Peter Epps

Bernard enlisted on 2 May 1941 and was an original member, aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 3 Sect, “A” Platoon. He was medevac'd at “Betano” for Darwin aboard “KURU” on 2 Sept 1942 as a Private. After medical treatment he transferred to 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 6 Sept 1943 and was appointed Lance Corporal on 31 Sept 1943. He transferred to 44th Australian Infantry Battalion on 13 Oct 1943 and promoted to Acting Corporal on 1 May 1944. He reverted to Private on 24 Jun 1944 and transferred to 2/24th Battalion on 5 Jul 1944. He embarked for MOROTAI with them on 8 Apr 1945 and was wounded in action, Mine blast, Face, on 2 May 1945. After medical treatment, he returned to 2/24th on 5 May 1945 and embarked with them for TARAKAN aboard "WESTRALIA" on 22 Sept 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "HMS GLORY" on 12 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 16 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

Gerald enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 23 Jul 1933 and was posted to 13th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers with Service No 246604. He transferred to 11th Battalion on 26 Feb 1940 and promoted to Sergeant on 2 Sept 1940. His Service No changed to W6810. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941 and was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 12 May 1941. His promotion to Sergeant was confirmed on 8 Dec 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Platoon Sergeant, Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. The Sapper Section, which combined with members of the 1st Reinforcements and the former soldiers from the Koepang area and on 8 May 1942, a new Platoon, “D” Platoon, was formed, under the command of Lieutenant Turton and later under Lt Doig. Gerald was commissioned in the field on 4 Jul 1942 as Acting Lieutenant and took command of the Sapper Section, 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 Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Engineer Section, Headquarters Group aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and at Bululo, he flew to Australia on 27 Jun 1944 to attend Land Headquarters School of Military Intelligence Course No 17 . He re-joined the unit on 14 Nov 1944. He was Mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette, 8 Mar 1945 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 15 Mar 1945. After leave and further reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit, as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, Intelligence Section, Headquarters Group. He flew back to Australia on 18 Sept 1945 and was discharged on 15 Jul 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

William enlisted into the Australian Military Forces in Perth, with Service No W4134 on 29th Aug 1940 and served with 13th Field Company Engineers, Royal Australian Engineers, he then enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces, Recruit Training Depot at Claremont, W.A. on 29 Apr 1941 with Service No WX12125. Bill entrained from Claremont, W.A. for 7th Infantry Training Centre, Foster, Vict for Commando Training, on 4 May 1941. After training at Foster, joined the 2nd Independent Company on the 15 Jul 1941. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 1 Aug 1941 and was confirmed as a Corporal on 8 Dec 1941, the day the unit a sailed for Timor. As an original member of the unit, he embarked aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in the Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He was involved with blowing the Bridge over the Glano River, when the Japanese landed on 20 Feb 1942. On 8 May 1942, the Engineers Section, with the selected soldiers from the Koepang area, were formed into a new Platoon, “D” Platoon under the command of Lieutenant Turton and later under Lieutenant Doig. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. The unit went to camp in Qld on 23 Jan 1943 and then on leave. Promoted to Lance Sergeant on 10 Apr 1943. After leave and reorganization, he did not embark with the unit for New Guinea, as he was the Engineer Sergeant, in charge of the Unit stores, which he accompanied, aboard U.S. Navy ship “CITY OF FORT WORTH” on 20 Jun 1943 and re-joined the unit on 26 Jun 1943. Bill was not known as a sailor, he could not go on the Ferry over the Swan River without being sea sick and when on the US Navy ship with all their very good food compared to the Australian Navy, he spent the whole time hanging over the railings. This became a family joke. He transferred out of the unit from New Guinea on 13 Jun 1944 and flew out of NABZAB, landing in Townsville on 19 Jun 1944. Bill was promoted to Sergeant on 14 Aug 1944 and attended a Second Australian Army Junior Leaders School, "To train personnel posted as instructors to staff training units (not Infantry) in drill & weapon training" from 14 Aug to 26 Aug 1944. He was posted as an Instructor at 3rd Training Section, Royal Australian Engineers, Kapooka, N.S.W. on 27 Aug 1944. Bill returned to Claremont Leave and Transit Depot on 5 Dec 1944 for leave and was discharged on 13 Oct 1945 at Karrakatta, W.A.. He was a committee member for many years, which included being Vice President and President, he maintained the Association Area of Kings park for many years and he was made a Life Member of the Association in 1963. His wife Jess was made a Life Member in 1975 and his son Peter in 1991. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John (Chook) enlisted on 5 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 2 Sect, “A” Platoon. He was involved in the defence of the Dili Airstrip where he was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his distinguished service. 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 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. After leave and reorganization he embarked with the unit as a Corporal in No 2 Sect, “A” Troop for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943. John was medevac'd to Australia 21 May 1944 and after medical treatment he was transferred to Land Headquarters Tactical School on 11 Aug 1944. He was discharged on 31 Aug 1945. John was made a Life Member of the Association in 1985. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Raymond enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) on 9 Jan 1941 with Service No W11211 and posted to 44th Infantry Battalion. He was promoted Corporal on 31 Jan 1940, Sergeant on 27 Mar 1940 and Lieutenant (Probationary) on 13 Feb 1941. He was confirmed Lieutenant on 29 Apr 1941 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 30 Apr 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, No 9 Sect, “C” Platoon. Embarked at “Betano” for Darwin aboard “KURU” on 16 Nov 1942 as a Lieutenant. Transferred as Adjutant to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, Canungra, Queensland on 1 Jun 1943 then to 4th Australian Reinforcement Training Battalion (Jungle Warfare) on 24 Sept 1943. He was discharged on 7 Nov 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Charles served as 52043 Private, 28th Battalion, A.I.F. from 8 Jan 1918 to 28 Feb 1919. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Captain, Officer Commanding, Australian Army Medical Corps Section, Headquarters Group. He was the unit Doctor. At “Ainaro”, he, with the help of his very competent Australian Army Medical Corps personnel, set up a field hospital and convalescent depot, which was a truly remarkable feat, for the unit was fighting a guerrilla action. The hospital was moved many times over the course of the campaign. Stragglers from the Koepang area and many sick and wounded men were nursed back to health, enabling them to take their place in the field again. 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 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 awarded a Commander in Chief Commendation Card for service in Timor, Authority, Army Order 69/43 for Bravery and Distinguished Service on 22 Apr 1943. See A Spence Bio page for example He was transferred to 118th Australian General Hospital on 23 Mar 1943, then 60th Camp Hospital on 17 Jun 1943. He was appointed Officer Commanding, (OC) 40th Australian Camp Hospital on 20 Oct 1943, he was promoted Major, 10 Dec 1943. He was posted to Headquarters W.A. Lines of Communication as Deputy Assistant Director, Medical Services (DADMS) on 7 Feb 1944. He was appointed Commanding Officer (CO) of 109th Convalescing Hospital on 3 Jan 1945, then as Deputy Assistant Director, Medical Services (DADMS), Headquarters 8th Australian Base Subarea on 9 Mar 1945. He was transferred to Queensland Lines of Communication Area on 17 Mar 1945 and embarked for LABUAN on 3 Apr 1945. He was appointed as Assistant Director, Medical Services (ADMS), Advance Headquarters, Australian Military Forces on 12 Nov 1945 and enplaned at LABUAN for MOTORAI on 30 Oct 1945, then appointed Assistant Director, Medical Services (ADMS), Headquarters MOROTAI Force on 13 Dec 1945. He returned to Australia aboard HMAS "PLATAPUS" on 15 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 7 Jan 1946. He was entitled to the a British War Medal, Victory Medal, 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". He was appointed a Serving Brother of the Most venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in London Gazette dated 26 Jun 1964.

Colin served with 25th Light Horse Machine Gun Regt, 1938-1941 with Service No W1314 and he was commissioned, Lieutenant, on 23 Oct 1940. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 7 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 5 Sect, “B” Platoon. Colin commanded "D" Platoon which consisted of the men who escaped from the Koepang end and were trained up to be commandos plus the original Engineers Section. In Jul 1942 he was part of “H” Force which comprised 2 Officers and 10 men to source food and patrol the east end of the island for Japanese infiltration. Aug 1942 he took command of "H" Force and in Oct 1942, George Boyland took over command of “H” Force from him. 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 as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 5 Sect, “B” Troop, for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. Colin was promoted to Captain on 7 Mar 1945 and after leave and further reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Captain, Officer Commanding, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "MANUNDA" on 19 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 26 Apr 1946. Colin was the first Life Member of the Association in 1950 and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1988. 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

George 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. 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 16 Jun 1943 and joined the 44th Infantry Battalion on 4 Jul 1943, he then transferred to 2/32nd Infantry Battalion on 5 Jul 1944. George transferred to 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion on 21 Feb 1945 and embarked for MOROTAI aboard "SEA BARB" on 16 Mar 1945, then embarked for TARAKAN on 22 Apr 1945. He embarked for BALIKAPAN aboard Landing Ship Troop 703 on 23 Jun 1945. George transferred to 2/12th Infantry Battalion on 10 Oct 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "STANFORD VICTORY" on 10 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Francis enlisted on 15 Jan 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 4 Sect, “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 medical treatment and leave, he was transferred as an instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 19 Apr 1943, then to 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Apr 1943, then to 18th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 15 Jun 1943. He was appointed Paid Lance Corporal on 11 Sept 1943 and reverted to Private on 3 Nov 1943. He embarked from Townsville for New Guinea aboard "CANBERRA" on 14 Jan 1944 and re-joined the unit as a Trooper in No 6 Sect, “B” Troop on 15 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 in No 6 Sect, “B” Troop. He transferred out of the unit on 8 Jan 1946 and returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAUA" on 18 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 7 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

Francis (Frank) 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 Sect 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.