC, 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 AASC training Depot as an Instructor on 30 Mar 1943 and then to 160th Australian General Transport Company on 14 Sept 1943. He was discharged on 27 Sept 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Sydney enlisted on 12 May 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) Training Depot on 14 May 1941. After training he was posted to AASC Section, Sparrow Force. He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a driver from the AASC. 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 was posted to AASC Training Depot on 10 Jun 1943 and was discharged on 17 Apr 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ernest enlisted 7 Nov 1939 and was posted to 6th Division Signals and embarked from Sydney aboard HT XI on 4 May 1940 and disembarked at Gourock, Scotland on 17 Jun 1940. He transferred to Force Signals on 26 Jun 1940, was promoted to Acting Corporal on 5 Nov 1940 and after numerous postings in the UK, he embarked from Liverpool, UK, aboard H.M.T. L10 on 14 Nov 1940 and disembarked in the Middle East on 29 Dec 1940. He transferred to Signals 6th Division on 19 Mar 1941. He returned to Australia on 16 Mar 1942 and his rank of Corporal was confirmed on 22 Feb 1943. His service papers have no mention of him going to or returning from TIMOR, but the 2/2 Commando nominal roll has him as joining the unit on Timor as a Corporal in the Signals and Cypher Unit sent from Australia after contact was made with “WINNIE THE WAR WINNER”. There is no date of him leaving the unit, as some of the early embarkation rolls from Timor are missing. On 15 Jul 1943 his service papers state he embarked from Melbourne on 15 Jul 1943 and disembarking at Port Moresby, New Guinea, on 27 Jul 1943. He is promoted to Acting Sergeant on 26 Apr 1944 and embarks from Lae, New Guinea, aboard "DUNTROON" on 15 May 1944 and disembarking at Townsville on 20 May 1944. He transfers to "Z" Special Unit on 6 Aug 1944 and departed for service outside Australia ("Z" Special members never have where they are going when they leave Australia) on 20 Aug 1944 and is reported MISSING on 21 Aug 1944. On 18 Mar 1946, he is reported as Killed in Action on 22 Aug 1944. His body was exhumed from Koepang War Cemetery and reburied at Galala War Cemetery, Ambon, Indonesia on 22 Jul 1946 in Plot 19. Row D. Grave 10. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Cecil enlisted on 8 May 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force. He joined the unit as a Private on Timor from Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force, 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 160th Australian General Transport Company on 19 Oct 1943 and to 2/105th Australian Transport Platoon on 19 Sept 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.

James enlisted on 6 May 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force. He joined the unit on Timor as a Private from Australian Army Service Corps, after the fall of Koepang, approx March 1942. He embarked at “BETANO” for Darwin aboard the “KURU” on 2 Sept 1942 as a Private. He transferred to Australian Army Service Corps, Training Depot on 21 Jan 1943 and transferred to Jungle Training Centre on 10 Apr 1943. He was transferred to 25th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on15 Jul 1943 and to 2nd Australian Hospital Laundry Unit on 28 Mar 1944. He then transferred to 9th Australian Hospital Laundry Unit on 5 May 1944 and to 2/2nd Australian General Hospital 16 May 1945. He 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.

Arnold enlisted on 5 Apr 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force on 29 Jul 1941. Arnold joined the unit on Timor as a Private from Australian Army Service Corps, after the fall of Koepang, approx March 1942. Late in Mar 1942, he was part of Lt Doig's No 13 Section, comprising men, from the Koepang end of Timor, that were stationed at Maliana to patrol the boarder area. He later attended a special training course at “Sinaro” and served as a Tommy Gunner with Lt Rodd and Lt Green’s Sect’s. 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 and was posted to 6th Advanced Workshops, Royal Australian Engineers on 24 Mar 1943. He transferred to 4th Australian Infantry Workshop on 24 Jun 1943 and embarked with them for New Britain aboard "DUNTROON" on 25 Aug 1944. He was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 6 Dec 1944. He flew from HOLLANDIA to MEDANG, New Guinea on 8 Mar 1945 and embarked for MOROTAI aboard "GORGON" on 17 Mar 1945, transferring to 2/11th Field Company on 21 Apr 1945. He suffered very serious burns on 5 May 1945 and was Medevac to Australia, aboard "MANUNDA" on 16 Jun 1945 and after treatment, he was discharged on 20 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Edwin enlisted on 6 May 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps, Sparrow Force on 29 Jul 1941. He joined the unit on Timor from Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) as a Lance Corporal, 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 was promoted paid Lance Corporal and transferred to 35th Company, AASC on 1 Jul 1943 and then the 160th Australian General Transport Company on 7 Aug 1943. He was promoted Corporal on 1 Jun 1945 and was discharged 5 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ronald enlisted on 26 Apr 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) on same day. After training he was posted to AASC Sparrow Section on 29 Jul 1941 and embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941. He joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Private from AASC, 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 was posted to AASC Training Depot on 27 Mar 1943 and was discharged on 10 Mar 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

David enlisted on 14 Mar 1941 and posted to 2/1st Fortress Signals on 10 Jul 1941. He joined the unit on Timor as a Signalman from 2/1 Fortress Signals, 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 left the unit on 13 Jan 1943 and transferred to Signals Recruit Training Battalion on 6 Jul 1943 and then to Signals Training Battalion on 21 Aug 1943. He was discharged on 30 Aug 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Herbert enlisted on 21 Apr 1941 and posted to Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) Training Depot. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 23 May 1941 and promoted Acting Corporal on 20 Jun 1941. He was posted to AASC Section, Sparrow Force on 29 Jul 1941 and appointed Lance Corporal on 8 Sept 1941, his rank of Corporal was confirmed on 29 Oct 1941 but he still would be a Lance Sergeant. He embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Lance Sergeant from AASC, after the fall of Koepang, approx March 1942. He returned to Australia on 22 Aug 1942. He was posted to 1st AASC Training Battalion as an instructor on 13 Sept 1943 and then to 1st Australian Base Ammunition Depot, Australian Army Ordnance Corps, on 12 Dec 1943. He was promoted to Sergeant on 7 Mar 1944 and was discharged 18 Dec 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Joseph enlisted on 1 Apr 1941 and was posted to Australian Army Ordnance Corp and was attached to 2/40th Battalion. He joined the unit on Timor as a Private from the Australian Army Ordnance Corp, 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 was discharged on 22 Sept 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

William joined the Militia with Service No N437274 on 2 Oct 1942 and posted to 2nd Artillery Training Regiment on 10 Oct 1942. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "DUNTROON" on 16 May 1943. He transferred from the Militia to the A.I.F. and posted to 14th Australian Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery on 1 Jun 1943. He returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 5 Feb 1944. On 28 Jul 1944 he attended 1st Australian Infantry Training Brigade and then to 32nd Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 8 Aug 1944. He was then posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 27 Nov 1944 and after training joined the unit as a Trooper on 31 Jan 1945. After leave, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop. He left the unit on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia on 16 Jun 1946 and was discharged on 20 Jun 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".

James enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No N298993 on 18 May 1942 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 11 Aug 1942. He was posted to 2nd Australian Regiment Signals Training Unit on 22 May 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "ORMISTON" on 20 Apr 1944 and joined the 2/2nd on 6 May 1944 as a Trooper and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He transferred to 2/12th Australian Infantry Battalion on 15 May 1945 and embarked for Morotai aboard "PONTUS H ROSS" on 28 May 1945. He moved to Balikpapan date unknown and transferred to 65th Australian Infantry Battalion on 12 Oct 1945. He embarked for Morotai aboard Landing Ship Troops 303 on 23 Oct 1945, he then embarked for Japan aboard "PANCHANG VICTORY" on 17 Feb 1946. He returned to Australia aboard "KANIMBLA" on 16 Dec 1946 and was discharged on 2 Jan 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 "JAPAN"

Roy enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No N214073 on 5 Nov 1941 and was posted to 18th Battalion. He transferred to the AI.F. on 16 Jul 1942 and posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 4 Jan 1943, He was promoted Acting Corporal on 20 Jan 1943 and reverted to Private at his own request on 28 Jan 1943. He embarked for New Guinea on 17 Feb 1943 aboard "KATOOMBA" as a Trooper and joined the 2/2nd on New Guinea , he served in the Headquarters Group, He returned to Australia aboard “KATOOMBA” on 12 Apr 1944. He re-joined the 2/2nd on 15 Sept 1944 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in Headquarters Group. He transferred to "D" Company, 67th Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for Morotai aboard Landing Ship Troops 419 on 10 Dec 1945 then embarked for Kure Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 15 Feb 1946. He returned to Australia on 16 Dec 1946 and was discharged on 14 Apr 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 clasps PNG and JAPAN.

Arthur enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No N270244 on 8 May 1941 and was posted to 17th Infantry Battalion on 29 Jun 1941. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 29 Aug 1941. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 5 Jul 1942 and attended 1st Australian Division Training School Medium Machine Gun course from 6 Jul to 5 Aug 1942. He transferred to 6th Machine Gun Battalion on 26 Aug 1942 and was confirmed Corporal on 16 Dec 1942. He reverted to Private at his own request on 19 Feb 1943 and was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion same day. He was posted to the 2/2nd on 20 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Trooper, aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 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. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 23 May 1945 and confirmed Corporal on 8 Aug 1945. He flew to New Guinea on 21 Aug 1945 and then returned to Australia by plane on 8 Sept 1945. He was discharged on 15 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

James enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserves) with Service Number N19356 on 4 May 1940 and was posted to 33rd Infantry Battalion. He was appointed Acting Corporal on 13 Nov 1941 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 28 Jul 1942. He was posted to the Guerrilla Warfare Centre, Foster on 24 Sept 1942 and reverted to Private at his own request on 30 Oct 1942. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 17 Feb 1943 and joined the 2/2nd as Trooper in No 2 Sect, “A” Troop on 4 Jul 1943. He was medevac'd to Australia aboard “KATOOMBA” on 12 Apr 1944. After treatment and leave, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 1 Sect, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia on 27 Dec 1945 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

Colin enlisted on 11 Mar 1942 and was posted to 54th Infantry Battalion on 19 Jul 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 as a Trooper in No 1 Sect, “A” Troop, aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 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 1 Sect, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 30 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

Ronald enlisted on 1 Jan 1942 and was posted to 14th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 24 Apr 1942, he was appointed Acting Corporal on 14 May 1942. He reverted to Private at his own request on 30 Oct 1942 and was posted to Jungle Warfare Training Centre on 28 Nov 1942. He embarked for New Guinea as a Trooper aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Feb 1943 and joined the 2/2nd on 25 Jun 1943. He was slightly wounded accidently on 5 Nov 1943. He returned to Australia aboard “KATOOMBA” on 12 Apr 1944 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 20 Dec 1944. He transferred to General Duties Depot on 20 Mar 1945 and was discharged on 27 Jun 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John 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. After leave and reorganization he embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Trooper in No 3 Section, “A” Troop, aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943. He was appointed paid Lance Corporal on 29 Aug 1943 and enplaned for Australia on 22 Mar 1944 and posted as an Instructor, to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 30 Mar 1944. Promoted to Acting Corporal on 7 Apr 1944 and transferred to "Z" Special Unit on 17 Aug 1944. He was promoted Sergeant on 23 Nov 1944 and attended 1st Australian Parachute Training centre on 21 Dec 1944, returning to "Z" Special Unit on 29 Jan 1945. He returned to Timor with "Z" Special Unit on 19 Apr 1945 and returned to Australia on 3 May 1945., then again to Timor on 19 Jun 1945, returning to Australia on 24 Jun 1945. On 2 Aug 1945 he left for Borneo with "Z" Special Unit, returning to Australia on 16 Dec 1945. He transferred to Special Investigation Branch (Maritime Group) AIF on 25 Jan 1946 and embarked from Sydney for KURE Japan, on 7 Aug 1946 aboard "RIVER NORMAN", arriving in KURE on 29 Aug 1946. He returned to Australia on 19 Sept 1946 and was discharged on 10 Apr 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". TRIBUTE TO JOHN HARTLEY CONTRIBUTED BY HIS SON CHRIS During the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend in June 2000, my father John Frederick Hartley passed away at the age of 78. Dad was a Barraba boy, born on 22 July 1921, his father a "Chinaman" Henry Samuel Richard Park, and mother Mary Jane Hartley. He was the 10th child born of 13 children, and grew up in Barraba NSW, leaving school by age 13 and working as a drover and whatever else came his way. It was Monday evening, 12th June 2000, at about this very moment 7:15pm, when Dad breathed his last, and went to eternal rest, sitting in his favourite lounge chair in our living room at Fairfield West. Dad was watching some TV, and Mum had just given him a light dinner. She took that tray from him and offered him some dessert. She left the room and entered the kitchen, putting some homemade vanilla rice custard topped with cinnamon in a small bowl, and returned the few steps to Dad. She had been gone just 90 seconds, and in that time, Dad sighed deeply, his heart stopped and he had left us. The ambulance was rung immediately, my then brother-in-law was on the spot to instantly commence CPR, and he persisted for 20 minutes, handing over to the ambos who had arrived within 1o minutes, setting up their gear and observing the CPR process before taking over. But it was all to no avail. Our wonderful father was gone. Mum had lost her husband of 45 years. At the time I was at my own home, just 10 minutes away, and I got to my parents' home straight away to meet with the ambos, and then the Police, who attended and took particulars. Mum was distraught. The funeral parlour people soon attended and did their work, gently lifting Dad and wrapping him tenderly for the journey to the funeral home. We would have the Requiem Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cabramatta on the following Monday 19th June 2000, and from there we proceeded to Pinegrove Cemetery, Minchinbury for the burial. Surviving members of Dad's Commando unit joined us in farewelling Dad. Dad was a proud member of the No. 2 Australian Independent Company, first deployed to Portuguese Timor in Dec 1941, just a week after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. This unit of barely 286 men were the "Double Red Diamonds", so named by their colour patch, and would serve with distinction on Timor for all of 1942, waging guerilla warfare against the Japanese invasion and occupation. They would be the only unit (just 286 men) of the entire 8th Division (some 15,000 men) who would not be destroyed as a fighting force, and who were not captured or surrendered in those dreadful days of December 1941 to March 1942. The unit would be re-named 2/2 Independent Company, then 2/2 Commando Squadron, as they progressed through the war years. Throughout his life, Dad never forgot Timor. The fate of the Timorese people always was in his mind, as were the sailors of the RAN who supported their Timor Campaign in 1942. HMAS VOYAGER would be lost at Betano Bay, Timor on 23 Sep 42, when she ran aground while landing reinforcements of the 2/4 Independent Company. HMAS ARMIDALE would be lost on 01 Dec 42 while trying to reach Timor to evacuate the men. Small vessels like the KURU and VIGILANT would also sustain the Independent Company on Timor. Corvettes and Fairmile ships would also provide support, especially during times of re-supply and/or evacuating wounded and sick. Dad would meet mighty men like Damian Parer and Bill Marien when they visited Timor in Nov 42 to gather information for reporting and propaganda purposes. Their stories, pictures and film would only been seen later in 1943, after the Independent Company had been evacuated. Below you can see photos of Dad, the first in early 1945, and the second is ANZAC DAY 1947 in Sydney, near the Martin Place Cenotaph. The second pic also shows the man who would be my "Godfather" at my Baptism some 8 years later, in August 1955. He is Francis (Frank) (aka Curly) Vincent Terence O'Neill, NX50133, who served with Dad in Timor and New Guinea. After the war, Frank O'Neill would become an international correspondent with the Mirrors newspapers, working for the Murdoch empire, though always rebellious and speaking and writing his own mind. There is so much to be said about these men, my Dad, my godfather Frank (Curly) O'Neill, and so many more, but that is for another time. LEST WE FORGET. Suffice to say that we all still bear the grief and sadness of losing our Dad, a husband, a truly kind and intelligent gentleman, a hard-working soul who cared for his family and friends. This song says it all: man in the picture Prepared by Chris Hartley 12 June 2021

Malcolm enlisted in to the R.A.A.F. on 21 Jun 1941 with Service No 412060 and was discharged on 15 Nov 1941 to enlist in the A.I.F. on 17 Nov 1941. He was posted to 1st Australian Armoured Training Regiment on 26 Nov 1941 and posted to 2/11th Australian Armoured Car Regiment on 4 Dec 1941. He qualified at No 105 Armoured Division Operators Refresher Course Oct 1943 and transferred to 16th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 4 Jul 1944, then to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 6 Nov 1944. He flew to New Guinea on 10 May 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard "SUVA" on 17 May 1945, joining the 2/2nd on 19 May 1945. He transferred to 13th Australian Small Ships Company on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 29 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 23 May 1946. He was entitled to the 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. He may now be entitled to the 1939-45 Star,

Phillip enlisted on 29 Apr 1941 and posted to Signals Training Depot on 7 May 1941 and after training was posted to Foster for commando training on 6 Sept 1941. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on 28 Oct 1941 and Acting Sergeant on 7 Feb 1942. He was posted to No 4 Independent Company on 12 Mar 1942 and confirmed as Sergeant on 17 Sept 1942. He embarked for Timor as a Signals Sergeant with 2/4 Independent Company, arriving aboard HMAS Voyager on 22 Sept 1942. He embarked with the 2/4 for Australia on 9 Jan 1943. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant on 26 Jun 1943 and after officer training embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943. He joined the 2/2 on New Guinea on 28 Nov 1943 as a Lieutenant, taking command of No 10 Section, Headquarters Group. Sadly he was killed in action on 27 Jan 1944, New Guinea. He is buried at Lae War Cemetery, Plot M, Row A, Grave 7. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Percy (KIWI) enlisted on 13 Nov 1941 and according to CD Doig's History, he was rejected from the New Zealand Forces due to a badly set elbow. He 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 Private. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942. He was Mentioned in Despatches, 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 was promoted to Corporal on 1 Apr 1943 and after leave, he embarked with the unit as a Corporal in No 5 Section, “B” Troop for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette, 8 Mar 1945 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 15 Mar 1945. These are the two Gazettes for the units service in New Guinea. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Corporal in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 20 Aug 1945 and transferred to 26th Australian Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945. He returned to Australia on 16 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 15 Mar 1946. He is one of only three men to be Mentioned in Despatches with the unit, the other two were Officers. As Doig said, New Zealand's loss, our gain. 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.