Peter Epps

Bernard enlisted on 5 Nov 1941 and was posted to 11th Armoured Car Regiment on 7 Nov 1941. He transferred to 16th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 7 Jul 1944 and then to 1sr Australian Commando Training Squadron on 13 Nov 1944. He enplaned to New Guinea on 10 May 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard "SUVA" on 17 May 1945 and joined the unit on 19 May 1945 as a Signaller. He transferred to 13th Small Ships Company on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 29 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 19 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".

Arthur enlisted on 10 Jan 1944 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 1 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 1 Section, "A" Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He served with the British Occupation Forces in Japan with 67th Australian Infantry Battalion and was discharged on 3 May 1948. Has a service number 21064 which denotes service post war.

Ronald enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No N2273 on 1 Oct 1941 and posted to 15th Light Horse Regiment. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 31 Jul 1942 and posted to 15th Australian Motor Regiment. He was posted to 1st Australian Independent Parachute Company on 26 Jan 1943 then to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 8 Mar 1943. He joined the 2/2nd on 15 May 1943 and embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop. 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 8 Section, “C” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "SALAMAUA" on 18 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 29 Jan 1946. Post war Ronald served in the 41st Infantry Battalion and reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 with Service number 2-66686. 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 (Curly) 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 and served mainly in No 4 Section, “B” Platoon, where he was a member of the diversion group for the Dili Raid and later, in No 13 Section, “D” Platoon. He was wounded on Timor. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hides” on 16 Dec 1942. Transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training squadron on 14 Apr 1943 as an Instructor. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 11 Nov 1943 and re-joined the unit on 28 Nov 1943 as a Trooper in No 1 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. Appointed paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 1 Section, “A” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. Francis transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard USA Transport "TAOS VICTORY" on 29 Jan 1946. Curly was discharged on 7 May 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".

Leonard (Shadow) enlisted on 3 Dec 1941 and 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 and served in No4 Section, "B" Platoon. 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 aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper. He was wounded at Faita, New Guinea on 27 Sept 1943, but remained on duty. He was medivac to Australia on 29 Sept 1944 aboard "TAROONA" and did not return to the unit. He was discharged on 30 Apr 1946. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Thomas enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserves) and was posted to 4th Infantry Battalion on 1 Oct 1941. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 25 Aug 1942 and posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 1 Mar 1943. After training Thomas 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 7 Section, “C” Troop and returned to Australia with the unit aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. Appointed paid Lance Corporal on 25 Jan 1945. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal in No 7 Section, “C” Troop. Embarked for Australia on 8 Jan 1946 and was discharged on 29 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".

John (Jack) enlisted on 12 Jan 1940 and was Promoted Acting Corporal on 8 Jun 1941 and Lance Sergeant on 18 Aug 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Sergeant in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. 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 was promoted Acting Sergeant on 24 Dec 1942 and Warrant Officer Class II (WOII) on 3 Apr 1943. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a WOII, Ordnance in Headquarters Group and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. John transferred to 16th garrison battalion on 5 Jan 1945 and then Hay POW camp on 31 May 1945. He was discharged on 22 Nov 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Lewis enlisted on 20 Mar 1941 and was posted to 2/21st Infantry Battalion on 1 Jun 1941, he transferred to 2/40th Infantry battalion on 7 Jul 1941. He joined the unit on Timor as a Private, from 2/40 Battalion, 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. Lewis transferred to 2/12th Infantry Battalion on 10 Jul 1943 and embarked with them for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 17 Aug 1943. he was promoted to paid Lance Corporal on 30 Apr 1944 and embarked for Australia aboard “VAN DER BOCH” on 10 May 1944. Promoted Acting Corporal 30 Apr 1945 and assumed his true name of Charles Lewis Nicklason on 22 Apr 1945 **. He embarked for MOROTAI aboard "PORTUS H ROSE" on 28 May 1945 and reverted to Private on 16 Jun 1945. Lewis returned to Australia aboard “KANIMBLA” on 28 Nov 1945 and was discharged on 22 Dec 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 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 a clasp "S.W.Pacific". ** When claiming his medals in Oct 1980 he signed the letter Lewis Charles Nicklason.

Lionel enlisted in Citizen Military Force (Reserves) on 5 May 1941 and was posted to 6th Cavalry Brigade Company, Australian Army Service Corps, on 12 Aug 1941. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 14 Jul 1942 and posted to 34th Infantry Training Battalion on 27 Aug 1942. He embarked for New Guinea aboard "KATOOMBA" on 17 Feb 1943 and joined the unit on New Guinea as a Private on 25 Jun 1943. He returned to Australia aboard "KATOOMBA" on 12 Apr 1944 and embarked for New Guinea aboard "ORMISTON" on 2 Jul 1944 and re joined the unit on 8 Jul 1944. On 19 Aug 1944 transferred to 18th Australian War Graves Unit and enplaned for Australia on 22 Sept 1944. He returned to the unit 30 Sept 1944 and embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper. On 26 Dec 1945, he transferred back to 18th Australian War Graves Unit and returned to Australia on 5 Mar 1946, to be discharged on 8 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".

Walter enlisted on 6 Mar 1942 and after training was posted to 3rd Pioneer Company on 11 Apr 1942. He transferred to 2/11th Armoured Corps Regiment on 7 Jul 1942 and then to 1st Australian Base Depot on5 Jun 1944. Transferred to 16th Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 18 Jun 1944 and posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 6 Nov 1944. He was trained as a signaller, then flew to New Guinea on 10 May 1945 and embarked from LAE for New Britain aboard "SUVA" on 17 May 1945, joining the 2/2nd on 19 May 1945. Walter transferred to 13th Small Ships Company on 26 Dec 1945 and embarked for Australia on 11 Jan 1946, to be discharged on 18 Mar 1946. He was entitled to the1939-45 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.

Robert enlisted on 18 Nov 1941 and posted to 2/11th Armoured Car Regiment on 4 Dec 1941. Transferred to 32nd Australian Infantry Training Battalion on 8 Aug 1944, then posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Squadron on 27 Nov 1944. He joined the unit on 31 Jan 1945 and 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 returned to Australia aboard “DUNTROON” on 1 Mar 1946 and was discharged on 20 May 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".

Reginald was appointed a Lieutenant on 9 Aug 1940, but his Citizen Military Force (Reserves) service papers are not available. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 11 Mar 1941 as a Lieutenant and was posted to 75th Light Aid Detachment' Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (AEME) on 12 Mar 1941. He was promoted Captain on 10 Jun 1941 and embarked with 75th Light Aid Detachment for Timor aboard "KOOLAMA" on 17 Jan 1942. he joined the unit on Timor as a Captain, from 75th Light Aid Detachment, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He embarked at “SUAI” aboard “KURU” on 8 Aug 1942. 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. Also awarded a Commander in Chief Commendation Card for service in Timor, Authority, Army Order 69/43. Transferred to “Z” Special Force on 1 Dec 1942 and his service papers state that, from 15 Nov 1942 to 19 Dec 1942, he served outside of Australia, no destination given. On 1 Apr 1943, he transferred to Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and was discharged on 30 Sept 1944. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Eric (Jack) enlisted on 12 Jan 1942 and was posted to 2nd reinforcements of 28th Infantry Battalion on 19 Jan 1942. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on 27 Mar 1942 and transferred to Guerrilla Warfare Centre, Foster, Victoria on 15 Jul 1942. He reverted to Private at his own request on 30 Oct 1942 and proceeded to Queensland on 22 Dec 1942. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 2 Jan 1943 but reverted to Private at his own request on 28 Jan 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 17 Feb 1943 and joined the unit on New Guinea on 25 Jun 1943 as a Trooper and served in the Transport Section. As the unit had no transport, the section, was used the same as the other sections of the unit. Lt Curran took the section on a long patrol to JAPA and beyond and Eric was Killed In Action, during a clash with a Jap patrol near URIGINA, New Guinea (which is in North East New Guinea, far behind Jap lines) on 6 Dec 1943. He was buried at URIGINA, but over time his grave was lost and he is now commemorated on Panel 1, PORT MORESBY MEMORIAL. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Thomas (Tom) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lieutenant, Officer Commanding No 4 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. Tom was Wounded in Action on Timor. 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 Captain, Officer Commanding “B” Troop. He transferred to 2/7th Commando Squadron on 26 May 1944. As a Temporary Major, he served as Commanding Officer of 2/9th Commando Squadron in New Guinea, 12 Jan 1945. Tom was discharged on 18 Jan 1946. He served post WW2 in the Citizens Military Force 1948-1970 and was awarded the Efficiency Decoration.

Malcolm enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (Reserves) on 19 Aug 1940 with Service No W 919 and posted to 10th Light Horse Regiment. He transferred to the A.I.F. on 6 May 1941 and was an original member of the unit, trained at Wilsons Promontory and was assigned to No 3 Sect, "A" Platoon. He was wounded during training on 28 Aug 1941, prior to embarkation and lost a hand. He was discharged from the A.I.F. and re-joined the C.M.F. with Service No W55683. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 27 Mar 1943 and discharged on 21 Aug 1943. He was entitled to the War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Ernest enlisted on 26 Nov 1941 and after serving with 5th Battalion, 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 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 29th/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1954 and returned to Australia aboard "TAOS VICTORY" on 29 Jan 1946. He was discharged on 22 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".

Harold (Harry) was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private in No 6 Section, “B” 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. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in Transport Section, Headquarters Group. As the unit had no transport, the Transport Sect was used as another Troop. Harry 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. He was promoted Acting Corporal and transferred to Australian Army Pay Corps on 28 Aug 1945 but stayed with the unit as Pay Clerk. Confirmed Corporal 3 Dec 1945 and Sergeant 19 Dec 1945. Embarked for Australia on 14 Mar 1946 and was discharged on 3 Dec 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".

Ronald enlisted on 5 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Private 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 11 Dec 1942. He transferred as an Instructor to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 May 1943 and then transferred to 2/12th Commando Squadron on 13 May 1944. He embarked for MOROTAI on 28 Apr 1945 with them and then aboard LCI 1074 to British North Borneo on 1 Jun 1945. He flew to Australia on 21 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 7 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

Frederick (Fred) enlisted on 9 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. He left the unit and served in the following Reallocation Section, 2 Aug 1943. 4th Australian Motor Vehicle Transport Troop, 16 Oct1943. 2nd Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 20 Nov 1943. 13th Australian Infantry Training Battalion, 5 Feb 1944. 5th Australian Base Workshop, 28 Feb 1944. West Australian Workshop, 13 Dec 1944. He was discharged on 29 Nov 1945. Fred was made a Life Member of the Association in 1964. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Valentine (Val) enlisted on 5 Nov 1939 and was posted to 2/2nd Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), he was promoted Temporary Bombardier 6 Nov 1939 and Temporary Lance Sergeant on 29 Nov 1939. Promoted Sergeant on 8 Mar 1940 and attended the School of Artillery, Holsworthy, on 26 Apr 1940. He was appointed Lieutenant on 1 Jul 1940 and posted to 2/9th Field Regiment, RAA on 5 Aug 1940. Val embarked for the Middle East on 9 Apr 1941 and returned to Australia aboard "WEST PIONT" on 31 Mar 1942. He transferred to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 17 Dec 1942 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 Lieutenant, Officer Commanding No 1 Section, “A” Troop. Val was Killed in Action at KORAPA, New Guinea on 4 Oct 1943. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John enlisted on 6 Oct 1941 and was posted to 19th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) on 4 Apr 1942. He transferred to 2/1st Medium Regiment, RAA, on 6 Jun 1942. He transferred 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 aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Trooper in No 8 Section, “C” Troop and was medivac to Australia by plane on 1 Jul 1944. He was discharged on 19 Dec 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

John enlisted on 26 Jul 1940, was posted to 2/40th Battalion and embarked for Timor on 8 Dec 1941. He joined the unit on Timor from 2.40th Battalion as a Private, after the fall of Koepang, approx. March 1942. He was medevac to Australia from SUAI aboard "KURU" on 17 Jul 1942. He was discharged on 4 Jan 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Percival enlisted on 15 Jan 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was wounded in Action at SAME. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942. Posted to 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion as an Instructor on 31 May 1943 and re-joined the 2/2nd on 1 Jul 1943. He embarked for New Guinea aboard “KATOOMBA” on 27 Aug 1943 and joined the 2/2nd as a Signaller attached to “C” Troop on 2 Nov 1943, serving in most Sections except Headquarters and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. Percival was discharged on 8 Mar 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

Bernard (Rip) enlisted on 11 Dec 1940 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “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 16 Dec 1942. After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Signaller in Signals Section, Headquarters Group. He was medevac'd by plane to Australia on 15 Dec 1943 and after medical treatment he was posted to 10th Garrison Battalion on 27 Mar 1944 and was discharged on 30 Jan 1945. He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below.

James enlisted in Citizens Military Force (Reserves) on 25 Jun 1941 and was posted to 16th Battalion. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 2 Mar 1942, he enlisted in A.I.F. on 13 Jun 1942 and promoted Acting Corporal on 20 Oct 1942. He reverted to Private on 26 Jan 1943 and attended 1st Australian Commando Training Battalion on 25 Feb 1943. He joined 2/2nd 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 5 Section, “B” Troop. He was wounded in action and remained on duty on 25 Oct 1943 and returned to Australia with the unit 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 5 Section, “B” Troop. He returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 2 Jan 1946. There is a notation on his service papers that he may have re-enlisted into R.A.A.F. on 4 Feb 1952. 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".