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KOKODA … THE SPIRIT LIVES 15/05/2016
2017 is the 75th anniversary of the battles along the Kokoda Trail in the Owen Stanley Ranges. This is a significant event in 2/14 battalion AIF history. Patrick Lindsay, renowned author, film producer and good friend of the 2/14 Battalion Association is filming a documentary to celebrate this milestone in Australian History. He is seeking donations through the Australian Cultural Fund program https://australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/kokoda-the-spirit-lives/ I invite you to consider supporting this worthwhile project. If you decide to donate, there is a check box that asks you to nominate your Organisation. You could enter 2/14 Battalion and the name of a relative or friend who served in the 2/14 Battalion as a way of paying silent tribute.
Regards and thank you,
Craig Iskov
President 2/14 Battalion Association.
2017 is the 75th anniversary of the battles along the Kokoda Trail in the Owen Stanley Ranges. This is a significant event in 2/14 battalion AIF history. Patrick Lindsay, renowned author, film producer and good friend of the 2/14 Battalion Association is filming a documentary to celebrate this milestone in Australian History. He is seeking donations through the Australian Cultural Fund program https://australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/kokoda-the-spirit-lives/ I invite you to consider supporting this worthwhile project. If you decide to donate, there is a check box that asks you to nominate your Organisation. You could enter 2/14 Battalion and the name of a relative or friend who served in the 2/14 Battalion as a way of paying silent tribute.
Regards and thank you,
Craig Iskov
President 2/14 Battalion Association.
Balikpapan photos
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2/14 Australian InFantry BATTALION
75 years on - 26 April 1940 -26 April 2015
THE HISTORY OF THE 2/14TH BATTALION
The 2/14th Battalion was officially raised on 26 April 1940 and began to assemble for training, at Puckapunyal in Victoria, on 11 May. It embarked at Sydney for service in the Middle East on 19 October and after stopping in India between 4 and 19 November, arrived in Egypt on 25 November. After disembarkation, the battalion moved straight to Palestine to complete its training.
The 2/14th was the first battalion of the 21st Brigade, part of the 7th Australian Division. In early April 1941, the 21st Brigade moved to Egypt to bolster the defences along the Libyan frontier against an expected German attack and the 2/14th occupied positions at Maaten Bagush and Mersa Matruh. The brigade returned to Palestine in late May in preparation for its first campaign – the invasion of Syria and Lebanon.
1941-06-13. Syria. Reinforcements for the 2/14th. Australian Battalion embarking at base to go forward into front line positions on the Beyrouth sector.
The 2/14th Battalion was officially raised on 26 April 1940 and began to assemble for training, at Puckapunyal in Victoria, on 11 May. It embarked at Sydney for service in the Middle East on 19 October and after stopping in India between 4 and 19 November, arrived in Egypt on 25 November. After disembarkation, the battalion moved straight to Palestine to complete its training.
The 2/14th was the first battalion of the 21st Brigade, part of the 7th Australian Division. In early April 1941, the 21st Brigade moved to Egypt to bolster the defences along the Libyan frontier against an expected German attack and the 2/14th occupied positions at Maaten Bagush and Mersa Matruh. The brigade returned to Palestine in late May in preparation for its first campaign – the invasion of Syria and Lebanon.
1941-06-13. Syria. Reinforcements for the 2/14th. Australian Battalion embarking at base to go forward into front line positions on the Beyrouth sector.
Beirut, Syria. 1941-08-23. wx7413 Lance Corporal H.G Joynes (2/16th infantry battalion) left, and vx22211 Private M.J. Vandell (2/14th Infantry Battalion) right, talking with a Syrian police officer outside a cafe. Note the sign at the entrance.
The 2/14th launched the 21st Brigade’s operations in Lebanon, attacking the Vichy French frontier outposts in the early hours of 8 June 1941. Initially, the 2/14th took part in the drive along the coast and fought a major engagement along the Zahrani River 12 June. It was later moved inland to Jezzine, to reinforce the 2/31st Battalion that had been counter-attacked by the Vichy French and mounted an unsuccessful attack to capture several precipitous features north-east of the town. The 2/14th’s last major battle of the campaign was around Damour between 4 and 9 July. It remained as part of the garrison in Syria and Lebanon until early January 1942.
Sailing from Egypt on 30 January 1942, the 2/14th disembarked at Adelaide on 24 March 1942. Its stay at home was brief.
On 13 August it arrived at Port Moresby in Papua, and by 16 August was advancing along the Kokoda Track to relieve the 39th Battalion who were defending courageously against the rapidly advancing Japanese.
The battalion’s first clash with its new enemy took place at Isurava on 26 August. After holding there for three days it was forced to withdraw. For his actions at Isurava, Private Bruce Kingsbury was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Sailing from Egypt on 30 January 1942, the 2/14th disembarked at Adelaide on 24 March 1942. Its stay at home was brief.
On 13 August it arrived at Port Moresby in Papua, and by 16 August was advancing along the Kokoda Track to relieve the 39th Battalion who were defending courageously against the rapidly advancing Japanese.
The battalion’s first clash with its new enemy took place at Isurava on 26 August. After holding there for three days it was forced to withdraw. For his actions at Isurava, Private Bruce Kingsbury was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
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The retreat back along the Track was characterised by bitter, desperate fighting, none more so than that which occurred at Mission Ridge between 6 and 8 September. The 2/14th’s ordeal on the Track ended with its relief at Imita Ridge on 16 September. By this time the battalion was so weak that it had been amalgamated with the 2/16th to form a composite battalion.
After a period of rest and retraining, the 2/14th, once again functioning as a separate battalion, joined the operations at Gona on 26 November. Consisting of only three half-strength companies when it entered the fighting, the 2/14th left Gona, on 8 January 1943, only 21 strong.
Arriving back in Australia in late January 1943, the 2/14th was rebuilt and retrained before returning to Papua in early August. It spent a month conducting advanced training near Port Moresby before moving to New Guinea to play a minor role in the operation to capture Lae in mid-September.
The battalion’s main area of operations for 1943, however, was the Ramu Valley and the Finisterre Mountains. It led the 21st Brigade’s advance along the valley, from Kiapit to Dumpu, between 29 September and 5 October, and then spent the next five months engaged in patrol actions in the upper reaches of the valley and into the Finsterres. The battalion returned to Australia on 8 March.
The 2/14th’s last operation of the war was the Balikpapan landings. It left Australia on 2 June 1945, landed at Balikpapan on 1 July and fought its major action of the campaign around Manggaar Airfield between 4 and 10 July.
After a period of rest and retraining, the 2/14th, once again functioning as a separate battalion, joined the operations at Gona on 26 November. Consisting of only three half-strength companies when it entered the fighting, the 2/14th left Gona, on 8 January 1943, only 21 strong.
Arriving back in Australia in late January 1943, the 2/14th was rebuilt and retrained before returning to Papua in early August. It spent a month conducting advanced training near Port Moresby before moving to New Guinea to play a minor role in the operation to capture Lae in mid-September.
The battalion’s main area of operations for 1943, however, was the Ramu Valley and the Finisterre Mountains. It led the 21st Brigade’s advance along the valley, from Kiapit to Dumpu, between 29 September and 5 October, and then spent the next five months engaged in patrol actions in the upper reaches of the valley and into the Finsterres. The battalion returned to Australia on 8 March.
The 2/14th’s last operation of the war was the Balikpapan landings. It left Australia on 2 June 1945, landed at Balikpapan on 1 July and fought its major action of the campaign around Manggaar Airfield between 4 and 10 July.
Balikpapan area, Borneo. 1945-09-07. Lieutenant N. W. Pallier, Intelligence Officer, 2/14th Infantry Battalion and members of his staff working on the map board marking the final unit patrols in the area.
Between 1 October 1945 and 17 January 1946 the 2/14th formed part of occupation forces in the Celebes and sailed for home for the last time on 22 January.
The 2/14 Battalion was disbanded in Brisbane on 22 February 1946.
Honours and Awards
Victoria Cross, Order of the British Empire, 4 Military Crosses, 3 Distinguished Conduct Medals, 18 Military Medals, I British Empire Medal and 41 Mentioned in Dispatches.
As well as the many bravery decorations awarded to its members, the Battalion was awarded battle honours for Syria, Papua, New Guinea and the East Indies as testimony to its active service.
A total of 19 Officers and 207 Other Ranks died whilst serving with the 2/14 Battalion. Today we pay tribute to those who gave their lives defending our freedom and way of life.
The 2/14 Battalion was disbanded in Brisbane on 22 February 1946.
Honours and Awards
Victoria Cross, Order of the British Empire, 4 Military Crosses, 3 Distinguished Conduct Medals, 18 Military Medals, I British Empire Medal and 41 Mentioned in Dispatches.
As well as the many bravery decorations awarded to its members, the Battalion was awarded battle honours for Syria, Papua, New Guinea and the East Indies as testimony to its active service.
A total of 19 Officers and 207 Other Ranks died whilst serving with the 2/14 Battalion. Today we pay tribute to those who gave their lives defending our freedom and way of life.
2/14 training activity, late 1944.
On the 30th August 1944, under direction of Lt-Col Phil Roden, an intensified training program began. Highlights of the period which followed was the training in amphibious training at Trinity Beach near Cairns. Royal Marines and two landing ships of the Royal navy which had taken part in the Normandy landings and other operations co-operated in this training.
A fortnight was spent in exercises with the smaller landing craft, in climbing up and down scrambling nets, moving through water and over sand, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading.
A fortnight was spent in exercises with the smaller landing craft, in climbing up and down scrambling nets, moving through water and over sand, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading.
Trinity beach, Queensland. 1944-10-17. Personnel of the 2/6 field ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps, climb scrambling nets during amphibious training exercise with 7 Division.
Trinity beach, Queensland. 1944-10-17. Personnel of the 2/6 field ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps, use a scrambling net to climb down an imitated ship's side to a landing barge during amphibious training exercises with 7 Division.
The main exercises for the 2/14 men began on 25 October when the battalion embarked on the
L.S.I. Glenearn (below).
L.S.I. Glenearn (below).
The Glenearn was an L.S.L, - Landing Ship Infantry, from which the infantry scrambled down nets into L.C.V.Ps – Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel – for assault landings. After spending the afternoon and night of 20th October 1944 on board, the 2/14 Battalion commanded by Lt. Col. Phil Roden made two landings on the following morning.
In the afternoon of the same day the Unit re-embarked on L.C.Ls – Landing Craft Infantry, small snub nosed comic strip craft capable of carrying a couple of companies of Infantry. From these a landing was made at Unity Beach some miles up the coast, followed by a half day exercise in deployment, advance and attack following a landing. From there, after a night bivouac on the beach, it was back up to Kairi on October 23rd.
In the afternoon of the same day the Unit re-embarked on L.C.Ls – Landing Craft Infantry, small snub nosed comic strip craft capable of carrying a couple of companies of Infantry. From these a landing was made at Unity Beach some miles up the coast, followed by a half day exercise in deployment, advance and attack following a landing. From there, after a night bivouac on the beach, it was back up to Kairi on October 23rd.
Trinity beach area, Queensland. 1944-10-16. Landing craft infantry 446 coming ashore to land troops of 2/14 Infantry battalion during amphibious training exercises with 7 division.
Trinity beach area, Queensland. 1944-10-16. Landing Craft Infantry 446 off-loading troops of 2/4 Infantry Battalion during amphibious training exercises with 7 Division. Identified personnel are:- Lance-Corporal H.J. Lynch (1);Private R.V. Whitlock (2); Pte G.C. Northey (3).
Glenearn Ship’s Telegraphist George Dowling, (above) who had already been involved in the Normandy landings on, remembered his Australian sojourn.
“On returning to our base at Lae in New Guinea we were ordered to Milne Bay and Cairns on Australia's eastern coastline for the purpose of training the seventh Australian infantry division for possible landings on Borneo. From mid-October to late December 1944 several practice landings were made on beaches between Cairns and Townsville including Trinity Bay, Fitzroy Island, Palm Island and Treger.
The docks at Cairns were too shallow for the Glenearn so we acted independently from Townsville. It was very pleasant, stress free sailing between the coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef as enemy submarines could not safely navigate their way through. We sailed with all lights blazing and the crew were able to sit on the upper deck and enjoy the balmy evenings.”
“On returning to our base at Lae in New Guinea we were ordered to Milne Bay and Cairns on Australia's eastern coastline for the purpose of training the seventh Australian infantry division for possible landings on Borneo. From mid-October to late December 1944 several practice landings were made on beaches between Cairns and Townsville including Trinity Bay, Fitzroy Island, Palm Island and Treger.
The docks at Cairns were too shallow for the Glenearn so we acted independently from Townsville. It was very pleasant, stress free sailing between the coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef as enemy submarines could not safely navigate their way through. We sailed with all lights blazing and the crew were able to sit on the upper deck and enjoy the balmy evenings.”
Spirit of Indigenous soldier comes home
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this website contains an image of a deceased person.
VX 18629 Saunders H (Pte) 2/14 Battalion AIF.
Joined 2/14 Battalion 30/5/1940
Served Middle East, Papua
Wounded in action Jezzine, Lebanon 24/06/1941
Killed in action Gona, Papua, 29/11/1942
FOR the Saunders family it was the welcoming home of a loved one and the final chapter in a 70-year story.
After travelling nearly 4000 kilometres, soil from the Port Moresby grave of WWII soldier Harry Saunders, was returned to Gunditjmara country in a unique ceremony.
Private Saunders’ youngest brother, Glenelg Shire Councillor Ken Saunders, said the soil was placed where the ashes of brother and fellow WWII soldier, Reg Saunders were spread in 1990.
“If somebody is buried away from their country, we believe the spirit won’t come home, so it’s about getting the spirit back home,” Cr Saunders said. “For me it’s all finished now, it’s been laid to rest and that’s that.” As well as family members, representatives from the Department of Defence, Portland RSL, Glenelg Shire Council and Gunitj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation attended the ceremony.
VX 18629 Saunders H (Pte) 2/14 Battalion AIF.
Joined 2/14 Battalion 30/5/1940
Served Middle East, Papua
Wounded in action Jezzine, Lebanon 24/06/1941
Killed in action Gona, Papua, 29/11/1942
FOR the Saunders family it was the welcoming home of a loved one and the final chapter in a 70-year story.
After travelling nearly 4000 kilometres, soil from the Port Moresby grave of WWII soldier Harry Saunders, was returned to Gunditjmara country in a unique ceremony.
Private Saunders’ youngest brother, Glenelg Shire Councillor Ken Saunders, said the soil was placed where the ashes of brother and fellow WWII soldier, Reg Saunders were spread in 1990.
“If somebody is buried away from their country, we believe the spirit won’t come home, so it’s about getting the spirit back home,” Cr Saunders said. “For me it’s all finished now, it’s been laid to rest and that’s that.” As well as family members, representatives from the Department of Defence, Portland RSL, Glenelg Shire Council and Gunitj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation attended the ceremony.
From the History of the Second Fourteenth Battalion by Major W B (Bill) Russell (1911 – 2002)
‘The capture of Gona village was a great and highly significant victory. It was the first to fall of the Japanese strongholds on the north coast of New Guinea.
But the victory was won at great cost. In the three-day battle, twenty-five had been killed or died of wounds, and thirty had been wounded. It was a staggering blow to the Battalion, still low in numbers and stricken from the Owen Stanley’s. It is not possible to speak individually of the heroes of the battle. Although each shared the same essential qualities of the fighting man, each had his own personality, which will be recalled by his own kin and comrades. The burning eagerness and fierce determination of Capt. Alan McGavin, the dash and vigour of Maurie Valli, the exuberant youth of Lieut. Jonnie Clements, the solid resourcefulness and reliability of Sgt-Major Jock Clements, the rugged manliness of Pte. Alan Fyfe, the unflinching steadfastness of the Aborigine Pte. Harry Saunders -- the individual greatness of every man in the Battalion built on a foundation of courage and training – these were the stuff of which the battalion was made.
In the saddest and most solemn ceremony in the annals of the 2/14 Battalion, nineteen of its best soldiers were laid to rest in the small cemetery prepared on that northern shore.’
‘The capture of Gona village was a great and highly significant victory. It was the first to fall of the Japanese strongholds on the north coast of New Guinea.
But the victory was won at great cost. In the three-day battle, twenty-five had been killed or died of wounds, and thirty had been wounded. It was a staggering blow to the Battalion, still low in numbers and stricken from the Owen Stanley’s. It is not possible to speak individually of the heroes of the battle. Although each shared the same essential qualities of the fighting man, each had his own personality, which will be recalled by his own kin and comrades. The burning eagerness and fierce determination of Capt. Alan McGavin, the dash and vigour of Maurie Valli, the exuberant youth of Lieut. Jonnie Clements, the solid resourcefulness and reliability of Sgt-Major Jock Clements, the rugged manliness of Pte. Alan Fyfe, the unflinching steadfastness of the Aborigine Pte. Harry Saunders -- the individual greatness of every man in the Battalion built on a foundation of courage and training – these were the stuff of which the battalion was made.
In the saddest and most solemn ceremony in the annals of the 2/14 Battalion, nineteen of its best soldiers were laid to rest in the small cemetery prepared on that northern shore.’
Group portrait of 9 Platoon, A Company, 2/14th Infantry Battalion, on the Kokoda track. 16 August 1942
Identified, left to right, back row: L A Bear; VX15468; Warrant Acting Officer Class 2 John Alexander Lochhead of Mildura, Vic, (killed in action on 29 November 1942 in New Guinea); K T McWilliam; W C Dixon; VX23389 Private (Pte) D H Smith (presumed dead on 20 August 1942 in Papua); VX23597 Corporal L D Deeley MM (was awarded the Military Medal on 12 February 1942, presumed dead on 30 August 1942; VX38131 Pte D W Smith, (presumed dead on 30 August 1942 in Papua); C G Moffatt; M M Turnbull; W C Ferguson. Centre: W R D Smith; G E Urquhart; E P Silver; W C Parfrey; J S Thomas; A A Villinger; VX62637 Pte John Anthony Whellans of St Kilda, Vic, (killed in action on 30 August 1942 in Papua); D A Thompson; D J O'Connor. Front: C E Clifford; L A Delaporte; E L Hughes; VX32903 Lieutenant William Prescott Cox, (killed in action on 29 August 1942 in Papua); F J Parsons; B G Wilson; VX18629 Pte Harry Saunders, of Allansford, Vic, (killed in action on 29 November 1942 in Papua); VX19139 Pte Bruce Steel Kingsbury, of Armadale, Vic, (killed in action on 29 August 1942 in Papua for which he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) on 9 Feb 1943); E J Jobe; A R Avery.
Identified, left to right, back row: L A Bear; VX15468; Warrant Acting Officer Class 2 John Alexander Lochhead of Mildura, Vic, (killed in action on 29 November 1942 in New Guinea); K T McWilliam; W C Dixon; VX23389 Private (Pte) D H Smith (presumed dead on 20 August 1942 in Papua); VX23597 Corporal L D Deeley MM (was awarded the Military Medal on 12 February 1942, presumed dead on 30 August 1942; VX38131 Pte D W Smith, (presumed dead on 30 August 1942 in Papua); C G Moffatt; M M Turnbull; W C Ferguson. Centre: W R D Smith; G E Urquhart; E P Silver; W C Parfrey; J S Thomas; A A Villinger; VX62637 Pte John Anthony Whellans of St Kilda, Vic, (killed in action on 30 August 1942 in Papua); D A Thompson; D J O'Connor. Front: C E Clifford; L A Delaporte; E L Hughes; VX32903 Lieutenant William Prescott Cox, (killed in action on 29 August 1942 in Papua); F J Parsons; B G Wilson; VX18629 Pte Harry Saunders, of Allansford, Vic, (killed in action on 29 November 1942 in Papua); VX19139 Pte Bruce Steel Kingsbury, of Armadale, Vic, (killed in action on 29 August 1942 in Papua for which he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) on 9 Feb 1943); E J Jobe; A R Avery.
Kokoda Concert, Hawthorn Band and 2/14 Btn. Assoc.
Click on image to see more photos and other 2/14 events.
Christmas day 1943, 2/14th on Shaggy Ridge.
Christmas day 1943, Santa arrives for troops in Ramu Valley
Christmas day 1943 began well with the singing of Christmas carols at dawn by a choir organised by L/Cpl Ralph Green. This was followed by early morning Church Parades. The battalion 2 i/c Padre and representatives of each company then visited members of the Battalion who were patients in the 2/4th and 2/6 Field Ambulances.
So liberal had been the Unit’s response to an appeal for magazines, tobacco and other Christmas cheer, that there was practically
enough for a general distribution to all patients
in the two hospitals.
In the afternoon it rained heavily, but the “Kuba” Lake Aquatic Sports Meeting, patronised by Major-General Vasey himself, was none the less a great success. The event of the day was won by B Company’s frail craft, Atrebin, propelled by L/Cpl Dick Slattery and Pte. Peter Benson. Second was A Company’s graceful boat, named the Bruce Kingsbury VC, and rowed by Lieut. Young and Sgt. Sandy Perkins, with Pte Ernie Morris as cox.
The “racing eight” hewn from a tree West Australian by Pte. “Groper” Kennedy for HQ Company began well, but took half the lake to turn and sank some distance from home.
The rain stopped in time for the despairing cooks to turn out an unbelievably good Christmas dinner of poultry and vegetables, followed by plum pudding, served by the officers in accordance with tradition.
On the following morning Lt-Col Rhoden presented the trophies. To Capt. Schwind, for A Company, as winners, an embossed silver tray (a threepenny bit); to Capt. Beggs, for C Company, a bronze medallion engraved with the Kings head (a penny); and to Capt. Christopherson, a stocking full of appetising delicacies (bully beef, M. and V. etc.) as third prize.
The next day saw the first major advance along Shaggy Ridge, when the 2/16th attacked the Japanese positions.
So liberal had been the Unit’s response to an appeal for magazines, tobacco and other Christmas cheer, that there was practically
enough for a general distribution to all patients
in the two hospitals.
In the afternoon it rained heavily, but the “Kuba” Lake Aquatic Sports Meeting, patronised by Major-General Vasey himself, was none the less a great success. The event of the day was won by B Company’s frail craft, Atrebin, propelled by L/Cpl Dick Slattery and Pte. Peter Benson. Second was A Company’s graceful boat, named the Bruce Kingsbury VC, and rowed by Lieut. Young and Sgt. Sandy Perkins, with Pte Ernie Morris as cox.
The “racing eight” hewn from a tree West Australian by Pte. “Groper” Kennedy for HQ Company began well, but took half the lake to turn and sank some distance from home.
The rain stopped in time for the despairing cooks to turn out an unbelievably good Christmas dinner of poultry and vegetables, followed by plum pudding, served by the officers in accordance with tradition.
On the following morning Lt-Col Rhoden presented the trophies. To Capt. Schwind, for A Company, as winners, an embossed silver tray (a threepenny bit); to Capt. Beggs, for C Company, a bronze medallion engraved with the Kings head (a penny); and to Capt. Christopherson, a stocking full of appetising delicacies (bully beef, M. and V. etc.) as third prize.
The next day saw the first major advance along Shaggy Ridge, when the 2/16th attacked the Japanese positions.
