As the Administrator of the Medals Gone Missing website, not only  does my interest lay in the vast list of medals that have gone astray over the years.    But also any items of ‘Missing Militaria’ that happen to turn up on the open market or in far flung battlefields, once an army has moved on.  Keeping in mind that items of Military Equipment often go missing on a battlefield during the confusion of battle - sooner or later somebody is going to stumble upon these artefacts.  And nothing sets the pulse rate of a Battlefield Archaeologist  racing quicker, than a possible dumping ground or ‘rubbish tip’ where an army buries it’s refuse.

During my travels in Papua New Guinea ; I have found (or have been shown) many items that have sparked my interest.  But no other item has gripped my imagination more, than some seemingly insignificant pieces of dried out leather on a shelf - in a tiny museum at Buna.  Indeed, the average trekker may barely notice the existence of these pouches.  Certainly Gibson, the museum’s owner did not comprehend or understand the historical significance of his find - whilst digging in his garden!

What Gibson managed to un-earth was the remains of some leather pouches; referred to as Australian “Pattern 1915″ Infantry Webbing.  A vital piece of history which links his countrymen to the active fighting of 1942. 

                                                                           The pouches discovered by Buna land owner Gibson, whilst digging in his garden.  He has also uncovered numerous other small items which indicate that the area may have been a waste dump.

The ‘Pattern 15′ Infantry Webbing was an Australian version of the 08 Pattern (woven cotton) Web Equipment manufactured by Britain during the First World War.  Made from ‘Chrome tanned’ leather, a major producer of Australian Pattern 15 equipment was the Commonwealth Government Harness Factory in Clifton Hill, Victoria (though other smaller manufacturers also produced certain items of this kit).  Whilst it never proved popular with front line troops during the First World War, it was produced in sufficient numbers - that much of this equipment survived the conflict and was passed into storage. 

                                                                                 Front view of a ‘Left side’ Australian Pattern 1915 leather Infantry ammunition carrier in it’s complete state (as per Military specifications). 

                                                                                Rear view of a ‘Left Side’ Australian Pattern 1915 leather Infantry ammunition carrier in it’s complete state (as per Military specifications).  Note the ink stamping of the letter “L” to indicate that it is a left side configuration.

During World War Two, it was commonly re-issued to Australian Home Defence units - but it was also sent over to Papua New Guinea to equip members of the P.I.B ( Papuan Infantry Battalion).  Ample photographic evidence also exists to suggest that it was locally modified and issued to the Papuan Constabulary.  This modification was done by dissecting the body of the ammunition carrier horizontally, so that the upper two pouches were removed.  The lower three ammunition pouches could then sit on the 3 inch leather belt, without the need to support the weight of the belt with the shoulder straps. 

                                                                                                      Two photos of members of the Papuan Constabulary, clearly showing the 3″ waist belt and ammunition pouches of the Australian Pattern 15 variety, all made from leather.  The photos show that the upper 2 ammunition pockets have been removed.  This effectively eliminated the rear 2″ buckle through which a shoulder brace was normally attached when in the normal configuration - as per the British 08 Pattern.  (The shoulder brace supported the weight of the belt and ammunition carriers).    It is likely that the rotten pouches uncovered by Gibson at Buna, were of this modification, as the two upper pouches were not found at the time.  Based on this, one may conclude that they were issued to a Policeman of the Papuan Constabulary and worn during the fighting at Buna.                                                   

The importance of these crumbling leather pouches to this country’s heritage cannot be overstated.  They are a tangible reminder that Papuans also took an active role in the fighting to rid New Guinea of the Japanese invader.  The fighting involvement of the Papuan people is often overshadowed by the vital work done by the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’Angels who carried our wounded out and brought in valuable supplies.   

In the big picture that is ‘the New Guinea campaign’, it is essential that we recognise the fine work exhibited by the men of the Papuan Constabulary and the Papuan Infantry Battalion.   Australians often forget that it was the P.I.B. who first engaged the Japanese on the Kokoda Track near Awala.  There are also numerous accounts in history of Papuan Infantry Battalion individuals coming to the assistance of Australian Troops.  On page 50 of Lex McAulay’s BLOOD AND IRON, he first writes of“a large, brave Papuan - Lance Corporal Sanopa” who fearlessly guided Major Watson’s men of the P.I.B near Oivi in the early stages of the campaign.   Lance Corporal Sanopa later guided ’A' company of the 39th Battalion from Deniki to Kokoda when they re-occupied the village on the 8th of August, 1942.  A position which would have earned him certain death in the event of a Japanese ambush.

                                                                      Papuan Infantry Battalion soldiers on parade.  Whilst their kit is the obsolescent Australian Pattern 15 leather equipment, these troops are still fairly well-equipped by Papuan standards.  Despite the fact that his ’sloped arms’ obscure part of his rig, he is clearly wearing an unaltered and near complete set of gear.  It is understood that in most cases, an entrenching tool was not carried.  Hence the ‘kidney’ shaped helve carrier and helve handle carrier did not form part of their issue.

When Australians plan their journey over the Kokoda Track, it is a pity that consideration is rarely given - to extending their visit to take in the beach head battlegrounds of Buna, Gona and Sanananda.  It could be argued that a trekker merely receives ’half’ of the story; should their trip only encompass that part of the track between Owers Corner and Kokoda Station.  Many acknowledge that the Kokoda Track actually starts and finishes at the beach heads - a point pressed by the Papuans who live in this area.  I myself have been fortunate enough to have guided here a number of times - at the invitation of the trekking company Kokoda Historical.  The hospitality of the people of Sanananda, will ensure my return at every opportunity.  And I am glad to say that  each time I visit - the locals have discovered something new for me to examine.

                                                                      Gibson’s mother standing out the front of the museum in Buna.  Note the Marsden Matting being used as part of the wall.

But this small memento of the Papuan Constabulary, will always continue to be a favourite of mine which I will ensure is viewed by every trekker that I escort to Buna.  I just find it ironic that a piece of leather equipment…..conceived by the Australian Government during World War One…..deemed unsuitable for front-line military use (especially when it gets wet) should find itself; issued during World War Two…..in the high rainfall area of New Guinea - one of the wettest climates of the world !!!

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

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

Betsy Manusu

Their eldest son, Homer Angus MANUSU was born in 1911 - and his sister Betsy Dylis in the following year of 1912.  Frank was now a farmer, but the call to arms was not foreign to this family.  He had served in South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer War, prior to joining the Police Force.  With Europe on the brink war, their third child, Alfred Pericles (known as Perry) was born on the 25th of January, 1914.  Just eight months later - their world became engulfed in the firestorm of a global conflict.   Percy Baldwin MANUSU, the fourth child (and third son) was born in September of 1915.  By this time, the great August offensive at Gallipoli had failed to achieve it’s goals and the fighting on the European front was a stalemate of trench warfare.    Cyril Alex MANUSU entered the world in 1917 and the sixth child of the family, Guy Ericwas born on the 29th of April, 1919.  The Great War had been over now for five months, but undoubtably Bowraville and the surrounding district was beginning to bear witness to the cost of the conflict.   Men of the First AIF had been repatriated home, or were in the process of returning.  No doubt, the MANUSU boys witnessed at least some of the legacies of war as they grew up.  A limbless man here.  A blind man there.  Or the sick man - down the street who never seemed to stop coughing…..a victim of gassing.  There may have been the occasional story of the ‘feats’ performed by our Anzacs.  Perhaps even tales spoken of the men of the 1st Battalion, AIF.  Stories that were glossed over or certain realities omitted to protect young ears.  But sometimes the questions of little boys may have met with a deafening silence, when directed at man that has witnessed the horrors of war.  Be that as it may, young Guy may have seemed the last in that family of six children.  However in 1930, a seventh and final addition to the MANUSU family was produced in the form of a little girl - Frances Hermoine MANUSU.  Like her older sister and brother Perry (Alfred), she too would be known by her middle name.

Frank MANUSU and his five boys

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

So by 1939, when a World War was declared for a second time - the reasons for “joining up” not only included a desire to protect the ‘Mother Country’ as many felt in the First War.  It is a fact that some men enlisted as the pay was fair - and regular - and there were little prospects of civil employment in the country.  Whatever his reason for joining up, Percy (the third born son) was the first MANUSU to enlist into the 2nd AIF on the 03rd of September, 1940.  Exactly 12 months to the day, that Britain and France had declared war on Germany in 1939.  

The colour patch of the 2/1st Battalion - AIF

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

               NX47689 Sergeant Percy MANUSU - note the 2/1st Battalion colour patch                                

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

         NX69109 Private Guy MANUSU - 2/1st Battalion AIF

NX69110 Private Alfred “Perry” MANUSU - 2/1st Battalion AIF

Whilst the 2/1st Battalion was fighting in the Middle East;  two more of the Manusu boys - Perry (the second born son) and Guy (the fifth born son) had enlisted into the AIF.  Joining up together on the same day (the 06th of March, 1941) the brothers  were allocated consecutive service numbers - Guy with NX69109 and Perry NX69110.  One can only imagine the banter.  The boys ran into another man from Bowraville by the name of Joe MITCHELL and joked - that they had just signed their death warrants.  It is highly likely that Percy “claimed” his two brothers - as was often done at this time.  The two new enlistees headed off to the middle east to join their brother, but as fate would have it, they arrived too late for the bitter Greek campaign.    Instead, they found themselves as “tourists” - in places which they had never heard of before; such as Neuisarat, Khassa, Sausage Wood and Bey Jirja and Guy faithfully kept a diary to record their travels.

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

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

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

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

The 21st Brigade and Militia units before them had been issued with khaki clothing and equipment; the kind suitable for desert warfare - but useless in the dark green of the jungle.   This would not be the case for the 16th Brigade.  Some men of the 2/1st were issued with the new jungle green clothing.  Others did as the 25th Brigade had done - and dyed their clothing and painted their equipment a ‘jungle green’ colour so as to blend in with the foilage.  They were also issued with shovels, torches, folding saws and similar items.  Luxuries to an infantryman that had been deprived from the previous units on the track.  For the next 10 days, they were to remain at Port Moresby on local defence tasks as it was still perceived that the Japanese may break through the Australian lines or outflank the defences on Imita Ridge. 

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

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

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

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

Australian Army Officer Thomas Golby inspects a Japanese tunnel at Eora Creek in July, 2008

The attack was to go in on the night of the 22nd October so that the Australian troops could be on the Japanese side by the morning of the 23rd.  Some men of the 2/1st began to cross under the cover of darkness on a bitter night with a cold wind blowing.  Around 2.30am, a pale moon filtered through the clouds and illuminated the troops attempting to cross the bridges.  The Japanese opened up on the Australians and it was not until around 4am that the moon went down, resuming the cover of darkness.  Dawn found the Australians pinned down on the Japanese side of Eora Creek.  The World War Two Nominal Roll lists Guy’s date of death as occurring on the 23rd of October. A story was later related by NX47065 Darcy McPHILLIPS to Joe PHILLIPS in New Guinea.   He stated that Guy was killed by a grenade that was reportedly thrown at Darcy, but it struck a vine and bounced towards Guy’s position. Based on this, it is logical to conclude that Guy  was involved in this advance.   As the bulk of the 2/1st and 2/2nd Battalions were still in a position of cover on the ridge behind Eora Creek Village (well out of hand grenade range) - and weight is given to the story of Darcy McPHILLIPS, then it is clear that Guy was killed in a forward position.  (Sadly, Darcy McPHILLIPS was killed in action near war’s end; on the 17th July 1945 at Wewak).  One can only imagine the grief felt by his brothers Perryand Percy who were also involved in this action.  Twenty four other men of the 2/1st Battalion were lost on this day and so their unit was paying dearly.  For the entire day of the 23rd of October, the rest of Guy’s Battalion lay pinned down by Japanese fire.

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

The Japanese had pulled their perimeter back a few hundred metres in an attempt to consolidate their forces and make a tighter defensive position.  The majority of the Australian forces by this time were on the Japanese side of Eora Creek - but were disjointed and in isolated groups.   The rain had been falling day and night since the 25th of October - causing the creek to flood and the torrent washed the two bridges away.  It was on this day that another son was lost to Betsy MANUSU.   Alfred - known to everybody as ‘Perry’ was hit by machine gun fire in the groin.  His mates could not get out to him for some time.  Finally his comrades were able to bring him in, however Perry was suffering the effects of shock and massive blood loss.  He subsequently died a slow and painful death from his injuries.  His brother Percy; the first to enlist into the 2/1st Battalion and the last still fighting at Eora Creek - was now on his own.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                      NX137609 (formerly N160380) Private Homer Angus MANUSU of H.Q. 1 Australian Division

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

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

                                                                                                      Guy MANUSU and Tib DOWNS, prior to his embarkation

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

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

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

Tyler Bellamy at Owers Corner in 2008 as part of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Clubs Challenge and the first  descendant of the MANUSU family to walk the track since 1942

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

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

1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939-1945 Australian Service Medal.  Both Guy and Perry were posthumously awarded service medals of this type.  Their descendants are desperately seeking knowledge as to the whereabouts of these war medals.  If you have any knowledge of these medals or can assist in their return to the family - please click here.  medalsgonemissing.com

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

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

Recommended Reading:  Blood & Iron by Lex McAulay.

Wish to inspect the battlefield at Eora Creek?     www.kokodahistorical.com

Wish to know more about Bowraville?     www.bowraville.nsw.au

Wish to know more about the Museum at Bowraville?     enquiries@militarymuseum.org.au

Wish to know more about Bowraville?  Contact Colin Kemp or Carol Plummer ctcbowra@tsn.cc 

Colin Kemp & Carol Plummer  Joint Managers, Bowraville Technology Centre                         39 High St  Bowraville  NSW  2449

Ph: (02) 6564 7420 Fax: (02) 6564 7520 Skype: BowravilleTC

Put that same question (i.e. name a digger) to any Military Historian and they should be able to roll off a dozen names from the top of their head, without even thinking. BUT now ask them to name any ‘digger’ who served in Both the Gallipoli and Kokoda campaigns - and their knowledge may be exhausted. In fact, your average person would be totally astounded to learn that any Australians at all - could possibly have fought in both of these battles. Arguabley the two most defining battles in Australia’s short history.

Well - if ever there was a name to be associated with these two campaigns, then James (Jim) Picken COWEY is that name. If ever a man was to wear the mantle of ‘natural born soldier’, then James Picken COWEY is that man. And it is a very sad indictment on our society that this man’s name has been allowed to fade away - into the misty shadows of obscurity.

Yes - James Picken COWEY served in Two World Wars. Yes - he fought at both Gallipoli and Kokoda and like any other veteran who did ”his bit” for his country; he would shun the thought of being declared a hero. But what really is a hero?? Especially, when in this modern day and age - you only need to excel in sport and the crowd will declare you a hero.

Jim COWEY was born on the 23rd of February, 1890 at Brunswick in Victoria, Australia. By 1914, he was a strapping young man who stood 5 foot 10 inches tall and weighed in at 12 stone. He had previously served in the Militia for over 3 years but discharged with the rank of Lance Sergeant, prior to the outbreak of the Great War. So when the call went out in 1914 to help the mother country, Australians rushed to enlist and Jim was amongst them. In fact, too many men volunteered for service and the “Australian” Division was so quickly filled - that a fourth Brigade of Infantry was offered to Great Britain and this was accepted on the 03rd of September, 1914. With his prior military service and rank, Jim was a natural selection for ‘Non Commissioned Officer’ and he would quickly be appointed as a Sergeant in the fledgling AIF (Australian Imperial Force) as part of the 14th Infantry Battalion, 4th Brigade.         

14th Battalion Colour Patch

 It would be bad enough for any Mother, to bid her ’soldier son’ farewell just once; as he headed off to war. But little could Jim’s mother envisage that she would have to endure this pain twice over. The first time in 1914 and then again in 1941. With his Service Number of 426 and aged 24 years, the First World War Embarkation Roll has Jim leaving Australia on the 22nd of December, 1914 from port Melbourne aboard HMAT Ulysses.

After training in Egypt, the 14th Battalion landed ashore at Gallipoli on the first day (25th April, 1915) numbering 25 Officers and 915 other ranks. After the initial confusion of the first few days, the 14th Battalion was assigned to hold the position of COURTNEY’s POST, just south of QUINN’s POST. A most perilous position. Barely 9 days after the landing (03rd May, 1915), Jim received a Gun Shot Wound to his left forearm. It was so severe, that he required evacuation and was subsequently shipped to England. This may have proved fortuitous as he missed both the Turkish onslaught of the 19th May and the ill-fated August offensive. He returned to Gallipoli, only to be evacuated again to Lemnos due to influenza. By mid November, he was evacuated once and for all and disembarked at Alexandria from the Dardenelles on the 14th.

46th Battalion Colour Patch

 During the great restructure and expansion of the AIF from 2 Divisions to 5 Divisions after Gallipoli, Jim found himself transferred to the 46th Infantry Battalion. Over the next few months, he rose through the ranks from C.S.M (Company Sergeant Major) to R.S.M (Regimental Sergeant Major) by July of 1916. By this time the 46th Battalion was mixed up in the turmoil, that was the Western Front. Obviously Jim’s experience and ability was recognised and he was Commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in August of 1916 in London. By March of 1917, he would be promoted again to the rank of full Lieutenant whilst serving on secondment to the 13th Training Battalion.

On the 29th of September, 1917 Jim was wounded for the second time through a GSW (gun shot wound) to the forehead near the right eye. Again, the wound was severe enough to necessitate his evacuation to England. He was not fit enough to return to his unit, until Christmas Day of 1917.

As Intelligence Officer during operations west of Bellenglise on the 18th to the 19th of September, 1918 his gallantry and devotion to duty was to earn him the Military Cross. It is recorded “When the line was held up by heavy machine-gun fire, he dashed forward, organised a party and pushed forward to a sunken road, where he established posts under intense machine-gun fire. It was owing to his fine work in assisting to organise the line that the position was held”. His award was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 10 - dated 29th of January, 1920.

On the 21st of September, 1918 Jim was granted ‘Special Leave’ to Australia (due to his early enlistment) and he embarked at Taranto on the 08th of October, 1918. Subsequently, his overseas service was officially recorded as commencing on the 22nd of December 1914 and concluding on the 02nd of December, 1918. His appointment as ‘Officer’ was terminated on the 31st of January, 1919 owing to the war’s end.

A letter written by COWEY to a “Mrs Gunn”, in late 1938 has been retained in his service record. There is evidence in this letter to suggest that Jim may have been serving as an Officer in the Militia (between World War 1 & World War 2) as well as the fact that he may have ‘handed in’ his war medals as an act of protest. As a result of this letter, Mrs Gunn expressed her opinion to the Deputy Commissioner (Dept. of Repatriation) with regards to Jim’s alleged state of mind. As with any veteran, the stresses of combat may have had an influence on one’s point of view.

However there is absolutely NO doubting Jim’s state of mind and mental clarity when one reads of his actions and demeanour during the Kokoda campaign.

When World War 2 began, James Picken COWEY was motivated to sign up for a second time in service of his country. The World War Two Nominal Roll indicates that he joined the Militia (CMF) on the 22nd of August, 1940 at the age of 50 years. Just over twelve months later, the 39th Militia Battalion was formed (September 1941) and Jim’s relatives witnessed him sailing off to a World War with a nightmarish sense of deja vu. The battalion set sail for New Guinea on the 29th of December, 1941 aboard the Aquitania. By July of 1942, James COWEY would find himself marching across some of the most rugged terrain in the world with ‘A’ Company of the 39th Militia Battalion….poorly trained and poorly equipped….to take on an enemy, regarded as the best jungle fighters in the world.

39th Militia Battalion Colour Patch

After having walked across the Kokoda Track - ‘A’ Company of the 39th Battalion found themselves advancing towards Kokoda Village on the 8th of August, 1942. The village had already been fought for……and lost……to the Japanese over one week earlier. Upon reaching the Kokoda Plateau, Sergeant Jim COWEY fired a flare into the air as a signal to his C.O. Major Alan CAMERON that they had “re-taken” the village. This signal went unnoticed and subsequently, no reinforcements would be sent. ‘A’ Company was on it’s own.

 The second battle for Kokoda is well documented (www.kokodahistorical.com) and by 7pm on the 10th of August, the Australians were forced again to withdraw and surrender the village. But an account, written by J.D. McCay of the 39th Battalion, is well worth recounting:-

“Just on dusk there was a nice little shower of rain and the first assault wave came in and we stopped ‘em. My Bren gun group, Bill Drummand and Bill Spriggs, were firing and I can see the gun firing now - no kidding, you could see the bullets going up the barrel and it ran red-hot. Vern Scattergood had a Bren too and he was firing wildly. We stopped ‘em again. Then there was a bit of a pause before the next wave came in and overran us. So we said, “We’d better get out because they’ve gone past us” Well old Scattergood (or should I say young Scattergood? - he was younger than me) he got excited. He was standing up firing the Bren from the hip and that was the last I saw of young Scattergood. He must have been hit. We couldn’t find him in the dark and we moved back. After we came out of the rubber, we found Johnnie Stormont in the Company Headquarters dug-out. We tried to put a shell dressing on him but the wound was too big and he was dying. We had to leave him. We only moved a few yards and we were challenged! It was old Jim Cowey …….the coolest, bravest man I have ever known. There he was, in the kneeling position, with his rifle pointing at us. Jim’s motto was “if you were a digger, he had to get you out”. The rest of the company had gone, but he’s stayed to get us out because he knew we’d been left behind. 

Old Jim had picked up about three of four of us by now and he said, “Just stay quietly” and then he dispersed us a bit. And then he got Roy Neal and Larry Downes, and I think that was about all of us. You know most were dead then. There was no wounded in our group. Then Jim said, “Good, we’ll walk out”. I was all for running out but there were Japs everywhere. They were throwing grenades into weapon-pits, they were searching under huts, and Jim said, “We’ll walk out, they don’t know who we are”. And if you don’t mind, casually got up, put us into single file and walked us out over the bloody bridge”. We walked across the airstrip into the dense scrub and then Jim said, “Good! We’ll rest here till daylight”. So he puts us down and then ‘clunk’, being a youth - and mentally and physically exhausted, I fell straight asleep. But I suppose old Jim Cowey, being the amazing soldier that he was, stayed awake all night. “

After hiding out for the night, Jim COWEY’s party attempted to return to their own lines. The story is best told by author Lex McCaulay (Arrow Books) in his superb account of the Kokoda Campaign, titled BLOOD AND IRON:-

“Staff Sergeant Cowey’s party found the main Kokoda/Deniki track and began to follow it. They came to the Japanese base area with supplies piled at the base of tree and realised just what size force “C” Company had come up against when they tried to advance up the track to Kokoda on the 08th of August. Cowey continued along the track, to the dismay of some of the others. Suddenly they met Privated Drummond and Spriggs, also alone, with their Bren. The gun had seized, but they had only one magazine with three rounds left. Cowey called a halt. There were 10 in the group, with Tommy guns, rifles and a few grenades, but little ammunition. Cowey led the men, but a Japanese machine-gun opened fire, narrowly missing his head with the first burst. Cowey then demonstrated coolness under fire to the other Aussies. He leaned against the tree nearby. Brought up his .303 rifle, aimed and shot dead the Japanese gunner - who was pushed aside by his partner, so Cowey reloaded at the shoulder and shot dead this man also, then continued to kill every Japanese who climbed behind the gun. Of course, a hornet’s nest had been aroused and the Japanese were swarming.”

On page 94 to 95 of Lex McCaulay’s book, he concludes COWEY’s ordeal:-

“When the men of ‘A’ Company began arriving at the Isurava Rest House, it was then that the soldiers with Jim Cowey realised just what the previous days had taken from that brave man. He was so exhausted that the physical effort of eating was almost beyond him. He had stayed behind to make sure that as far as possible, no Australian was left behind. He had taken command of those he did find - had led them and continued to teach them while bringing them out from the midst of numerous Japanese. He had set a high standard of personal coolness and courage in action, had endured hunger - cold and rain, at 52 years of age. Jim Cowey received no medals for his service and the Kokoda Track, but is well remembered by the unit survivors.”

As pointed out by Lex McCaulay, the whole Kokoda Track campaign took it out of this man. So much so that the World War Two Nominal Roll has him discharging from the army on the 29th of October, 1943. Well before the end of the Second World War. But nobody would disagree, Jim COWEY had certainly done more than his fair share.

I have no idea if Jim COWEY actually wore his service ribbons on his uniform, prior to his embarkation to New Guinea. However, one can only speculate that any AIF man would be forced to refrain from the usual “Choco” comments when they saw the colours of a “Military Cross” alongside a 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal on a Militia Sergeant’s chest.

Add to these, the campaign medals of a man who had served in Papua New Guinea - and we have a very impressive set of decorations. And if he wore these war medals every Anzac Day - and marched under the banner of the 39th Battalion - he certainly would have been held in the very highest regard.

                                                                     James Picken COWEY

                                                            14th Battalion - AIF (1914 - 1916)

                                                            46th Battalion - AIF (1916 - 1919)

                                                              39th Battalion - CMF (1940-43)

                                                                  A true AUSTRALIAN legend.

Recommended Reading: BLOOD AND IRON by Lex McAuley (Arrow Books)….. Thoroughly researched and a wealth of facts…..without a doubt, one of the best books on the subject of the Kokoda Track - I cannot recommend it enough.

Wish to visit the battlefield of Kokoda?    www.kokodahistorical.com

First World War Embarkation Roll.

World War Two Nominal Roll

Archives of Australia

Every serviceman or servicewoman had a Service Number (colloquially known as a “Serial Number” in the old war films i.e. Name, rank and serial number !!!)  So from the very start, the questions are posed -  1.  How do I find out what my ancestor’s Service Number was?   2.  Is it possible that other soldiers/sailors or airmen had the same Service Number and   3.  Once I find out his or her Service Number, what do I do with it to access further information.

Let’s look at finding an Australian veteran of the Second World War.

It is logically assumed that you at least know the name and place of birth of your relative or the ‘Person of Interest’ that you are researching.  Or regarding a family tree - the names of their parents or whom their “Next of Kin” would have been.   From there, in the case of an Australian serviceman or woman, the first step will be to engage the World Wide Web on any computer that has internet access. 

If you simply Google the words WORLD WAR TWO NOMINAL ROLL, it will take you directly to the front page of the World War 2 Nominal Roll.  Alternatively, you can click on this link www.ww2roll.gov.au   From here, you can make a selection to begin your search.  Simply typing in  the surname of your ‘Person of Interest’ will bring up the record sought.  However, even if your name is not “SMITH” - the list could be a long one, so the first name - or even initials - will be sufficient to cut down the possibilities somewhat.  From there, you will find the bare details which should be sufficient enough for you to identify your relative’s details. 

In the case of a WW2 Army record, sometimes you will find that the Serviceman has two Service Numbers attached to their name.  In the case of my father - Clifford Henry Traynor, his service numbers were NX179966 and N479846.   This will be an indicator that your relative had served in both the 2nd AIF (Australian Imperial Force) and the Militia (CMF -also referred to as the AMF) during the Second World War.  The “NX” number is his AIF number and will generally take precedence - when using these numbers for research into Military Records.  Just in explanation; the “X” in the number distinguished him from the Militia.  The first letter refers to the specific state of origin i.e.   A number beginning with ”SX” meant that the soldier was from South Australia…..VX from Victoria and NX from New South Wales etc. 

In the First World War; Service Numbers were allocated to men within their respective Battalions or Regiments.  So it is certainly possible that many servicemen shared the same number.  By checking the records within the First World War Embarkation Roll (a starting point for searching Australian World War 1 records) this can be confirmed simply by typing in the number 888 - and then hitting search.   You will see that the number of men with this as their personal service number is quite staggering.  This was NOT  the same with Australian Service Numbers during the Second World War.  So the likelihood of two men having identical numbers in the World War Two Nominal Roll is virtually nil.

For records of servicemen and women of the United Kingdom, you can start by making inquiries with the following Government Officer:-

Ministry of Defence
Record Office
Bourne Avenue
Hayes
Middlesex UB3 1RF
UNITED KINGDOM

But what you will also find is that other Corps Specific Units (such as the Coldstream Guards for example) maintained their own records.  For futher information regarding other units, you will need to contact their Regimental Headquarters. 

So with Government authored sites - such as the World War Two Nominal Roll, you are well on the way to filling those “gaps of knowledge” in your Family History.   If you need to know more or require some help on which direction to take, please feel free to contact the Administrator of Medals Gone Missing and we will be glad to assist you.

A piece of Militaria surfaced on ebay a little while ago - but nobody seems to know exactly what it is…..Can you help?

Ebayer Cynthia Kelly; who hails from Seattle in Washington State U.S.A - found this badge at a thrift shop in Bellevue, Washington. She listed the item on ebay; item #230266164867 and at auction’s end - David Daly was the successful bidder. The only problem being - he was not quite sure exactly what it was - that he had purchased. Subsequently, he contacted the medalsgonemissing administrator in a bid to ascertain it’s origin, but we had never seen anything else like it.

At a first glance, it appears to be some type of a “broach” or “sweetheart badge”. It measures about 1 3/4″ long and has a pin type arrangement on the back. It also has a ‘loop’ to the rear, near the top of the badge. It is reasonable to assume that this is to facilitate a chain or ribbon for hanging?

Essentially, the design features a crown (Queen’s Crown) above a wreath with the ‘St Johns Cross’ (also known as a Maltese Cross - amongst other names) evident underneath a shield. The shield is red in colour and it appears to be enameled.

The shield is of an English “knight” design and there appears to be a ‘knight’s head/helmet’ above the shield itself. There is also a splay of eight pearls in a circular fashion around the badge, and in the case of this particular piece - two pearls are missing from the right hand side.

Medalsgonemissing contacted an Australian Medal expert - Andrew Monkhouse who is a wealth of knowledge on Military Medals of the world. He in turn, contacted an associate - however neither of them could identify the item. The one thing we did agree upon, is that the piece of Militaria was ‘British’ in appearance and was possibly a sweetheart badge because of the pearls. What was certain, is that the item is not a Campaign medal of any description.

Whatever it is, this piece of militaria has certainly invoked a degree of interest amongst the numerous “collectors” that I have shown. When I questioned Cynthia (the seller) about her original purchase of the broach - she told medalsgonemissing, “It caught my eye and I listed it in hopes of seeing if anyone would know anything more about it.”

Well Cynthia and David, you have certainly created a point for discussion. If anybody out there recognises this piece of militaria - or can offer any insight as to exactly what it is……please share your knowledge with us and solve this mystery. Medalsgonemissing will offer a free “5 year listing” for any person who can shed some light to this question.

The story evolves around an 03 Pattern Waterbottle. This style of military equipment was patented in 1903, hence the number allocated to the leather waterbottle carrier that was designed to carry the blue enamelled steel - Mk IV and Mark V waterbottles. Colloquially known amoungst modern collectors as a “Lighthorse” Waterbottle carrier, it was in fact used by all mounted troops, drivers and artillerymen who generally were issued with other 03 pattern equipment - such as the leather ammuntion bandolier etc. However, if you look very closely at photographs of the First World War, it is not uncommon to see infantrymen and soldiers from other Corps also utilising this piece of equipment. The advantage, as compared to the 08 Pattern of waterbottle carrier - is that it was a separate piece of kit that could easily be removed from the person in one piece. The 08 carrier which formed part of the Infantryman’s webbing was generally attached to the other parts of the rig and not as easily or quickly removed.

In fact, the 03 Pattern Waterbottle Carrier had a very long and successful service life and I have even seen items stamped with the manufacture date of 1944. Not bad for an item designed at the turn of the century.

Apart from the C.G.H.F. (a Government run factory producing leather items for Military use during World War One) there were a number of private manufacturers - commissioned to make leather equipment for the Australian Imperial Force. One such company, BECKERS of Brisbane made the actual waterbottle carrier, that is subject of this tale. Where it went after leaving the factory in 1916 is not known, but on the body of this particular carrier and the strap near the canvas shoulder piece - is stamped the regimental number “21 L H” which we know to be the 21st Australian Lighthorse Regiment.

The 21st Lighthorse Regiment; prior to 1921 - was known as the 28th (Illawarra) Lighthorse Regiment. When the Militia re-organised in 1921 - it was redesignated from the 28th to the 21st (Illawarra) Lighthorse Regiment and encompassed the localities bounded by Arncliffe near Sydney, Milton on the south coast and Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands of N.S.W. With further changes and re-structuring taking place within the Australian Army prior to the outbreak of World War 2, the 21st L/H was reformed from the 1st/21st L/H (NSW Lancers) as a seperate unit and became known as the 21st Lighthorse Regiment “Riverina Horse”. Its Headquarters was based at Wagga Wagga and it included localities such as Cootamundra, Stockingbingal, Narranderra, Griffith, Holbrook, Urana, Culcairn, Tumbarumba, Gundagai, Tarcutta and Lockhart in N.S.W.

So now we have a waterbottle carrier, made in 1916 and possibly issued to a digger during the First World War (OWNER No. 1 ??) - then placed in stores at war’s end. This bottle was subsequently drawn from Army Stores and allocated to the 21st Lighthorse Regiment sometime between 1921 and 1939. Being an ‘inter war’ Militia unit, one can only speculate exactly how many troopers utilised this bottle - but there are two names on one side of the canvas shoulder strap. Both of these names are crossed out using indelible pencil and heavily faded, but one is almost certainly “K. KRAKE”. The second name starts with the letter “B” and consists of approximately 8 or 9 letters of which the last four are either “bell” or “bolt”. In the absence of service numbers next to these names, we can reasonably attribute these names to either WW1 or Militia service. Either way, they certainly account to being OWNER’s No. 2 and No. 3.

Now here is where it really starts to get interesting.

On the reverse side of the canvas shoulder strap are three service numbers attributable to New South Welshmen in the 2nd A.I.F. - the name “B.FLETCHER and the initials “D.B.W.”

A check of the World War Two nominal role shows a number of men with the name “B.FLETCHER”. As the style of handwriting is different to any other on the waterbottle carrier and does not match any particular service number, it is either a WW1 naming or Militia Lighthorse naming. This makes him possibly OWNER No. 4.

In very neat writing is the start of the service number “NX3″. I would suggest that some soldier has started to write his service number and simply did not finish it. Less likely - is that this bottle was once issued to the man of which this number is attributable to; that of NX3 Kenneth William EATHER. This distinguished soldier enlisted on the 16th of October, 1939 and discharged on the 17th of September, 1946 at the rank of Colonel. He was born in Sydney on the 6th of June, 1901 and whilst possible, I consider this issue to be unlikely. Still, we may class this marking on the bottle as being OWNER No. 5.

There are the initials “D.B.W” and a service number above this, but these have both been heavily crossed out and the service number is totally illegible. Again, this style of handwriting is different to other samples on the carrier, so this may be considered to be OWNER No. 6.

One number which is very legible, is NX23506 with the name “R.L. HARDEN” immediately below it. Records reveal this man to be Ralph Lindsay HARDEN of Murwillumbah NSW. Ralph was born on the 26th of April, 1910 and he enlisted into the 2nd AIF on the 31st of May, 1940. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, before discharging from the AIF on the 15th of October, 1945. The World War Two Nominal Role records his unit on discharge as being the 2/4 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment. His name and number have been crossed out, so quite clearly he was not the last person to be issued with this waterbottle. But we may be safe in assuming that he is OWNER No. 7.

The last service number scribed onto the carrier is that of NX20112 Frederick James STAGG. Born in Marlborough England on the 12th of September, 1909 - he enlisted into the Australian Army on the 04th of June, 1940 from Paddington and discharged on the 29th of July, 1944. The WW2 Nominal Role has his unit on discharge as being the 2/3 Australian Light Anti Aircraft Battery.

As Sgt HARDEN was in the 2/4 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment - and Frederick STAGG was in the 2/3 Light Anti Aircraft Battery, it is possible that these two units shared the same “store” and that the bottle was re-issued from one man to the other.

If all of the possibilities mentioned above, happen to be correct - and the markings which are evident suggest it to be true; then this makes Private Frederick James STAGG to be OWNER No. 8.

Now that’s not a bad service life for one little waterbottle.

It is well documented that 645 men died when H.M.A.S Sydney was sunk off the Western Australian Coast on the 19th of November, 1941. Officially, the World War 2 Nominal role lists the date of death of virtually all of the ships company as being the 20th of November, 1941. Either way, not one crew member survived the encounter with the German Raider Kormoran - to claim his medal entitlement after 1945. So this could lead us to think that any war medals awarded to a crew member - may in this day and age, be virtually devoid of any of the wear and tear associated with 40 odd years of Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

But in my many years as a collector of Australian Military History, I consider it quite fortunate that I have not come across many “medal sets” which had been posthumously awarded to sailors from the HMAS Sydney. My hope in this - is that they are still in the hands of family and descendants - never to be bought, sold or traded.

However, when you search on the Australian War Memorial Website, the solitary 1939-45 Star awarded to Able Seaman Ronald Matthew VOGT comes to light. This medal, along with a small collection of miscellaneous items is perhaps all that remains of one man’s service to his nation. What of the rest?

Ronald Matthew VOGT was born on the 25th of September, 1919 at Blyth in South Australia. He served at Cerberus before being taken on strength of HMAS Sydney. An inspection of his Service Card on the Australian Archives does not reveal a great deal, however at the very least - his medal entitlement extends for eligibility for the 1939-45 War Medal and the WW2 Australian Service Medal.

The majority of sailors, those at least who had served on HMAS Sydney in the Mediterranean during 1940 - were certainly entitled to receive the Africa Star. However when she returned to Fremantle - Australia on the 5th of February, 1941 and then Sydney Harbour only four days later; some men were re-assigned other duties. Replacements were taken on board and for those new arrivals, a different medal entitlement would result.

One medal group, awarded to Petty Officer F.V.W. PRICE who served on the Sydney prior to 1941(not on HMAS Sydney at the time that she was lost) holds a very interesting set consisting of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Burma Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal. What is of interest is the “Pacific” Bar that hangs from the Burma Star ribbon. This signifies that the bearer was also entitled to the Pacific Star, but as medal protocols do not allow these two medals to be worn together in the same set - the bar is issued instead.

Certainly, her duties prior to the engagement with the Kormoran - places the ship’s crew in the geographic area that forms the entitlement for the Pacific Star.

So the question is asked, where is the rest of the entitlement belonging to Able Seaman VOGT? I only hope, that if these missing war medals are out there - somewhere - they can be reunited with the 39-45 Star that takes pride of place at the Australian War Memorial. Perhaps the rest of this broken set is amongst your collection??

If a ship, laying in the depths of the Indian ocean can be located at a depth of approximately 2,500 metres, then I can only hope that the missing medals of HMAS Sydney can be found and re-united with their respective families. It is the least that we can do to complete the mystery.

Are you a descendant of one of the 645 souls aboard the HMAS SYDNEY???? Do you have your family’s war medals??? If so - I would love to hear from you. Please tell us about them.

Or - if you are a descendant of a sailor from HMAS Sydney and your family’s war medals are missing - then I am offering FREE lifetime listing of your wanted medals on the website: medalsgonemissing.com

Just contact us for further details.

When a high profile collection such as this is stolen - the average “back yard” collector may well ask the question - “If a museum of this standard is not safe, what chance do I have of protecting my collection??”

The sad fact is, for every person who holds a valuable object in their possession, there is another person out there who is prepared to steal it. Insurance alone is no protection as money - in most cases - is insignificant to the value which a family would place on their own heritage.

Your medals DO NOT need to be ‘Victoria Crosses’ or ‘Military Crosses’ to be of any monetary value. Your average 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal are now becoming attractive enough to incur a small fortune.

So here are a few steps that you can follow to protect your War Medals, or at the very least - give the Police and other authorities a ‘fighting chance’ of recovering your stolen valuables. This not only relates to War Medals, but can be extended to other items of Militaria.

1. Extensively photograph your medals and militaria. Specifically - any stampings (recipent’s name and Serial Number, Unit markings etc).

2. You should also photograph any markings, such as scratches or damage. This should include any information that you may have - as to how that damage was caused. For example; if the Police were to recover ten sets of World War 2 war medals which are not stamped with a name and serial number, how can you tell which set is actually yours? If on one occasion, your grandfather ‘accidentally dropped’ his medals causing an indentation or a mark in the metal, then this information will go a long way to helping prove your “ownership”.

3. Verbally record the full details of your medals or militaria to corroborate your photographs.

4. Register your medals on a medal register. The website Medalsgonemissing is an international register which will record your medal details and keep them on record. YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS IS NOT ON DISPLAY, NOR IS THIS INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. All you are doing is providing peace of mind for yourself - that the medals which you have in your possession, are actually recorded as belonging to you. This will prove ownership and the records could be subject of subpoena - if in the event “disputed ownership” is debated in a court of law. Information such as this will prove beyond any reasonable doubt - that the medals or militaria were subject of theft.

5. Regardless of how attractive or desirable to your collection a particular medal or piece of militaria may seem, do not purchase the object if you are in doubt as to it’s legitimacy. If there is no market for stolen militaria, then there would be little reason for it to be stolen in the first place.

This leads me to ask the questions.          1.  Was the rest of the family consulted on this???  

                                                              2.  If not, then why not???

                                                              3.  And what chance has the future generations of that  particular family (who would never put a price on their heritage) got of recuperating the said medals???

I would also wonder - what would the old veteran would think if he knew that his medals had been hocked by his own flesh and blood to ‘make a quid’.

I can thankfully report that in the instance of 95 year old Aussie digger QX4019 David Gulbrandson, at least his medals will not meet such a fate.  Fourteen medals to be exact.  This Queenslander fought in many campaigns, including the defence of Crete and so it is only fitting that he had a hand in deciding where his medals would end up.

Mr Gulbrandson had told ‘the daily’ newspaper on the Sunshine Coast that the matter of what to do with his medals had concerned him for some time.  He said, “I decided if I wanted to do the right thing by the family, I should not give them to just one person, I should give them to something like this”.   He was referring to the donation of the valuable medals to the Maroochy R.S.L Sub-Branch’s museum.  One museum representative stating that this donation was the most momentous thing that they had ever received.  Thankfully, many of Mr Gulbrandson’s family members attended the small hand-over of the medals and in the future,  all of his descendant’s will know exactly where to go to view their heritage. 

If a person is fortunate to inherit service medals which belonged to a relative, I can only hope that they value them for what they really are.  Not just pieces of metal and ribbon to be bought and sold, but symbols of sacrifice made by our ancestors.  We do not OWN these medals - but rather, we should regard ourselves as mere ‘custodians’.   The memory of our veterans is worth far more than any price paid in on-line auction sites. 

And your family’s heritage will not join the long and growing list of “missing medals”.

It is not uncommon for an ancestor’s medals to be split up.  If you have read my previous entry titled “Why War Medals Go Missing” you might recall that I mentioned the common practice of many families - in that a medal set is split up amongst a veteran’s children.  The veteran passes away, his children grow up and as the years pass - the grand children inherit the medals.  Unless this family recognises the value of keeping these medals together as a set, they are generally seperated forever.

Well, this was the case with one such family in Canada.  Thankfully for them however, this story has a happy ending!! 

The British War Medal (colloquially known as ‘Squeak’) and The Victory Medal (known as ‘Wilfred’ after a popular comic strip of the early 1920’s containing the characters “Pip, Squeak & Wilfred”) belonging to Canadian War Veteran Pte. Robert James CLEMENTS became a “split set” in 1979 when the old soldier passed away.  One medal was given to each of his two sons and they were packed away - only to be forgotten. 

Many years later, the son who was the custodian of the “Victory Medal” passed away and somehow, this medal ended up on the ebay auction site.  The family was notified by a member of the Chatham-Kent Museum and it was agreed that a bid should be placed on the medal.  It was won by on-line auction for $110

The family subsequently located the “British War Medal” in a family tree file and it was donated to the Museum, to be re-united as a set again after nearly 30 years apart.  As the medals were originally on the eastern side of Canada near Ontario, the missing “Victory Medal” somehow travelled cross country and ended up on the west coast at Vancouver.   A journey which is a mystery to the descendants of Pte. CLEMENTS. 

This just proves that miracles can happen and that hope should never be lost. 

But if you can’t afford to  spend 12 hours a day, 365 days a year - pouring over the ebay auction site or other on-line auction houses, then you will need the help of a web-based International Medal Registry to keep an eye out for you.  Medalsgonemissing - the up and coming militaria website is one such source and will reach to all corners of the globe, where other similar sites have never gone before.

Who knows?  One day I might be sending that surprise email to you and we can re-unite your Squeak with your Wilfred - like lost lovers.