Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Roy Essenhigh was the sixth Child and fourth son of Charles and Ellen Essenhigh. Roy was born on October 11th 1921 at Rossmore Private Hospital in Benalla.
Roy’s early life revolved around his parent’s dairy farm, his school (Lima State School) and his family. Like all his other siblings they were to go to the same school and work on the dairy farm.
In 1937 Roy and brother, Tom were to work a dairy farm at Wrightly. Here Ropy was to stay until he joined the 2nd AIF.
Upon his enlistment Roy was sent to Kapooka Army Camp in N.S.W. where he was given his service No VX 73809 and rank of Private. Here he did his basic training for three months becoming a member of 9 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, of the 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion.
At the completion of their basic training the company went on exercise 350 miles north of Perth. Christmas 1942 saw Private Essenhigh, and the rest of his mates at Midland Junction W.A.
After Christmas it was back to Victoria, before being sent to Queensland. Upon arrival at Woodford (approx. 60 miles – 100 km) North of Brisbane, it was down to work and more training. In 1943the 2nd/2nd Pioneer headed North to the Atherton Tablelands to join the 7th Battalion for more training. June 1943 was to see Roy emplane to New Guinea, landing at Port Moresby prior to completing his journey to the village of Tsili Tsili. Here the pioneers were given the job of capturing the Airstrip at Nadzab. To do this required a march across country (some of the ruggedest in New Guinea) before planning and carrying out the attack.
When their work was done in this area the company was transferred to the 2/33 Infantry Battalion for the campaign at Lae-Ramu Valley. When this campaign was over the 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion was withdrawn and in April/May 1944 they returned to Australia and Melbourne where they were to march through the city streets.
Leave was then taken before the Battalion received orders to move north again, this time to join in the invasion Force as they prepared to attack Borneo. Private Essenhigh was to see action at Balikpapan and Tarakan. The 2nd/2nd Pioneer were the ‘Beach Group” charged with the smooth running, of the landing beach area. It was from Borneo that Roy was, at War’s end, to return to Australia and his discharge, at Royal Park, from the 2nd AIF.
After his discharge Roy returned to the farm. He also became involved with the Swanpool Cricket Club as a left arm bowler. He also played in the Country Week Cricket at Bendigo. During the winter Roy lined up for the Swanpool Football Club, including playing in their 1951 Premiership side.
Roy was very active in the district activities, which included helping to build the new Swanpool Memorial Hall.
In 1954, at the Methodist Church, Benalla, Roy Essenhigh married a local lass, Doreen Isabelle Webster. They lived on the family property in a house that was shifted onto the site. Their first child, Cheryl Joy, was born February 9, 1956. In 1957 when Doreen and Roy were expecting their second child, Roy died at age 35, at the Wangaratta Hospital on the 22 April.
Roy Essenhigh was held in such high esteem by the district that a guard of honour was formed by the members of the Benalla Sub Branch R.S.L., the Swanpool Cricket Club and representatives of all Benalla and District Football clubs at both the church and the Moorngag Cemetery where Roy was laid to rest.
August 23, 1957 saw Roy’s second daughter, Lois Anne, born
The following Medals were awarded to Roy Essenhigh for his service in the 2nd AIF; 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and the Australian Service Medal.