The missing war service medals of Private John Frederick SHEEHAN have been found and purchased by Medals Gone Missing. Located through the online auction house ‘ebay’ on the 23rd May, 2012 it was immediately recognized that this soldier was a veteran of the Kokoda campaign and possibly the beach head battle of Gona. As 2012 is the 70th Anniversary of that battle, it was decided to purchase these medals and attempt to get them back to his family. Subsequently, descendants of this man are sought.
IMAGE RIGHT: The three missing war service medals of SX2147 Private John Frederick SHEEHAN of the 2/31st Infantry Battalion, AIF. The medals from left to right are:- 1939-1945 War Medal, 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal and the Defence Medal. It is believed that this soldier is a veteran of the Middle East, Kokoda and Gona campaigns. As such, he should also have been entitled to the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star and Pacific Star.
John Frederick SHEEHAN was born on the 21st February, 1919 at Murray Bridge in South Australia. He enlisted into the Second AIF (Australian Imperial Force) on the 26th of March, 1940 in to the 2/31st Infantry Battalion. According to the World War Two Nominal Roll, his next of kin was Patrick SHEEHAN.
IMAGE LEFT: The service detail certificate by the Department of Veteran Affairs of SX2147 Private John Frederick SHEEHAN of the 2/31st Infantry Battalion. This print out was supplied by the seller with the three missing war medals.
The 2/31st Infantry Battalion was part of the 25th Brigade of the 7th Australian Division. This battalion was one of three formed in the United Kingdom on the 27th of June 1940 to make up the Brigade. The battalion was made up of Australian personnel who had arrived in Britain at the start of the month. The battalion was moved to Egypt and was placed in defensive positions along the Libyan frontier. It’s first offensive took place in the Syria and Lebanon campaign. Involved in the fighting around Khirbe between the 8th and 11th of June, it was ordered to capture the town of Jezzine which fell to the 2/31st on the 14th of June. Fighting the Vichy French, this was one of the many battles fought by the 7th Division which lacked media attention, earning the nickname “The Silent Seventh”. The steep mountainous terrain in this area was rugged and took a toll on the troops. However it would give them valuable experience when they would meet the Japanese on the Kokoda Trail.
IMAGE RIGHT: The colour patch of the 2/31st Infantry Battalion, showing a black over red circle with the grey border (denoting Second AIF).
The 2/31st arrived at Ioribaiwa on the 15th of September, 1942 only to be withdrawn to Imita Ridge. When the Japanese failed to advance any further, the 2/31st Battalion took place in the Australian advance forward. This unit was the first AIF unit to enter Kokoda Village and then took part in the hard fighting at Gorari. It was later used in the futile and wasted frontal attacks at Gona in November and early December. It was removed from front line service and returned to Australia in January 1943. The 2/31s would return to New Guinea in September 1943 and fought around Lae, later taking part in actions at Nadzab, Kaipit, Ramu Valley and the foothills of the Finisterre Range.
IMAGE LEFT: The 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal awarded to SX2147 Private John Frederick SHEEHAN. Note the hanger from this medal (as well as the 1939-1945 War Medal and Defence Medal is missing).
He discharged from the AIF on the 28th November, 1945. Whilst his service record has not been thoroughly researched; his enlistment and discharge dates as per the World War Two Nominal Roll support the belief that John participated in the Middle East and Pacific campaigns, including Kokoda and the beach head battle of Gona. The medals are missing their hangers (are discs only) and are NOT for general sale. They will be sold back to the family only, upon strict proof of relationship.
The medals will be carried across the Kokoda Track in June 2012 to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the part played by the 2/31st Infantry Battalion during this jungle campaign.
IMAGE RIGHT: What is believed to be the full medal entitlement of SX2147 Private John Frederick SHEEHAN. From left to right:- 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939 – 1945 Australia Service Medal.
