MEMORY LANE : STORIES

Arthur George Evans NX1199, known also as 'Anzac' Evans, was the Battalion's unofficial poet and the author of 'THE FAMOUS SECOND FIRST' which was first 'published' in the 2/1st Battalion War Diary on 25 December 1941.   In The First at War (E.C. Givney, 1987) the poem is given the title 'When the Carnival is Over' on page 558 and incorrectly attributed to Anon.

           ~  THE FAMOUS SECOND FIRST  ~

When this carnival is finished, all the fighting and the fun,

When we’ve beaten Adolf Hitler, and the Japs are on the run,

When the last parade is over, and the A.I.F.’s dispersed,

You’ll be proud of your connection with the famous Second First.

You’ll forget the mad manoeuvres, all the aching blistered feet,

The frosts and snows of Syria and the Deserts deadly heat,

How you froze around the Lebanon and swore the game was crook,

Till the old hands painted pictures of the winter in TOBRUK.

You’ll forget the taste of goldfish, and the Chloride in the tea,

When you’re dining at Romanos and the champagnes flowing free.

You’ll forget the flaming squad drill, and how you raved and cursed

While you took your dose of pack drill with the famous Second First.

You’ll be fighting fireside actions in the piping days of peace,

Round the camp fire, or the hut fire, where there’s talk of Crete or Greece.

How the First held place of honour fighting rearguard through the deal,

How his storm troops through the sponge in, when you chased him with the steel.

And you’ll rest upon your laurels like a heroe of the screens

Colour blind to every colour save the good old black and green

Till you go to join old comrades, when grim death has done his worst

Proud to know your name’s on record with the famous Second First.

Anzac Evans

C Coy 2/1 Aust Inf Bn

Copyright

Born on 4 June 1910 in Bridgewater, Somerset, England, Arthur George Bessant, his parents being Arthur George Bessant and Elizabeth Evans, he emigrated to Australia in 1928 aged 18 years on the SS Jervis Bay.  He enlisted in the AIF under the name Arthur Evans in April 1941 at the age of 30 years, stating his occupation as bush worker, unemployed and address Narrabri NSW, his next of kin given as Arthur Evans, Bridgewater, Somerset. He arrived in the Middle East 31 July 1941, and on 27 October 1941 joined the 2/1st Infantry Battalion from the 16 AITBN (Australian Infantry Training Battalion). He served in Ceylon and then Papua (Kokoda Track) in 1942 and was evacuated in December 1942 via Hospital ship to 2/4 AGH (Australian General Hospital). He was then attached to HQ 2 Aust. Corps and returned to New Guinea from Cairns 29/10/1943 to Oro Bay 2/11/43. Evacuated Finschaffen to Townsville on 8/7/1944 and was discharged 31 July 1945.  Living at Boxers Creek, Goulburn NSW, Arthur made a Statutory Declaration in February 1955 that he'd lost one of his medals (Returned from Active Service badge), in Sydney. It had disappeared from the lapel of his coat while celebrating Anzac Day in Sydney 25th April 1954.  Arthur passed away at Boxers Creek on 5th September 1955 and is buried in Goulburn General Cemetery, the burial record is registered under the name Arthur George Bessant known as Arthur Evans.  The inscription on his Australian Army plaque in the 'Lonely Diggers' section 57 at his gravesite reads: 

NX1199 PRIVATE

A.G. EVANS

2/1 INFANTRY BATTALION

5TH SEPTEMBER 1955 AGE 45

GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS

THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE

His poem 'Kokoda Track' was published on 11 July 1943 in the Army newspaper 'Table Tops' and reprinted in the Albury Border Morning Mail on 3 August 1943.  The first poem being adapted to the exploits of the 2/1st Battalion on the Kokoda Track across the Owen Stanley Ranges in Papua New Guinea between September 1942 and December 1942.

                    ~  KOKODA TRACK  ~

We’d chased the flaming Ities over Libya’s desert sands,

We’d clashed with Hitler’s storm troops in half a dozen lands;

Once more we crossed the ocean, a hellbent eager pack,

To chase the “Sons of Heaven” up the old Kokoda track.

Years of desert fighting hadn’t strained our inborn zeal;

We who smashed his storm troops when we met them with the steel.

But we found the “Son of Heaven” was a tougher nut to crack

On that Owen Stanley doover up the old Kokoda track.

We’d cursed the Ities’ footwork when we chased them at Matruh,

We grinned at Hitler’s Panzers when the desert push went through;

But we prayed like Christian soldiers who were never known to crack,

While we chased the “Sons of Heaven” up the old Kokoda track.

We’ll be fighting fireside actions in the piping days of peace,

And we’ll bandy tales of Bardia, Benghazi, Crete and Greece;

But we’ll mention as with reverence, when memory surges back,

How we chased the “Sons of Heaven” up the old Kokoda track.

Pte. A. Evans NX1199

SOLDIER POETS (1943, August 3). Border Morning Mail (Albury, NSW : 1934 - 1935; 1938 - 1951), p. 2. Retrieved January 1, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254917922

Source : Australian War Memorial AWM52 War diary Item 8/3/1  2/1 Infantry Battalion November-December 1941. RCIDG1021843, p.184. Routine Orders by Major J. Miller Part 1 No. 195, 25 Dec 1941.

THE FAMOUS SECOND FIRST (1942, March 27). The Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888 - 1889; 1895; 1897 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119257605

Frank Shelley NX39009 was an original member of the 2/1st Battalion and served in the Middle East and New Guinea.. He is in the middle of the photo shown which was taken in the Middle East probably in Palestine (1941-42) having a drink with mates from the battalion: Peter Ward, Tich Robertson, Simmo Simpson, Billy Picken.

 Frank was wounded in the battle at Eora Creek (November 1942) and was flown out of the battle area in the Tri Engine Ford aircraft pictured. The next day the aircraft crashed on landing and remained there (Lake Myola) until the RAAF recovered it with two Chinooks. Frank was the forward scout in the battle and was one of the first to be wounded. He recovered and was returned to Australia.

 An Australian War memorial photo of the time describes:   Myola 2, Papua, 1942-10-22. A crowd of Australian soldiers gathers around a Ford tri-motor aircraft which has flipped over in muddy ground at the end of the airstrip while attempting to land at Myola 2. The aircraft was flown by Mr T. O’Dea, an experienced civilian pilot, who was injured in the crash. O’Dea had flown the aircraft into Myola as an experiment to see if it could be used to evacuate patients from the 2/6th Field Ambulance to base hospitals in Port Moresby. All thoughts of evacuating patients by air from Myola were abandoned, however, when this accident was followed by the crash of a Stinson Reliant aircraft on the airstrip later the same day and the crash of another Stinson there on the following morning. (Donor : A. Hobson) photo: Australian War Memorial, Canberra. 

  Edward Henry Giesen NX1121, known as Harry,  born in New Zealand in 1920, was an original member of the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion (6 Division, 16 Brigade) enlisting 19 October 1939 at Crows Nest NSW, and sailed from Sydney on 10th January 1940. His birth date given on Enlistment form was 26 September 1918, (although the New Zealand Births, Deaths & Marriages Registration no. is 1920/24502) implying real birth year was 1920 and he put his age up by two years when enlisting in 1939 from 19 to 21 years.  

 He became a Prisoner of War when captured on Crete on 6th June 1941, and then spent 3 and a half years in POW camps, until he escaped from Stalag XVIIA (18A) in Austria during October 1944 reaching the allied mission in Yugoslavia. This was after six prior failed attempts.  He arrived in London in December 1944 and was repatriated to Australia the following month, arriving Sydney 22 Feb 1945 on the Dominion Monarch.  In Australia he transferred to the 21 A.I.T.Bn (Australian Infantry Training Battalion) at Canungra, Qld until November 1945 when he was discharged.

He wrote of his life in his memoir Seventh Time Lucky which was published in 2008 shortly before his death aged 87 years.

Harry dedicated his book to “John Oriel Parker (NX3852) and so many others who sleep under the Australian flag at Suda Bay on Crete. And the German paratroops, at peace in the Friedhof nearby who died for what they thought was right.”

Jennifer Gorrie’s father, Harvey “Bill” Gorrie NX13527, followed in his father Frederick Gorrie’s footsteps in 1939, when he decided to enlist with the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion. This battalion played a significant role in the Battle of Crete, particularly in its defence of Rethymno.

According to the Australian War Memorial website, the German airborne invasion of Crete began on May 20, 1941, but a tenacious defence by the Australian battalion and their Greek comrades meant the Germans weren’t able to take Rethymno airfield until May 30 1941.

But of course, German victories elsewhere on Crete allowed them to concentrate overwhelming force against Rethymno and, short of rations and ammunition, the 2/1st eventually surrendered and became prisoners of war.

Jennifer says that in the case of her father, not only was he one of the prisoners of war, but he was also wounded in the battle for Rethymno.

“My father was shot and I remember him telling me that he was wounded, leaning up against an olive tree and this German paratrooper was approaching him. My dad thought he was a goner and that the German would shoot him again. But instead, the German just gave him a cigarette and moved on,” Jennifer recalls.

“[From there] he was taken as a prisoner of war and ended up in a stalag (prisoner of war camp) in Poland. But he escaped and met up with the Polish underground and ended up fighting with them.”

These heroic actions are also replicated by Rollo “Pick” Binsted (NX7406, Sigs 6 Division), Harvey’s brother-in-law who, Jennifer says, should also be remembered for his actions fighting with the 16th Brigade of the 6th Australian Division during the Greek Campaign.

“He fought in the Battle of Brallos Pass in snow 3 feet deep. His Brigade… evacuated to Kalamata where they sheltered under olive groves while being strafed by Luftwaffe Messersmitts,” Jennifer says.

“Rollo was finally evacuated on 26 April 1941 at 3am on a British destroyer, which he believes was the last allied ship to enter the port of Kalamata until after the war.”

Since then, both Harvey and Rollo have received the Greek War Medal 1940-41 from the Greek Government for their service in Crete and Greece, while Harvey was one of only 4,800 Australians who were awarded the France Germany Star. Jennifer says this is something Harvey was very proud of.

And he should be as it’s clear that the entire Gorrie family, as well as Pick, made significant sacrifices to keep Greek people safe during both WWI and WWII.

  Award of Polish Medals

After Bill Gorrie escaped from Stalag XXA, he joined the Polish partisans with whom he fought for the next 18 months until the end of the war.  In 2023, the Polish government made the award of two medals for his war-time service at a ceremony in Warsaw to Jennifer Gorrie, with the Australian Ambassador and Australian Defence Force Attaché in attendance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Source:  The Gorrie family: Two generations of Anzacs, Lemnos island and the Battle of Crete. Author: Andriana Simos, Date 20/05/2021

https://greekherald.com.au/community/1-people-community/gorrie-family-two-generations-anzacs-lemnos-island-battle-cret/

  John Robinson NX15292 was born in Dubbo 1901 and at the age of 16 joined the Army by putting his age up to 18 years and 5 months. He was sent to Ingleburn for basic training and allocation to the 20th Australian Infantry Battalion. He embarked for England and France on the 16 July 1917 and after joining the 20th Battalion he was severely wounded in the neck and right arm. After a period of hospitalization he returned to the front line with his 20th Battalion and returned to Australia for discharge on the 22nd July 1919.

John enlisted again on the 16th May 1940 and after training was posted to the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion. He had given his date of birth as 26th May 1907, which would have meant he was 10 years old when he was wounded in France. He joined the 2/1st battalion serving in the Middle East, Greece and was taken POW after the Battle of Crete in 1941. He returned to Australia and was discharged on the 21st December 1945.

John worked in building construction after the war and became involved with the Springwood RSL and settled in the Springwood area.

John was invited to be a member of the party of WW1 diggers who traveled to Gallipoli in 1990 as guests of the government. He died on the 4th November 1996 and he is remembered with honour as a part of the history of the First Battalion Association.

Source: Mike Waldron; ROBINSON John Daniel Death notice. Age 95, at Collaroy Plateau, late of Springwood. Sydney Morning Herald, 7 Nov 1996 

North Shore Times May 8, 2013

LANE Cove Council named a lane after John Francis Lupp (NX68493) - or Jack, as most people knew him - and his dedication to the community was second to none.

It was therefore fitting that Mr Lupp's funeral service on April 24 was filled with members of the community paying their respects.

Mr Lupp, a war veteran, trained with the 30th Division of the Citizen Military Forces before being called up almost a year later to the 6th Division of the 2nd AIF, 2/1st battalion.

He served in the Middle East, the Pacific, Ceylon and New Guinea and fought in the Kokoda campaign.

Mr Lupp worked at CSR in Epping after settling in Lane Cove.

After his retirement he worked as a handyman at a number of schools, including North Ryde Primary School, and mowed lawns.

He was a member of many clubs, including North Ryde and Chatswood RSL clubs, Lane Cove RSL sub-branch, Lane Cove Probus and Lane Cove West Bowling Club, where he was president for many years.

He was also president of Artarmon branch of the Liberal Party, becoming enthusiastically involved when voting time came around.

Another club he was closely involved with was that of the 2/1st battalion, of which he was national president for 14 years.

He remained actively engaged in many club activities, meetings and social functions.

Mr Lupp was awarded an OAM for service to war veterans and their families.

The Epoch Times, 24 April 2007, by James Burke

Each year, the number of World War II veterans able to participate in the country's ANZAC Day marches diminishes, yet public turnout remains strong, suggesting the diggers' wartime sacrifices will be remembered for generations. 

"Three and half thousand people went through the 2/1st Battalion [which served during World War II]; at the present time we have 60 odd [left]," said Jack Lupp, the president of the 2/1st Battalion Association. 

"Each year you lose so many – the numbers are dwindling…everybody is over 80, y'know – our general [Paul Cullen] is 98; he is a good bloke." 

Only this month, the 2/1st's highly decorated Major Basil Catterns passed away. Mr Lupp, who held the rank of sergeant, says there are only three officers of the battalion now remaining. 

In 1940 at the age of 22, Mr Lupp joined the 2/1st Battalion and then travelled to the Middle East where the battalion was rebuilding after heavy losses suffered during the Battle of Crete. 

However, with the outbreak of the war in the Pacific, the 2/1st Battalion would return to Australia [via Ceylon] and then partake in what is considered one of the toughest military campaigns Australian troops have fought in – the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. 

"Kokoda was the worst and a long turnout," recalled Mr Lupp. "It wasn't a day; it was a few months." 

During the counter-offensive against Japanese forces the 2/1st Battalion were involved in the major battles at Eora Creek (October 20–29) and then at Gorari (November 9–12), followed by Sanananda (20–21 November). 

"If you got wounded or something, you had to make your own way back – you got sick with malaria it was no use, you were sick; you had to walk back. If you were crook, you had to walk out yourself. 

"When our battalion finished it up," said Mr Lupp, "there was only 60 people, that's out of 680 or something, so it isn't too many people, is it? We had more people killed in Kokoda than all the other campaigns put together." 

While the conditions were harsh and the fighting ferocious, Mr Lupp remembered the morale of the Australian troops remained high. 

"Nobody seemed to give up. I never saw anyone run back, they always done their job as far as I was concerned," he said. 

Following the Kokoda campaign, the 2/1st returned to Australia to rebuild and were then sent back to New Guinea in December 1944 to help round up an estimated 35000 Japanese in the Aitape-Wewak region. 

"That's where the war finished [for us] – we were doing coastal patrols – we lost a few good people there, but nothing like [Kokoda] of course," he recalled. 

When asked what his most memorable moment from the war was he replied it was when they were told they were going home: "We were out in action when the war ended – they fired a few things into the air and we were told the war was over." 

This year Mr Lupp, now 88, will lead the 2/1st Battalion in the ANZAC Day parade in Sydney. 

 From the war diary of NX7682 Private Jack McSweeney (Charles John Free) :

“April 13th 1941, retreating through the slush, mud and snow from a German pincer movement, we got back as far as Mount Olympus. After crossing over Olympus, which is 9729 feet high (2950mtr) six chaps, including myself got down to the road and were making our way towards Larisa.

Out of the clouds came a Stuka Dive Bomber with machine guns blazing. It got us before we could move. I felt a sharp burning, as I lay on the ground afraid to move. I could hear the bullets whizzing past me, hitting me and the ground all around.

After the Stuka went away I tried to move but found I couldn’t. My right arm was blown off and was lying on the ground about three yards from me and my left hand was badly smashed. I was wounded in both legs and there was shrapnel in my head. By this time the pain was unbearable.

My only mate left was Harry Horne [NX2452] and he had bullet wounds in his legs. He came over and took one of my bootlaces and tied it around my arm to stop the bleeding. The four others were killed. Harry took their identification discs and pay books from them and laid them side-by-side face down to stop the eagles picking out their eyes.

Harry carried me to a truck and got me to a Field Ambulance.” 

Charles John Free NX7682 was evacuated from Greece on 20th April 1941 to the British General Hospital, Egypt, and transferred to 2 Aust. General Hospital 29 April 1941 undergoing several operations. He arrived back in Sydney in June 1941, for further treatment, and was discharged November 1942.

Charles John Free (aka Jack McSweeney) died on 10th November 1961.

 Reg Paul NX2484 fought with the 2/1 Battalion in the Battle of Crete 1941 and spent years in German POW camps (Stalag XIIIC 13C, Hammelburg Germany) finally returning to Australia in November 1946. Photographs were provided by his son David Paul of Reg with Bruce R. (Banjo) Patterson NX9496 in the Middle East, Tel Aviv 1940, at the Victory Parade in London on 8th June 1946 and attending a battalion reunion during the 1960s/70s.

The Patterson family - sons of Joseph and Annie Patterson

Bruce 'Banjo' Patterson died the year after the photo taken in 1940 with Reg Paul; he was reported missing presumed killed on 1st June 1941, while his younger brother, Claude Cecil Patterson NX7650, who also served with the 2/1 Infantry Bn, was captured on Greece 28 April 1941 at Kalamata and was a POW in Stalag VIIIB 1941-43, Stalag 4G 1943-44, Oflag 4G  1944-45.  He is commemorated at the Athens Memorial. A third brother, Corporal William Joseph Patterson NX22985, (1901-1941) served with the 2/13 Infantry Bn, he was one of the 'Rats of Tobruk', and was killed in action at Tobruk on 29th November 1941 and is buried at the Tobruk War Cemetery in Libya.  Lest We Forget.

  Cpl Geoffrey W. Whiteman NX11640 started a diary on 1st Jan 1941 and kept it going in one form or another until the end of the war. He fought in North Africa, Greece and Crete where he was captured after the battle at Reythmnon. He was interned in German POW camps but managed to keep records even though it meant certain death if found out.

Diary Starts : Wed. 1st Jan. 1941.

With 16th Australian Infantry Brigade in position outside Bardia (Libya) waiting for orders to attack. Have been in position since about 20th Dec. Spent Xmas lying in the desert, weather conditions mostly one dust storm after another and nights very cold. Got a Lord Mayor’s Xmas hamper on Boxing Day, which brighten our lines considerably. Rations have been poor and scarce of late, water also scarce.

Fri. 3rd Jan.

Attack on Bardia began at dawn this morning. Brigade (1st, 2nd and 3rd Bn’s) assisted by 17th Bde. (5th, 6th and 7th) Bn’s.

1st Bn. formed a spear-head for 16th Bde. D.Coy achieved its objective without opposition, due to intense artillery barrage having silenced posts.

Thousands of prisoners were taken. Whole attack successful in initial penetration of wire. Supporting artillery was two thirds Australian. Whole show is practically 100% Australian.

Sat 4th Jan.

Battle continues. Italians are showing little opposition.
Our casualties are slight. German artillery being the cause of most casualties. We have not had much rest since yesterday morning and have to carry a tremendous load of battle gear.

Sun. 5th Jan.

Battle still on this morning. We are covering ground fast and advancing all the time. Prisoners coming on in thousands. Some amazing sights have been witnessed since we started. At noon today Bardia itself fell to our troops and so the battle ends. We retired to our original point of entry and were told that we are to rest for a couple of days. We badly need it, as we are just about done in after three days fast advancing under heavy loads and trying conditions.

Mon 6th Jan.

Resting, an Aircraft came over our position last night and bombed us, but without success. Boys got onto some cognac last night and had merry party. Fair amount of looted rations about and so have had some big eat-ups after a fairly lean period.

Tue. 7th Jan.

Still resting, have had a good clean up and a bath in what water is available, also feel a bit more human than for a long time. Matt Thynne and Cpl. O’Brien and Eddie Mortell have left the Section. Tom Barton is now section leader, I am 2 i.c. and Joe Rolleston is Bren Gunner.

Wed 8th Jan.

Still in same position. May move at any moment to Tobruk.

Thur. 9th Jan.

Left position last night per M.T. Had one prisoner in our truck. Travelled all night and arrived in new position outside Tobruk at about 11 am. Had a meal and started to dig in immediately.

Fri. 10th Jan.

Left position again last night and marched about four miles toward enemy. Finally halted about midnight and dug in. Very cold and digging hard. Eric Leitch and I are in the one trench.

Sat 11th Jan.

Only had an hour or two to sleep this morning and spent the day completing weapons pits. Weather is gloriously warm during the day but bitterly cold at night. Rations are a bit better now. We are to make a patrol to the enemy wire tonight.

Sun 12th Jan.

Patrol last night was not very pleasant. Difficult night to march by compass, hence much delay. Finally reached the wire and Lt. Rogers, Tom Barton and Sandy Pearson went forward to scout the enemy post. In doing so they contacted a booby trap, exploding and wounding Pearson in the leg. Lt. Rogers got a small bit of shrapnel in the back. We had to retire and carry Sandy home on make shift stretcher. Arrived back at daylight tired and weary. Rested for day.

Mon. 13th Jan.

Moved forward again last night to within short distance of enemy wire and dug in. Digging very hard, barely able to get down a foot. Have been told there is to be no movement by day, as we are within enemy observation and can expect Artillery activity from them.

Wed. 15th Jan.

This position is at least giving us a rest, which we badly needed. The rations are not so bad and we are appreciating a better spin than before Bardia. Ration parties have to go back every evening about two miles and bring up rations and mail.

Fri. 17th Jan.

This life isn’t so bad, despite duststorms and rats. Our new fad is to soak army biscuit in water and add tin milk and sugar. It makes a delicious porridge, so we think any how.

Tue. 21st Jan.

Have been in this position for about a week now and have had a grand rest as we have to lie low all day. Have had some bad duststorms now for several days. We get shelled at regular intervals by enemy artillery but so far no direct hits have been scored. Quite a lot of their shells are duds. They have been using a six inch Naval gun quite a lot.

Patrols have been going out at night, but have not encounted the enemy outside the wire. We are due to go out tonight. Have had some mail here and also parcels which have been like manna from heaven.

Wed. 22nd Jan.

Patrol last night was only a listening patrol and was without incident. There’s talk of an attack any time now.

Thur. 23rd Jan.

Moved into position last night and attacked defences of Tobruk at dawn this morning. Went in after heavy barrage from own artillery and met enemy barrage and machine gun fire, but broke through wire without severe casualties. 2/3rd Bn. led the attack. 2/1 Bn. followed and turned right inside the wire and advanced behind tanks for four or five miles, under artillery fire. Wire relieved at post 79 by 2/8 Bn. We then retired until sunset and halted until 11 pm, then moved again in northerly direction. Halted at about 2 in the morning, dug in and slept for an hour or so, with no blankets. Water in water bottles was frozen at dawn.

Moved again across desert and through deserted posts, halted for several hours during midday at Italian R.A.P.

Duststorms sprang up, moved in afternoon to Fort Pilastrino which surrendered.

Pilastrino was in a state of surrendering when we arrived, so we moved through and camped for the night. Scrounged plenty of blankets and so had first comfortable night during battle. Today was a particually trying day, the Battalion having covered 40 miles in two days, in full battle order, and believe me an infantry man these days carries inhuman loads.

Extract from a letter by G. W. Whiteman to home.

Jan 7th 1941.
To all at home.
NX11640
Pte G W. Whiteman
“D”Company 2/1Bn. A. I. F Abroad

Just a few lines from Bardia to let you know that I am ok and well. Came through the battle in good order and am in good fettle. We were the spear head of the attack and our company was the forward company of the battalion and our Platoon the forward platoon of the company and so our section was actually the first unit of the AIF to penetrate the enemy wire, which we did in the biting cold of a desert dawn, under cover of a terrific barrage from our artillery behind,which did a marvelous job right through together with the British armoured division once it got into action. After taking our initial objective our company was more or less in reserve and we had little else to do but support here and there. There was not much battle about it once we got through the first defences and the Italians just threw it in in thousands. I don’t know just how many prisoners were taken but I guess you know more about that part of it than I do.

CRETE

Extract from the diary of Cpl G W Whiteman

Tue. 20th May

Quiet morning, went to well for water after lunch, whilst away several bombers arrived and proceeded to blitz the area. At 4.30 pm large numbers of troop carrying planes arrived and the invasion was on in earnest. Parachute troops began to drop on our A.Coy. area and in the Greek and 11th.Bn area. Planes and decending personnel were heavily engaged with small arms fire with great effect. Several planes seen to crash, others disabled. Our platoon moved in to 16 platoons area and then moved to A.Coy’s area to support them, but were ordered back to 18 platoon’s area for the night. Casualties heavy among the enemy, estimated 1200 dropped in whole area. In our area only machine gun posts were still active on dark.

Wed. 21st May

After quiet night, we left our position at 0400 hrs and moved again to support A.Coy. Went straight in and attacked two M.G. posts but were forced to retire. Eric Leitch was killed in this attack.
After retiring to A.Coy. H.Q. we again attacked under Lt.Gilmore Walsh whilst Lt. Rogers and ….?…. took a platoon each and worked around the right flank. Enemy kept up terrific volume of fire from the guns but under good cover and with out casualties we were able to surround them and forced them to retire to the road and back along the beach. We occupied A.Coy. hill and mopped up area beyond, taking a fair number of prisoners. The scene was something to remember, German and Aust. dead were lying every where. Artillery engaged retiring Germans and drove them into an olive oil factory on road. We returned to our original Coy area.

Thur. 22nd May

Our platoon supplied beach patrol last night. Today Capt Moriarty took out a fighting patrol from 16 and 18 Pltns. to engage enemy in oil factory, but had his patrol cut to pieces by enemy machine gun snipers, being killed himself and losing most of the patrol either killed or wounded. Cpl. Crozier was killed. Those who were able waited until darkness and made their way back to our area.
It was a black day for D.Coy. We lost a lot of splendid young chaps, in an unfortunate venture. Had we not supplied beach patrol last night we would have been in it too.

Fri. 23rd May

Nothing much doing by our Coy. Lt. Digby is now our Coy.Cmdr and is a decent chap and well liked. German bombers are still active over the area. 11th.Bn and Greeks have been attacking an out post of Germans in a village, without success.

Sat. 24th May

Volunteered to go with small party under Lt. Rogers to recover Capt. Moriarty’s body for burial. Enroute we met Col. Campbell taking a section of mortar’s up to the Greek front to engage a house containing Germans. We were grabbed and had to carry mortar ammunition up for the party. Eventually got Capt. Moriarty’s body and brought it back to our burial ground near Artillery Hill where we buried him beside Lt. Stanton. Noticed Eric Leitch’s grave among our lads. Got back to our position about 6pm. and got a few buckshee cigarettes for our troubles.

Sun. 25th May

Nothing doing by our section. A party went out from 16 platoon to bring more dead, Jack Crozier’s body among them. Still bombing going on in the Rethimnon area. Believe the actions at Suda Bay and Maleme to be satisfactory.

Mon. 26th May

This area is now completely under control, except for a few jerries hanging out in 11th.Bn area and they don’t seem to be able to shift them. Our two tanks have been up assisting but have both been put out of action. It is estimated that enemy casualties were 10 to 1 compared to ours. In our Bn area we did splendid work wiping out the area in two days almost. Our casualties have been comparatively light.

Tue. 27th May

Things in our area are quiet now. Our only job is the beach patrol each night. By day we remain concealed and await further orders or another attempt by the jerry to land troops. Troop carriers come over each day and drop supplies to their posts still holding out. This afternoon the 11th.Bn recieved a severe bombing blitz but I don’t know what damage was done.

Wed. 28th May

My souvenirs from the action were a very fine pair of Binoculars, a Luger Pistol and holster, a Swastika Flag and a German haversack. Our section went into action four men strong and suffered no casualties. Two of our men were A.W.L. in Iraklion during the blitz and turned up again this afternoon.

Thur. 29th May

Day as usual. Were on beach patrol last night, an RAF plane dropped ammo and an emergency ration of chocolate on the Drome. We collared quite bit of chocolate on our way back from the beach. Tonight the news says that the enemy have now advanced east off Suda. Apparently things are not going to well in that area.

Fri. 30th May

Awoke this morning to find our position surrounded by German mechanised force of tanks, armoured motorcycles and anti Tank guns. Col. Campbell had no option but surrender the Battalion to save useless loss of life in fighting against superior odds, and so at approx. 0800 hrs this morning we became Prisoners of War.

MANUSU BROTHERS (BOWRAVILLE, NSW)

2/1ST BATTALION AT EORA CREEK OCTOBER 1942  - Story by Gary Traynor

Lose just one man from that little country town in a time of war; and we all agree that is a pretty steep price to pay. But take two men away forever... from the same family.. and that ‘little country town' will never be the same again. And for a grieving mother - that is simply too much pain to bear! Is it an act of mercy that this woman should pass away before a third son is also lost?

There is an age old question; "What cost is the price for freedom?" When that cost is written into the ledger?, How much should each country pay? How much should each State pay? And how much should each little country town be made to pay?

The old "timber town" of Bowraville, in New South Wales is a small country town now... and yet it was even smaller (from a community point of view) back in the days when Australia was recovering from a Great Depression and the clouds of war were looming for a second time. Just inland from Nambucca Heads on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Bowraville was home for Francis (Frank) MANUSU and his wife Betsy. Frank had taken up service with the New South Wales Constabulary at Belligen in October, 1901 and there he met his bride to be. They married in 1911, settled at Valla - and Frank later retired to Bowraville where he and Betsy began their family.

Their eldest son, Homer Angus MANUSU was born in 1911 - and his sister Betsy Dylis in the following year of 1912. Frank was now a farmer, but the call to arms was not foreign to this family. He had served in South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer War, prior to joining the Police Force. With Europe on the brink war, their third child, Alfred Pericles MANUSU (known as Perry) was born on the 25th of January, 1914. 

Just eight months later - their world became engulfed in the firestorm of a global conflict. Percy Baldwin MANUSU, the fourth child (and third son) was born in September of 1915. By this time, the great August offensive at Gallipoli had failed to achieve it's goals and the fighting on the European front was a stalemate of trench warfare. Cyril Alex MANUSU entered the world in 1917 and the sixth child of the family, Guy Eric MANUSU was born on the 29th of April, 1919.

The Great War had been over now for five months, but undoubtedly Bowraville and the surrounding district was beginning to bear witness to the cost of the conflict. Men of the First AIF had been repatriated home, or were in the process of returning. No doubt, the MANUSU boys witnessed at least some of the legacies of war as they grew up. A limbless man here. A blind man there. Or the sick man down the street who never seemed to stop coughing; a victim of gassing. 

There may have been the occasional story of the ‘feats' performed by our Anzacs. Perhaps even tales spoken of the men of the 1st Battalion, AIF. Stories that were glossed over or certain realities omitted to protect young ears. But sometimes the questions of little boys may have met with a deafening silence, when directed at man that has witnessed the horrors of war. Be that as it may, young Guy may have seemed the last in that family of six children. However in 1930, a seventh and final addition to the MANUSU family was produced in the form of a little girl - Frances Hermoine MANUSU. Like her older sister and brother Perry (Alfred), she too would be known by her middle name. 

The Depression years were no doubt tough for any family, let alone a country family with seven children. Throughout the 1930's, Australia struggled in what was considered a very slow recovery. The Manusu boys, living in very basic conditions - worked six and a half days per week on "patches" of bananas and other seasonal vegetables. Their only entertainment was the Saturday night dance which meant a walk of some distance to the Valla Hall.

So by 1939, when a World War was declared for a second time - the reasons for "joining up" not only included a desire to protect the ‘Mother Country' as many felt in the First War. It is a fact that some men enlisted as the pay was fair - and regular - and there were little prospects of civil employment in the country. Whatever his reason for joining up, Percy (the third born son) was the first MANUSU to enlist into the 2nd AIF on the 3rd of September, 1940. Exactly 12 months to the day, that Britain and France had declared war on Germany in 1939.

In 1914, the Australian Government formed an AIF (Australian Imperial Force) to travel across the globe to fight "the Hun" during the First World War. For the Second World War - a ‘Second AIF' was formed to fight the same enemy. Upon his enlistment into the army, Percy was posted to a unit that had formed a very proud history. The "Black over Green" colour patch, was that of the Second First Battalion, commonly written as the 2/1st Battalion AIF. A grey coloured border denoting the Second AIF, distinguished it from the colour patch of the First World War, which was currently being worn by Australia's "other" army, the 1st Militia Battalion.

The 2/1st Battalion had been raised on the 16th of October, 1939 as part of the 6th Australian Division. With her sister battalions (the 2/2nd and the 2/3rd Battalions) the 2/1st formed part of the 16th Brigade. It had gone off to fight the Italians in Eastern Libya; it garrisoned Tobruk and was thrown into the ill-fated campaigns of Greece and Crete. Many of it's men became prisoners of war, however the Battalion was reconstructed in Palestine and went off to man defences in northern Syria.

Whilst the 2/1st Battalion was fighting in the Middle East; two more of the Manusu boys - Perry (the second born son) and Guy (the fifth born son) had enlisted into the AIF. Joining up together on the same day (the 6th of March, 1941) the brothers were allocated consecutive service numbers - Guy with NX69109 and Perry NX69110. One can only imagine the banter. The boys ran into another man from Bowraville by the name of Joe Mitchell and joked - that they had just signed their death warrants. It is highly likely that Percy "claimed" his two brothers as was often done at this time. The two new enlistees headed off to the Middle East to join their brother, but as fate would have it, they arrived too late for the bitter Greek campaign. Instead, they found themselves as "tourists" in places which they had never heard of before; such as Neuisarat, Khassa, Sausage Wood and Bey Jirja and Guy faithfully kept a diary to record their travels.

When Japan entered the war, the 16th Brigade was sent back to Australia, embarking from Egypt aboard the "Orontes". But circumstances made the convoy divert to Ceylon where they temporarily held post there for about 3 months. At this time, their fellow Australians were fighting for their lives on the Kokoda Track. When the battalion finally reached home shores, there was barely time to take on re-enforcements and reorganise, as preparations were made to head north and help stem the advancing Japanese.

One can only imagine the anguish of their poor mother Betsy; as she prepared to farewell her three sons off, to face a seemingly unstoppable foe. To add to her fears, her fourth son Homer (her first born) had enlisted into the Militia on the 01st of October, 1941. He would remain in the CMF (Citizens Military Forces) for nearly twelve months.

But it was not only Betsy who would fret for her digger serving abroad. Guy had left behind his girlfriend, Tib Downs and one can only guess that she loved him so much - that she would wait for his safe return.

On the 21st of September, 1942 - the 16th Brigade (2/1st, 2/2nd & 2/3rd Battalions) began to arrive in Port Moresby. The battered remnants of the battalions that had fought at Isurava and Brigade Hill were holding out at Imita Ridge with the 25th Brigade and 3rd Militia Battalion. They were ordered to retreat no further and this was to be their ‘last stand'. The Japanese had dug in on Ioribaiwa Ridge on the other side of the valley. One more concerted thrust and Port Moresby would be in their grasp.

The 21st Brigade and Militia units before them had been issued with khaki clothing and equipment; the kind suitable for desert warfare - but useless in the dark green of the jungle. This would not be the case for the 16th Brigade. Some men of the 2/1st were issued with the new jungle green clothing. Others did as the 25th Brigade had done - and dyed their clothing and painted their equipment a ‘jungle green' colour so as to blend in with the foliage. They were also issued with shovels, torches, folding saws and similar items, luxuries to an infantryman that had been deprived from the previous units on the track.

For the next 10 days, they were to remain at Port Moresby on local defence tasks as it was still perceived that the Japanese may break through the Australian lines or outflank the defences on Imita Ridge.

The 2/1st Battalion began their advance across the Kokoda Track on the 5th of October, 1942. (By this time, the Japanese were on the retreat - having been ordered by Tokyo to withdraw to the beach heads of Buna, Gona and Sanananda) Letters that the boys wrote home, indicate that both Guy and Perry were serving in ‘C' Company and Percy was detailed to serve with ‘A' Company. The lead elements of the 16th Brigade began arriving at Templeton's Crossing (No. 2) on the 19th of October and they advanced north. By the time the Brigade had all been brought forward, they numbered in the vicinity of 1800 troops. Skirmishing as they moved forward, it took them 3 days to reach the Eora Creek Village (it takes a modern day trekker between 2 and 4 hours to travel the same distance - depending on fitness). The 2/1st Battalion with the three MANUSU brothers was on the left side of the advance - whilst the 2/2nd Battalion was on the right. The battalions swung well wide of the forward Japanese positions in an attempt to attack the Japanese to their flanks and their rear positions.

At Eora Creek; the three MANUSU boys were about to find themselves embroiled in the largest battle on the Owen Stanley section of the track during the Australian advance. Each Japanese foxhole was defended strongly and the fighting was going to take place at close quarters; usually requiring an Australian soldier to crawl close enough - so as to lob a hand grenade into the pit. This type of warfare was extremely grim with much hand to hand combat and the Australians were to pay dearly in blood for each metre of ground gained.

On the morning of the 22nd of October, 1942 the lead elements of the 2/3rd Battalion entered Eora Creek Village. They were raked by Japanese machine guns and mortars from a high position on the opposite side of the creek. (It is almost certain that this Japanese position is the same one now - which is visited by trekkers on the "Isurava" side of the creek.) When the 2/3rd was engaged by the Japanese, the 2/1st (with the three MANUSU boys) and the 2/2nd were held back on the ridge behind Eora Creek Village. The Japanese spotters had pin pointed their location and began to hit them with mountain gun and mortar fire. Brigade Commander, Brigadier Lloyd could see no option but to try a frontal attack on the Japanese positions. The problem was the Australians would have to cross two bridges before they could reach the Japanese side. The decision was not met with enthusiasm by his Company Commanders, who thought that it lacked ‘imagination' and would lead to unnecessary casualties. This decision would prove disastrous to the MANUSU family.

View of the 1942 Eora Creek Village site as seen from the Japanese Mountain Gun position on the western side of Eora Creek. The current Eora Creek campsite is in the same general locality and it was on this spot that the lead elements of the 2/3rd Battalion were fired upon - when first sighted by the Japanese on the 22nd of October. In 2002 - this area was heavily overgrown with foliage. An inspection amongst the undergrowth revealed a large amount of broken glass and medicine bottles - the refuse of a wartime camp. The below photo shows a Japanese tunnel which is still evident at the Mountain Gun position. It shows just how well established the Japanese fortifications were in 1942. 

The attack was to go in on the night of the 22nd October so that the Australian troops could be on the Japanese side by the morning of the 23rd. Some men of the 2/1st began to cross under the cover of darkness on a bitter night with a cold wind blowing. Around 2.30am, a pale moon filtered through the clouds and illuminated the troops attempting to cross the bridges. The Japanese opened up on the Australians and it was not until around 4am that the moon went down, resuming the cover of darkness. Dawn found the Australians pinned down on the Japanese side of Eora Creek. The World War Two Nominal Roll lists Guy's date of death as occurring on the 23rd of October.

A story was later related by NX47065 Darcy McPHILLIPS to Joe PHILLIPS in New Guinea. He stated that Guy was killed by a grenade that was reportedly thrown at Darcy, but it struck a vine and bounced towards Guy's position. Based on this, it is logical to conclude that Guy was involved in this advance. As the bulk of the 2/1st and 2/2nd Battalions were still in a position of cover on the ridge behind Eora Creek Village (well out of hand grenade range) and weight is given to the story of Darcy McPHILLIPS, then it is clear that Guy was killed in a forward position. Sadly, Darcy McPHILLIPS was killed in action near war's end; on the 17th July 1945 at Wewak. One can only imagine the grief felt by his brothers Perry and Percy who were also involved in this action. Twenty four other men of the 2/1st Battalion were lost on this day and so their unit was paying dearly. For the entire day of the 23rd of October, the rest of Guy's Battalion lay pinned down by Japanese fire.

The following day (24th October) the 2/1st Battalion men on the Japanese side of Eora Creek were still pinned down and the remainder of the two Battalions sent out patrols to the left and right of the known Japanese positions, in a bid to outflank them. This situation of probing patrols continued on the 25th and 26th October and the Japanese began to feel the pressure. However on the 27th of October; the sixth day of the battle for Eora Creek - a further tragedy struck the MANUSU family.

The Japanese had pulled their perimeter back a few hundred metres in an attempt to consolidate their forces and make a tighter defensive position. The majority of the Australian forces by this time were on the Japanese side of Eora Creek - but were disjointed and in isolated groups. The rain had been falling day and night since the 25th of October - causing the creek to flood and the torrent washed the two bridges away. It was on this day that another son was lost to Betsy MANUSU. 

NX69110 Alfred Pericles MANUSU- known to everybody as ‘Perry' was hit by machine gun fire in the groin. His mates could not get out to him for some time. Finally his comrades were able to bring him in, however Perry was suffering the effects of shock and massive blood loss. He subsequently died a slow and painful death from his injuries. His brother Percy; the first to enlist into the 2/1st Battalion and the last still fighting at Eora Creek - was now on his own.

Their eldest sister Dylis (as previously mentioned - born Betsy, but she was known by her middle name) was 8 months pregnant at the time of her brother's deaths. Normally she sported black coloured hair. Within two weeks of receiving the tragic news, the 'shock' had turned her hair 'silver'.

That two brothers should enlist together on the same day only later to die a few days apart and within a short distance from each other, is far too much pain for one family to endure. That a third brother should still be in harms way in the same battle only accentuates the pain. As one would expect the death of his two beloved brothers, Guy and Perry, affected Percy greatly. It was reported that he wanted revenge and this was recognised by his Battalion Commander. As a result - NX47689 Percy MANUSU was sent back to Australia and temporarily transferred to a non-combatant role with both the N.S.W and Queensland ‘Lines of Communication' units. It is highly likely that this temporary removal from the front line - saved his life. Family history suggests that Percy's father (Frank), wrote to the Commanding Officer of the 2/1st Battalion - and thanked the authorities for returning at least one son to him.

By the 29th of October, the majority of the Japanese had been killed. The only Japanese who survived the conflict were the one's who had fled. Lieutenant Bruce MacDOUGAL of the 2/3rd Battalion is quoted as saying:

"They dropped their weapons and stumbled through the thick bush down the slope, squealing like frightened animals...

Before this Eora Creek fight, men had been saying that the Japanese wouldn't run. Eora Creek proved that he would."

Percy was destined to survive the war but he was not to endure these years, unscathed. Like many other diggers; during his service (which included the Aitape campaign in late 1944/early 1945) he contracted Typhus (Scrub Fever) & Malaria. One night - he was so ill that he was not expected to live through the night. He was laid out with the dead, but luckily was still alive the next morning.

And what was to become of the rest of the MANUSU family? The Second World War would take another life, before it was to draw to a close. But it was neither bullets nor bombs that dealt this cruel blow. The deaths of Guy and Perry greatly affected their mother, Betsy. Hermoine (Frances), the youngest of the seven children - said that her mother used to "disappear " on occasion. But Frances always knew where it was, that her mother would withdraw from the world. Betsy would pour out her anguish in the boy's room, with her head buried in their clothes, weeping. When she died in 1944 before the war's end, it was widely accepted by the local community that she had died of a broken heart.

Homer (the eldest brother) who had enlisted into the Militia twelve months before the death of his two brothers - transferred to the Second AIF on the 26th of November, 1942. Comparing the date of his transfer to the dates of the Eora Creek tragedy; it may be interpreted that he shared Percy's need to avenge his brothers' deaths. However front line service was to elude Homer and his entire service was restricted to duty within Australia. But sadly - the end of the war in 1945 did not bring an end to the grief. As if fate had not punished this family enough; shortly after Homer was discharged from the army - he was killed in a motor vehicle accident. Whilst riding a bicycle to work, he was struck by the local milk truck which crushed his chest. His injuries were severe and he died about 2 days later in Hospital.

As for Guy's girlfriend, Tib Downs, like Betsy MANUSU, a second heart was shattered that day in 1942 at Eora Creek. Did Tib carry in her mind's eye a memory of a smiling young man who would forever remain just 23 years old, marching off to war? Whilst time may lessen the pain a little, life must go on. So some time after Guys death; when Tib was to marry a man by the name of Arthur AMOS - she sought out Frank....Guy's father. The reason Tib asked Frank to walk her down the aisle. Frances has said that her Dad, Frank was "tickled pink" by this gesture. Though she now loved a new man, I dare say that a little corner of her heart was reserved for NX69109 Private Guy Eric MANUSU, 2/1st Battalion AIF. Stolen from her by a cruel war.

Cyril, the fifth born of the MANUSU children, did not serve in uniform during the Second World War. Born in 1917, he was rejected for Military Service based on medical grounds. With four brothers already in the army, I can only guess that this was a very bitter pill for Cyril to swallow. His daughter Pauline recalls that for as long as she can remember, her father would become very emotional when the topic of his brothers was brought up. In 2002 (the 60th Anniversary of the Battle For Eora Creek) Cyril and Hermoine (nee Paxton) represented their family at the Bowraville RSL. Pauline had to sit next to her father in a bid to comfort him in his grief, as he wept openly. They were presented with a "Certificate Of Appreciation "for the MANUSU family, in recognition of the effort and sacrifice of the whole family in the defence of Australia, which was a small but touching gesture. Pauline is quoted as saying "I can't begin to imagine how he felt, being the only son at home consoling his mother after his brothers were killed". Unfortunately, Cyril passed away in 2005.

But Cyril has served his family very well indeed, perhaps in a way that he may never have given thought. With three brothers passed on, only Percy and himself remained. But Percy never married and subsequently he did not bear any children. The MANUSU family is blessed with many descendants from the girl's side of the family who will hold the memory of their uncles dearly. But Cyril left a fine legacy in carrying on the family name of MANUSU, which continues on today. And whilst ever the family name is carried on, then the sacrifice beside a raging torrent in the Owen Stanleys shall never be forgotten. And the names of two brothers on a granite war memorial, in a little country town - will ensure that Australia will never forget the debt owed by a grateful nation to the generations before, that answered the call.

In 2008, Cyril's grandson Tyler BELLAMY was one of eight people selected as part of the "Kokoda Youth Leadership Clubs Challenge" and paid the most fitting tribute that he could, by walking in his great-uncle's footsteps along the Kokoda Track.

Percy went on to work at Bowraville RSL and was awarded life membership, but sadly he passed away in 2003.

In 2008, at the time of writing this story - just one MANUSU child remains. At the age of 78, Hermoine is the sole matriarch. She too is blessed with children but it is saddening to think that any child should also have to bear so much pain. Between the ages of 11 and 15 - Frances lost her mother and three cherished siblings. Naturally their passing had a lifelong effect upon her. Throughout her life, her brothers have remained her "heroes" and she named a son in Perry's honour. Perry's passing at Eora Creek was reported to have been quite agonising and drawn out. When speaking of his death, she once made the comment that if any of her brothers had to die that way - she was glad that it was Perry, as he was always the "boss" and toughest. When she was to bear sons of her own, she would name one of them "Homer" and the other "Perry" in honour of their uncles.

Both Guy and Perry were posthumously awarded service medals of this type. Their descendants are desperately seeking knowledge as to the whereabouts of these war medals. 

These brothers won no Victoria Crosses, nor are their deeds reflected by a "Mention in Dispatches". They received no awards other than the standard campaign medals that were handed out to countless other diggers at war's end. They were just your average boys from a small country town, like thousands of other men from countless other country towns and cities. But like Frances MANUSU, I too think that they are heroes just for doing "their bit" and their names should never be forgotten.

Eora Creek still flows and sometimes when the rain falls, it becomes a raging torrent. Even in peace time, it is the most dangerous part of the Kokoda Track. For us it is just one more river to cross. but in 1942 for Betsy MANUSU it was a River Of Tears.

Source: https://kokodahistorical.com.au/diggers-stories/the-manusu-brothers

Compiled by Gary Traynor (originally published by Kokoda Historical  in 2008 on their website http://kokodahistorical.com.au)

NX47118 William Hare enlisted into the AIF on the 26th August 1940 and was a member of the 2/1 Infantry Battalion, 6th Division, 2nd AIF for most of his service (almost 6 years) during the Second World War.  

He was inducted into Army Camp at Manilla Road, Tamworth, NSW where initial training was carried out by 1 Australian Infantry Training Battalion.

The 5th Reinforcements for the 2/1 Battalion sailed from Sydney on 4th February 1941 on SS Aquitania to Bombay, India where they transferred to the Dutch Ship Slamat and disembarked in Egypt on 16th March 1941.

Bill Hare served in North Africa, Egypt, Palestine and Syria as Driver Mechanic on Bren Gun Carriers with 2/1st Infantry Battalion.

The Battalion embarked Middle East 12th March 1942 and sailed to Colombo, Ceylon on SS Uffington Court.  They spent four months in Ceylon doing Jungle Training and under the threat of invasion.

Left Ceylon on the Devonshire, 7th July 1942.  Bill celebrated his 21st Birthday one week from Perth.  Arrived in Melbourne 8th August 1942. 

After a short period of leave, the Battalion sailed from Brisbane for Port Moresby on the Anhui, 29th September 1942.

Detached from 2/1 Battalion to 16th Brigade Carrier Company to operate coastal patrols east of Port Moresby.

The 2/1st Battalion campaign was over by Christmas, but the 16th and 17th Brigade Carrier Company's (minus carriers) were given a special task to hold the Aerodrome and valley at Wau-Mubo as 'Kanga Force' with 17th Brigade Infantry Battalions and Independent Companies (Commandos).

They were flown over the mountains at Kokoda by the American Air Force and operated as Machine Gun Units.

 Wau is 150 miles north of Port Moresby and was wanted desperately by the large Japanese force that landed at Salamaua and Lae.  Wau was vital to Australian and American Forces.

They were flown out when the task was completed and sailed on Duntroon 11th May 1943 to Cairns and rejoined the 6th Division training on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.

Trained with 6th Division Carrier Company until 3rd July 1944, then rejoined 2/1st Battalion.  Sailed on the 9thDecember from Cairns on the Van Heutz and landed Aitape, New Guinea on 15th December 1944.

Walked with 9 Section, 9 Platoon, A Company as Section Leader and Forward Scout from Aitape to Wewak and swam some big rivers with many trips to hospital and anxious moments along the way.

Embarked on the Katoomba at Wewak 13th October 1945 and landed Brisbane 26th October 1945.  Discharged 10th November 1945 in Sydney.

Bill Hare served for a total effective period of 1903 days (1077 outside Australia), which included active service. 

Born on 22nd July 1921 at Kendall, NSW, William (Bill) was the second son of five children of Arthur and Jessie Hare (nee Douglass) of High Street, Greta, NSW.s

Bill attended Greta Public School and West Maitland Technical College to age 14.  He worked on farms and whatever was available such as grape picking.

He joined the AIF in August 1940 and served until November 1945.  During his war service he studied and received a Diploma in Diesel Engineering.

On discharge he began work as a Motor Mechanic in Wauchope.  Married Nancy, youngest daughter of Charles and Ruby Everingham of Cameron Street, Wauchope on the 10th June 1946.  Their family consisted of four sons, Denis, Brian, Eric and Anthony.

Bill became an Honorary Ambulance Officer and worked and trained in his spare time.  Joined the Permanent Ambulance Service on the 12thNovember 1950 and was stationed at Port Macquarie.  Promoted to Station Officer at Bonalbo, then appointments at Nambucca Heads and Macksville.   Studied for Ambulance Diploma and was appointed Superintendent of the Ambulance Service in Cootamundra and then Wagga Wagga.

He retired from service 23rd July 1981.  Assisted in Ambulance career by wife Nancy, as early appointments were single officer stations, with Nancy running the station (including communications) while he was on jobs.  Their son Anthony also became an Ambulance Officer.

Bill was awarded the NSW Ambulance Long Service Medal and Australian National Medal with clasp.  He was made a life member of the St John Ambulance Association.

Bill Hare passed away on 9th July 2011.

Thank you for your service to Australia, Bill Hare.

Source :  Denis Hare OAM BEM