Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Before his war service, Col was a compositor in the printing industry. In August 1943, a week after turning 18, he enlisted in the Australian Army. Col was posted to the 31st/51st Australian Infantry Battalion. In December 1944, he and his unit left Australia bound for the island of Bougainville. Col’s unit was part of the effort to recapture the island. They did long range patrols of the northern and central sectors, helping to push back the remaining Japanese forces. After the war’s end, Col was posted to garrisons on Nauru and Ocean Island in the mid Pacific, Rabaul in New Britain and in Australia.

Col was involved with the Japanese breakout at Cowra NSW in August 1944. Col says, ‘We were sent there to help with the security and removal of the prisoners to another prison camp further south.’

While serving, Col enjoyed the mateship, the physical side of service – ‘as I was always very fit’ – and the sport. His closest mates were Ken Ward DCM from Perth, Arthur ‘Snow’ Olson MM from Melbourne, Ivan Duck and Pat Conroy. He recommends that younger serving members enjoy the service and make new friends.

Col was discharged from the Army in November 1946. He then worked at the Army Printing Works for 6 years, and the Government Printing Office in Tasmania. He married Doreen and they had 3 children. Sadly, Doreen and one of their children have passed away. Col is now married to Patricia and has 3 step-children.

When Col was younger, he played sports and enjoyed bushwalking. He is very social and is involved with Probus and the local RSL Sub-Branch. Col also meets up with the local First Fleet Group regularly.

Col credits his long life to good genes, staying active and playing a lot of sport.