A call for help has been received from Jacquie COOK in New Zealand, in relation to a medallion found amongst her grandfather’s war service medals.

IMAGE RIGHT:  Private Charles Henry COOK, born in Romsey  (Victoria, Australia) he emmigrated to New Zealand circa 1904 and subsequently enlisted into the N.Z.E.F. during the First World War.

Whilst her grandfather, Charles Henry COOK was born in Romsey, Victoria (Australia) during 1888, he migrated to New Zealand when he was 16 years of age.  Subsequently, when the Great War broke out about ten years later – Charles answered the call to Empire and enlisted in the N.Z.E.F. (New Zealand Expeditionary Force) as a member of the 2nd Canterbury Regiment.

The Canterburys had a very proud service history, landing at Gallipoli and rendering spectacular service during the August offensive on the height of Chunuk Bair.  They later went on to service in France and fought in notable actions on the Somme, at Messines and Polygon Wood.  Through to the German Offensive of 1918 and finally finishing on garrison duty in the German city of Cologne.

IMAGE LEFT:  A group shot taken of men from Charles’ unit.  On the rear of the orignal photograph is written “Winners of the Tug-O-War, 2nd Canterbury Battalion”.  Charles is the man wearing on the far right of the image.

Charles survived the First World War, however he passed away in 1943 whilst patronising the RSA (Returned Serviceman’s Association) in Ashburton.   Leaving behind a wife and four children, his medals were donated to the RSA at Ashburton.  However, it was not until many years later that his grand daughter Jacquie took an interest in his war medals and it became evident that Charles was in possession of a medallion – issued by ‘Romsey & District’ for service in the Great War.

IMAGE RIGHT:  Charles Henry COOK wearing his New Zealand “Lemon Squeezer” fur felt hat.  Evident on the pugeree is the famous New Zealand “Onwards” cap badge; and the collars of his Service tunic bear the badges of the Canterbury Battalion, NZEF.

So how is it, that an Australian born – New Zealander came into the possession of a small bronze medallion from the Victorian locality of Romsey?  It was not uncommon for cities, towns and districts to show their appreciation to servicemen and women who enlisted from the subject area.  However, if a man was to enlist from a certain township (in this case – Romsey) he usually returned to this same area after the war.  Even if it was just to catch up with family and friends.  However, in the specific case of Charles COOK – he was transported back to New Zealand after the war and it is unknown how the authorities of Romsey became aware that he had served at all…..let alone in the NZEF?

IMAGE LEFT:  The medallion, issued by ‘Romsey & District, Victoria’ showing what appears to be the shire crest. 

Whilst it is clearly a ‘post war’ medallion issued to men from the Romsey and District locality who served during World War One, what is not known is the eligibility criteria and subsequently issue of the medal. 

Both Jacquie, and the Medals Gone Missing Administrator would be grateful if anybody out there can assist with the following questions:-

1.  Did a serviceman who was born or resided in the Romsey & District area of Victoria – have to apply for such a medallion or was his name simply taken from a shire register?  As Charles was born and grew up in this area unti the age of 16, would the town council or other organisation have made contact with Charles and forwarded the medallion to him, despite the fact that he served in the NZEF ?

2.  Is there anybody out there who also is in possession of such a medallion?  And if so, was it issued to their relative in a similar situation to that of Charles?

3.  As the medallion is inscribed “AIF” , why was it eligible to other members of the Commonwealth?  Or was it simply the case that the issuing authority did not concern themselves with which unit the recipient served – rather their focus was on the “origin” or birthplace of the recipient?

IMAGE LEFT:  The reverse side of the Romsey & District Medallion.  The script around the periphery reads:- “HE RESPONDED TO HIS COUNTRY’S CALL” .  The writing in the centre of the badge states:- Presented to C.H. COOK (engraved) AIF in recognition of his service abroad in the Great War for freedom 1914-18.

Any information in relation to this medallion would be greatly appreciated.

Medals Gone Missing will offer a 5 year listing,  free of charge to anybody who can help Jacquie with her inquiry.

It is very satisfying when you play an instumental part in solving a mystery.  What is even more enjoyable is when you solve that mystery with a group of friends.

An excursion along the Kokoda Track as part of the 2010 Anzac Day Commemorations, solved a mystery for me – however it has also opened a whole new range of possibilities in relation to the identity of a particular Japanese aircraft which met it’s demise on the ridge above Isurava, in Papua New Guinea.

IMAGE RIGHT:  Kokoda trekker, Andrew Hirst holding the Type 92 Machine Gun from the Alola Museum during a trek in October, 2008.   When I first saw this relic in 2002, I formed the opinion that it may have been a surplus Australian Lewis Gun (originally manufactured for aircraft mounting) pressed into service during 1942 as a result of a shortage of automatic weapons.

When I first trekked along the Kokoda Track in 2002, I took interest in a relic condition machine gun, which looked for all intents and purposes to be a British Lewis Gun.  History buffs amongst you may be able to picture a British fighter aircraft of World War One, which sported a Lewis Gun of this type – mounted on the upper wing of their aircraft.  This particular type of Lewis Gun for aircraft use was devoid of the aluminium metal “sleeve” which encased the cooling vents along the barrel of the standard Lewis.  I assumed that the gun was a ’surplus’ weapon, which had been pressed into action during those dark days of 1942 when there may have been a shortage of automatic weapons.  Indeed, with the AIF deployed in the Middle East being supplied most of the latest equipment (such as Bren Guns) - the Militia troops were initially issued with World War One era Lewis Guns (the 49th Infantry Battalion which initially garrisoned Port Moresby, were later brought up to Brigade strength and reinforced by the 53rd Infantry Battalion and the famous 39th Infantry Battalion, A.M.F)  In fact, there is ample evidence to support the fact that the 39th Militia Battalion used their Lewis Guns to good effect in their initial confrontation with the Japanese near Awala ….. and throughout their actions at Kokoda Station, Deniki and Isurava.

IMAGE LEFT:  A close-up of the Type 92 Machine Gun, showing the over-sized trigger guard – to enable access to the trigger whilst wearing gloves for temperatures at altitude.  Note how a crack has formed between the actual trigger guard and the pistol grip.  Evidence (combined with the ‘bent’ gun barrel) to support the suggestion that this gun was on board an aircraft which was subject of a crash.  (Photo taken October, 2008)

I had long since known of the crash site of a Japanese aircraft, above Isurava.  Initial reports suggested that this aircraft was a Mitsubishi A6M2 ‘Zero’ fighter, however I had also heard rumour of it being a ‘Val’  Dive Bomber.  It was not until September of 2008 that I finally found time to visit this crash site;  which is off the beaten track and up a very steep climb on the ridge between “wartime” Isurava and “current” Isurava Village. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  The Medals Gone Missing Administrator with Kokoda Trekkers: – Harry Cizerle, Jared Williams, Dale Cairney and Captain Josh Hawes  (Australian Army) at the scene of the Japanese crash site in September, 2008.  By this time, Bill James’ wonderful “Field Guide to the Kokoda Track” was in print and page 365 of the first edition recorded this aircraft type as being an Aichi D3A ‘Val’ dive bomber.

The crash site is in such a position that not all Kokoda Trekking companies are able to visit it (especially those on a tight time schedule).  The climb is very steep and arduous, but the wreck is a very satisfying reward for aircraft buffs who make the climb.  Trekking companies Kokoda Historical (David Howell) and Komplete Kokoda (Soc Kienzle) are two companies which make every effort to take trekkers to this location (time and fitness permitting).  So whilst I became a regular visitor to the crash site after October of 2008, I did not make the correlation between this aircraft wreck – and the “Lewis Gun” at the Alola Museum until nearly two years later.

IMAGE LEFT:  A close-up photo of the receiver and magazine mounting – leaving no doubt as to the ‘Lewis Gun design’ of a top mounted drum magazine, fed weapon.  A stainless steel post is also seen, protruding from the left hand side of the weapon.  Clearly proving that this machine gun was mounted to an aircraft.  (Photo taken October, 2008)

So it was not until my trek with the April “Anzac Day” group of 2010 that a vital piece of the ‘jigsaw’ was located by our intrepid Papuan guide, Kila Amuli.  Whilst inspecting the wreckage, Kila unsuspectingly lifted a piece of aluminium which revealed an intact and unfired round (bullet)  in the mud.  Handing this round to me, I immediately assessed it to be a British .303 “rimmed” round……which did not seem to make sense amongst a Japanese aircraft wreck.   A further search in the mud where the bullet was found, revealed a “drum” magazine which I immediately considered to be that of a British Lewis Gun.  With a bit of thought, I remembered the “bent out of shape” barrel of the Lewis Gun at the Alola museum.  As Alola and Isurava are not far apart as the crow flies, I considered it highly possible that the Alola Museum gun had in fact been pilfered from this aircraft wreck.   Either that, or the gun had been thrown from the aircraft (possibly in a bid by the crew to reduce weight?) prior to the plane colliding with the hilltop.  As virtually nothing about this aircraft is known – what caused it to crash is still a mystery.  There is NO evidence to suggest that it was shot down and there are certainly no known claims of it being brought down by Australian ground fire during the Kokoda campaign.   Two possibilities exist …..  that it was low on fuel (which supports the possibility that the machine gun was thrown overboard above Alola to lighten the weight) but more likely, is the possibility that the aircraft was enveloped in thick cloud and struck the hillside (the pilot misjudging his height).  Regardless of this speculation, I thought that perhaps the Lewis Gun had been captured by the Japanese in a previous conquest (such as Singapore) and the gun adapted for Japanese use.  At this time, I was unaware that the Japanese had produced a 7.7 calibre rimmed round  - which is virtually identical to the British .303 round and I was unaware of the Type 92 Machine Gun. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  The Japanese Type 92 drum magazine which is virtually identical to that of the British Lewis Gun.  Whilst it is heavily corroded, the mud had stuck to some surfaces of the magazine and subsequently when this mud was removed – traces of “blueing” were still evident on the metal.  Photo courtesy of  Warrant Officer Michael Scott (R.A.A.F) and Emma Withnell taken during April 2010.

Whilst the magazine and it’s contents were in a badly corroded state, it was not until one particular round with a relatively clear primer caught my eye.  This round clearly showed the stamping “7.7″ which confirmed it’s Japanese origin.  Upon my return to Australia, research into Nippon weapons of the Second World War indicated that the Japanese did in fact copy the British Lewis Gun and designated it the Type 92 Light Machine Gun.  So the mystery of the Alola Museum gun, is a mystery no more and it is extremely likely that this machine gun and the drum magazine are from the same aircraft. 

IMAGE LEFT:  Some ‘live’ 7.7 calibre rimmed rounds can still be seen inside the magazine.  Photo courtesy of  Warrant Officer Michael Scott (R.A.A.F)  and Emma Withnell, taken during April 2010.

 Justin Tynan who is the administrator of the U.S. based website “Pacific Wrecks” is an expert on Japanese aircraft.  Whilst the find completely eliminates the possibility of the crash site being a A6M2 Zero fighter (which carried no hand held weapons, such as the Type 92) …. a second mystery came to light.   The serial number of ‘5194′ is in fact a “Mitsubishi” manufacturer serial number.  The Val (D3A) was made by Aichi ….. and not Mitsubishi.  So does this rule out the aircraft being a Val dive bomber?  The number 5194 can be attributed to two Mitsubishi types:- a G4M “Betty” bomber and a G3M “Nell”.  Justin states the unlikeliness of it being a pre-war ‘Nell’ bomber.  So that leaves us with the possibility of this aircraft wreck being a G4M ‘Betty’.  However, there is clearly not enough wreckage at this site alone, for it to be a twin engined Betty bomber.  Is it possible that there is further wreckage somewhere in the hills, yet to be found?  The Betty was certainly armed with a number of Type 92 machine guns.  So it is not conclusive at this time, what type of aircraft this wreck in fact is.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The piece of aircraft wreckage bearing the serial number ‘5194′.   Whilst this particular photo was taken in September of 2008 – to my disappointment – this vital piece was not located in April of 2010.  It is feared that this identifying piece may have been “souvenir ed” by some unscrupulous Kokoda trekker.

So with the find of a missing piece of militaria – in the form of a Type 92 drum magazine …… it is very likely that the mystery of the Alola Museum “Lewis Gun” has now been solved.  The question of  “how did this type of machine gun end up in a World War Two jungle battlefield?” can possibly be put down to a Japanese aircraft, which met it’s demise in a crash near Isurava.

 However …… exactly what type of aircraft – crashed into this hillside ??….. is still yet to be determined.  The search for the truth continues.

Image Below:  The Aichi D3A  “Val” Dive Bomber.  This aircraft was only a two seater and the Type 92 machine gun in question would have been operated by the gunner who sat behind the pilot.

 

Image Below:  The much larger Mitsubishi G4M  “Betty” bomber which had a crew of seven would have had four of these Type 92 machine guns, 2 x mounted in blisters or port holes, on each side of the aircraft fuselage, one gun in the nose and one gun on the dorsal portion behind the cockpit.  A 20mm (Type 99) canon was mounted in the tail of the aircraft.

Wish to know more about the Type 92 Machine Gun?  Please Click Here to this link on Wikipedia.

Wish to see this Machine Gun and aircraft wreck for yourself?  Please Click Here to visit the Kokoda Historical website and Click Here to visit the Komplete Kokoda website.

My acknowledgement goes out to Justin Tynan of Pacific Wrecks for his keen interest and determination to help solve this mystery.  Justin’s excellant website can be viewed by Clicking Here

 

 

 

 

 

The Medals Gone Missing Administrator recently came into possession of an “in flight” status sheet, written by a Flight Lieutenant SELWYN of Transport Command, Royal Air Force.   Whilst of no major historical significance in the big scheme of things, it  would be interesting to see if this serviceman is still alive.

Purchased from ebay Australia for just $5 AUD, the flight slip is quite old and may have been written circa 1940’s - although there is little information on the sheet to confirm or deny this.  However, it can only be surmised that the number of flight crew with the rank of Flight Lieutenant and the surname of SELWYN; who have operated as part of Transport Command over the years - is limited.

IMAGE BELOW:  The flight sheet, completed by Flight Lieutenant SELWYN of Transport Command, RAF (Royal Air Force).  Whilst there is no date to indicate the exact time period to which this flight relates, it is hoped that somebody can shed some light as to the identity of this man – who served as flight crew, in this particular unit.

 

 

 

 

Should you look at the information adjacent to the word “Aircraft” you will see, what appears to be the Serial Number KK137 or similar.  Is it possible that this number relates to a Douglas DC3 (also known as a C47 Skytrain) which entered service with the Royal Airforce under this serial number?  Inquiries reveal that an aircraft, built as a C-47B-15-DK Skytrain, c/n 15274/26719 was delivered to United States Army Air Force as 43-49458.   It was then transferred to the Royal Air Force as KK137 where it saw operational service.  It was later transferred to BOAC (the British Overseas Airways Corporation) in 1944.  Then registered as G-AGNB in 1945.  This particular aircraft was eventually leased to Iraqi Airways in July 1947 and re-registered as YI-GNB, returned to BOAC in November 1947 and then to Aden Airway and re-registered as VR-AAF on the 1st of February 1952.  It would later be leased to Jordan Airways during 1953; and upon the dissolution of Aden Airways – it was sold to Air Djibouti in August of 1967 and re-registered F-OCKV. The registration of this aircraft was finally cancelled in August 1971.  If all of this is correct, then this puts the date of this flight slip as “pre 1945″.  So based on that, if the aircraft was in fact flying from mainland Europe as it crossed the English coast, could one assume that this flight originated from a “captured” European airfield post D-Day ?

IMAGE LEFT:  A Douglas Dakota in RAF markings in flight.  To the Americans, this aircraft type was known as the C-47, but to the Commonwealth Air Forces - it was the Douglas Dakota; and served in just about every theatre of war.  It is a little known fact that even the Japanese made a number of this type of aircraft, initially under licence.

And should you study the identity of the “navigator” as pencilled on the bottom of the document, the signature appears to be a Flight Officer D. SMYTH or similar. 

So if you had a relative who served with Transport Command, whose name happened to be SELWYN or SMYTH, then we would like to hear from you.  As always, the Medals Gone Missing Administrator is keen to get this particular piece of memorabilia, back into the hands of the family to which it pertains.  The fact that this slip of paper has survived at all, is a small miracle.  Considering that items such as this were probably “throw away items” which were discarded, once the flight had concluded.

IMAGE RIGHT:  A DC3 (C-47) which now serves out it’s life as a “gate guardian” in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.  The man in the photograph is Australian ex-pat Peter KERR from Wisconsin, USA – whose father flew this type during World War 2 with Number 36 Squadron, RAAF. 

As can be seen, the aircraft in question was flying in a westerly direction and was bound for RAF Northolt.  Considering that it was crossing the English Coast and was tracking just south of Harwich, can it be assumed that this particular aircraft had flown from Amsterdam or other major city on mainland Europe? 

Perhaps a Royal Air Force Historian can assist us and shed some light as to the identity of this man.  Also, any reader who has flight experience in this part of the world, may be able to take an educated guess as to the original take off point (assuming that the aircraft did not deviate from it’s original course and was making a direct flight to RAF Northolt.

If you can help to identify the aircrew on this flight; or confirm the identity of this aircraft – please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator by making a “Comment” on this story.

IMAGE LEFT:  An example of the DC-3 in camoflage paint scheme.  Whilst this aircraft type (in various Marks) saw service before the war as a Civillian airliner and then throughout the war, it is perhaps best remembered for the parts it played in the D-Day landings, and later – Operation Market Garden (the dropping of airborne troops to capture the bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegan).  Not only did this type carrier Paratroops, but also performed the role of ‘Glider Tow’.

 

IMAGE RIGHT:  The Cockpit or business end of the DC-3 owned and operated by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc. (HARS)  which is based out of Albion Park areodrome, on the south coast of New South Wales.  As can seen, the longevity of this aircraft type is celebrated with the 50 year motif; the lifespan which is so typical of many of these aircraft that are still flying around the world.  Is is possible that the aircraft KK-137 which is subject of this story, is still out there somewhere? Either being restored or waiting to be ressurrected?

 

 

IMAGE LEFT:  The HARS (Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc.) DC-3 Douglas Dakota A65-95 taxis on Albion Park Aerodrome after coming in for a landing during the 2008 Airshow.  This particular aircraft is immaculately restored, and flies regularly at displays and open days in the skies of the Illawarra. 

 

 

 

IMAGE RIGHT:  Port side view of the HARS (Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc.) DC-3 Douglas Dakota serial number A65-95.

 

For the surface dwellers, the Western Front stretched for well over 450 miles …… but for most of these ‘other men’ – their “front” was no more than 4 feet wide. 

To those who manned the trenches above - their world was a thunderous crescendo of artillery bombardments which stunned the senses and burst the eardrums.  But for many of these other men who toiled deep below the surface - their war was a ‘deafening silence’.

And yet the same rain that fell on the heads of the soldiers up above …. soaked through the mud of France and Belgium – only to drip on the heads of the men below.

These men – to which I refer were the “Tunnellers” of the Royal Engineers.  And they filled the ranks of the Tunnelling Companies which spent their war service, in a claustrophobic world where the very air they breathed – could turn as deadly as the poisonous gas, that was used by both sides – up above.  Or where the very tunnel of which you were digging, could suddenly collapse around you and become ‘your tomb’.

IMAGE RIGHT:  A brass cap badge of the Royal Engineers.  There were two ‘makes’ of cap badge, which adorned the caps of the Royal Engineers – during the Great War.  Whilst both generally bore the “G V” cypher, the original cap badges had voids (or holes) in the badge where there was no script or body.  The latter war badges differed in that they were ’solid’ or not voided - reducing the labour time to produce the badge and as such, were considered an ‘economy measure’.    

The story of some Australian Tunnellers during the First World War has now been told; in the form of a feature film titled ”Beneath Hill 60″  ( to see a story which relates to this film please Click Here ).  It gives us a small insight on the conditions faced by men, from both sides of the Western Front which culminates in the discharging of explosives beneath the German occupied lines on the high ground of Hill 60, near Ypres in Belgium.

But the Australians were not the first to venture underground, in this theatre of war.  The stalemate which resulted in two great armies, facing off in a continuous line of trench warfare – brought about the necessity to gain some type of tactical advantage by means, other than “frontal charges”.  Well before their Australian cousins began their own tunnelling war against the Turks at Gallipoli, the Royal Engineers were already involved in this new phase of warfare at certain points along the Western Front.  Generally, where the opposing trenches were not too far apart …. and where the ground was somewhat stable and suitable for underground excavation, the silent war of the Tunnellers began.   In fact, the first mining operations began in April of 1915 ….. (the same month that  British and colonial troops would begin their landings on the Ottoman shore).  And there existed no finer miners than the first batch of Welshmen who were recruited to undertake this work; from the 1st Battalion and the 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment – who were attached to the 1st Northumberland Field Company of the Royal Engineers. 

And into this underground world came such men, as 94283 Lance Corporal Arthur CUPIS from East Finchley in London.  A married man of 46, he would join the 175th Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers.  His war would last just eight months – when on the 14th of November, 1915 a German bombardment of the Maple Copse area would impact upon a kitchen area where men of his unit were congregated. 

IMAGE LEFT:  A pre-embarkation photo of Lance Corporal Arthur CUPIS of the 175th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers.  The standard brass badge of the Royal Engineers is evident on his service cap.  He also wears the Pattern 08 Infantry Webbing, which was issued to most troops who saw front line service.  Of particular interest however, is the Pattern 1888 Lee Metford (Long Lee-Enfield) bayonet with which Arthur has been issued.  Was this merely an re-issue of ‘Boer War’ surplus equipment,at a time when more modern equipment was scarce?  Bearing in mind that the expansion of the British Army in late 1914 & early 1915 was outpacing the Quartermaster’s ability to kit out this rapidly growing army.  Or perhaps, an example of ‘fore-thought’ on the part of some storesman –  to the perceived cramped conditions which a soldier of a Tunnelling Company would face?  Conditions, which would make the length of the standard Pattern 1907  bayonet impracticable?    Considering the fact that Tunnellers sometimes encountered the enemy in tunnel break-throughs (which could result in vicious hand to hand combat) ….. it could be suggested that such “common sense” decisions were made – when kitting out such troops.  More likely however, is the fact that many British troops at this early stage of the war,were being issued the Long Lee-Enfields which undoubtedly – a huge arsenal still existed in stores within the U.K.

The 175th Tunnelling Company had been in the front line also, since April of 1915 – starting their mining actions at Sanctuary Wood and Armagh Wood.  It was in this area of Armagh Wood that Arthur’s fate would be sealed.  For that bombardment which occurred on the 14th of November, 1915 would result in the death of 4 men killed outright and 13 men wounded.  Of those wounded ….. Lance Corporal Arthur CUPIS -  sadly would die of his wounds just two days later, on the 16th of November, 1915.   The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) records indicate that he was laid to rest in Maple Copse Cemetery. 

The war would rage for three more years, after the death of Lance Corporal Arthur CUPIS ….. and countless more lives would be lost.   However, the memory of this man would linger for generations. 

As with all Commonwealth Servicemen and women who lost their lives as a result of the Great War; a bronze Memorial Plaque would be struck as a tangible reminder of one man’s sacrifice on the alter of war.  These plaques were issued to the next of kin of a person who died and colloquially became known as a “Dead Man’s Penny” – due to their resemblance of a large coin.  Cast from the metal bronze; they were just under 5 inches in diameter (approx 120 mm) and bore the words “He died for Freedom and Honour”.  The full name of the subject serviceman or woman was cast on the right hand side of the plaque.    No mention was made of the subject’s rank or status; as “in death” ….. all men are considered equal.  The image of ‘Britannia’ holding a trident, accompanied by a lion adorns the front of the plaque – whilst the reverse is simply plain and not generally viewed.  In conjunction with this Memorial Plaque, a letter and a scroll from King George V was also sent. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  A copy of a ‘blank’ Memorial Plaque or “Dead Man’s Penny”.  The name of the deceased serviceman would be cast in the ‘box’ area on the right hand side (above the Lion’s head).  In the event of the subject being a female, the script around the border of course would read “She died for Freedom and Honour”.

The Dead Man’s Penny, or Memorial Plaque of Lance Corporal Arthur CUPIS is missing.  His descendant’s would dearly love to have this memorial plaque returned to their family – so that his part played – and sacrifice made during The Great War, is never forgotten to the younger generations.  Can you help?  If you have this plaque in your collection ….. or know the whereabouts of this item, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.

Or if your relative was a Tunneller during the First World War, then please commemorate his service by recording his name and unit details in the COMMENTS field below.  Lest We Forget.

 

The U.S. Army serviceman whose Identification Tag (colloquially referred to as ‘Dog Tags’ or ‘Meat Tags’) which was discovered in distant Papua New Guinea  has been positively  identified.  The dog tag was located by a Papuan elder, Annanius MONGAGI of Sanananda Village on the north east coast …… an area which locals strongly boast is the “start and finish” of the Kokoda Track.  Whilst the first six letters of the soldier’s name were clear, the last letters were lost due to damage occurred to the actual identity disc.  It can now be said with certainty, that the identification tag is that of 33008493 Private Robert D. MCCULLOUGH of the United States Army.

Thanks to Mr David Howell of Kokoda Historical who referred us to THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES (U.S. Government sponsored website), we managed to correspond his Service Number which is evident on his I.D. tag, to the official record which details his enlistment file.  Please click on the link below, to see the Enlistment details of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH. 

http://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&cat=GP23&tf=F&sc=24994,24995,24996,24998,24997,24993,24981,24983&bc=,sl,fd&txt_24994=33008493&op_24994=0&nfo_24994=V,8,1900&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=3501774

What is still unknown, is the ultimate fate of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH.  We sincerely hope that he survived this action around Sanananda and made it back to the United States; where he fathered many children and grew old.   We are still seeking to make contact with his family descendants and inform them of the fact that one of his dogtags has been found in the jungle of the Sanananda battlefields.  No doubt they would be shocked to learn that part of their heritage, still exists in far away Papua New Guinea.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The Identification Tag (dog tag)  of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH.  If our interpretation of the records is correct, this man was born in Iowa but resided in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Do you know this man?  If so, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator for further details.  (Please click here to refer to the initial report of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH’s dogtag in the ARTICLES OF INTEREST column of the Medals Gone Missing website). 

Whilst we are certainly not experts on American military records, it appears that Robert D. McCULLOUGH was born during the year 1913 in Iowa, which made him approximately 28 years old when he entered military service.   Having completed four years of college – in civil life, he worked as a ‘general office Clerk’ and resided in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Private McCULLOUGH enlisted into the United States Army (U.S. Army) on the 5th of April, 1941 at Baltimore in Maryland.  Interestingly, he enlisted well before the date that Pearl Harbour was bombed (the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December the 7th, 1941 bringing America into the Second World War).   The records state that he was a “white” male, a citizen of the United States of America and a single man with no dependants.

IMAGE LEFT:  Australian and American troops fought side by side together, at the ‘battle of the beach heads’ on the northern coast of New Guinea during December 1942/January 1943.  Whilst the U.S. 126th, 127th & 128th Infantry fought at Buna (where this photograph was taken), it was the U.S. 126th Infantry which initially fought at Sanananda.  These two coastal locations are only a matter of a 3 hour leisurely walk from eachother.  Later during this campaign, the U.S. 1/163rd and the U.S. 127th Regiments were also engaged in the Sanananda area. 

It is still hoped that Australian adventurer, Mr Peter KERR who was present at Sanananda in April of 2010 – can conduct an investigation and attempt to locate the descendants of Private Robert D. McCULLOUGH.  Peter currently resides in Wisconsin and will be seeking the assistance of the American Legion to track down any person who may be related to Private McCULLOUGH. 

Alternatively, there may still even be other U.S. Servicemen who are veterans of the U.S. 126th, 127th or 163rd Regiments who served with and knew Private McCULLOUGH.  If so, we would dearly love to hear from you.  It would be very fitting if his descendants would consider coming to New Guinea to personally retrieve his dog tag, and see where this soldier fought for his country.  If you wish to know more about visiting the Sanananda Battlefield and seeing the dog tag first hand, please contact Kokoda Historical for details on how to visit this area. 

If you have other U.S. dog tags (Identity Discs) in your possession and wish to have them correlated to their respective serviceman, please click on the following link to visit the American website THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES   http://www.archives.gov/

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