Peter Epps

George enlisted on 11 Jun 1940 and was posted to 2/22nd Infantry Battalion on 1 Aug 1940, then transferred to 2/21st Infantry Battalion on 12 Sept 1940. He transferred to Headquarters, Sparrow Force on 12 Feb 1942 and joined the unit on Timor as a Private from Headquarters 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 left the unit on 18 Mar 1943 and was posted to 2/12th Infantry Battalion on 29 May 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" 27 Aug 1943 and was Medevac aboard 2/1st Hospital Ship on 23 Jan 1944. He was discharged 30 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Bruce enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No V13789 on 26 Apr 1941 and posted to Area Signals on 30 Apr 1941. He transferred to the A..F. on 30 Jul 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was with No 2 Section during the defence of the Dili Drome on the 20 Feb 1942 when the Japanese first landed. 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 Timor as the Trooper in No 2 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 2 Section, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 3 Jan 1946. His service papers suggest that he enlisted in to the Australian Regular Army on 11 Jan 1949 with Service No 3/2005 and posted to 108th Transport Platoon as a Driver. There is also mention of him with Service No 3/2005, serving as a Temporary Corporal in 15th National Service Training Battalion. 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

William enlisted in Citizen Military force (Reserve) on 27 Nov 1941 and was posted to 20th Light Horse Regiment. He transferred to 5/6th Ordnance depot on 8 Jan 1942 and then to Headquarters, 1st Australian Base Ordnance Depot on 22 Sept 1942. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 20 Jan 1943 and was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 1 Mar 1943. After training, William joined the unit 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 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 “D” Company, 67th Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for MOROTAI aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 419 on 10 Dec 1945. He then embarked for Japan aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 16 Feb 1946, for service with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. William embarked for Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 26 Jan 1947 and was discharged on 14 Feb 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" and "JAPAN".

John (Jack) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was one of the main Signallers involved with making “Winnie the War Winner” and 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. 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 appointed Lance Sergeant on 24 Dec 1942 and Sergeant on 3 Apr 1943. Jack transferred as an Instructor at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 12 Aug 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” as a Sergeant on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. 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 Sergeant in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. Jack returned to Australia on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 3 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".

Alfred enlisted on 17 Nov 1941 and was posted to Australian Head Quarters Postal. He was appointed Acting Lance Corporal on 26 Nov 1941, Acting Corporal on 27 Nov 1941, Acting Sergeant on 22 Dec 1941. He was confirmed Sergeant on 3 Jan 1942 and embarked for Timor aboard "KOOLAMA" on 17 Jan 1942. He joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Sergeant from 8th Division Postal Unit, 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 Royal Australian Engineers Training Battalion on 18 Mar 1943 and then to 2nd Australian Base Postal Unit on 5 Apr 1943. He was promoted Staff Sergeant on 6 Apr 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.

Henry was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in Headquarters Group. He also served with No 8 Section, "B" Platoon and was promoted Corporal on 1 Aug 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 9th Australian Army Troops Company, Royal Australian Engineers on 23 Apr 1943 and was discharged on 8 Jan 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Stanley enlisted on 24 Jun 1940 and was posted to 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) on 19 Aug 1940. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 28 May 1941 and joined the unit on Timor as a Lance Corporal from 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He embarked for Australia from ”SUAI” aboard “KUKU” 2 Sept 1942. He was posted to M.V.T.T.C. and promoted Paid Lance Corporal on 2 Jul 1943. He transferred to 1st A.T.T.C. on 12 Mar 1944, then to Fortress Workshops, Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (AEME) on 18 May 1944, then to Brisbane Area Workshops, AEME on 8 Dec 1944, then to 8th Area Water Craft Workshops AEME, on 13 May 1945. He was transferred to 1st Australian Advance Water Craft Workshop, AEME on 15 Jun 1945 and was discharged on 27 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

George enlisted on 4 Sept 1941 and was appointed Lance Corporal on 3 Oct 1941. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 25 Feb 1943. After training, George joined the unit on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Lance Corporal 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 Lance Corporal in No 3 Section, “A” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 20 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".

John (Jack) had 3 years prior service with the RAN and enlisted in the A.I.F. on 1 May 1941 and was appointed Lance Corporal on 11 Jun 1941, Acting Corporal on 2 Jul 1941 and posted to 2/1st Fortress Signals on 9 Jul 1941. He joined the unit on Timor as a Corporal from 2/1st Fortress Signals, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942 and was one of those Signalmen who were instrumental in building "Winnie the War Winner". He was promoted to Sergeant on 15 Aug 1942 and embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. John was commissioned Lieutenant on 23 Dec 1942 and transferred to Central Signals Training Depot on 7 Apr 1943. He transferred to 1st Australian Signals Training battalion on 17 May 1943 and was discharged on 18 Nov 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Victor enlisted on 6 May 1941 and was posted to 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers on 3 Oct 1941. He joined the unit on Timor as a Sapper from 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, 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. He embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. He left the unit and returned to 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers on 15 Mar 1943. He was discharged on 2 May 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Desmond enlisted on 28 Jan 1941 and was posted to 2/11th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). He embarked for Timor aboard "KOOLAMA" on 17 Jan 1942 and joined the 2/2nd on Timor as a Sapper form 2/11 Field Company, 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. He was Wounded near "SAME", during the rear-guard action for the embarkation of “D” Platoon and hospital patients on 10 Dec 1942 and he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. He was treated for Gun Shot Wound Leg and was discharged on 20 Dec 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Robert (Bob) enlisted into the R.A.A.F. with Service No 5789 on 9 Jan 1940 and wanted to serve as Aircrew but was sent to Air Force Head Quarters, Melbourne. He was promoted to Corporal, date unknown as his RAAF papers are not available. After 2 years applying for flying duty unsuccessfully, he was granted a discharge to enlist in the A.I.F. which he did on 15 Jan 1942. He was transferred to the Guerrilla Warfare Centre at Foster from 27 Jul to 4 Sept 1942 and passed. He then attended No 27 Course, Officer Training Unit , Bonegilla, Vict, from 11 Oct to 31 Dec 1942 and passed. On 5 Jan 1943 he was posted to the Jungle Warfare School, Canungra, Qld and was promoted Acting Sergeant on 20 Jan 1943 and acting O.C. of "H" Company training recruits. Applications were invited from N.C.O's who had completed the Guerrilla Warfare Course at Foster, to revert to Trooper to reinforce the 2/5th Independent Company in New Guinea and Bob was one of the successful applicants, embarking for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Feb 1943. Whilst in Port Moresby Mar / Apr 1943, he was able to fulfil his dream of flying, as he had an unofficial Log of 39 1/2 hours comprising 2 night raids on Rabaul and 3 armed reconnaissance missions around New Britain with 65th Squadron, 43rd Bomb Group, U.S.A.F. Bob reverted to Trooper on 25 Jun 1943 and joined the 2/2nd in Headquarters, “B” Troop on 26 Jun 1943 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 12 Apr 1944. He flew back to New Guinea on 24 Jul 1944 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was promoted Acting Corporal on 23 Nov 1944 and reverted to Trooper on 10 Mar 1945. He was on leave in WA and returned after the unit had embarked for New Britain. He embarked for New Britain aboard “ORMISTON” on 14 Jul 1945 and re-joined the unit on 28 Jul 1945. Bob returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAUA" on 18 Jan 1945 and was discharged on 15 Mar 1946. Bob was made a Life member of the Association in 1968, awarded a Centenary Medal 2001 and a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2003. 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 the Citizen Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No 276791 on 26 May 1938 and was posted to 11th Infantry Battalion. He was promoted Corporal on 1 May 1940 and Sergeant on 20 Mar 1941. At some point his Service No changed to W6970. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941, was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 12 May 1941, Sergeant on 8 Dec 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Platoon Sergeant in “A” Platoon. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 4 Jul 1942 and was Intelligence Officer, Sparrow Force. 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 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 23 Jan 1943 as an Instructor and returned to the 2/2nd on13 Apr 1943. He embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Lieutenant and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He attended Land Head Quarters, School of Military Intelligence, "B" Wing Course No 20 from 15 Jan to 24 Feb 1945 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 26 Feb 1945. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 4 Section, “B” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAU" on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 7 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

Maurice 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. Maurice was involved with building “Winnie the War Winner” and he 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. 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 as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, 19 Apr 1943, 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 27 Apr 1943, 18th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 15 Jun 1943, 47th Australian Wireless Section, 4 Dec 1944 and 16th Australian Operating Section, 22 Dec 1944. He was discharged on 8 Feb 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John enlisted on 29 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 “Q” Staff, Headquarters Group. He was medivac to Australia on 22 Aug 1942 and was discharged on 26 Aug 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

George enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W36475. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 May 1941, was Promoted Acting Corporal on 11 Jul 1941 and confirmed Corporal on 8 Dec 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private. He was medevac'd to Australia from ”SUAI” aboard “KURU” on 15 Jul 1942. After medical treatment he transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion as an Instructor on 1 Jun 1943 and was discharged on 5 May 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

George enlisted on 29 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 4 Section, “B” Platoon. He took part in the raid on Dili, on night of 15-16 May 1942 and also took part in the ambush and killing of the “Singapore Tiger”, 22 Jun 1942. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. Transferred as an Instructor at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 19 Apr 1943, then 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Apr 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 11 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd as a Trooper in No 4 Section, “B” Troop on 28 Nov 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 4 Section, “B” Troop. He transferred to 4th Survey Battery on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 21 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".

Frederick was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was Killed in Action during the defence of the Dili Airstrip on 20 Feb 1942. He is commemorated on Panel 3, NORTHERN TERRITORY MEMORIAL. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Arthur enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (Reserve) on 18 Jan 1937 and was posted to 28th Militia Battalion. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 16 Nov 1940 and was promoted Acting Sergeant and taken on the strength of 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion on the 17 Nov 1940. He was posted to the Guerrilla Warfare School, Foster on 11 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Platoon Sergeant, “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 as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 15 May 1943 and when the unit returned from New Guinea, he re joined them on 11 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Sergeant. He transferred to 32nd Australian Salvage Section on 13 Jun 1945 and he returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 1 Aug 1945. Arthur was discharged on 20 Oct 1945. He was entitled to a 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War medal and an Australian Service Medal 1939-45, see photo below. Arthur was made a Life Member of the Association.

Andrew enlisted on 11 Dec 1940 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. No 8 Section were operating an observation post (OP) near Mindelo, overlooking Maubisse, reporting on Japanese movements. Before dawn on the 11 Nov 1942, Andrew and Private George Thomas, went to man the OP and they were never heard of again. It was surmised that they were ambushed by the Japanese when they arrived and must have put up a terrific fight, as a patrol who went there later, although not finding any bodies, saw a big heap of expended ammunition shells, as indication that these two men had sold out dearly. (This is condensed from C. D. Doig's book) Andrew's body was never found and he is commemorated on Panel 3, on the Northern Territory Memorial. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below Report below was for George Thomas but includes Andrew. SMEATON ANDREW : Service Number - WX5537 - NAA_ItemNumber6449305.pdf

James (Jimmy) enlisted on 3 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, Transferred as an Instructor at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 19 Apr 1943, then 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Apr 1943 and 1st Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 9 Oct 1943 and he was discharged on 7 Jan 1944. Jimmy was made a Life Member of the Association in 1988. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John (Jack) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Corporal in No 7 Section, “C” Platoon. He was Killed in Action, 20 Feb 1942, when the Section was caught in the Ration truck action, 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.

Ross enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 10 Dec 1941 and was posted to Fortress Engineers on ROTTNEST, WA. He transferred to A.I.F. on 17 Aug 1942 and was posted to 1st Commando Training Squadron on 30 Jan 1943. He joined the unit on 15 May 1942 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. Ross was Medevac to Australia aboard 2/1st Australian Hospital Ship on 13 Jun 1944 and was discharged on 24 Sept 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

William (Jack) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. 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 transferred as an Instructor at 1st Commando Training Squadron on 10 oct 1943. Then joined Special Duties (Qld) on 31 Jan 1945 and joined the “Z” Special Force on 24 Apr 1945. He enplaned for MOROTAI on 3 Jun 1945 and returned from Service Outside Australia on 10 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 11 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".

Neil enlisted on 29 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 Headquarters Section of “B” Platoon. He was a member of the defence of Dili Airstrip during the first contact with the Japanese. He 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. 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, Neil embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 28 Nov 1943. He transferred to 12th Australian Small Ships Company, Royal Australian Engineers, on 25 Jul 1944 and was promoted Acting Corporal on 11 Nov 1944, Sergeant on 5 Dec 1944 and Warrant Officer Class 2 on 23 Jan 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 19 Feb 1945 and was discharged on 20 Mar 1946.