It has been said that the feeling of dispair, which follows the death of a loved one – may be compared to a stone which is thrown into a pond.  As the stone hits the water, it sends out a ripple in every direction.  With time, the ripples subside and the water is eventually calm again.  However, hidden beneath the calm surface – that rock is still there…. and it never goes away. Such can be attributable to the sense of loss, experienced by a mother.

 And for a cousin of the deceased, now in her 90’s - the memory of a relative that she has held so dear for many years – is being dimmed by time.  

It was typical of that era for “cousins” to  become “close friends” in that period between the two World Wars.  This is a likely result of the mutual support offered by family and relatives to eachother, during those Depression Years. 

Elsie Moses remembers her cousin, Kenneth Eric BURT with great fondness.  Like so many other men from the Riverina District who enlisted in those early days of the Second World War, he was assigned to the ill fated 8th Australian Division and shipped off to Singapore.  And like so many Riverina men, he never came home.

Image Right:  Studio portrait of NX56118 Corporal Kenneth Eric BURT, believed to have been taken in Wagga – New South Wales (whilst on final leave).  The original style colour patch of the 2/19th Battalion is discernable on his left sleeve, prior to the change over of designs (see below images).

Kenneth Eric BURT was born on the 24th of June, 1917 at Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.  The son of George and Florence BURT, he was one of seven children and spent most of his life in and around Lower Tarcutta (the national highway from Sydney to Melbourne now runs through this general area).  In his younger days, Ken and his family would visit the small locality of Corinbob where Elsie lived with her side of the clan.   And he was still living in this locality of  Tarcutta when he enlisted into the new army, that was being formed to support Britain against German aggression.   Christmas of 1940 would prove to be a sad one, as this occasion was to mark their “good-bye” for Ken at the property of their “Aunty Maude & Uncle Pete”, about 9 miles out from Wagga.   

The 2/19th Infantry Battalion was made up of volunteers from The Riverina and Monaro Districts.  After training in Walgrove, Ingleburn and Bathurst – this battalion was sent to Singapore as part of the 22nd Brigade and arrived there on the 18th of February, 1941.  It immediately took up posts on the Malayan Peninsula and in just under twelve months, all of it’s ranks would be either dead or held prisoner of the Japanese.  In fact, this battalion would suffer the highest casualty rate of any unit within the Australian Army (commonly known as the Second AIF) during World War Two.

Image Left:  The original Colour Patch of the 2/19th Infantry Battalion, AIF (showing the purple over green oval on a grey background).  In December of 1940 (around the time that Kenneth’s photo was taken and prior to embarkation)  the design and colours of the 2/19th Battalion was altered to a diamond shape incorporating the colours ‘brown over green’  on a grey oval background.

Image Right:  The new style of colour patch showing the brown over green diamond on a grey background.

When the Japanese landed on the north-east coast of Malaya on the 8th of December, 1941 (7th December in Pearl Harbour due to the international date line) the brunt of the fighting fell upon the British and Indian troops stationed further to the north.  Detached elements of the 2/19th Infantry Battalion first made contact with the Japanese on the 14th of January as part of special force, however their first major action against the advancing Japanese came at Bakri on the 19th of January, 1942.  The battalion had been rushed forward to reinforce and support the 2/29th Battalion in the battle of Bakri.  And it was on this day, that Kenneth would lose his life.  The ordeal experienced by the 2/19th battalion after this day; including the fight through and breaking of Japanese blockades on the road towards Parit Sulong is legendary.  This was followed by the tragic and brutal murder of Australian wounded on the bridge at Parit Sulong.  It is unfortunuate that the heroic actions of the Australian 8th Division during the fighting for Malaya in 1942,  is often overlooked.

Image Left:  Wedding portrait of Kenneth’s parents;  George Josiah and Florence May (Flo) BURT.  They would be blessed with seven children as a result of the marriage (3 boys and 4 girls), however Kenneth was the only son to enlist into the Second AIF.  When you consider the facial resemblance, there is no doubt that Ken’s features are similar to that of his mother, who was very close to him.

(SEE FOOTNOTE)  It is clear that news of Kenneth’s death was recorded by his unit and relayed back to Australia prior to – or soon after the capitulation of Singapore.  Elsie recalls that when Ken’s mother received the news of his death,  ‘Aunty Flo was beside herself with grief’ and was in desperate need of support.  As a result, Florence came to stay with Elsie’s mother in Wagga (they had moved in town from Corinbob many years previously) and she was taken into their care for many months.  Like so many other mothers who had lost their son during the war, Flo never got over his death. 

Kenneth also had a girlfriend (some say ‘fiance’) named Daphne, but little else is known about her.   Clearly – another heart lay broken in 1942.

Image Right:  Elsie Moses (centre) with Kenneth’s sisters; Dulcie (on left) and Hazel (far right) during a family reunion in 1989.  Sadly, both Dulcie and Hazel have since passed away.

The medals of NX56118 Corporal Kenneth Eric BURT went “missing”  during the 1970’s and his descendant’s would dearly love to have them returned to the family.  As the older generation who actually knew Kenneth is fades away….all tangible reminders of a lost family member go with them.  It is hoped that the medals will one day be found, so that Kenneth will be reminded to the new generation within the BURT family.  Apart from a few photographs, very little else remains of one man’s life.  Can you help?

 FOOTNOTE:  Page 187 of  H. Gordon BENNETT’s account “Why Singapore Fell” indicates that an evacuation of selected AIF personnel took place on the 13th of February (two days before the island fell to the Japanese).  Lieutenant-General Bennett goes on to say that this group included one officer and five ‘other ranks’  of both the Pay Corps and the Records Section.  Despite the fact that only thirty nine of this select group actually managed to board the ship, it is possible that records relating to Kenneth’s death and other men of the AIF were on board.  Hence the early notification of the unfortunate news.  Failing this, the Japanese did allow some information to be released via the Red Cross, however this release of news was very limited.

Image Left:  The headstone of Corporal Kenneth Eric BURT at Kranji War Cemetary, Singapore Island.  (in Malay: Tanah Perkuburan Perang Kranji)  This photograph was taken in May, 2005 during a family visit to Kenneth’s last resting place.

WISH TO READ MORE ABOUT THE 2/19TH BATTALION AT BAKRI & PARIT SULONG?   Pages 130 to 147 (inclusive) and page 163 of  H. Gordon BENNETT’s account “Why Singapore Fell” detail their participation in these engagements.  It should also be noted that as a result of his involvment and leadership in these actions, the Commanding Officer of the 2/19th Infantry Battalion; Lieutenant Colonel C.G.W. ANDERSON was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Wish to view Kenneth’s details as recorded on the World War Two Nominal Roll?  Please Click Here

To view the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records (CWGC) – Please Click Here

Whilst it is not appropriate for me to become involved in historical debate, I believe that Lieutenant General BENNETT has been unfairly denigrated in history and recommend his account for study.  Please feel free to post a comment in this respect, should you have an opinion in this matter…….the Administrator (Medals Gone Missing)

Medals Gone Missing would like to thank Elsie Moses and the BURT family descendants for the images supplied in this story to commemorate their ancestor.

 

 

 

 

 

Highlander, Serjeant John MacKenzie MM was born on the 20^th April 1896 in the of Muir of Ord, Ross-shire.   The youngest of 6 children to Donald & Isabella MacKenzie, he would tragically become the third son from this Scottish family to lay down his life in the Great War.   His two older brothers; Donald and Kenneth died in 1914 and 1915 respectively whilst serving with the Cameron Highlanders.

John volunteered for service early in the war and joined the 6^th Seaforth Highlanders as a Private.   Arriving in France on the 1^st May 1915, his outstanding qualities would result in  him being promoted through the ranks – before his ultimate death.   In November 1916, the Battalion  took part in the Battle of Beaumont Hamel; recapturing this town from the Germans - as one of the last acts in the Battle of the Somme.  According to the Inverness Courier published some time after John’s death; it was in this battle that his gallantry saw him promoted to Sergeant.  It would also result in him being awarded both the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre - which was presented by the French Government for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

Image Above Right:  The cap badge of the Seaforth Highlanders.

On the 9^th April 1917, the Seaforth Highlanders provided support on the right flank of the main Canadian attack on Vimy Ridge.   This action resulted in the capture of a series of German trenches, east of Roclincourt with the loss of 148 officers and men killed or missing.  Here, John MacKenzie was Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry.

However, before 1917 had drawn to an end, the Battalion was thrown into yet another major action – taking part in the Battle of Cambrai at Flesquieres and Bourlon Wood in November of that year.  The Battalion War Diaries show that the Seaforths were involved in fierce fighting between the 20^th and the 24^th November 1917;  with many officers being killed and more junior staff taking over and leading the attacks forward.  It is believed that  John may have been one of these junior leaders,  since he is certainly also recorded in the Diaries as receiving a Bar to his Military Medal - during this time. 

The War Diaries show that the Battalion was fighting on the Beaumetz – Morchies Line in March 1918.  This was a particularly unsuccessful period for the Allied Armies, the Germans cutting deep into their lines.  On the 25^th March 1918, the last day of heavy fighting - John MacKenzie was reported missing and later presumed to have been killed in action on that day.

Image Left:  The photograph of John MacKENZIE which accompanied an article featured in the Inverness Courier.

Just after Armistice Day, the Inverness Courier newspaper printed a brief article – featuring John MacKenzie.  The words contained in the story may be rather flowery by modern standards,  but I think they give us some indication of the quality of this young man:–

“Popular in the regiment, familiar owing to his long service, the famous 51^st Division had few more intrepid fighters that this fine, manly youth from the heart of the Highlands.  His comrades will not forget him today when peace lightens the field of battle.”

Sadly, all of his comrades have faded away.   With the passing of these men - has gone the memory of his deeds.  So it is now up to our generation,  to  ensure that heroes – such as John MacKenzie are never forgotten.   Please assist his ancestors, to keep the torch burning.   His medals are somewhere in the hands of a private collector and his family would dearly like them returned.  Kath MacDonald would certainly be very appreciative if you could help to recover these medals for her husband, who is the great nephew of Serjeant John MacKenzie.   Please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator if you have these medals, or know anything about their whereabouts.

Image Below:  The Military Medal plus WW1 trio (1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal – alongside the Croix de Guerre; similar to what was posthumously awarded to Serjeant John MacKENZIE.

 

 

 

 “After dark we were marched most of a mile toward Suvla Bay and then inland.  We were told to be very quiet, not to rattle our equipment or rifles.  We didn’t know how near or far the Turks were.  We just knew where Chunuk Bair was.  All of a sudden, in the dark, there was a very merry Haka from the Maori contingent on the seaward side of the valley up which we were travelling.  My word, it startled us.  Then rifles began to bang.  The Maoris, it turned out, were dealing with a Turk outpost.  Word came down to us that it was all right, the Turks had been wiped out, and we could proceed uphill, up a rough track leading from the sea toward Chunuk Bair”    Dan CURHAM, Wellington Infantry Battalion.

For the majority of Australians, the term ‘ANZAC ‘ is one which is held in very high regard - with a mixture of honour and pride.  However our nation often forgets; perhaps even ‘overlooks’ the stark fact that this term is a shared one.  For without the existence and contribution of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War - the term ANZAC would simply never have come into existence.  

And it was the above mentioned account which I read many years ago; given by a New Zealand veteran, which sparked my interest in the role played by the N.Z.E.F at Gallipoli.   Despite the fate of the poor Turkish soldiers; I could not help but delight in the thought of these Maoris breaking out into a spontaneous Haka - after they drew their first blood.    So much for the order to remain ’silent’ and advance with stealth!  Indeed, before reading a book written by Maurice SHADBOLT called “Voices Of Gallipoli” – I too was subconsciously guilty of the belief, that the term ANZAC belonged to us Australians.

Image Right:  The “lonely little relic”  which caught my eye – in between ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’ on my way to Chunuk Bair.

I have visited Gallipoli on a number of occasions.  However it was during my last visit in 2005 that I happened upon a very lonely little relic which caught my eye – as I walked between the features known as ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’ on my way up to Chunuk Bair.   A road had been freshly graded between these two iconic points; and it must have been a combination of the shape and the colour of the item which drew my attention as I walked along. 

I had seen many examples of Australian military buttons during my years of collecting memorabilia.  I was also familiar with the style of the British Pattern 1902 tunic and the manner in which buttons were applied.  So the shape of a metal retaining ’ring’  attached to a disc like object - immediately identified this object to be a military style button.  However, on this lonely stretch of dirt road (clearly never walked or visited by the general tourist market) there was absolutely no other hint or indication that this stretch of ground had once been sewn with the lives of New Zealand’s young men.

Image left:   A studio portrait of  40526 Private Joseph Luke DODD of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.  This image clearly shows the British style 1907 Pattern Tunic and the smaller 5/8th (five eights)  inch sized buttons which secure the pocket flaps and epaulettes.

An attempt to gain the high ground by New Zealanders began with the August offensive.   It was these heights which were the target of Dan CURHAM and his comrades from the Wellington Infantry Battalion on the evening of the 6th of August, 1915.  But it was not only the Wellingtons who would shed their blood in a bid to win these heights.  The New Zealand Mounted Rifles along with 500 men of the Maori Contingent had been given the initial task of clearing the many gullies and foothills below Chunuk Bair.  The Auckland Infantry Battalion were then ordered forward on the morning of the 7th, to capture the peak of Chunuk Bair; where their numbers were virtually cut in half by Turkish Machinegun fire.   The following morning, it was the Wellington’s turn to charge forward.  Led Lt. Colonel William Malone, they captured the height and had their first glimpse of the Narrows.  What later followed was an epic fight for their lives.  Before Chunuk Bair would be totally lost, the Otago Infantry Battalion and the New Zealand Mounted Rifles would also have their men sacrificed, before being relieved on the 9th of August by two British Battalions.  They never regained the heights of Chunuk Bair, but would hold a line across ‘The Apex’ right up until 2.15am on the 20th of December, when the position was totally evacuated.

During the reminder of the campaign, the Canterbury’s would be just one of many units within the N.Z.E.F who would take their turn in garrisoning this position.  So when you consider that this relic button was once part of a soldier’s uniform, ascertaining for certain - exactly which unit the owner came from is virtually impossible.  However, judging from it’s position on the ground between ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’ – it may be speculated that the owner of this button may have fallen during the fighting between 6th and 9th of August. 

Image Right:  The relic button, alongside two ’serviceable’ buttons for comparison.  When placed side by side with these two examples, there can be absolutely no doubt as to the identification of this relic as being a button from a N.Z.E.F tunic.

Like most other British Commonwealth uniform, the 1902 Pattern S.D. (Service Dress) tunic utilised two different sized buttons.  The front of the tunic (as can be seen in the photograph above) was fastened by way of five (5) buttons which were 1″  (one inch)  in diameter.  The four pockets on the outside of the tunic were fastened by way of the 5/8″  (five eights of an inch) diameter buttons which are subject of this story.  However, the New Zealand issued tunics differed slightly – in that the centre-line buttons measured 7/8″  (seven eights of an inch) in diameter. 

Image Left:  The reverse side of the relic placed alongside two buttons in serviceable condition.  These buttons bear the script “New Zealand Forces” and the stars of the Southern Cross.  The button eyelet and retaining ring used to secure the button to the uniform, can easily be seen.

The 1902 Pattern Tunic evolved with slight modifications, into the 1907 Pattern Tunic and it is generally this pattern of Service Dress which fitted out the N.Z.E.F.  For all intents and purposes, the 1907 Pattern Tunic was basically the same style of tunic used by the British Army, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the Canadian Expeditionary Force (with only a few minor manufacturing differences and nation specific  buttons).

The fact that this particular relic, was located with the ‘retaining ring’ still attached – leads me to believe that this button may in fact be the type which secured the flap of a pocket.  I base this on the premise that the cuff  consists of a ’straight’ sleeve (unlike Australian tunics which had a button up cuff) and did not require a cuff button.  I have also been led to believe that the epaulette button was in fact stitched onto the shoulder portion of the tunic; subsequently they did not require a retaining ring.   However, I would be keen to hear from any collector who actually has a tunic of this pattern in their collection – to confirm or deny this.  There were no shards of cloth evident with the button, however considering that this relic was exposed to the elements and not buried in mud or dirt – this is not surprising.  

Image Right:  One Commonwealth – but three different  button types.   From left to right:- Australian button (showing the relief map of Australia with a Crown and the words ‘Australian Military Forces’ embossed around the periphery)  British button (showing the Royal Crest flanked by an image of a Lion on the left and Unicorn on the right) and the New Zealand button (showing the stars of the Southern Cross and the words ‘New Zealand Forces’)  Whilst the British button is only slightly larger – the other two buttons are five eights of an inch in diameter.  At the time of posting this article, I did not have access to a Canadian Expeditionary Force button and would welcome any contribution.

The fact of the matter is….a pocket button would be “missed” by it’s owner.  A breast pocket especially, is likely to be the pocket where a recent letter or a photograph of one’s family would be kept.  We have all heard the tale of a man placing a bible or shaving mirror in his breast pocket and this item actually succeeding in “stopping a bullet”.   To lose a button, would be to risk losing what was contained in that pocket.   And whilst my above comments are merely conjecture, you can be assured that a soldier would not wish to lose any object which he holds dear.

But I am afraid that this particular button was found on a piece of land which the New Zealanders only possessed for about 3 days.  Before it became “No Man’s Land” between ‘The Apex’ and ‘The Pinnacle’.  One may draw the sad conclusion that it’s owner lost something more valuable on that day than a button… or the contents of a pocket.  With the retaining ring in place, it is likely that the woollen uniform simply rotted away – leaving the button in situ.    And with the historic accounts of bloated bodies laying out in the August heat of 1915;  it is heartbreaking to think of a lad,  so far from home – being left out in the hot sun to decay…because his mates could not get to him.

Only one Victoria Cross was awarded to a New Zealander on Gallipoli.  When Divisional Signaller, Corporal Cyril BASSETT spoke about his action at Chunuk Bair and the awarding of his prestigious medal – he protested  “All my mates ever got were wooden crosses”.

When Leon Gellert wrote the following verse: he was not writing about Australians – nor was he writing about New Zealanders…….he was writing about ANZACS.

There’s a lonely stretch of hillocks,

There’s a beach asleep and dream,

There’s a battered, broken fort beside the sea.

There are sunken trampled graves

There’s a little rotting pier

And winding paths, that wind unceasingly.

There’s a torn and silent valley

There’s a tiny rivulet

With some blood upon the stones beside it’s mouth

There are lines of buried bones,

There’s an unpaid waiting debt,

There’s the sound of gentle sobbing in the south.

 

Wish to learn more about New Zealand in the World Wars or speak to some like minded kiwis ?  If so, please visit the MILITARIANZ website by Clicking Here

 

CAN YOU PLEASE HELP US?  We are searching for the First World War medals of Private William Henry METCALFE. 

His grandson, Algy METCALFE from Barnoldswick in the U.K. is attempting to locate and bring the service medals of William Henry METCALFE (also known as ‘Harry’) –  back to his family.  It would mean a great deal to him, to have these war medals (the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal) returned to the safe keeping of the METCALFE descendants.  Algy indicates that they were sold by another member of the family some time ago.   Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence and I have often heard of similar stories.  Just because one member of the family does not see the need to retain such family heirlooms, this is not necessarily the viewpoint of other descendants within that same clan.  In many instances, the medals are sold and ‘long gone’ before other family members even realise that the awards had been put up for sale.

So where does that leave people like Algy METCALFE? 

Algy does not even know his grandfather’s service number.  He asks if anybody in the U.K. can help him to ascertain his grandfather’s Service Number and any other information that will ultimately assist him in his quest.

Image Left:  William Henry METCALFE (centre man with moustache), lined up as a volunteer for Kitchener’s Army on the cricket pitch at Settle, Yorkshire.  Note the yellow armband around the right upper arms of Harry and his fellow recruits.

His grandfather was born at Thorlaby near Aysgarth in Wensleydale.  William joined the ‘Settle’ Company of the 10th Battalion, The Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment.  A photograph exists of his grandfather wearing a yellow armband, on Settle Cricket field in September of 1914 as a volunteer in Kitchener’s Army.   A second photograph taken circa 1918, shows William with his wife.  At this time, he was believed to be serving as a Driver with the A.S.C.  (Army Service Corps).

If you can assist Algy with any information that may assist in his quest to have William’s medals returned to the METCALFE family, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator through this website.

 

Image Right:  Driver William Henry (Harry) METCALFE in uniform, which bears evidence of overseas service chevrons.  Photo believed to be taken Circa 1918.

It is a sad fact that so many medals are put up for sale in this day and age.  In a perfect world, every serviceman and woman would have a family member or descendant who values the sacrifice which they themselves made, during a time of war.  It would be nice to think that somebody within their family, cherishes the memory of an ancestor and holds dear to them – any piece of memorabilia that is a reminder of their life.  But the reality is – not everybody places a sentimental value on such service medals.  However, to make the comment “They were sold by the family….so the family does not want them” is not entirely correct.  For every one serviceman…..there is at least one niece or nephew, grandchild or second cousin who – had they been given the opportunity – would have loved to be willed these service medals.  The problem is….they were never asked, nor did they know that the medals were even placed on the open market for purchase by a stranger.  Whilst this “stranger” may very well be a collector who values these medals and the sacrifice made by the person behind them….I ask that they consider selling these medals back to the family – should a request be made.  After all, there are plenty of medal sets out there which “nobody” is looking for !  Yet !

As with this case – there is one grandson who would dearly love to have his grandfather’s service medals returned…..Can you help?

There is a saying by Ruth E. Renkel, “Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance”. 

I do know how ‘rich or poor’ Bert Kienzle was when he died, but what I do know is that he has left his son  – Soc KIENZLE – a very rich inheritance indeed.  Both in a physical sense (in terms of artefacts)  but more importantly to me, in a historical sense.

I have read a great deal about Bert KIENZLE.  His deeds are recorded in virtually every publication written about the Kokoda Trail; and if he does not warrant a mention in any book that you are reading about the Owen Stanleys campaign - then I would suggest that you discard that particular book.  This man was instrumental to the allied success during the jungle campaign of 1942.  And if not for his work and the efforts of his colleagues from ANGAU (Australian New Guinea Administration Unit) then there would have been no “fuzzy wuzzy angels” and certainly many more Australians would now be buried in Bomana War Cemetary.

Image Right:  Bert Kienzle in November 1959, flanked by some of his Papuan friends who acted as carriers during the Kokoda Campaign.  Bert is wearing his “Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal” and his service medals, comprising of ;  1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal.   This photograph was taken at the opening of the Memorial on Kokoda plateau (Kokoda Station) which Bert had built for his Papuan brothers.

Herbert Thomson KIENZLE was born on the 19th of May, 1905 at Levuka in the Fijian Islands.  With the service number of PX177, the World War Two Nominal Roll records his enlistment date into the Australian Army as being the 11th of January, 1943.  But to judge his servicer on this record alone, would give the casual reader absolutely no inkling at all; as to the valuable work that this man was performing during 1942.  Bert (as he was more commonly known) had been a plantation manager in Yodda, north of Kokoda -  before the outbreak of hostilities.  He was also just one of  a few ‘Europeans’ who had walked the Kokoda Track before “B” Company of the 39th Infantry Battalion, AMF began their march into the unknown. 

Image Left:  A bronze relief of the Carriers which forms part of the Papuan Memorial at Kokoda plateau.  This image and the one below, were designed by Bert Kienzle as a proposed ‘Service Medal’ which should have been commissioned and awarded to each and every carrier who served Australia on the Kokoda Track.

 He had been asked to  take charge and organise the Papuan labour force (approximately 600 men) which was being assembled to assist the Australian troops.   However, as no thought had been put into the living conditions and general treatment of these Papuans – their morale was not good and they were far from happy about their circumstances.  Taking grasp of this situation, Bert Kienzle spoke to the men in terms that they could understand and with the commencement of building clean, dry shelters for the Papuans – their demeanour began to improve.  As with any human nature, it merely takes a touch of empathy and human kindness to alter one’s frame of mind.  Hence – the legend of the Papuan Carrier was born; however it was a constant struggle by Bert Kienzle and ANGAU to recruit and maintain suffiecient Papuan manpower throughout the Kokoda Campaign.  Much has been documented about his work which he continued to do, up until his discharge from the Australian Army on the 4th Feb  1946 with the rank of Captain.  He would be honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire; and would go on to raise his family in Papua New Guinea after the war.

Image Right:  A second relief, showing the Papuan Stretcher Bearers who worked with the “care of a nurse and the love of a mother”.  This bronze plaque is also on the Memorial at Kokoda and immortalises the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ that help to save Australia.  It is disappointing that this design was not utilised for the concept of a New Guinea Service Medal;  having been designed by the man who knew and cared for the men.   Even in modern times when a suitable image was sought – this version was overlooked.

One of those children was Soc, who as a boy – grew up in and around Kokoda.  In fact, most of the artifacts currently on display in the ‘Bert Kienzle Museum’ at Kokoda, had been located by Soc as a young lad. 

 

Image Left:  Soc Kienzle gives his address at the Kokoda Memorial Walkway.

 I had the privelege of meeting Soc and Robyn Kienzle at the Kokoda Memorial Walkway near the Concord Hospital on the 3rd of November, 2009.  They were there as official guests on the Anniversary of the Flag Raising at Kokoda Village in November of 1942.  Of historical signficance was fact that Soc had brought with him the actual Australian Flag that was hoisted on that day – 67 years previously. 

The ceremony was well attended by the public and of particular note was a Papuan choir whose rendition of the National Anthem of New Guinea is second in my mind, only to the school children of Naduri Village who sang it for my group in 2002.  I was a little bit perplexed as to why Soc himself was not asked to act as M.C. for the ceremony, however I was very interested to learn the story behind this particular flag.

Image Right:  The original Australian Flag (on left) is being raised alongside the flag of Papua New Guinea on the 3rd of November, 2009.  This flag , which is over 67 years old – has been very well preserved by the Kienzle family and is in almost pristine condition.

Soc revealed that this flag had been dropped onto Kokoda Airstrip on the 2nd of November, 1942 by an American fighter pilot in a U.S. Army P40 Kittyhawk (dubbed Warhawk by the Americans)  Perhaps this was done upon a request by Brigadier Ken Eather of the 25th Brigade, whose 2/31st Battalion was the first to enter the Village.  (For further information on this issue, please refer to the story “Chocolate Brown Over Green” which is also in the Articles of Interest). 

I was particularly fascinated by a further account which Soc indicated, took place a few days later on the 6th of November, 1942.  He indicated that his father (Bert Kienzle) was standing by General George VASEY who had given a special address to the Papuan Carriers; and had also awarded a number of medals.  During this ceremony, an American P40 flew low over the Kokoda Airstrip where the carriers were located and as the pilot was flying in a ‘north-east’ direction, it is clear from the track and speed of the aircraft - that the pilot was not attempting to make any type of landing (emergency or otherwise – as stated in an American report)  The pilot performed a “Victory Roll” and then appeared to lose control of the aircraft.  It could not be known if the aircraft suffered a structural or internal problem, but the aircraft crashed near Saga Village which is ‘north-west’ from the approach end of the strip.  Bert Kienzle immediately sent off carriers in the direction of the crash and sadly it was found that the pilot had not survived the impact.  The Papuans returned with the pilot’s body wrapped like a shroud, in his parachute.  Judging from the state of the wreckage, the aircraft was certainly travelling quite fast at the point of impact. 

Image Left:  An American P40 Warhawk (known in Australian service as the ‘Kittyhawk’) similar to the type of aircraft which dropped an Australian flag at Kokoda airstrip on the 2nd of November, 1942.  This flag was raised over Kokoda Village and is now in the Kienzle family collection.

Information from Justin Taylan of “Pacific Wrecks” indicates that the pilot of this aircraft was 2nd Lt. Nelson E. BROWNELL of the 49th Fighter Group.  As indicated, an official report makes claim that the aircraft suffered an engine failure and attempted to make a landing.  Despite these discrepancies, there is no need to debate over such details.  What matters is that an American airman died in the service of his country and a poppy will be laid for this man on Anzac Day 2010 by Soc Kienzle of Komplete Kokoda and a team from Kokoda Historical.  Please click on this link to visit the Pacific Wrecks website.  http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p-40/41-25178.html

Image Right:  Photo of the original flag being raised over Kokoda Village.  It has been reported that the man who actually raised the flag was a soldier of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, AMF by the name of Merv SHEA from Yass.

It is a good thing that Soc’s father, Bert had the presence of mind to “souvenier” this historical flag – that was raised over Kokoda Village.  Without a doubt, in terms of historical signficance –  it ranks in importance with the Australian flag that flew from the flagpole at the Darwin Administrator’s office on the 19th of February, 1942.  This particular flag bears the scars of shrapnel and ’strafing’ from the attacking Japanese aircraft; and it is currently on display in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.   Apart from the Kokoda flag,  Bert Kienzle left a treasure trove of military artefacts in a safe – which Soc states was ‘out of bounds’ to him as a young boy.

I cannot finish this narrative without mentioning a story related to me by Soc.  It concerns the barrel of the Model 41 Mountain Gun which now lays in front of the Japanese Memorial on Kokoda plateau.  This barrel is thought to be that of Lieutenant Takaki YOSHIJO of the 41st Infantry Corps who was a canon commander.  Takaki was a 24 year old artilleryman in 1942 and had taken part in the Japanese withdrawal to the Oivi-Gorari area.  On the 9th of November, General HORII had called a general retreat to the Kumusi River.  The young artillery officer had been ordered to bury his gun before escorting the wounded of the Nankai Shitai H.Q. across the river.  Having graduated from an elite Military College, Takaki could not stand the humiliation of burying his artillery piece.  Having been refused by his commanding officer to save the gun, he buried the weapon and led the wounded to the rear.  He then returned to the gun position, sat on the mound of soil and then shot himself in the head with his service pistol.  A colleague wrote in his diary, “The news of First Lieutenant Takaki’s final gesture did much to lift the flagging morale of the troops”. 

Image Left:  The Japanese Memorial at Kokoda plateau where the barrel of a Model 41 Mountain Gun is located.  This relic is believed to be from the gun of Lieutenant Takaki YOSHIJO from the 41st Infantry Corps.   It is a little known fact that there were two different types of ‘mountain gun’ used by the Japanese on the Kokoda Track.  This particular gun is not to be confused with the smaller Model 92 Mountain Gun (howitzer).

Sometime around 1966 – armed with instructions from his father Bert on the general area where the gun was buried ; Soc Kienzle went out with a tractor, a trailer and some Papuan workers.  The barrel was located and returned to Kokoda.  Soc informed me that as a young lad, he would drop 2″ mortar rounds down the barrel, but had no idea where these rounds landed.  What made it even more dangerous was the fact that the mortar rounds were very loose in the barrel.  (A 2″ mortar round – approx 50mm when fed into a 75mm barrel would make for a sloppy fit !)  By his own admission, Soc states “How I did not kill myself as a young fella, I don’t know”.

What Soc does not know about the actual Kokoda Track is simply not worth knowing.  He is not the type of man to keep things to himself regarding the history.  Rather he admits that he will not be around forever – and grows tired of the inaccuracies that are being preached by some Kokoda Companies in a bid to make a dollar out of the Kokoda Track.   I am very pleased to say that David Howell of Kokoda Historical is one of the  most passionate men that I have ever met, concerning the true facts of Kokoda and that he is most keen to learn from Soc.  Whilst David has walked a great deal of the wartime track,  only Soc knows for certain the exact route taken by the various battalions during 1942 and in 2010, if I can get both of these men together on the one trip, it will prove to be the trek of a lifetime.  

 Soc Kienzle will be conducting his own Anzac Day expedition and still has vacancies for this trip.  His tour departs Australia on the 15th of April, 2010 and returns to Australia on the 26th of April.

David Howell of Kokoda Historical will be hosting his own tour in the opposite direction to Soc, commencing at Sanananda on the 21st of April (leaves Australia the previous day) and conducting a Beach Head Tour, before meeting up with Soc at Kokoda Village for the Anzac Dawn Service. David’s group will then trek south, back to Ower’s Corner. Either way, both Soc (KOMPLETE KOKODA) http://kompletekokoda.com.au/  and David (KOKODA HISTORICAL)  http://www.kokodahistorical.com.au/  will be conducting tours – of which the main emphasis will be the telling of the facts as they should be told. 

 

In conclusion, I would like to use one other quote from Clarence Budington Kelland concerning a man’s recollection of his father.  It could easily sum up the way that Soc relates to the memory of the man named Herbert Thomson KIENZLE.  Kelland wrote:-     “He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it”. 

The Jindabyne hills, with their  distant snow fringed heights - is the last place that you would expect to find a monument commemorating a tropical battlefield.  Even in the November heat of an Australian summer, there is still some hint of white on top of the highest peaks of these Snowy Mountains.  Yet it is only by comparing the elevation of these distant hills to those found in the Owen Stanleys - that one may draw some comparison between the ski region of Jindabyne with the steaming heat of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

But there is one other thing that these two places have in common – and that is the men of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, AMF (Australian Military Forces).  And there is a touch of irony that a Militia unit labelled as “Choco’s” should wear a Battalion colour patch with the ’chocolate brown’ over green.  But in the words of their most vocal spokesman and supporter  – Captain Bede TONGS  M.M. “They were good, real good!”   And their deeds on the Kokoda Track proved that the chocolate brown on this colour patch did not run or melt in the heat of battle.

Image Left:  The Brown over Green of the 3rd Militia Battalion Colours, bearing her ‘Battle Honours’.

But there are two points which I found historicially significant about the 3rd Infantry Battalion.   First of all; this band of Militia men was the longest serving unit on the Kokoda Track.    Information from 3rd Infantry Battalion historian – Garry Tongs  (son of Bede TONGS) indicates that the men had de-bussed from lorries just past Bisiatabu and marched through Ower’s Corner on the 5th of September, 1942.  As they began their journey across the Owen Stanleys, the main body of the battalion was still heading past Uberi near dusk on the evening of the 5th of September.   Author Lex McAULAY indicates that the 3rd Infantry Battalion began arriving at Ioribaiwa by the 6th of September, 1942 and this was confirmed by Garry, however the main body did not reach this location until the 7th.  The 3rd Infantry Battalion, AMF  were not relieved from Gona (on the northern beaches) until the 4th of December, 1942 -  placing them in the front line for practically 3 continuous months.

The second point in question is the fact that the Australian flag; actually raised over Kokoda Village on the 2nd of November, 1942 after the village was liberated….was in fact raised by a Militia man of the 3rd Battalion.  This soldier was Merv SHEA  – service number  N244191 from Yass in New South Wales (The World War 2 Nominal Roll indicates that his real name was Phillip Mervyn SHEA)  Bede TONGS indicated that whilst the 3rd Infantry Battalion was in a position to enter Kokoda Village; the Militia were held back by their commanding officer (Lt. Col. Alan CAMERON) so that an AIF Battalion could be the first unit into the village.  Hence the men of the 2/31st Battalion -25th Brigade were the first to enter Kokoda on the 2nd of November.  This original flag from 1942 is now in the possession of Soc KIENZLE (son of the legendary Bert KIENZLE) and Gary Traynor from Medals Gone Missing had the honour to meet Soc in November 2009 – who showed him this important relic (wish to know more – please see our story on Soc Kienzle coming soon).

Image Right:  The Australian Flag being raised at Kokoda Station on the 2nd of November, 1942.  The actual soldier who is raising the flag is believed to be a member of the 3rd Militia Battalion; Private Phillip Mervyn SHEA from Yass.

So on the 7th of November, 2009 – the surviving veterans of the 3rd Infantry Battalion (AMF)  held their annual flag raising ceremony at the memorial built on a hill at Jindabyne East.  From a very large area of recruitment, these men of the “brown over green” were drawn from the Snowy Mountains – right through the Monaro to Goulburn and down to the Far South Coast of New South Wales.   From ’so many’ to ’so few’ – this gallant unit could only muster six amonst her ranks on this particular day;  however the day was well attended by family, friends and ex-members of the Werriwa Regiment from the 1950’s onward.

Image Left:  The six veterans of the 3rd Infantry Battalion who could attend the ceremony at the memorial near Jindabyne.  The veterans are from left to right:- Len GRIFFITHS (from Canberra) Don WILTON (from Bemboka) Bede TONGS MM (from Queanbeyan)  Vern CLEMENTS (from Bega) Allan MADDEN (also from Bega) and Milton ALCOCK (from Bemboka)  Carrying the standard which bears the unit Battle Honours was Kenneth Sanderson (who made the trek with Kokoda Historical in 2008) and Corporal Stuart Coates who is currently serving with ‘C’ Coy, 4/3 RNSWR in Canberra.

Image Right:  The memorial itself was unveiled on the 2nd of November, 1991 and the unit has been conducting this flag raising ceremony on an annual basis, ever since.  Note the Australian Slouch Hat, cast in bronze which adorns the top of the monument.

People from far and wide, travelled to be part of the occasion and special guests included Nene Pendergast; who – with members of the GOLBY family (in honour of their father, Bob) – saw that this memorial was built.  Dr Mike Kelly AO, MP was also present and as he has family ties with the 3rd Infantry Battalion, he expressed a desire to one day – walk the Kokoda Track.   In fact, the ceremony was well attended by persons who have tackled the distance between Ower’s Corner and Kokoda village and this was commented upon by Bede TONGS during his address.  Bede has always availed his time to any modern day Kokoda trekker; and Gary Traynor from Medals Gone Missing still recalls their first meeting in 2002 when Bede and Garry Tongs met him at Canberra Airport.  Since then, when the trekking company ‘Kokoda Historical’ leads a group over the Owen Stanleys - Gary Traynor ensures that the story of the 3rd Infantry Battalion is told.

Image Left:  The plaque which bears tribute to the 3rd Battalion, AMF.  Of note is the short verse which was written by Bede TONGS:- Pause a moment – Free to gaze upon this wondrous scene.  Bow your head, give thanks.  As you recall what might have been.  If Australia’s sons had not bled and died.  Amongst the mud and green.

 A barrel from a Japanese Mountain Gun (Model 92 Infantry howitzer – 70mm) from the Kokoda Historical Collection was brought to the function on a makeshift carriage.  This relic proved of interest to the crowd and an empty shell casing that was brought back from Eora Creek was a reminder to the men of the 3rd Battalion of their time at Templeton’s Crossing.  Bede informed listeners that his unit came under fire from this type of gun until the Japanese positions were captured above the Eora Creek village site. 

Image Right:  Bede TONGS inspects the barrel of the Model 92 Japanese Mountain Gun.  The wheels and train are not authentic and are merely present to display the barrel of this relic.  It can be seen by the very short length of the barrel, how mobile these weapons were.  The gun could be broken down into individual pieces and carried by it’s crew – which made it very suitable for the Kokoda campaign.   It was not until Australian 25 pounders at Imita Ridge brought their fire to bear upon the Japanese dug in on Ioribaiwa;  that the diggers had a long range weapon capable of hitting back.   

These type of  Japanese Mountain Guns had hammered the Australian troops throughout the campaign, since late August - when they were first used during the battle for Isurava.  Whilst our diggers lacked mortars in sufficient numbers to make a difference during the withdrawal, it was not until the Australian fight forward that mortar crews could answer the fire of the Japanese artillery. 

Image Left:  Dr Mike KELLY AO, MP inspects the shell casing of a Type 92 Japanese Mountain Gun.  The length of the projectile to this particular round was disproportionate in size to the length of the shell casing; however even with it’s small charge – the round had a range of between 2800 and 3050 yards.

After the flag raising ceremony, the crowd retired to the township of Jindabyne where a wonderful lunch was served up.  Funds and contributions raised on the day were donated to the Kokoda Track Foundation, to benefit the continuing education of two children who live in one of the villages along the Kokoda Track.  Garry TONGS joked that some money may also go towards the purchase of some chickens for the village and appreciation was shown to the K.T.F. for the efforts they are making to improve the life of the indiginous people along the track.   It is high time that Australia makes a more concerted effort to help the people - who helped our diggers during World War Two.

Image Right:  The flag reaches the mast top at the 3rd Infantry Battalion ceremony on Saturday the 7th of November, 2009.

The tradition of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, AMF is being carried on by the men and women who are currently serving in ‘C’ Coy (Charlie Company) of the 4/3 RNSWR (Royal New South Wales Regiment) which is an Army Reserve unit based in Canberra.  The number “4/3″ signifies an amalgamation of the 4th Battalion and the 3rd Battalion; and this unit proudly carries the Battle Honours which adorn the Militia 3rd Infantry Battalion standard.  However, the 4th Battalion was a Sydney based unit whose colours were ‘white over green’.  Despite the fact that ‘C’ Company is based in the recruiting area of their Second World War forebears of the ‘brown over green’ – the 4th Battalion colour patch is currently worn on all 4/3 pugerees.  A fact which has always disappointed me.  Alpha Company (A Coy) is still based in Sydney and Bravo Company (B Coy) is stationed in Wollongong.  Whilst it is appropriate that these two units carry on the tradition of the 4th Battalion Colour Patch, it would be nice for the Canberra unit to re-adopt their region’s colours of ‘brown over green’. 

Image Left:  The Goulburn Branch of the National Serviceman’s Association was well attended.

Whilst many men of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, AMF later transferred over to the 2/3rd Battalion, AIF (Australian Imperial Force) diggers such as Bede TONGS and Owen BASKETT still regard the 3rd Militia Battalion as their ‘home unit’.  Merv SHEA (the soldier who raised the flag over Kokoda) remained in the Militia - transferring to the 36th Infantry Battalion, AMF. 

Speaking about Bede TONGS, his mate Owen BASKETT told Medals Gone Missing “That man was a natural soldier.  He was born to be in the Military”.   I have written about Bede and Owen previously (please see the story: Bede Tongs MM & Owen Baskett – 3rd Militia Battalion) however enough cannot be said about what these men did in the steaming jungle of New Guinea.  We often hear of the exploits of the 39th Militia Battalion termed “Those Ragged Bloody Heroes” and justifyably so.  What they accomplished was beyond all human endurance.  And the determination shown by the men of the 21st Infantry Brigade AIF is one of the most inspiring accounts that I have ever read.  However there were other units on the Kokoda Track which are rarely recognised.  The 53rd Infantry Battalion had a very unfortunate start in the campaign – through absolutely no fault of the men themselves.  The time and effort put into training these men before sending them into action, is one of the most disgraceful episodes in the history of the Australian Army.  These same men were later sent to the hell of the beach heads (55/53 Battalion fought at Sanananda) and they acquitted themselves as well as any man who fought in the New Guinea campaign.  The 49th Battalion and the 36th (both Militia units) were also engaged at the beaches and their deeds when compared to the AIF are certainly on par.

Image Right:  Bede TONGS, MM and the standard of the 3rd Infantry Battalion.  It is also worthy to note that the 3rd Militia Battalion and the 2/3rd Infantry Battalion (AIF) fought side by side at Oivi.  To my knowledge, this was the only action in the history of the Australian Army – that units of the same designated number – served alongside eachother.

 However I cannot help but feel that the 3rd Battalion has been somewhat “short changed” by the historians.    Bede has written a comprehensive story about this gallant band of men and I look forward to the telling of their story, when it is published.

They may have been branded “Chocos”; but one thing is for certain – the chocolate brown in this colour patch did not run or melt in the ‘heat of battle’.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marilyn LINCOLN is a very proud Canadian.  But she is even more proud of the fact that her father Edmund MILLER was one of those Canadians who gave up the best years of his life, to “do his bit” in a global war – so that later generations could enjoy the peace of a free world. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  A scanned image of a plaque, commemorating Sapper Edmund MILLER

Edmund MILLER was a Sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers (Queen’s Own Rifles) who saw over five years of military service.  He took part in “The Longest Day” when he landed at Juno Beach in Normandy on the 6th of June, 1944.  And his impressive array of War Medals is testimony to the fact that he did not shirk his responsibilities when his country needed him most.  Like their fathers who served during the First World War and are now gone - it is a sad fact that the ranks of our World War Two veterans are dwindling.  Edmund MILLER, along with many of his mates – now rests with God.  And the world is a better place, because of men like him.

However, an email from his daughter Marilyn has prompted MEDALS GONE MISSING to lend support;  in opposal to a draconian Canadian Law which prohibits a civillian from wearing the medals of a deceased relative during periods of commemoration.  For Australians, our right to wear military service medals which were awarded to our ancestors is something which we have never had to think about.  Whilst an actual veteran is entitled to wear his or her own medals on their left side – when that person passes on – we take it upon ourselves to keep their memory alive by wearing their medals with pride;  on the right side of our chest.  This is the same in other nations of the Commonwealth, such as Great Britain and New Zealand.

So why not Canada?  If you have ever been to a Remembrance Day Service – undoubtably you have heard a recital of the poem “In Flanders Fields” which was written by a Canadian War Veteran (John McCrae) on the 3rd of May, 1915.  It is hard to forget the lines “Take up our quarrel with the Foe…..To you from failing hands we throw….The torch, be yours to hold it high…..If ye break faith with us who die”.  Metaphorically speaking; when an old soldier passes his war medals onto his next of kin – is he NOT throwing you his “torch” to hold up high?  And should the benefactor of these war medals, simply throw the hard earned medals into the back of a wardrobe – never again to see the light of day…..are we not “breaking faith” with those who die? 

IMAGE LEFT:  Marilyn LINCOLN with her father Edmund MILLER in happier times. 

If a family member cannot wear their relative’s service decorations….then these war medals will disappear from sight and lose their human connection.  The medals, along with the memories that they hold – will be condemned to decay in drawers and cupboards…. or behind glass cabinets; to become just a relic of the past.  When a war medal is worn by a child or grand-child of a veteran, they become a “living” memorial and a tangible symbol of that person.  They do not glorify war…. instead they glorify the human spirit that rose up in the face of adversity.  One cannot help but recall the expression “We gave our today…. for your tomorrow”.

Marilyn LINCOLN is “taking up our quarrel” – not with the foe….but with her own Government.  She has written to all Govenment Offices in a bid to have this law changed.  She has even corresponded with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth – in a bid to have a bill passed, permitting a relative to wear their ancestor’s war medals on days of commemoration.  In a statement written to MEDALS GONE MISSING, she has made the plea “I just want to be able to honour my father by displaying his medals on the right side of my chest during Remembrance Day Ceremonies.  I want to pin his name and a photo of him in uniform beside the medals so that everyone will know who I am remembering; and my father will never be forgotten”.

Having spoken to many veterans over the years, I have heard countless times – the desire of the veteran for their grandchildren to wear their medals, when they are gone.  Surely the wishes of these men should be upheld…it is the least we can do for them.

IMAGE RIGHT:  A scanned photograph from her local newspaper, showing Marilyn LINCOLN with her father’s coat and medals.

As an Australian citizen, I had no idea that the Canadian Government had adopted this stance with regards to the wearing of war medals by a relative.  I would go so far as to say that the majority of people from other British Commonwealth countries were equally as ignorant as I - with regards to this situation.   Marilyn is asking that we all rally together to lend our support - all across the globe….like our fathers did in 1939 – to right this wrong.  If you support Marilyn in her endeavour to commemorate the service of Canadian Servicemen and women, please click on the link below.

http://www.ghccci.org/Medals/index.html

She already has the support of her local Veterans Legion, but they cannot do this alone….and with your support – we can do justice to these servicemen and women who no longer have a voice to be heard.  This modern generation has a debt to repay – and a necessity to honour the memory of those generations who have gone before us.  For if we do not remember the past, then how can we have a plan for the future.

In the words of John McCrae “If ye break faith with us who die…….We shall not sleep….though Poppies grow in Flanders Fields”

Image Left:  The colour patch of the 3rd Militia Battalion, C.M.F. (Citizens Military Forces) on the Kokoda Track – 5th September to 1st December, 1942.

Stories of  ”mateship” – during times of war; are universal.  It does not matter from which corner of the globe they came from.  Whether on the battlefields of Europe, Russia and North Africa, or in the steaming jungles of the Pacific – the tales all have a common thread .  But the bond forged between men under fire, can form a friendship that endures the test of time.  And for Australian diggers, Bede Tongs M.M. and Owen Baskett of the 3rd Militia Battalion - their friendship has endured for over 67 years.

Bede George TONGS was born on the 27th of June, 1920 at Narrandera in New South Wales.  So when he was leading his men as a platoon Sergeant through the jungle of the Kokoda Track – he had only just turned 22 years of age.  He had joined the 3rd Militia Battalion C.M.F (Citizens Military Forces) on the 24th of February, 1940.  His service number was N43917.  When Bede discharged from the AIF nearly six years later, he had transferred to the 2/3rd Battalion (NX126952)…. been commissioned to the rank of Captain, and had been awarded the Military Medal.

Image Right:  The Military Medal as awarded to Sergeant Bede TONGS during fighting at Eora Creek (now known as Templeton’s Crossing 2)

 His mate, Owen James BASKETT was born in the small New South Wales township of Moruya.  He too enlisted into the 3rd Militia Battalion and served on the Kokoda Track.  With the service number, N268139  he was a young lad of 20 when he faced the seemingly ‘unstoppable’ Japanese war machine in the Owen Stanleys.  By this time, the 39th and 53rd Militia Battalions had been worn to breaking point.  The AIF 21st Brigade was broken but not beaten…fighting a brutal withdrawal when the 3rd Battalion entered the fray.  In a little known fact, the 3rd Militia Battalion would end up the longest serving unit on the Kokoda Track.  And if you speak to Owen now, he will tell you squarely “If it wasn’t for Bede, I wouldn’t be here now.  He saved my life”.

 

 Photo Left:  3rd Battalion Veterans, Owen Baskett (from Moruya) and Bede Tongs M.M. ( from Queanbeyan) share a joke at the Kokoda Reunion Dinner, Parlaiment House – Sydney.

Owen was referring to an action which occurred on the 17th of October, 1942 during fighting at Eora Creek.   Modern day trekkers on the Kokoda Track know the general area as “Templeton’s Crossing 2″ and it’s beauty in this modern era is a stark contrast to the horrendous fighting which took place here at that time.   Their platoon commander, Lieutenant Colin Horbury RICHARDSON (10 platoon) had been hit by gunfire, high on the left side of his chest.  Frothy blood emitted from the wound, signifying that he had been hit in a lung and despite being ordered to continue with the attack, Bede decided that their officer should be evacuated before they would proceed.  Bede thought that RICHARDSON was dying, but miraculously he would eventually survive and discharged in 1944. 

Bede placed his sections two up, with one in reserve and informed his men that they would advance by way of  ‘fire and movement’.  Owen later said,  they had been ordered to “fix bayonets” and he believed that should the order come to attack in the face of whithering fire – surely he and many of his mates would be killed.  What is clearly evident – is that Bede Tongs was a ‘risk taker’ with his own life; but not with the lives of his men.  Sending his men to ground, Bede himself advanced along a fire lane that had been cut by the Japanese to afford a good field of fire.   Crawling down this fire lane – his rifle in his left hand, Bede took the pin from a 4 second grenade (Mills Bomb 36M) and kept his body pressed as close to the ground as he possibly could.  The Japanese had left some shrubbery  in place which afforded minimal cover.  At this time, Bede possibly thanked his good fortune at being a little short in stature.

The thought had crossed Bede’s mind that “This is a dangerous thing to be doing”.  When Bede was to look up, he found himself staring down the barrel of a Japanese light machine gun a short distance away.   Bede would state that the two Japanese gunners manning the weapon were committing the cardinal sin of  “not watching their front” and were looking off to their left.   Being careful not to attract the attention of the Japanese, Bede held his hand grenade  close to the ground and carefully released the striker lever so that it sprung into the mud.   He allowed  for one second to pass before throwing the grenade into the Japanese weapons pit.  A second grenade quickly followed, whereupon he forced the rim of his Brodie pattern helmet into the mud to shield his face from the explosions.  The Japanese machine guns were always displaced, so that they were supported from the flanks by other guns.  These supporting weapons immediately began a concentrated fire towards Bede’s  position.  Looking up, he saw smoke over the gun position with no signs of activity – and bolted back to his platoon.  It was this action which would earn Bede, the Military Medal.    It also left no doubt in Owen Baskett’s mind, that Bede had taken great personal risk – to minimise the danger for his platoon.

Photo Left:  Owen Baskett (left) and Bede Tongs reflect in a sombre moment, during the formalities of the evening at Parliament House.  Note the Battalion colours depicted on the 3rd Battalion Association ties worn by Owen and Bede.

Before the fighting at Eora Creekwas over, having suffered with the illness for some time – Owen would finally succumb to the effects of Malaria which required him to be medically evacuated.  Bede would push through to Kokoda village, arriving on the 6th of November.  When speaking of the Australian flag which had been erected at Kokoda just 3 days before, Bede said “The appearance of the flag is still one of the greatest sights I can picture in my mind”. 

Gary Traynor – Administrator of Medals Gone Missing and trek leader for Kokoda Historical  had the privilege of escorting veteran Owen Baskett to a reunion dinner at Parliament House in Sydney on the 7th of August, 2009.   His platoon sergeant and good mate, Bede Tongs was guest speaker and he was supported by his son, Garry Tongs.  Bede held a captive audience spellbound, with his harrowing account of the Kokoda campaign.    Bede has written an unpublished account of the deeds performed by the 3rd Militia Battalion – which is currently being edited by his son and this will no doubt do justice to the memory of the men – of this little known Battalion.  A battalion which is so often overlooked by some authors.  To share a meal at the head table, with veterans:- Bede Tongs and Owen Baskett was truly an honour and one of the highlights of my Kokoda experience.  Owen’s daughter Beverly was also present; and I could not help but think how fortunate it was that both herself and Garry were even there…..considering the extreme dangers faced by their fathers on the Kokoda Track and in later campaigns.  Both Owen and Bede had narrow escapes during the war.  A piece of shrapnel embedding itself in Owen’s leg from a Japanese Mountain Gun whilst at Eora Creek in 1942.

Photo Right:  Owen and Bede sign commemorative prints showing the topography of the Kokoda Track for patrons of the Kokoda Reunion Dinner.

For one night, these two veterans were the centre of attention and admiration for a room full of young people who had walked the Kokoda Track- as modern day trekkers.  If fact, the attention bestowed upon them was not unlike that of  “rock stars”.  And if you were to ask anybody there that night…..it was VERY well deserved.   These men do not regard themselves as anything special, but to this generation – they are national treasures.  It will truly break my heart when this generation of  ”mates” is with us, no longer.

 

Image Below:  The 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-1945 War Medal and 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal awarded to Private Owen BASKETT, 3rd Militia Battalion C.M.F.  Despite the fact that he later joined the AIF and transferred to the 2/3rd Battalion, both Owen and Bede have always considered the 3rd Militia Battalion to be “their” unit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Below:  The Military Medal, 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-1945 War Medal, 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal, 1945-1975 Australian Service Medal and the Australian Defence Medal; similar to that awarded to Sergeant (later Captain) Bede George TONGS  M.M.

 

 

 

Photo Left:  Medals Gone Missing Administrator, Gary Traynor on the Kokoda Track – in 2008 near the memorial dedicated to the 3rd Militia Battalion, A.M.F.   This plaque is situated adjacent to Eora Creek, on the opposite side of the river to where the 1942 village was located.   This locality is to the north of  Templeton’s 2, where Bede won his Military Medal.  The plaque was laid by Bede and Garry Tongs in the mid 1980’s and is on the south side of the rock itself.   As the bridges over this part of Eora Creek are often washed away by flooding, trekkers along this part of the track may need to search along the western river bank to view this memorial. 

 

WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEDE TONGS & OWEN BASKETT?   Trek the Kokoda Trackwith Kokoda Historical who tell the story of the 3rd Militia Battalion between Ioribaiwa and Kokoda Station; including a 6 man patrol led by Sergeant Tongs M.M. into “No man’s Land” between Kagi and Templeton’s Crossing 2.   Simply visit the Kokoda Historical website on www.kokodahistorical.com for further details and trek dates. 

Or telephone Kokoda Historical Director David Howell on mobile 0405 007 700

 

Recommended Reading:  Blood and Iron  by Lex Macaulay gives a very detailed account to the campaign as experienced by Sergeant Bede Tongs M.M.  and the 3rd Militia Battalion.

You could not find a bigger contrast in topography- experienced by one man during two World Wars.    From riding in the heat and dust of  ’The Desert Column’ with the Australian Light Horse - to the monsoonal downpours experienced by the diggers of the 8th Australian Division in Malaya and Java; Walter James BOOTH fought in two conflicts in opposite corners of the globe.  The first time as a Trooper with the 6th Light Horse Regiment – the second as a Staff Sergeant with the 2/3 Reserve Motor Transport Company.

Walter James BOOTH was born on the 11th of July, 1891 in Sydney, New South Wales.  His calling before the outbreak of the Great War was “Attendant” at the Sydney Town Hall.  So when he enlisted into the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) on the 8th of June, 1915 – his age was indicated as being 27 years and 11 months.  Interestingly, this city boy was accepted as a reinforcement for the 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment and in what must have seemed like a ‘whirlwind’ of activity – less than three weeks later he was onboard the transport HMAT Clan MacEwan, bound for the Middle East.  One can only assume that he knew how to ride a horse!  His service number was 1064 and he would not see Australia’s shores again until 1919.   

PHOTO RIGHT:  Front page of the First World War Enlistment papers for Walter James BOOTH. 

Walter did not spend long in training; being taken on strength with the 6th Light Horse Regiment on Gallipoli on the 2nd of October, 1915.  Just over two months later on the 4th of December, he suffered a ‘G.S.W’ (gun shot wound) to the point of his shoulder – however the wound was not severe and he did not require evacuation at that time.  But with the Australians completing their evacuation of ANZAC on the 19th/20th December, 1915 – it is evident that he left Gallipoli within the next two weeks.

Spending some time in Egypt, it would appear that his ‘war wounds’ were not limited exclusively to enemy action.  As his service record indicates, he may have had some close encounters in certain establishments of ill repute within Cairo…..which resulted in some stints in hospital during 1916 & 1917. 

However, his service record indicates that he suffered a second Gun Shot Wound on the 29th of November, 1917 – this wound occasioned to his left leg.  A number of his service entries relate to his admission to hospital.  After a period of convalescing – he rejoined his unit….but is often the case with troops in the Middle East campaign, Walter suffered bouts of illness which required him to be withdrawn from the field.  It is ironic that during this time, one such affliction was the contracting of “malaria” during May of 1918.  A disease that would come back to haunt him in the jungles of Malaya and Thailand as a prisoner of war during World War Two.

It was not until the cessation of hostilities that he would be promoted from Trooper to Lance Corporal – before being granted “early repatriation” back to Australia aboard HMAT Port Sydney on the 4th of March, 1919.  With over three years of overseas service, Walter was granted his full medal entitlement and peacetime found his return to employment with the Council of the City of Sydney. 

PHOTO LEFT: 1064 Trooper Walter James BOOTH.  Just visible on his left epaulette, is the brass numeral ‘6′ and letters ‘L/H’ which signify his unit, prior to the advent of cloth colour patches.  Born and bred in Sydney, Walter’s service is testimony to the fact that the Australian Light Horse Regiments were not exclusively formed with men from the country.  Walter had filled in his enlistment form on the 8th of June, 1915….just twenty days later (28th June, 1915) he was onboard ship and off to war.

During the ‘inter-war’ years, Walter married his first wife Edith and they would bear three children as a result of their union:- Norma, Walter (junior) and Ray.

 On the 3rd of September, 1939 – war had come to the world for a second time.  The 8th Australian Division was formed and it was this formation that would be shipped to the Far East, to help bolster the defences of ‘Fortress Singapore’ at the southern tip of Malaya.  As fate would have it, Walter would become part of that body and end up a Prisoner of War to the Japanese for over three years of brutal captivity.

He filled out his Attestation Form on the 7th of February, 1941 and the World War Two Nominal Roll records his enlistment as taking place on the 5th of March, 1941.  Allocated the Service Number NX68905 – Walter was assigned to the 3rd Reserve Motor Transport Company being formed at Liverpool (known as the 2/3 Res M.T. Coy – the ‘2′ signified that it was the Second AIF ……a “3 Reserve Motor Transport Company” being in existance during the First World War with the First AIF). 

He recorded his date of birth as being the 11th of July, 1902 (11 years short of his real age) to ensure that he fitted the eligibility criteria.  Originally in 1939, the maximum age of a general enlistee had been 35 (higher for officers and some N.C.O’s) but this limit was raised to 40 years of age in 1940.   With this ‘amended’ birth day, Walter sneaked in with a stated age of 39 years and 10 months at the time of his enlistment.  

PHOTO RIGHT:  Second World War Attestation papers for NX68905 Walter James BOOTH.  With regards to his age – Walter stated that he was 39 years and 10 months old (just two months under the cut-off age of 40 years for other ranks).   He obviously wished to maintain a low key, as Item number 7 on the form makes the request:  Give details of previous Military Service.  Walter has left this section ‘blank’ and to Item 8,  ”If now serving, give particulars” ….he has responded simply with the word ‘No’.  

One can only assume that the logistical difficulty (and lack of modern technology) of checking any First World War Records – made investigating misleading or fraudulent applications; such as Walter’s near impossible.   Either way, there is no indication on his paperwork - that there were any doubts as to Walter’s true date of birth.  And with the state of affairs in Europe at this time, it is likely that many a “blind eye” was turned in Walters and many other cases; in order to fill our 4 Divisions for overseas service.  

His enlistment into the Second AIF showed Walter – that little had changed in the way of deployment protocols since his first tour of duty in 1915.  Less than 3 months of signing his Attestation Form (7th February, 1941) he was disembarking from a ship onto the docks of Singapore (3rd of May, 1941).

PHOTO LEFT:  Walter’s enlistment photographs, taken prior to embarkation.  An elderly looking 39 year old…..but not a shade over 50.

Walter was appointed to the rank of Acting Corporal on the day that he landed in Singapore; and was detached from his unit for duty with ‘2 Echelon – Malaya’.   He remained on this seconded duty until the 28th of June, 1941 – when he returned to the 2/3 Reserve Motor Transport Company and his rank of Corporal was confirmed.  Then, on the 18th of October, 1941 he was promoted to the rank of Lance Sergeant. 

On the 1st of November, 1941 – he was detached for duty with “L” Force and his service record states that he rejoined the 3 M.T. Coy on the 23rd of November.  However, his movements indicate that he embarked onboard a ship at Singapore on the 6th of February, 1942 and disembarked at Java on the 11th of February…..just four days before Singapore was to fall.

His service record (clearly – these service records were maintained back in Australia) has an entry dated 25/3/42 which indicates his movement from Singapore to Java.  A stark line was drawn under this entry….the next entry is dated the 27/4/42 and this simple states the word “Missing”.    The next entry dated 29/4/42 records the words “Missing believed P.O.W”  

The next entry is not until the 28/7/43 (almost 12 months to the day) which clearly states the words “PRISONER OF WAR” as an inked stamping – and the word “Java” next to that.  But the reality was, after twelve months of captivity…..Walter could have been anywhere. 

As it turned out, that month of July 1943 saw Walter and his comrades – suffering the living hell that was the ‘Thai-Burma Railway’.  In fact, Walter had the unenviable  honour – to be given special mention in a diary kept by Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop.  On the 12th of July, 1943 Sir Edward wrote “NX68905, S/Sgt BOOTH, W.J. aged 52 was admitted to hospital.  On 10 July, he was savagely set upon by Nipponese engineer, punched,  kicked and struck on the head with a stick.   Today he was required by the Nipponese to take charge of a party of 8 men to carry a heavy ’shoot’ or ’skid’ for logs etc. out to the railway.  It was 1600 hours when they got back and for thanks, S/Sgt BOOTH was punched in the face and head, thrown repeatedly to the ground, struck on the head and body with a stick and kicked in the jaw by a soldier known to the AAF, as the Crow”.  (The War Diaries of Sir Edward Dunlop, Commanding Officer and Surgeon on the Burma-Thailand Railway 1942-1945)

Walter obviously survived this ordeal, however we Australians should never forget the cruelty and deprivation suffered by our 8th Division, other Allied troops, Chinese and indigenous Asians – during the Japanese occupation.  Much has been written, about what shamefully occurred to our men at the hands of a heartless Japanese Army (please see the Recommended Reading section at the bottom of this narrative) Walter’s service record indicates that on the 29th of September, 1945 – his nightmare was over and he embarked at Singapore.  He disembarked at Sydney on the 20th of October, 1945 and it is believed that during this time, he was convalesced at Morotai for a short time.  Even at the time of his discharge from the army, his correct age is not being recorded….the document declaring that he was 44 years and 4 months. 

PHOTO LEFT:  Portrait of NX68905 Walter James BOOTH.  Due to the state of his apparent good health….and as this photograph shows him devoid of any rank – it is believed that it was taken in Sydney, prior to his embarkation to Singapore. 

Walter returned to his civil employment after the war (with the Council of Sydney City) where he served until July of 1957.  He served this council for 48 years…..his employment period only interrupted by two World Wars.  His wartime wife, Edith passed away in August of 1956.  As fate would have it, Walter married Captain Ellie BROGAN (retired) Australian Army Nursing Service who had nursed him for a time during his convalescence period. 

Walter’s health began to deteriorate, partly as a result of his mis-treatment as a P.O.W. and in the early 1960’s – he was forced to confine himself more to his home in Campsie.  Once again, his second wife Ellie was required to ‘nurse’ this man as a result of his war service.  Walter suffered from the debilitating effects and complications of Prostate Cancer and died on the 19th of February, 1965.  Ellie was to live for another 20 years and Walter’s war medals were to remain in her “Army Footlocker” until the late 1990’s.  A number of years later, they were returned to Wally (junior) – Walters son – by the nephew of Ellie Brogan (Chris Heffernan – please see the Success Story section of the Medals Gone Missing website)

PHOTO RIGHT:  NX70618  Captain Eleanor Elizabeth BROGAN, 2/9  A.G.H (Australian General Hospital) Australian Army Nursing Service.  Ellie enlisted on the 10th of January, 1941 and saw service in both the Middle East and the South West Pacific Area.  She served for a total effective period of two thousand and twenty five days; of which one 1,320 days were served overseas.  She was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal.  Ellie nursed Walter in his last years.

 It is easy for a ‘peacetime’ nation to forget the sacrifices made by Walter’s generation, so many years ago.   The vast majority of our population have never known; and never will know – the hardships of war, as our diggers did.  It would be bad enough, going to war just once.  But to serve out the best years of your life - on Gallipoli….then endure the  dry and dust of a desert war on horseback.  Only to throw your hand up and volunteer to do it all over again.  To be bashed and starved; forced to work 10 to 12 hour days….and sleep on a hard bamboo floor.  To suffer the effects of Malaria, Cholera, Dysentery and Beri Beri – Tropical Ulcers and other afflictions.  One can only marvel at the fact that these men and women did this….and sought nothing in return, except solace in the knowledge that they did their best.  You should thank God, that it was not you!

 

  

  RECOMMENDED READING:    P.O.W. – AUSTRALIANS UNDER NIPPON  by Hank Nelson   This is one of the most compelling, yet disturbing accounts, written about the sufferings of our men and women, at the hands of the Japanese. 

                                                                 WHITE COOLIES  by Betty Jeffery   Written by a woman of the Australian Army Nursing Service who was captured after the Fall of Singapore.   It gives an account of the deprivation and hardship suffered by the women who were captives for over three years.

                                                                 WEARY – THE LIFE OF SIR EDWARD DUNLOP by Sue Ebury.  The story of Weary Dunlop is one that should be part of our school curriculum.  We often remember the ‘heroes’ who earned prestigious awards (and rightly so) yet his quiet courage was inspirational and thousands of soldiers owe their lives to this one man.  He truly was a hero in every sense of the word.

                                              

Have you ever heard of the “SNOWY RIVER MEN” Recruitment march? This was one of many recruitment drives which took place around Australia circa 1916 to boost the number of enlistments into the AIF during World War One. The march was organised by a Captain by the name of F.R. WEDD and started on the 6th of January, 1916. A small group of 14 men proceeded to walk from the small country town of Delegate in southern New South Wales. Their route would take them through many other localities within the Monaro District – to conclude at the AIF Training Depot in Goulburn. A distance of roughly 350 kilometres. It was hoped that at least 200 men would join up as a result, but to the dismay of Captain WEDD, this number fell well short.

PHOTO RIGHT:  The war memorial at Delegate in New South Wales, where the march originated.

The route took the marchers through many small towns and localities:- from Delegate through to Craigie, Mila, Bombala, Bibbenluke, Holt’s Flat, Nimmitabel, Summer Hill, Rock’s Flat, Cooma, Bunyan, Numerella, Billylingera, Bredbo, Colinton, Michelago, Williamsdale, Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Deep Creek, Tarago, Inveralochy, Tiranna and finally through to Goulburn after 23 days of marching.

They marched under a banner, made by the women of Delegate. By they time they reached Goulburn on the 29th of January, 1916 – one hundred and forty-four (144) men had joined the procession. The majority were then enlisted into the 55th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces and sadly – many would later loose their lives in the bloody battles which occurred between 1916 to 1918.

PHOTO LEFT:  The actual banner which was made by the women of Delegate. This banner has survived and is now displayed in the Western Front Gallery of the Australian War Memorial. As a point of interest, this flag was used for another recruitment drive along a similar route during the Second World War; however on this occasion the recruits travelled by motor vehicle and lorry instead of on foot. Taking just five (5) days instead of the original 23.

Perhaps the most famous of the marchers, was Private Ernest Albert COREY who, as a stretcher bearer – was to be awarded the Military Medal a total of 4 times. He was born and bred in the small town of Numerella but he is said to have enlisted from Nimmitabel. It was from this town, that the war would take him to the other side of the world. His first award of the M.M. was for his actions in rescuing wounded comrades at Queant near Bullecourt during the horrific fighting on the 15th of May of 1917. He would be awarded his first ‘bar’ to the Military Medal for similar actions on the 26th of September, 1917 at Polygon Wood. The second ‘bar’ would be won at Peronne roughly twelve months later, for his work as a stretcher bearer on the 1st & 2nd of September, 1918. His third ‘bar’ being awarded for his actions at the Hindenburg Line north of Bellicourt on the 30th of September, 1918. One may consider it unique – that all of his awards were given as a result of “saving life” and not “taking life”.

PHOTO RIGHT:  2143 Private Ernest Albert COREY.

The song by Kevin BAKER is in my opinion – one of the most moving songs to be composed with regards to the First World War. His voice is very ‘Australian’ and lends itself to the subject matter. It is hard not to feel the emotion that would have been behind the letter written by Private Hal ARCHER (2121 Private Halloran ‘Hal’ ARCHER from Tarcutta). His mate, 2124 Private Samuel Leslie ‘Les’ ALLEN of Bibbenluke had been fatally wounded by artillery fire on the 19th of May, 1917. Les had been a school teacher and was 27 years of age. During the actual march; when the volunteers approached the town of Bibbenluke, Les and the school children had travelled out to meet them. When the two groups met, the children “fell in” behind the marchers and joined the procession into the village. Les later accompanied the group when he joined them at Holt’s Flat. So after his mate’s death, Hal Archer takes it upon himself to write the letter to Mrs Elizabeth ALLEN – the mother of Les. I believe that Kevin BAKER was inspired to write this song, so many years later after reading this letter – which would lead one to believe that this letter still survives. I have made numerous attempts to contact Kevin, with a negative result. If any reader may be able to assist – I would like to ascertain from Kevin his motivation and sentiment in composing this song which I believe, is exceptional.

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