N77746 Corporal Bruce Edward Douglas
4th Infantry Training Battalion
PX26 Sergeant Bruce Edward Douglas
(WIA) (MID)
31/51 Australian Infantry Battalion
11th Brigade, 4th Division (1943-1944)
& II Corps (1944-1946)

Also served in
C Troop, 17 Anti-Tank Battery

This file last updated 5 August, 2021 17:42

Introduction

Picture when available

Bruce Douglas enlists on 30 Jul 1940 in PADDINGTON, SYDNEY,is alloted Army Number N77746 and is the same day appointed an acting Corporal.

This is unusual, because he claims no previous military experience. He is, however, an imposing man and it probably suited those managing the movement and instuction of troops to have an NCO more than capable of backing up his orders.

He is taken on the strength of the 4th Infantry Training Battalion at TAMWORTH, and it would be here that he first met Joy Downes.

He is discharged as returning to his civil occupation of shop assistant on 21 Mar 1941 at DUBBO, the abbreviation SNLR standing for Services No Longer Required, but with no further explanation.

The next record appears eight months later, commencing as a transfer on 26 Nov 1941, now with Army Number PX26 when he is taken on the strength of 'C' Troop 17 Anti-Tank Battery in PORT MORESBY in the process of taking leave without pay from 26 Nov 1941 to 20 Dec 1941.

A later document in this file calculates his full time service in two parts, 30 Jul 1940 to 21 Mar 1941 and 26 Nov 1941 to 18 Jan 1946, proving that the two records are contiguous.

[There is a further record, not yet digitised, with no indication of dates or contents and held in SYDNEY,which I have yet to obtain. It is more than likely in reference to Japanese war crimes at RABAUL, KASVIENG, NAIRU AND OCEAN ISLAND.]

LARK Force

17 Anti-Tank Bty (less 'C' Troop) was a component of the 1,400 strong LARK Force, which was established in March 1941 then deployed to RABAUL and KAVIENG to defend harbours and airfields.  They had no escape or withdrawal plan.

Most of LARK Force was captured by the 5,000 strong Imperial Japanese Army assault force after RABAUL and KAVIENG were taken in Jan 1942.

Some 400 escaped capture and made it to the mainland, while another 160 were massacred at Tol plantation.  The Japanese force lost 16 men killed.

The LARK Force officers were transported to Japan, but while the NCOs, men and civilians were being transported to Japanese-captured HAINAN Island aboard the Montevideo Maru when the ship was torpedoed and sunk by the submarine USS Sturgeon.

There was no indication that the ship was carrying prisoners, and all 1050 to 1053 Australians locked below deck were drowned.  Only a few of the Japanese crew survived.

Returning from leave he remains in Port Moresby with 'C' Troop and with the other members of the sub-unit, escapes the fate of the remainder of 17 Anti-Tank Battery (see sidebar). 'C' Troop is subsequently retitled "2nd Independent Anti-Tank Troop".

Once Bruce's enlistment is reactivated, as an Infantryman in an Artillery unit he loses his stripes, however he is promoted to substantive Bombardier in seven months and to Sergeant two months later. Attending a number of courses in Australia, he is transferred to 31/51 Battalion, assigned to the 11 Infantry Brigade where it is part of MERAUKE Force.

He joins the battalion in MERAUKE, DUTCH EAST INDIES (now INDONESIA) on the southern coast near the border with PAPUA NEW GUINEA from 2 Feb 1944 as a reinforcement and returns to AUSTRALIA with the unit when it is withdrawn from MERAUKE Aug/Sep 1944.

He takes leave and on 26 Aug 1944 he married Eleanor Joy (Joy) Downes, eldest daughter of Stephen and Rosa Downes. Joy also serves (see DOUGLAS_EJ_105601.htm and Stephen is a World War 1 veteran (see DOWNES_S_535.htm). Bruce then attends a "Special NCOs Selection" at CANUNGRA in QUEENSLAND.

After his unit is deployed to BOUGAINVILLE in Dec 1944 he is Wounded in Action, grenade fragments (shrapnel) lodging near his right eye. He continues to have problems with this shrapnel for most of his life.

After the the surrender of JAPAN he appears to have accompanied troops from 31/51 Bn from BOUGAINVILLE to NAURU and OCEAN ISLAND where the unit is involved in guarding prisoners at both places and investigating War Crimes. He spends only part of one day at each place before returning to BOUGAINVILLE where War Crimes are also invesigated.

After the the surrender of JAPAN, troops from 31/51 Battalion BOUGAINVILLE sailed to NAURU and OCEAN ISLAND where the unit was involved in guarding prisoners at both places. The Unit War Diary contains the transcripts of the evidence of various witnesses to war crimes, as well as the statements of the accused who were still on the islands when they were surrendered.

The Japanese accused were later tried in TOKYO.

It should be noted that the 31/51 Battalion officers were criticised for concentrating their attention on the execution of five europeans and being cursory in their examination of the murder of 39 lepers and the rape, murder and assault of Islanders and Chinese.

He returns to AUSTRALIA on 16 Dec 1945 and is discharged from the Army on completion of his duty on 18 Jan 1946, and later learns that he has been gazetted to be awarded the Oak Leaf symbol of Mentioned in Despatches. See Promulgation of the award of Mentioned in Despatches. There is no citation as such, and this is likely to be due to the nature of the work being undertaken post-war.

Bruce's has two service records, one for early service in Australia and another for service in Papua New Guinea and the islands.

This record was prepared for Bruce and Joy Douglas' children Stephanie Pryor and Julie Bowen by their cousin Clive Mitchell-Taylor from the National Archives records and other sources.

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.

AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES

MOBILIZATION ATTESTATION FORM

To be filled in for all Persons at the Place of Assembly when called out under Parts III. or IV of the Defence Act, or when voluntarily enlisted.

Army No

N77746

Surname

DOUGLAS

Christian Names

Bruce Edward

Unit

RTD EC

Enlisted for war service at

Padddington

(Place)

N.S.W.

(State)

30 Jul 1940

(Date)

A

Questions to be put to persons called out or presenting themselves for voluntary enlistment*

1.     What is your name?

1.     Surname           
        Other names

Douglas
Bruce Edward

2.     Where were you born?

2.      In or near the town of                   in the state or country of     

Gosford
N.S.Wales

3.     Are you a British Subject?

3.

Yes

4.     What is your age and date of birth?

4.     Age
        Date of Birth

20 yrs 1 month
30 Jun 1920

5.     What is your trade or occupation?

5.

Shop Assistant

6.     Are you married, single or widower?

6.

Single

7.     Have you previously served on active service? If so where
        and in what arm?

7.

None

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
        Address

        Relationship

Violet Douglas
50 Railway Street
Gosford
Mother

9.     What is your permanent address?

9.

50 Railway St
Gosford

10.    What is your religious denomination? (This question need
         not be answered if the man has a conscientious objection to
         doing so)

10.

Methodist

Medical Classification

Class I [All other classes havebeen struck through]

* 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.

Date
Reported

Received
From

Chronological Events

Medical     Other     Disciplinary

Date of
Occurence

Place of
Occurence

SERVICE RECORD COMMENCES AS N77746 CPL BRUCE EDWARD DOUGLAS

30 Jul 1940

RTD EC

Taken on Strength

30 Jul 1940

Greta

30 Jul 1940

RTD EC

Appointed Act Corpl

30 Jul 1940

Greta

11 Aug 1940

RTD EC

Detached to ECTS Narellan

10 Aug 1940

Greta

9 Sep 1940

OC 2nd I. T. Bn

Taken on Strength H.Q. E.C. Trg Depot and
detached to 2nd Inf Trng Bn

9 Sep 1940

Tamworth

10 Sep 1940

OC 2nd I. T. Bn

Transferred to 4th Inf trg Bn

10 Sep 1940

Tamworth

16 Feb 1941

To Hospital, Sick

11 Feb 1941

Tamworth

24 Feb 1941

CDS

Admitted CDS (Conjunctivitis)

13 Feb 1941

Tamworth

19 Feb 1941

Base Hosp

Adm Base Hosp (R & L Conjunctivitis)

13 Feb 1941

Tamworth

18 Feb 1941

5th I. T. Bn

Taken on Strength ex 4th I. T. Bn

18 Feb 1941

Tamworth

1 Mar 1941

8 I. T. Bn

Taken on Strength ex "A" Inf Trg Bde

28 Feb 1941

Dubbo

24 Mar 1941

8 Trng Bn

Discharged - S.N.L.R.
Returning to Civil Occupation
Auth. DAAG (R) 1113451 & 22543

21 Mar 1941

Dubbo

SERVICE RECORD CONTINUES AS PX26 SGT BRUCE EDWARD DOUGLAS

26 Nov 1941

C/Tp 17 A/Tk Bty

Taken on Strength

26 Nov 1941

Port Moresby

26 Nov 1941

C/Tp 17 A/Tk Bty

Granted leave w/o pay until RRD E Comd from

26 Nov 1941

Port Moresby

22 Dec 1941

C/Tp 17 A/Tk Bty

Rejoined unit from leave w/o pay

20 Dec 1941

Port Moresby

3 Apr 1942

C/Tp 17 A/Tk Bty

Posted to X list [Detached from Unit while hospitalised],
Evac to ADS Hospital Murray Barracks, Malaria
[Unable to identify the ADS abbreviation]

31 Mar 1942

Port Moresby

27 Apr 1942

Base Hosp

Transferred from ADS Hosp, Murray Barracks

1 Apr 1942

Port Moresby

27 Apr 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Transferred to 113 Conval Depot from Base Hosp

27 apr 1942

Port Moresby

29 Apr 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Struck off X List, Returned from Reinforcement Wing

29 Apr 1942

Port Moresby

2 Jun 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Promoted A/Bdr

2 Jun 1942

Port Moresby

20 Jul 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Promoted Sergeant

20 Jul 1942

Port Moresby

30 Jul 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Next of Kin, change of address

30 Jul 1942

Port Moresby

5 Nov 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Evac to Recep Depot, Murray Barracks (Arty Scl P'punyal)

5 Nov 11942

Port Moresby

18 Nov 42

2nd A/Tk Tp

Emplaned Pt Moresby for Q L of C Area

6 Nov 1942

P Moresby

18 Nov 1942

2nd A/Tk Tp

Deplaned Townsville from NG L of C Area Moresby to
P'punyal - attend No 15 Arty A/T Course DA&QMG 19 Oct 1942

6 Nov 1942

3 M.D.

19 Mar 1943

HQ S of A

Attended HQ S OF A (A/TK) Puckapunyal from 15 Nov to
[An "L" symbol before both instances of "HQ" is possibly an abbreviation for "Line of Control"]

12 Dec 1942

3 M.D

21 Jan 1943

2/1 Ind A/Tk Tp

Embarked Townville per "TAROOMA"

19 Jan 1943

Aust

21 Jan 1943

2/1 Ind A/Tk Tp

Disembarked Port Moresby

21 Jan 1943

N Guinea

22 Jan 1943

2/1 Ind A/Tk Tp

Taken on strength from L HQ S of A (A/Tk) Puckapunyal

21 Jan 1943

N Guinea

4 Feb 1943

2/1 Ind A/tk Tp

Embarked Port Moresby per "TAROOMA"

4 Feb 1943

N Guinea

11 Feb 1943

2/1 Ind A/Tk Tp

Disembarked Brisbane, Proceeded on

11 Feb 1943

Aust

26 Mar 1943

2/1 Ind A/Tk Tp

Mar in ex Qld & NG L of C Area

13 Mar 1943

Puckapunyal

8 Oct 1943

C Tp 2/17 A/Tk Bty

Transferred out to 2 Aust Army Jnr Ldrs Sch

5 Oct 1943

Puckapunyal

26 Oct 1943

2 Aust Army JL Sch

Transferred in from C Tp 2/17 Tank Attack Battery

5 Oct 1943

Puckapunyal

26 Oct 1943

2 Aust Army JL Sch

Transferred to GDD for reallotment

26 Oc t 1943

Seymour

30 Oct 1943

GDD

Mar in from S A A JL S for reallotment

26 Oct 1943

Caulfield

19 Nov 1943

GDD

March out to 5 ARD

18 Nov 1943

Caulfield

9 Dec 1943

5 ARD

March in from 13 Aust Pers Staging Camp

7 Dec 1943

Sellheim

31 Jan 1944

5 ARD

Mar out to 13 APSC for o/m to 31/51 Aust Inf Bn

31 Jan 1944

Qld

31/51 was a composite infantry battalion made up of the Townsville-based 31st and the Cairns-based 51st CMF battalions, both under strength due to the release of rural workers to bolster the ever-growing war economy and the counter the generally low level of enlistment at the time.
The 31st/51st Battalion joined the 26th and 55th/53rd Battalions to make up the 11th Infantry Brigade, the units being transferred from the CMF to the AIF to enable them to be deployed overseas, . The now highly trained Sgt Douglas is typical of the experienced NCOs bolstering the ranks of the citizen soldiers prior to deployment.

8 Feb 1944

134 APSC

Marched in from 5 ARD to 13 Aust Pers S Cmp

1 Feb 1944

Aust

6 Feb 1944

13 APSC

Mar out to 16 Aust Pers S Camp from 13 Aust Pers S Camp

4 Feb 1944

Aust

13 Feb 1944

RLO

Embarked at Cairns per "THEDENS" [Trading Ship]

7 Feb 1944

Aust

13 Feb 1944

RLC

Disembarked at Merauke

13 Feb 1944

Merauke [Indonesia]

16 Feb 1944

31/51 Bn

Taken on strength from 5 ARD

13 Feb 1944

Merauke [Indonesia]

15 Aug 1944

RLO

Embarked Merauke per "TAROOMA

6 Aug 1944

Merauke

15 Aug 194

RLO

Disembarked Sydney

15 Aug 1944

Aust

3 Oct 1944

31/51 Bn

Marital Condition change, Wife Eleanor Joy Douglas, 2 Griffin St, Tamworth, NSW

26 Aug 1944

Aust

20 Oct 1944

31/51 Bn

Attending Special NCOs Sel, JTC Canungra, Trans to X List

6 Oct 1944

Aust

16 Nov 1944

31/51 Bn

Taken on strength from Special NCO's Sel, Canungra

9 Nov 1944

Aust

15 Dec 1944

RLO

Embarked Brisbane per "SEASNIPE"

6 Dec 1944

Aust

15 Dec 1944

Disembarked BOUGAINVILLE

12 Dec 1944

Bougainville

14 Oct 1944

31/51 Bn

Wounded in Action BSW Gren r eye

12 Feb 1945

Bougainville

16 Feb 1945

19 Fd Amb

Evac to MDS Aust Fd Amb Bomb spinter r eye? Penetrating)

12 Feb 1945

Bougainville

13 Feb 1945

106 CCS

Evac MDS 19 Aust Fd Amb to 106 Aust CCS & Tfr to X List

13 Feb 19145

Bougainville

13 Feb 1945

106 CCS

Evac 106 Aust CCS to 2/1 Aust Gen Hosp

13 Feb 1945

Bougainville

8 Mar 1945

2/1 AGH

Discharge 2/1 Aust Gen Hosp to Unit

8 Mar 1945

Bougainville

8 Mar 1945

31/51 Bn

Taken on strength from 2/1 Aust Gen Hosp

8 Mar 1945

Bougainville

8 Jul 1945

21 AGH

Evac to 2/1 Aust Gen Hosp (foreign body r orbit) & tfr to x list

8 Jul 1945

Bougainville

28 Jul 1945

2/1 AGH

Disch 2/1 Aust Gen Hosp to Unit

28 Jul 1945

Bougainville

30 Jul 1945

31/515 Bn

Rejoined Unit from 2/1 Aust Gen Hosp

28 Jul 1945

Bougainville

17 Sep 1945

RLO

Embarked TOROKINA per "RIVER BURDEKIN"

9 Sep 1945

Bougainville

17 Sep 1945

RLO

Disembarked NAURU IS

14 Sep 1945

NAURU IS

In September, after Japan's surrender, the 31st/51st was transferred to Nauru and Ocean Islands, as part of the occupation force that garrisoned the islands. Beginning in October the Japanese were transported to Torokina and then Fauro Island for repatriation to Japan. The occupation force stayed in the islands until December, when the 31st/51st was transferred to Rabaul in New Britain where it performed a similar role. The battalion stayed on Rabaul until May 1946 when it finally returned to Australia. The 31st/51st was disbanded on 4 July 1946.

Extract from Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56114 extracted 22 Nov 2021

The Japanese, after taking the island had executed five Australians, put all 39 lepers onto a boat which was taken out to sea and shelled until all were killed and the boat sunk.

The Japanese also moved 1200 Nauruans (67% of the population) to other islands as labourers where 461 died from malnutrition, disease or ill-treatment.

Two Japanese officers were sentenced to life imprisonment for War Crimes by the Australian Military Court in Hong Kong, Nov 1948, and a third to four years imprisonment.

Staff of the 31/51 Bn (on Nauru for a very short time) were criticised for concentrating on the deaths of the Australians and not following up the false assertion that the lepers were still on the island.

Extracts from Asia-Pacific Journal, Nov 8 2010, Vol8, Issue 5, Number 2 Article ID 3441, https://apjjf.org/-Yuki-Tanaka/3441/article.html extracted 22 Nov 2021.

It may have been a bad experience for the Japanese, but it cannot have been a pleasant period for the Australian troops either.

2 Oct 1945

RLO

Embarked NAURU IS per "River Burdekin"

14 Sep 1945

Nauru Is

2 Oct 1945

RLO

Disemb TOROKINA

21 Sep 1945

Bougainville

23 Nov 1945

RLO

Emb TOROKINA per "RIVER BURDEKIN"

17 Oct 1945

Bougainville

23 Oct 1945

RLO

Disemb RABAUL

18 Oct 1945

Rabaul

? Oct 1945

[Illegible]

Embarked TOROKINA per "RIVER BURDEKIN"

25 Sep 1945

Bougainville

[No entry]

[No entry]

Disembarked OCEAN ISLAND

1 Oct 19145

[No entry]

[No entry]

[No entry]

Embarked OCEAN ISLAND per RIVER BURDEKIN

1 Oct 1945

[No entry]

[No entry]

[No entry]

Disembarked TOROKINA

8 Oct 1945

Bougainville

6 Dec 1945

31/51 Bn

Tfd out to NSW L of C Area L & TD for discharge

6 Dec 1945

Rabaul

16 Dec 1945

31/51 Bn

Embarked

6 Dec 19145

Rabaul

16 Dec 1945

31/51 Bn

Disembarked

16 Dec 1945

NSW

28 Feb 1946

QER

Mentioned in Despatches vide General Order No DQ 12 of J?

28 Feb 1946

[No entry]

3 Apr 1946

Det Pers E.C.

Discharged AMR&O 253A(1(N)

18 Jan 1946

NSW

Medals and Dress Embellishments

1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945 with Oakleaf, Mentioned in Despatches, Australia Service Medal 1939-1945, .

Use the hyperlinks or scroll down to see further information.

Mentioned in Despatches (MID)

[Australian War Memorial - based on
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/mention-despatches,
extracted 11 Dec 2021

One of the oldest Imperial forms of recognition for bravery or distinguished service is when a service man or woman was Mentioned in Despatches.

A despatch is an official report, written by a senior commander in the field to pass on information about the progress of military operations. Commanders would include in their despatches the names of those deserving attention to their services. Mentions may be for a specific act of bravery or for a period of outstanding service. During the Boer War it became common practice to list the names at the end of a despatch.

If your name appeared in these lists you were said to have been "Mentioned in Despatches". The despatches were usually published in The London Gazette so a mention equated to a public commendation.

This, and the Victoria Cross were the only forms of recognition for gallantry or distinguished service in action which could be made posthumously

Prior to 1919 those Mentioned in Despatches did not receive any form of recognition other than having their names published in The London Gazzette. In 1919 a certificate was introduced to acknowledge those who received mention.

The following year an emblem of bronze oak leaves was issued to individuals who had been mentioned. The device was worn at a low angle in the centre of the Victory Medal and only one device was awarded per person, even if an individual was mentioned more than once.

After World War 1 the emblem was changed to a single bronze oak leaf. Emblems granted for mentions during the Second World War were worn in the centre of the 1939-45 War Medal. For those Mentioned in Despatches between the two world wars, or after the cessation of hostilities in the Second World War, the emblem was worn on the ribbon of the appropriate general service medal.

While the award of Mentioned in Despatches is abbreviated as MID, the letters are not to be used as post-nominals.

The Australian Honours system has replaced the MID with the awards of the Commendation for Gallantry, the Commendation for Distinguished Service and for civilians, the Commendation for Bravery as level four awards. They are mounted with service medals and have a backing of appropriate colour and a bronze emblem to denote the type of award. Post-nominal letters are not used.

UNIT COLOUR PATCH

2ND/17TH ANTI-TANK REGIMENT

2/17 Anti-Tank Battery, Royal Australian Artillery

This unit had previously been 23 Anti Tank Company and was redesignated 17th Anti Tank Battery (less C Troop in Port Moresby) on 9 Aug 1941. Commanded by Captain G. Matheson, E.D. (VX45210). Arrived in Rabaul on 29 Sep 1941 with 110 all ranks, as a part of Lark Force. Their story is described above.

Background - Infantry Battalions WW2

[Based on information in Redcoats to Cams, Ian Kuring.]

The Australian infantry battalion organisation in 1939 was structured around three rifle companies, each of four platoons, a support company of three medium machine gun platoons and a mortar platoon and a battalion headquarters.

The Middle East battalions were reorganised along British Army lines. Battalion headquarters, four companies of around 100 men each of three rifle platoons and a companyheadquarters. Each rifle platoon had a headquarters and three sections. Platoon headquarters was issued with a light mortar and an anti-tank rifle and each rifle section had a light machinegun. The headquarters company included specialist platoons of signals, mortars, tracked machinegun carriers, anti-aircfraft machineguns, assault pioneers and administration.

The Pacific jungle warfare battalions were modified to become smaller and lighter, removing some heavy weapons and most vehicles. The rifle companies remained much the same, but the support company specialist tracked carrier, truck and anti-aircraft platoons were removed. Later in the war, rifle platoon headquarters were issued with a light mortar, a light anti-tank weapon, one or two sub-machineguns, a sniper rifle, a grenade projection rifle and a light machinegun at section level.

The establishment strength of wartime infantry battalions varied from 700 to just over 900 men.

31/51 Australian Infantry Battalion

Source: Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56114


After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part time soldiers of the CMF - otherwise know as the Militia. The Militia was organized to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. These Militia units were also distributed in the same areas that had raised the original AIF units. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, Townsville's 31st Infantry Battalion was the "Kennedy Regiment", while the 51st Infantry Battalion was the "Far North Queensland Regiment". The 31st and 51st were both raised in 1921, however during the 1930s little was spent on defence and the Militia had few volunteers. The 51st merged with the 30th Infantry Battalion and then the 18th Infantry Battalion in 1935. The following year the two were unlinked.

Following the start of the war, in early 1940, the 11th Brigade, then composed of the 26th, 31st, and 51st Battalions, went into camp at Miowera near Bowen, on Queensland's north coast. The 31st and 51st received their first intake of men called-up for national service. The 31st drew its personnel from and around Townsville, Home Hill, Ayr, Bowen, Charters Towers, and Ingham. Similarly, the 51st drew its personnel from and around Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands, Mossman, Innisfail, and Tully. These districts were all sugar-growing areas and many of the men came from Italian families. Consequently, in June when Italy entered the Second World War on the side of the Axis, the 26th was sent to Kissing Point near Townsville, to deter to any possible unrest.

In early 1942 the 11th Brigade, with is headquarters in Townsville, was allocated the defence of Far North Queensland. The 31st was allocated to Townsville, the 26th went to Charters Towers, and the 51st to Cairns. In March the 51st was relocated to Sellheim near Charters Towers. Townsville though was becoming increasingly important as a naval base and in April the 51st moved to Townsville. There were several Japanese air raids on the town and harbour while the brigade was in Townsville.

With the threat of a possible Japanese landing, the 31st was sent to Jacky Jacky, at the top of Cape York Peninsula, in August. The 31st was in command of a small force called York Force, which was disbanded shortly after Christmas 1942. Meanwhile, with the 31st located north, it was believed that the 51st would also go overseas. However, it went to Cairns instead.

In order to meet the needs of the ever-growing war economy, in February 1943 the Federal Government released the men who had worked in essential industries from the army. When the rural workers were discharged the 31st and 51st became severely depleted. Hence, on 12 April the two battalions were merged, forming the 31st/51st Infantry Battalion.

In mid-1943, while still in the Cairns area, the 31st/51st underwent amphibious training, using American landing craft. But it was going to be some time before the battalion could put what it learnt into practice. Leaving Australia in June, the battalion travelled to Merauke in Dutch New Guinea, via Horn Island in the Torres Strait, arriving in July. Merauke Force was comprised of units mostly from the 11th Brigade. Consequently, the 11th Brigade had the distinction of being the only Militia unit to have served outside Commonwealth territory.

In August 1944 the brigade was withdrawn from Dutch New Guinea and the 31st/51st travelled via Thursday Island to Townsville, for some well-appreciated leave. The battalion, along with the rest of the brigade, then assembled at Strathpine for training, in preparation for its next deployment - Bougainville. Until now the 11th had spent the war doing garrison duties; but this was about to change.

In December the 11th Brigade, now the 26th, 31st/51st, and 55th/53rd Battalions, moved to Bougainville. The brigade was responsible for the Northern and Central Sectors.

From December 1944 until February 1945, the 31st/51st advanced along Bougainville's north-east coast. Despite occupying Amun, Sipaai, and a number of other villages, the Australians did not meet any major Japanese resistance until the battalion reached the Genga River. Here, at Tsimba Ridge, the Japanese had dug in and heavily fortified their position. After 21 days, from 17 Jan to 9 Feb, of continuous fighting the Japanese finally abandoned the ridge. The 31st/51st crossed the Genga and patrols moved inland, establishing a position at New Newborose, later named Downs' Ridge. The 31st/51st was then relieved by the 26th, which continued the advance north.

At the end of May the 31st/51st joined the 26th, which had relieved the 55th/53rd, in maintaining the Ratsua-Ruri Bay line. Following the 26th's successful use of amphibious landings to clear the Soraken Peninsula, the 31st/51st planned to land a company at the coconut plantation at Porton. This company would then link up with the rest of the 31st/51st and the 26th would move north from the Ratsua-Ruri line. The landing at Porton took place during the night of 7 June but the company, under the command of Captain Henry Clyde Downs, soon ran into trouble. They were quickly surrounded by the Japanese, while the rest of the 31st/51st and 26th could not penetrate the enemy's lines fast enough. Downs's ill-fated company had to be evacuated by sea, in which they also ran into trouble. The rescuing landing craft were overcrowded and ran aground. The last group of standard Australians were not rescued until 11 June. This second campaign in the Northern Sector was a "short, but bloody one", concluded the 31st/51st's official history. From 4 to 28 June the battalion suffered 100 casualties, including 14 killed, seven missing, and 79 wounded. The battalion killed 179 Japanese and another 53 were believed killed. The 11th Brigade was relieved by the 23 rd Brigade at the end of June.

In September, after Japan's surrender, the 31st/51st was transferred to Nauru and Ocean Islands, as part of the occupation force that garrisoned the islands. Beginning in October the Japanese were transported to Torokina and then Fauro Island for repatriation to Japan. The occupation force stayed in the islands until December, when the 31st/51st was transferred to Rabaul in New Britain where it performed a similar role. The battalion stayed on Rabaul until May 1946 when it finally returned to Australia. The 31st/51st was disbanded on 4 July 1946.

Battle Honours

Tsima Ridge, Bonis-Porton, South-West Pacific 1943-1945, Liberation of Australian New Guinea

1939-1945 Star

1929-1945 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

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.

The Rising Sun Badge

This version of the Rising Sun Badge was worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Forces, and the badge has become an integral part of the Digger tradition.

Worn on the the upturned brim of the slouch hat, it is readily identified with the spirit of ANZAC.

There are a number of versions of the genesis of the badge, the most widely accepted being that it derived from a Trophy of Arms - various swords and bayonets mounted on  a semi-circular display in Victoria Barracks, Melbourne.

The original version worn in South Africa was modified in 1904 and worn by Australian soldiers through two World Wars.

Later changes were made to the style of the crown and the wording on the scroll. The "King's Crown" is the one shown to the left, while arches of the "Queen's Crown" rise at the same angle as the base of the crown, curve at their highest point to a level mid-way on the orb below the cross and then down to below the orb.

In 1949 the scroll was changed to read "Australian Military Forces".

In 1969 the badge was modified to incorporate the 7-pointed Federation Star with a central Queen's crown over the Torse Wreath (a twisted roll of fabric) from the original 1902 version, and the scroll wording changed to "Australia".

In the 75th anniversary year of the the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli, there was a drive to return to traditional accoutrements worn by Australian soldiers during the World Wars, which clearly identify the Australian Army. The Queen's crown returned to its central position and the scroll now reads "The Australian Army'.