Peter Epps

Mervyn (Merv) enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W12397 and posted to 44th Infantry battalion, He transferred to the A.I.F. on 28 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was severely wounded in the first action with the Japanese on 20 Feb 1942, during the defence of the Dili aerodrome, taken prisoner and spent three and a half years as a POW. After release from the Japanese Tanjong Pagar Camp, he returned to Australia aboard "DUNTROON" on 7 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 9 Jan 1946. For his service Merv was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45. This is a copy of a sheet that WX13624 Pte Mervyn Peter Ryan, was given when leaving Timor, as a POW after recovering from wounds received during the heroic defence of the Dili Airstrip. Merv was wounded and refused to be carried from the strip, as he realised it could cost more casualties to do so. He spent the rest of the war as a POW, returning home after hostilities ceased.

Gordon 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 11 Dec 1942. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in 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 Trooper in Headquarters Group. He returned to Australia aboard "ORMISTON" on 18 Oct 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. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".

William (Harold) enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) with Service No W1850 and posted to 25th Light Horse Regiment. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 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. Late Jul 1942 it was decided to form a small detachment, called “H” Force, comprising of 2 Officers and 10 other ranks, to serve as far right-flank protection for the unit. Harry was selected for this assignment. 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 Corporal on 21 Apr 1943 and attended Intelligence Course No 7 from 24 Apr to 20 May 1943. He was promoted Corporal on 8 Jun 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in No 9 Section, “C” Troop. He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 1 Mar 1944 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was discharged on 11 Dec 1944. William was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia 8 Jun 1987 and 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.

Steven enlisted on 9 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Corporal in No 9 Section, “C” Platoon. Reallocated to No 7 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 to 1st Australian Provost Company on 22 Apr 1943 and then to 7th Australian Provost Company on 4 Jul 1943. Promoted Acting Corporal on 7 May 1943 and confirmed Corporal on 7 Dec 1943. Attended No 11 Land Head Quarters Provost Training School from 2 Jan 1944 to 11 Apr 1944. He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 2 May 1944 and reverted to Corporal on admission to hospital on 16 Apr 1945. He was discharged 25 Jul 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as Private in No 4 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. Transferred as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 7 Jun 1943, Australian Training Centre (Jungle Warfare) on 25 May 1944 and then to “Z” Special Force on 31 Jul 1944. Qualified Parachutist on 25 Jan 1945 and departed for service outside Australia on 19 Apr 1945 and returned to Australia on 3 May 1945. No destination recorded. John was discharged on 1 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

James (Jim) enlisted on 18 Jun 1941 and posted to Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC) Training Depot on 20 Jun 1941. Promoted Acting Corporal on 23 Jun 1941 and transferred to AAMC on 6 Aug 1941. Appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 26 Aug 1941 and Acting Sergeant on 4 Sept 1941. He embarked for the Middle East on 26 sept 1942 and reverted to Private on 21 Oct 1941, promoted Acting Corporal 25 Oct 1941 and he transferred to 2/7th Field Ambulance and reverted to Private again on 16 Nov 1942. He returned to Australia with 2/7th Field Ambulance, AAMC on 28 Mar 1942. He joined the 2/4th Australian Independent Company and was promoted to Corporal again on 21 Sept 1942. He embarked for Timor aboard "HMAS VOYAGER" on 22 Sept 1942 and he returned to Australia with 2/4th Australian Independent Company on 18 Feb 1943. He transferred to the 2/2nd on 28 Apr 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in Medical Section, Headquarters Group 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 Corporal in Medical Section, Headquarters Group. He returned to Australia aboard "KANIMBLA" on 4 Oct 1945 and was discharged on 1 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

David 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. 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 Battalion on 26 Apr 1943, then 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 28 Apr 1943, the 25th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on10 Jul 1943, the 12th Australian Ordnance Company on 7 Dec 1943 and 7th Australian Advance Ordnance Depot on 30 Sept 1944. He was discharged on 19 Oct 1945. Dave was made a Life Member of the Association in 1978. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Donald enlisted on 13 Oct 1941 and was posted to 11th Battalion on 18 Feb 1942. He attended 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 S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 9 Section, “C” Troop. Whilst on patrol with 5 others to Kulau, New Guinea, he was Killed in Action on 10 Jan 1944. He is buried at Lae War Cemetery, New Guinea. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Donald enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserve) on 2 Jan 1942 and the A.I.F. on 20 Jul 1942. After training at 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, he joined 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 7 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. He left the unit on 24 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia on 4 Feb 1946. He was discharged on 18 Nov 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".

William (Bill) enlisted on 30 Dec 1941 and was posted to 24th Infantry battalion on 11 May 1942. He was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 14 Dec 1942. He was posted to 2/5th Independent Company on 29 Mar 1943 and embarked with them for New Guinea on 17 Apr 1943 as a Signaller. He transferred to the 2/2nd on 26 Jun 1943 on New Guinea as a Signaller and returned to Australia with them aboard “DUNTROON” on 9 Jun 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He left the unit and returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAUA" on 18 Jan 1946 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 "S.W.Pacific".

Thomas 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. 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 to 1st Commando Training Squadron on 12 May 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 22 Nov 1943, to re-join the unit as a Trooper on 28 Nov 1943. He transferred to 2/2nd Dock Operation Company on 4 Aug 1944 and was Medevac to Australia on 20 Sept 1944. After convalescing, he transferred to 6th Australian Base Ordnance Depot on 8 Feb 1945. Thomas was discharged on 14 Jun 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John (Jack) served in 3rd Field Regiment and 109th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. He was commissioned a Lieutenant on 2 Jan 1942 and posted to Headquarters of 29th Anti-Aircraft Battery on 15 Feb 1943. He trained at 1st Commando Training Squadron from 1 Jul 1944 and joined the unit on 29 Jun 1944. Jack embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding, No 3 Section, “A” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "SALAMANUA" on 18 Jan 1946 and discharged on 4 Feb 1946. John was made a Life Member of the Association in 1992. 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".

Edward (Ted) 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. After the unit left Koepang to proceed to Portuguese Timor, he and Private Charles Dodge were kept in Koepang as witnesses to Private Swift's death. After the Japanese landed at Koepang and the order was given "every man for himself", he and Charles tried to sail a native boat to Australia. Both were captured by the Japanese and spent the rest of the war as POW’s. Ted was confirmed a POW on 22 Apr 1943 and was repatriated from Fukuoka Camp, Japan on 19 Sept 1945 and was taken to Manila on 26 Sept 1945, then flown to Australia on 10 Oct 1945. He was discharged on 31 Jan 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He may now also be entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".

James (JIM) 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 Section 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.

William enlisted on 25 Jun 1941 and served with 2/28th Infantry Battalion in the Middle East from 7 Nov 1941 to 14 May 1942. He was posted to 1st Commando Training Squadron on 25 Feb 1943 and was promoted Acting Corporal on 31 Mar 1943. He joined the unit on 20 May 1943 and reverts to Private on 21 May 1943. He embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper 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. William transferred to “D” Company, 67th Infantry Battalion on 6 Dec 1945 and embarked for MORORAI aboard Landing Ship Troops (LST) 419 on 10 Dec 1945, he then embarked for JAPAN aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 15 Feb 1946 for service with British Commonwealth Occupation Force. He returned to Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 13 Nov 1946 and returned to JAPAN on 13 Feb 1947. He then returned to Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 5 Jul 1947 and was discharged on 21 Jul 1947. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps "S.W.Pacific" and "JAPAN".

Charles 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. He took part in the ambush and killing of the “Singapore Tiger”, 22 Jun 1942 and was promoted Corporal on 18 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. He left the unit on 6 Jun 1943 and after hospital and convalescing, he embarked for New Guinea as a Trooper aboard “KATOOMBA” on 22 Nov 1943, he re-join the unit on 26 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. He left the unit on 29 Nov 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 16 Dec 1945, he was discharged on 10 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 10 Sept 1941 and his service papers are unavailable due to post WW2 service. We know he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper and was discharged from the A.I.F. on 3 Apr 1946. He served with service number 4400107 in the Korean War with 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 7 April 1952 to 24 March 1953 as a Private.

John enlisted on 19 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private 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. He transferred as an Instructor at 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 17 Jun 1943. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 1 Jul 1943 but reverted to Private on 27 Jul 1943 and embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 27 Aug 1943 and re-joined the unit as a Trooper in No 6 Section, “B” Troop on 2 Nov 1943 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. He was discharged on 13 Oct 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Gordon enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) on 16 May 1938 with Service No 277309 and then W2229 and was posted as a Gunner to 3rd Field Brigade, Royal Australian Artillery. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941 and was as an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 3 Section, “A” Platoon. 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 aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Sapper in Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. He transferred to 2/6th Australian Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers on 28 Dec 1943 and returned to Australia aboard "ORIZABA" on 16 Feb 1944. He embarked for Morotai aboard Landing Ship Troops 935 on 23 May 1945 and then embarked for Borneo aboard "WESTRALIA" on 21 Jun 1945. He returned to Australia aboard "MORETON BAY" on 19 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 28 Jan 1946. Gordon was made a Life Member of the Association in 1976. 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". He may also be entitled to a George VI Australian Efficiency Medal as he was CMF pre-war with continuous service to Dec 1945.

Ronald enlisted at Perth, W.A. on 18 Dec 1940 and was selected to proceed to Wilsons Promontory for training with the unit. As the unit was preparing to leave Wilsons Promontory to proceed overseas, he became very ill with meningitis. He was admitted to 115 General Hospital at Heidelberg on 1 Sept 1941 and unfortunately passed away on 2 Sept 1941. He was buried FAWKNER MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY, Baptist Plot. Compt. C. Grave 286,. For his service, he was entitled to a War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45.

Stanley was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in 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. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 28 Nov 1943. Stan was medevac'd to Australia aboard 2/1st Australian Hospital Ship on 13 Jun 1944 and was discharged on 6 Jul 1945. Stan was made a Life Member of the Association in 1989. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Terence enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserve) on 18 Aug 1940 with Service No W10340 and served with 28th Infantry Battalion. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 2 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 1 Section, “A” Platoon. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. Terence was an Instructor at the following, 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron, 19 Apr 1943, 29th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 27 Apr 1943 and 18th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 15 Jun 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 22 Nov 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 28 Nov 1943, as a Trooper in No 10 Section, Headquarters Group 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 53rd Port Craft Company on 26 Dec 1945 and then to 44th Australian Landing Craft Company on 2 Feb 1946. He returned to Australia aboard "GEORGE TOWN VICTORY" on 14 Mar 1946 and was discharged on 25 Mar 1946. Terence was made a Life Member of the Association in 1991. 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

Raymond 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. 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 either 11 Dec 1942 or 16 Dec 1942, as the embarkation rolls do not differentiate. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop 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 Trooper in No 5 Section, “B” Troop. He transferred to 53rd Port Craft Company on 22 Mar 1946 and was discharged on 22 Mar 1946. Ray re-enlisted for the Korean War with Service No 5400049 and served with 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 26 Dec 1950 to 26 Dec 1951. During that period, the 3rd Battalion (800) was involved in the “Battle of Kapyong” between 22- 25 Apr 1950 against a Chinese Division (10,000) and the battalion was awarded an American “Presidential Unit Citation” and Ray was awarded a Military Medal, London Gazette dated 25 Jan 1952. CITATION “On the night of the 23rd APRIL, 1951, Corporal PARRY was given a small knoll slightly to the rear of “B” Coy’s perimeter, to man with a Light Machine Gun and three men. On information that the enemy had infiltrated our lines and large numbers were forming up below the knoll to attack the Coy position, Corporal PARRY leaving the remainder of his section under command of his 2 i/c, proceeded to the knoll. As he arrived at the Light Machine Gun outpost at approximately 0400hrs, the enemy, fifty in number launched their attack. By brilliant use of fire power under his command and inspiring leadership, the attack was smashed; the enemy being forced to withdraw, leaving behind dead and wounded. Three further enemy attacks were made on the outpost in the next twenty minutes, these being repulsed in the same determined manner as the first. The knoll was to the rear of “B” Coy’s position, and had this fallen to the enemy they could have dominated the Coy’s perimeter. There is no doubt that Corporal PARRY’s quick appreciation of the situation and brilliant leadership together with his determination to hold vital ground, was directly responsible for the Coy’s perimeter being kept intact and at the same time thoroughly disorganising the enemy. Ten enemy dead were counted after the first attack and as day broke a further thirteen dead were found on the lower slopes.” Ray served as a Sergeant at the Battle of Maryang San between 3-8 Oct 1951. Military Medal Presidential Unit Citation

Thomas enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No W1125 on 14 Dec 1940 and was posted to 10th Light Horse Regiment. He was called up for full time duty on 17 Dec 1941 and transferred to the A.I.F. on 12 Feb 1943. He transferred to 16th Infantry Battalion on 9 Jun 1944 and was posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 27 Nov 1944. He joined the 2/2nd on 30 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. He returned to Australia by plane on 22 May 1945 and was discharged on 30 May 1945. He was entitled to the Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Norman enlisted on 7 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in Headquarters Section, “C” Platoon. Later joining No 7 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. In hospital for some time, then stowed away aboard “VAN HENTY” for New Guinea on 16 Aug 1943 and re-joined the unit on 2 Nov 1943. He returned to Australia aboard “TAROONA” on 10 Apr 1944 and in hospital for some time again. Norman was promoted to Corporal on 3 Oct 1945 and transferred to Marrinup P.O.W. camp on 29 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 31 May 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.