QX50529 (Q267065)
Sapper William (Bill) Brennan WIA
3rd Engineeer Training Battalion,
25th Field Company Engineers,
2nd/11th Field Company Engineers,
2nd/28th Field Company Engineers
This file last updated 4 September, 2025 11:19
Introduction
Sapper William Brennan Aug 1942
The following information and chronological table are a summary of the entries from the World War Two Service Record of William (Bill) Brennan born 7 August 1924 [QLD BDM 19224/B/86575. He married Gwendoline Mary Edwards 11 Sep 1948 and died 27 Oct 1996.
The family is that of William Brennan and Evelyn Ruth née Holmes who married in 1913. [QLD BDM 1913/C/2693]. Bill Jnr's siblings born before 1925 are:
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William James Brennan b 3 Jun 1914 [QLD BDM 1914/C/1077] d 31 Dec 1921 [QLD BDM 1922/C/713]
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Robert Neville Brennan b 31 Jul 1915 [QLD BDM 1915/C/10897]. Married Mary Catherine O'Neill 11 Feb 1941 [QLD BDM&mnbsp;1941/B/42859], Served in WW2 as QX501674 and QX10622 Acting Corporal Robert Neville Brennan with 2nd/26th Battalion. Death not found in QLD BDM.
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Donald Henry Charles Brennan b 17 Mar 1917 [QLD BDM 1917/C/2598]. Marrried Joyce Richters 7 Nov 1946 [QLD BDM 946/C/4648] Served in WW2 as QX3398 Donald Henry Charles Brennan with 2nd/20th Battalion and was Wounded in Action (WIA). Death not found in QLD BDM.
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Irma Brennan b 25 May 1919 [QLD BDM 1919/C/6365]. Married Gordon Edwin Schibrowski 1 Jun 1940 [QLD BDM 1940/C/2426] Death not found in QLD BDM.
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Bernard Brennan b 16 Jul 1920 [QLD BDM 1920/C/9444]. Served in WW2 as QX37498 Bernard Brennan with 2nd/12th Battalion. Marriage or death not in QLD BDM.
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Kenneth Brennan b 12 Jun 1922 [QLD BDM 1922/C/5879]. Served in WW2 as QX58292 and Q125357 Lance Sergeant Kenneth Brennan with 61st, 8th and 27th Aust Inf Battalions.
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Noel Brennan b 29 Nov 1923 [QLD BDM 1923/C/12526]. No other records found in QLD BDM.
On 2 Aug 1942 Bill Brennan completes a Mobilization Attestation Form at WATER STREET DEPOT, VALLEY, BRISBANE. It is witnessed by Private Henry Bruce, and J.S.C. Elkington conducts the medical examination, noting that Bill is category A2, suffering from "flat feet, painful, the right foot everted" (turned out).
His actual enlistment is witnessed by Lieutenant R.A. Crisdel and Bill is allotted Service Number Q267065 for service with the Citizens Military Forces (CMF) in Australia. [The CMF is the equivalent of today's Australian Army Active Reserve]
He gives his trade as Foundry Hand, Mechanic and Blind Factory worker and his present occupation as Deckhand. Bill has no formal educational qualifications.
On 30 Nov 1942 he is approved for service by a Man Power Officer and on 4 Dec 1942 marches in to the R.R.D. and taken on strength. On 10 Dec 1942 he marches out to the Central Engineers Training Centre at REDBANK and the next day taken on strength at KAPOOKA N.S.W. from the Queensland Line of Control Area (Line of Control is effectively what later became the geographic Commands. Queensland is Northern Command).
His unit at WAGGA WAGGA is the 3rd Engineer Training Battalion and his status is originally that of a member of the Citizens Military Forces . On 18 Jan 43 he is transferred to the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and allotted Army No QX50529
On 13 Apr 43 he is transferred from 3 Engr Trg Bn to 26 Field Company, Engineers and taken on strength at that unit. He is immediately detached to 25 Field Company Engineers, rejoining 26 Fd Coy on 4 Aug 1943. This says much about the ongoing confusion and rapid military buildup caused by the Japanese capture of Singapore and the invasion of South Pacific island, including PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
After service in QUEENSLAND as Japanese attacks in the north gained momentum he is transferred to 2nd/11th Field Company Engineers on 14 Sep 1943 and sails with the unit from CAIRNS to BUNA on the north coast of NEW GUINEA on 21 Oct 1943.
On 14 May 1944 the unit sails from LAE to TOWNSVILLE and a year later sails from CAIRNS to MOROTAI. In MOROTAI he is Wounded in Action (WIA) when burned on the arms and buttocks moving a burning truck from a vehicle park to save other vehicles from being damaged. He doesn't appear to received much sympathy from the Medical Officer.
On 24 Jul 1945 the unit sails from MOROTAI to BALIKPAPAN, and returns on 14 Nov 1945. He is then transferred to the 2nd/28th Field Company which forms a part of AUSTRALIA's contribution to the JAPAN occupation forces at KURE.
On 14 Nov 1947 he returns to SYDNEY and is discharged from the Army in BRISBANE on 7 Mar 1947.
View William Brennan's service record here.
The colour patch depicted above was proposed for use by the N.S.W. Line of Control RAE units, but may not have been officially sanctioned.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations or acronyms which have a dotted underline can be expanded by moving the cursor over the term - e.g. WIA. The cursor will be replaced by ? and the expanded abbreviation will be displayed. This is gradually being incorporated into the site, replacing the the current expansion of abbreviations. There may be a discernable delay of about a second before the expansion is first provided.
There is also a separate list of abbreviations which is available through the menu at the top of this page or the hyperlink here. Abbreviations are inconsistent, even within a single occurence where a term is abbreviated.
There are a number of sources for tracing abbreviations used in Australian and New Zealand service records. Those used when operating with the British or US forces can generally be found, especially in World War 1. Abbreviations used solely within Australia in WW2 are most difficult to trace, particularly when they are regional. Sometimes a 'best guess' is the only answer.
Duplicated Pages
Some of the service information may appear to be duplicated although individual occurrences are not in the same order and different abbreviations used. This occurs when the unit and Army records are amalgamated upon discharge or death in Service.
Service Numbers
Service numbers in WW1 were unique to the unit (e.g. Battalion) or Corps (e.g. Artillery). In WW2 Service Numbers were unique to the State in which they were allotted. For further information about identity numbers for Service personnel, see Regimental and Service Numbers
Dates of Occurrence and Reporting
The date of reporting an incident may be hours, days or months after the date on which incident actually occurred.
The original service record is amended only when the incident is reported which means that events are not necessarily recorded in in strict chronological sequence. This is the date shown on the left of the page of the original record, and also on the left in my transcription but readers should note that at times there may be no date of reporting at all, particularly when service personel are repatriated for discharge at the end of hostilities.
To assist the reader, when transcribing the military record I have done my best to record events in their chronological sequence. This is date is on the right of the page of the original record and also on the right in my transcription.
For clarity I have transcribed all dates into the format d MMM yyyy.
Enlistment Details
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES.
MOBILIZATION ATTESTATION FORM.
To be filled in for all Persons at the Place of Assembly when called out under Part III. or IV. of the Defence Act.
Army Number......................Q 267065...........[Later QX50529]....................
Surname.................................BRENNAN........................Christian Names......................William............................................................
Unit.........................R.R.D..........................................................................................................................................................................
Enlisted for war service at............................WATER ST. VALLEY..................................................................................................(Place)
..............................QUEENSLAND..................................(State)......................24 AUG 1942...........................................................(Date)
A
Questions to be put to persons called out or presenting themselves for voluntary enlistment*
|
1. What is your name? |
1. Surname BRENNAN |
|
2. Where were you born? |
2. In or near the town of B'BANE in the state or country of Q'LAND |
|
3. Are you a British Subject? |
3. YES N.B.B.S |
|
4. What is your age and date of birth |
4. Age 18 |
|
5. (a) What is your your normal trade or occupation |
5. (a) Foundry Hand, Mechanic Blind Factory Worker |
|
(b) Present occupation |
(b) Deckhand |
|
6. (a) Are you married, single or widower? |
(a) Single |
|
(b) If married state date of marriage? |
(b) —— |
|
7. (a) Have you had previous naval, military or Air Force service |
(a) Mil |
|
(b) What was the reason for your discharge? |
(b) —— |
|
8. Who is your actual next of kin? (Order of relationship.— wife, eldest son, eldest daughter, father, mother, eldest brother, eldest sister, eldest half-brother, eldest half-sister) |
8. Name Mrs. E[velyn] Brennan, |
|
9. What is your permanent address? |
9. Wallace St, B'fast Crk, Brisbane |
|
10. What is your religious denomination? (This question need not be answered if the man has a conscientious objection to doing so) |
10. C of E |
|
11. Which, if any of the following Educational Qualifications do you possess? |
1. Certificate for entry to Secondary School |
|
12. Have you ever been convicted by a Civil Court? |
12. No [Initialled "WB" as an amended entry] |
|
If so, (a) What Court? |
(a) |
|
(b) for what offence? |
(b) |
I, .....................William Brennan...................................................................................................................do solemnly declare that the
above answers made by me to the above questions are true.
Witnessed by .......................Pte Henry Bruce.......................................William Brennan.......................................................................
* The person will be warned that should he give false answers to any of these questions he will be liable to heavy penalties under the Defence Act.
B
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
I have made full and careful examination of the abovenamed person in accordance with the instructions contained in the Standing Orders for Australian Army Medical Services. In my opinion he is—*
1. Fit for Class I
2. Temporarily unfit for Class I † ............................................................................................................................................................
3. Fit for Class II. A2 Flat Feet, R[ight] everted, painful
4. Temporarily unfit for Class II †............................................................................................................................................................
5. Unfit for military service † ..................................................................................................................................................................
Place .............................WATER ST.VALLEY EXHIBITION................................
Date .............................24 AUG 1942 ........................
Signature of Examining Medical Officer .........................J.S.C. ELKINGTON ]........................................................................................
* Classifications which are inapplicable to be struck out † Reasons for unfitness to be stated.
C
OATH OF ENLISTMENT ‡
For persons voluntarily enlisted or called upon under Part III. or Part IV, of the Defence Act to serve in the Citizens Forces in time of war. Not compulsory for serving members of the Forces or those allotted to the Citizen Forces under Part XII. of the Act, but unless in any case an objection is raised, the oath should be administered to them as part of the ceremony of attestation.
I,.....................William Brennan ...............swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord, the King, in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia until the cessation of the present time of war or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed, and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause his Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law.
SO HELP ME GOD!
Signature of Person Enlisted................. William Brennan .........................
Subscribed at ............................... Water Street, Brisbane .............................. in the State of ........................... Queensland .............
this ............................ 24th ...................................... day of .......................................August .................................. 1942 .....................
Before me—
Signature of Attesting Officer ................................R.A. Crisdel Lieut ....................................................................................................
‡ Persons who object to take an oath may make an affirmation in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Defence Act. In such cases the above form will be amended acccordingly and initialled by the Attesting Officer.
Chronological Events
(Service and Casualty Form)
|
Date |
Received |
Event/Casualty |
Date of |
Place of |
|
4 Dec 1942 |
R.R.D. |
M/In to Recruit Reception Depot, Taken on strength |
30 November 1942 |
BRISBANE |
|
10 Dec 1942 |
R.R.D. |
M/out to Cent Engrs Tng Centre |
10 Dec 1942 |
REDBANK |
|
121 DEC 1942 |
Cent Engrs Tng Centre |
Taken on Strength Ex Q L of C Area |
12 Dec 1942 |
KAPOOKA (WAGGA WAGGA) |
|
28 Jan 1943 |
3 Bn |
Tfrd to AIF and allotted Army No QX50529 |
27 Jan 1943 |
KAPOOKA |
|
18 Apr 1943 |
3 Bn |
M/O to 26 Fd Coy |
10 Aug 1943 |
KAPOOKA |
|
17 Apr 1943 |
26 Fd Coy |
Taken on Strength Ex RAE T/C |
13 Apr 1943 |
NSW L of C Area |
|
17 Apr 1943 |
26 Fd Coy |
Detached to 25 Aust Fd Coy |
13 Apr 1943 |
NSW L of C Area |
|
4 Aug 1943 |
26 Fd Coy |
Rejd Ex Det to 25 Fd Coy |
4 Aug 1943 |
NSW L of C Area |
|
29 Aug 1943 |
26 Fd Coy |
Charge: Losing by neglect equipment valued at 18/11 ($1.93) |
25 Aug 1943 |
NSW L of C Area |
|
2 Oct 1943 |
26 Fd Coy |
Transferred to Gen Reinfts Engrs |
2 Sep 1943 |
NSW L of C Area |
|
2 Oct 1943 |
26 Fd Coy |
M.O to 2 Aust Corps Rec Camp Q L of C Area |
2 Sep 1943 |
NSW L of C Area |
|
14 Sep 1943 |
2/11 Fd E. Coy |
T.O.S. from 2 Aust Corps Recpt Camp 22/1285 |
13 Sep 1943 |
Q L of C Area |
|
17 Oct 1943 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Embarked at Cairns per ["HMAT DUNTROON" |
17 Oct 1943 |
Q L of C Area |
|
21 Oct 1943 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Disembarked at Buna [N coast of PNG] 23/1347 |
21 Oct 1943 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
10 Dec 1943 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Classified Proficient & entitled to Proficiency Pay |
1 Jul 1943 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
14 Mar 1944 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Embarked at LAE per "BONTEKOE" |
14 Mar 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
6 May 1944 |
2 Aust Corps Recep Camp |
OFFENCE: AWL from 1700 hrs on 1 May 1944 to
0630 hrs on 2 May 1944 |
|
Q L of C Area |
|
7 May 1944 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Graded Group III Tech Storeman |
7 Feb 1944 |
Q L of C Area |
|
4 May 1944 |
109 CCS |
Tfrd to X List [i.e. detached from unit for the purpose of removing from unit's ration strength], Evac [to] 109 CCS (Tinea R[ight] foot) |
3 May 1944 |
Q L of C Area |
|
10 Jun 1944 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
OFFENCE: AWL 0800 hrs 19 Apr 44 to 1100 hrs 24 Apr 1944 |
10 Jun 1944 |
Q L of C Area |
|
23 Jun 1944 |
109 ACCS |
Adm 109 Aust CCS (Dermatitis of feet) trans to X List |
3 May 1944 |
Q L of C Area |
|
23 Jun 1944 |
109 CCS |
Discharged from 109 CCS to 2 Aust Corps Rec Camp |
6 Jun 1944 |
Q L of C Area |
|
13 May 1944 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
TOS from 2 Aust Corps Camp |
8 Jun 1944 |
Q L of C Area |
|
16 Mar 1945 |
2/11 Field Coy |
Embarked CAIRNS per USAT "SEA BARB" |
16 Apr 1945 |
QLD |
|
21 May 19145 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Wounded in Action. Burned on R hand and buttocks pushing burning truck out
of the way of a fire that started in the petrol dump when the petrol exploded
setting alight to his clothes. |
5 May 1945 |
TARAKAN |
|
28 May 1948 |
2/11 Fd Amb |
Evac 2/11 Aust Field Amb |
5 May 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
28 May 1945 |
2/5 AGH |
Evac from 2/11 Aust Fd Amb to 2/5 Aust Gen Hosp. |
11 May 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
8 Jun 1945 |
2/5 AGH |
Disch 2/5 Aust Gen Hosp to unit |
23 May 19145 |
MOROTAI |
|
3 Jul 1945 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
M/In from 2/5 Aust Gen Hosp, TOS |
23 May 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
3 Jul 1945 |
2 Adv 2 Ech |
Wounded in Action (First and Second degree burns Buttocks and arms) |
5 May 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
3 July 1945 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Relinquishes Gp3 Tec Storeman (at own request) |
29 May 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
3 Jul 19145 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Granted proficiency pay |
29 May 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
24 Jul 1945 |
2 Adv 2 Ech |
Embarked MOROTAI per "USS CARTER HALL" for service at BALIK PAPAN |
25 Jun 1945 |
MOROTAI |
|
12 Oct 1945 |
2/11 Fd Coy |
Transferred out to 28 Fd Coy |
12 Oct 1945 |
BALIK PAPAN |
|
13 Oct 1945 |
28 Fd Coy |
Tfd in from 2/11 Fd Coy RAE |
12 Oct 1945 |
BALIK PAPAN |
|
14 Nov 1945 |
2 Adv 2 Ech |
Embarked BALIK PAPAN per "W.HPOINT" [sic] Disembarked at MOROTAI |
7 Nov 1945 |
BORNEO |
|
21 Mar 1946 |
2 Adv 2 Ech |
Embarked MOROTAI per "USS TAOS VICTORY" |
12 Feb 1946 |
KURE, JAPAN |
|
3 Sep 1946 |
92nd IGH |
Admitted 92 Ind Gen Hosp, to X List, Scabies |
3 Sep 1946 |
KURE |
|
5 Sep 1946 |
92 IGH |
Discharged 92 Ind Gen Hosp to unit |
5 Sep 1946 |
KURE |
|
5 Sep 1946 |
28 Fd Coy |
Rejoined Unit from 92 Ind Gen Hosp, off X List |
5 Sep 1946 |
KURE |
|
14 Feb 1947 |
28 Fd Coy |
Embarked KURE per "HMAT MANOORA" for SYDNEY |
15 Feb 1947 |
RR & GDD 2 MD |
|
7 Mar 1947 |
BRISBANE |
Discharged from Army. |
7 Mar 1947 |
BRISBANE |
|
29 Nov |
Robyn BRENNAN (?) |
Handwritten letter to Central Army Records Office (CARO) requesting, on behalf of William BRENNAN, a copy of his service record, asking if he has entitlement to a medal in respect of service with the Occupation Forces in Japan |
29 Nov 1994 |
|
|
27 Jun 1995 |
Central Army Records Office (CARO) |
Letter acknowledging receipt of handwritten letter from family and advising that they should notify a change of address. [There was a change of address which was noted on the original handwritten letter.] |
27 Jun 1995 |
|
|
7 Aug 1995 |
Robyn Brennan |
Typed letter from Robyn Brennan requesting advice as to why it has
taken so long to respond with the information he had requested. |
||
|
22 Aug 1995 |
Central Army Records Office (CARO) |
Apology for delay in replying, citing number of requests. |
22 Aug |
|
|
Dec 1995 |
Central Army Records Office (CARO) |
Letter accompanying award of the Australian Service Medal with Clasp JAPAN. |
Dec 1995 |
11th Field Company Royal Australian Engineers WWII
Differentiated from the 2nd/11th Field Company Engineers which served in Timor with Sparrow Force. A large number of sappers were captured by the Japanese, but other members remained at large and inflicted damage on Japanese soldiers and infrastructure.
During WWII the 11th Field Company, RAE initially remained in Australia as part of an effort to improve Home Defence. The unit was attached to the 29th Brigade which was part of the the 5th Division. One of its earliest roles was to defemd Townsville, preparing gun emplacements on CASTLE HILL and preparing defences along THE STRAND near the Seaview Hotel. Engineers also prepared bridges for demolition in the event of an invasion.
in 1943 the 11th was deployed to Milne Bay in New Guinea. Later it took pat in the final stages of the Salamaua-Lae and Bougainville campaigns. The Brigade and its component units were disbanded in December 1945.
Medals and Dress Embellishments
1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Australia Service Medal 1939-1945; , Australia Service Medal 145-75".
Use the hyperlinks or scroll down to see further information.
1939-1945 Star
The 1939-45 Star is awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 for:
- a period of six months (180 days) operational service for RAN and Army personnel and RAAF non-air crew personnel;
- a period of two months operational service for air crew personnel; and/or
- a period of six months service at sea for Merchant Navy provided at least one voyage was made through one of the specified areas of active operations;
The 1939-45 Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim.
Design
The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words "The 1939-45 Star".
Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.
Ribbon
The ribbon has three vertical stripes of dark blue, red and light blue. The dark blue stripe represents the Naval Forces and the Merchant Navy, the red stripe the Armies and the light blue stripe the Air Forces.
Clasps
The "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" clasp was awarded to eligible air crew involved in the Battle of Britain.
The "BOMBER COMMAND" clasp was introduced in 2012 and is awarded to eligible Bomber Command aircrew.
When the ribbon is worn alone the standard silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp. The silver rosette emblem is not supplied by the Directorate of Honours and Awards.
Pacific Star
The Pacific Star is awarded for entry into operational service in the Pacific Theatre of Operations between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.
Navy and Merchant Navy personnel are eligible if the 1939-45 Star is earned by six months service or if they entered the Pacific Theatre between 2 March 1945 and 2 September 1945.
The Pacific Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim.
Design
The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words 'The Pacific Star'.
Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.
Ribbon
The ribbon has central yellow and green stripes that represent the forests and the beaches of the Pacific, flanked dark blue, light blue and red stripes that represent the service of the Naval Forces and Merchant Navy, the Air Forces and the Armies.
Clasp
The Burma clasp was issued for the Pacific Star.
When the ribbon is worn alone a silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp.
War Medal 1939-1945
[Extract from Defence Honours and Awards website -Imperial Awards
The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse.
The reverse has a lion standing on a double-headed dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.
The rim is plain, and the medal hangs from a suspender. The ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration.
In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.
A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.
The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel.
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II.
The medal was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least 18 months full-time service, or three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Members of the Australian Mercantile Marine must have served the qualifying time at sea.
In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service. To be eligible for the medal a serviceman or woman must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces.
Design
The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945’.
Ribbon
The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, which are in turn flanked by two outer stripes, one of dark blue and the other of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Merchant Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force respectively.
Attribution
The above information is from the Defence Honours site at http://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/Imperial/WWII/Australia-Service-Medal-1939-1945.asp, taken on 19 Jun 2019.
Australian Service Medal 1945-1975
Source: Defence Honours and Awards
The Australian Service Medal 1945-75 was aapproved in 1995. It was awarded for service in, or in connection with declared non-warlike operations during the period commencing on 3 Sep 1945 and ending on 16 September 1975.
The medal is of nickel-silver ensigned with the AUstralian Coat of Arms surrounded by the words The Australian Service Medal 1945-75 on the obverse. Arms above a spray of wattle
The reverse has a Federation Star with space for the recipients details.
The medal ribbon has central stripes of yellow and greeen, flanked by navy blue. khaki and light blue stripes from the Australia Service Medal 1939-45.
A nickel-silver clasp with the name of the theatre or action for which the award is made is presented with the medal.
Further awards of the medal in other areas are recofgnised by the presentation of additional clasps, in order of date of receipt.
The Australian Service Medal is awarded to a member of the Australian Defence Force rendered service as such a member for a period of 30 days or for periods amounting in the aggregate to 30 days, for official visits, inspection or other occurrences of a temporary nature with the military contribution in the declared operation.
The qualifying peiod may be deemed to have been established if service in the declared operation was terminated due to death, evacuation due to illness or injury or other disability due to service.
A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.
Note that the list of awards may vary from time to time. All information derived from Defence Honours and Awards web site. You should not rely on this site for information that you intend to act upon.
The Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 has been issued with Clasps for:
|
Clasp |
Awarded for service in |
|
Berlin |
30 days service with Berlin Airlift |
|
Far East Stategic Reserve |
30 days service with the Far East Strategic Reserve |
|
Germany |
30 days service during the occupation of Germany |
|
Indonesia |
30 days service with UN Good offices Commission |
|
Japan |
30 days service with British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) |
|
Kashmir |
30 days service with UN mission in India/Pakistan |
|
Korea |
30 days service wih UN Commission in Korea |
|
Middle East |
30 days service with UN Treaty Supervision Organisation |
|
Papua New Guinea |
30 days service in Papua New Guinea leading up to Independence |
|
South East Asia |
30 days service on land in Malaysia (excluding Thai-Malay border when warlike) |
|
Special Operations |
CDF to specify for service during the period for which the medal is authorised
|
|
South West Pacific |
30 days service on islands in SW Pacific, Dutch East Indies, Burma and Malaya/Singapore |
|
Thailand |
30 days service at Royal Thai AF Base Ubon |
|
Western New Guineav |
30 days service with UNTEA |