Peter Epps

Richard was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in the Headquarters Group of “A” Platoon. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942. He transferred as an Instructor at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron and embarked aboard "KATOOMBA" for New Guinea on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 and served as a Trooper in Headquarters Group of “A” Troop. He transferred to 12th Australian Small Ship Company, Royal Australian Engineers on 25 Jul 1944 and promoted Acting Sergeant on 5 Dec 1944 . He returned to Australia aboard “TAROONA” on 2 Feb 1945 and promoted to Sergeant on 28 Jun 1945. He embarked with 12th Australian Small Ship Company, Royal Australian Engineers, for TOROKINA, New Guinea aboard "ACL CONVOY 3" on 7 Aug 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "TAROONA" on 17 Oct 1945 and was discharged 6 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".

Patrick was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 5 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 was transferred as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 26 Apr 1943, then to18th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 15 Jun 1943. and then to 9th Employment Company on 17 Nov 1943. Patrick 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.

Oliver was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 4 Section, “B” Platoon. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 10 Jan 1942 and was a member of the famous Dili Raid on the night of 15/16 May 1942, conducted by No 4 Section. He was Killed in Action on 14 Aug 1942. Oliver was Mentioned in Despatches, (Posthumous), 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. Robert was buried at AMBON WAR CEMETERY, 19. C. 16. His real name was Robert Ewan Oliver.

Alfred was an original member of the unit, aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in the Headquarters group of “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 out of the unit on 26 July 1943 and was discharged 26 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below

Maurice enlisted on 11 Dec 1940 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 5 Sect, “B” Platoon. After his campaign on Timor, he medevac'd for Darwin on 22 Aug 1942. After medical treatment he was transferred to 1st Australian Guard Compound, WA on 20 Oct 1943 and then transferred to 10th Garrison Battalion on 1 Dec 1943. He was Discharged on 20 Sept 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

George enlisted on 4 Dec 1940 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Corporal in No 5 Sect, “B” Platoon. After his campaign on Timor, he medevac'd from BETANO to Darwin on 27 Sept 1942. After medical treatment, he embarked as a Lance Corporal for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 28 Nov 1943. He 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 transferred to 4th Survey Battery on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 26 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

Francis enlisted in to 2/6th Field Park, Royal Australian Engineers on 17 Aug 1940 and was an original member of the unit, hr embarked aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Sapper in the Engineers Sect, 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 discharged 16 Oct 1943. He received the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45.

David enlisted on 13 Jul 1940 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Signalman in Signals Platoon, 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 numerous medical treatments he served with Signals throughout Australia and was discharged on 7 Jun 1945. Served with the Royal Signals Corps, UK, prior to WW2. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Norman enlisted on 31 May 1940 and was posted to 2/1st Medium Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, (RAA)as a Gunner on 2 Jul 1940. He transferred to 2/13th Field Regiment on 15 Oct 1940 and embarked for the Middle East on 1 Sept 1941 and returned to Australia on 31 Mar 1942. After training at 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion from 22 Apr 1943, he joined the 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and he embarked with the unit for New Guinea as a Trooper in No 9 Sect, “C” Troop aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 and he flew back to Australia on 24 Aug 1944. He attended the Army School Australian Motor training Depot and qualified at "No 108 Course, D & M Wheeled" on 31 Mar 1945. He was discharged on 28 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

At the association’s committee meeting on 9 March 2016, the following motion was passed unanimously: The president is asked to write a letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressing the view that, in respect of maritime boundaries between Australia and Timor Leste: Australia should enter good faith negotiations with Timor Leste; and if no agreement is reached, both parties should participate in binding arbitration. On 4 April 2016, this letter was sent to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Not having received any response, I sent this letter to the minister on 7 September 2016. I have not received a response. For updates as to progress with the proceedings in The Hague, view this forum thread from Helen Kenneally. Peter Epps President

WX19098 Robert (Bob) enlisted into the 2nd AIF in 1942 and served with the unit on New Guinea and New Britain as a Trooper in the Headquarters Group of “B” Troop. He was discharged on 15 Mar 1946. After returning to Civilian life, he was very heavily involved with the Unit Association and even though he did not serve on Timor, he volunteered many hours over many years collecting, packaging and sending goods to help the East Timorese. For recognition of his unwavering support of the Association, Bob was made a Life Member in 1968, was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 and was also awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in 2003. Bob was a loving husband of Margaret, father of Bradley, Susan and Richard, and grandfather of Thomas and Emily. He died peacefully at home on Wednesday 17 Aug 2016, aged 98. His funeral will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday 24 August in the Norfolk chapel at Karrakatta.

Dear Members Our association's 2016 AGM will be at 6pm on 3 August 2016, at Suite 35, 18 Stirling Highway, Nedlands. The agenda can be downloaded here. If you have not yet done so, please remember to renew your membership via the website. Kind regards Peter Epps President