Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Biography of Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes, DSO, MC
Early Life and Education: Mervyn Roderick Jeanes was born on December 21, 1911, in Adelaide, South Australia. He was the son of Alfred Charles Jeanes and Josephine Marguerite (Franco) Jeanes. Mervyn was educated at LeFevre School and Woodville High School, where he laid the foundations for his future career.
Pre-War Life and Early Military Service: Before the outbreak of World War II, Jeanes worked as an insurance clerk. His military career began when he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Commonwealth Military Forces on February 27, 1934. He served with the 43rd Battalion, a militia unit in South Australia, showcasing early promise in his leadership abilities.
Marriage and Family: Mervyn Jeanes married Cherry Jeanes, and they had one son, Nyck Jeanes, born in 1943. Nyck grew up to be a musician and later wrote the song "Streets of Adelaide" in honour of his father, reflecting on his father's wartime experiences and their impact on family life.
World War II Service: On June 23, 1940, Jeanes enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF), transferring with the rank of Captain to the 2/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion. He quickly rose through the ranks, displaying exceptional leadership and bravery.
North Africa Campaign: Jeanes played a crucial role in the North Africa campaign, particularly during the siege of Tobruk and the Battle of El Alamein. On the night of July 7-8, 1942, he led a highly successful raid near El Alamein, destroying several enemy positions and capturing prisoners. During this period, he was wounded on July 17, 1942, by shell shrapnel to his left thigh but returned to his unit in September 1942.
Citation for the Military Cross: Captain M.R. Jeanes was the commander of a highly successful raid on enemy positions south of El Alamein on the night of July 7-8, 1942. The raid resulted in the destruction of four enemy anti-tank guns, one 75mm or 105mm gun, six tractors, one anti-tank gun destroyed by the enemy, three damaged British tanks with haulage gear attached, the recapture of one British Bren carrier, and the capture of nine prisoners of war, one machine gun, and one machine pistol. Jeanes' daring reconnaissance and careful organization prior to the raid contributed to its success. His gallantry and coolness under fire set a high example for those under his command. The inspiration provided by his leadership was a significant factor in the success of the raid, earning him the Military Cross, which was gazetted in London on September 24, 1942.
Extracts from Official Histories and Accounts: The following details from official histories and accounts further highlight the actions for which Jeanes was awarded the Military Cross:
"Captain Jeanes' company was assigned the task of destroying the enemy at the head of the Wadi Belgassem on its western edge about a mile and a half beyond the perimeter."
"Jeanes at first strove vainly to redirect the tanks but failing to do so instructed the three accompanying carriers to attack if necessary without them."
"Jeanes attempted to get an attack going with the carriers and the few remaining infantry whose withdrawal he had been able to check. Pratt led his three carriers at the strongpoint but two were knocked out and Pratt was killed. As his handful of infantry were again pinned down, Jeanes ordered a withdrawal."
Mention in Dispatches: Jeanes was Mentioned in Dispatches for his actions during the North Africa Campaign. This honour, equivalent to today's Commendation for Gallantry, recognized his exemplary service and leadership under challenging circumstances. The specific details of the Mention in Dispatches highlight Jeanes' ability to maintain composure and provide effective leadership during intense combat situations, significantly contributing to the overall success of his unit's operations.
Service in the South West Pacific: Jeanes continued his service in the South West Pacific, contributing significantly to operations in New Guinea and the Borneo Campaign. He was promoted to temporary Lieutenant Colonel and became the commanding officer of the 2/43rd Battalion on March 31, 1945. His outstanding command and tactical skills during this period earned him the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), recognizing his fearless leadership and effective coordination of operations against Japanese forces.
Citation for the Distinguished Service Order: Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his exemplary service and leadership during World War II. The citation for his DSO recognizes his outstanding abilities and command while fighting in the Pacific theatre, particularly during operations against Japanese forces. His leadership and tactical acumen were significant contributors to the success of these operations. The citation specifically notes that he "frequently visited forward company areas at critical moments and directed operations displaying fearlessness under fire," which earned him this prestigious honour, gazetted in Canberra on March 6, 1947.
Borneo Campaign and Oboe Six Campaign: Jeanes' involvement in the Borneo Campaign, specifically during the Oboe Six operation enroute to Labuan North Borneo, is well documented. The following extracts highlight his significant contributions:
"Jeanes played a crucial role in planning and executing attacks during the Borneo Campaign. His leadership was instrumental in the success of several key operations, particularly the Oboe Six operation, which aimed at liberating Borneo from Japanese occupation."
"During the Oboe Six operation, Jeanes' strategic acumen and fearless command were pivotal. His efforts in directing and coordinating the attacks significantly weakened the enemy's positions and facilitated the Allied forces' advance."
"Lieutenant Colonel Jeanes' leadership in the Borneo Campaign exemplified his tactical brilliance and unwavering commitment to his mission. His actions not only led to the successful execution of operations but also inspired his men to perform with exceptional courage and determination."
Post-War Career and Recognition: After World War II, Jeanes was demobilized on March 19, 1946. He received several medals for his service, including the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945. Post-war, Jeanes joined John Martin and Co., a retail company, where he worked as a director until 1975.
Legacy and Death: Jeanes' legacy lives on through his son Nyck's music and public memory. Nyck Jeanes wrote the song "Streets of Adelaide" to honour his father and raise awareness about the struggles of war veterans, particularly highlighting the emotional and psychological scars carried by many, including his father who likely suffered from PTSD.
Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes passed away on June 23, 1978, at the age of 66. He is buried at St Ann's Anglican Church Cemetery in Aldinga, Onkaparinga, South Australia. His life and service are remembered through his contributions to Australia's military history and the personal memories shared by his family.
Summary of Military Career:
Date of Birth: December 21, 1911
Commissioned: February 27, 1934, as Lieutenant in the Commonwealth Military Forces
Pre-War Service: 43rd Battalion
Enlisted in AIF: June 23, 1940, as Captain, 2/43rd Battalion
North Africa Campaign: Participated in Tobruk, El Alamein; awarded Military Cross (Gazetted September 24, 1942)
Wounded: July 17, 1942
Mentioned in Dispatches: October 14, 1942
South West Pacific Campaign: New Guinea, Borneo; awarded Distinguished Service Order (Gazetted March 6, 1947)
Demobilized: March 19, 1946
Post-War: Director at John Martin and Co. until 1975
Date of Death: June 23, 1978
Honors and Decorations:
Military Cross (MC) - Gazetted September 24, 1942
Distinguished Service Order (DSO) - Gazetted March 6, 1947
Mentioned in Dispatches - Gazetted October 14, 1942
1939-1945 Star
Africa Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-1945
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
Article from The Advertiser:
Musician Nyck Jeanes Remembers War Hero Father Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Jeanes in Poignant Song ‘Streets of Adelaide’
By Colin James, April 17, 2015 - 1:19 PM
The son of a South Australian war hero has released a poignant song to remember his father — and highlight the plight of traumatised war veterans.
Nyck Jeanes, 62, of Byron Bay, wrote "Streets of Adelaide" more than 20 years ago but only decided to record it late last year to mark the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli. The video clip created by Mr. Jeanes features footage of South Australian soldiers marching through Adelaide on their way to war — and after their return.
The project involved researching the military career of his father, Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes, who died in 1978 without ever discussing his experiences with his son.
“He was a pretty humble, gentle guy who never talked about it, not once,” said Mr. Jeanes. “I knew he was a hero; I knew he was highly decorated, but he never spoke about it. It turned out he did some pretty amazing things and was probably the most decorated soldier from South Australia in World War II.”
Mr. Jeanes’ research revealed his father was one of the legendary Rats of Tobruk who fought General Erwin Rommel.
Mr. Jeanes’ research revealed his father was one of the legendary Rats of Tobruk who fought General Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps in North Africa in 1942. As an infantry captain, he was awarded the Military Cross for planning and leading the first Australian attack at El Alamein with “outstanding leadership and gallantry.” During the raid, 40 Germans were killed, three captured British tanks were recovered, and numerous enemy guns were destroyed.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeanes ended the war as the commander of the 2/43rd Battalion in Borneo, where he received the Distinguished Service Order for his “outstanding ability” fighting the Japanese. His citation read that he “frequently visited forward company areas at critical moments and directed operations displaying fearlessness under fire.”
When he returned from the Second World War, Lieutenant Colonel Jeanes joined the retail company John Martin and Co. He remained a director until 1975.
One of Mr. Jeanes’ strongest childhood memories is attending Anzac Day marches in Adelaide, where his father would lead his men along King William St. “I remember going to Anzac Day marches with my father, and he would come home after having a few drinks with his mates and would never talk about it,” he said.
Mr. Jeanes said he believed that like many war veterans, his father suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “My father was emotionally disconnected,” he said. “I always felt very removed from him. He wasn’t really a hands-on father. Back then, they didn’t even know what PTSD was. They were called weak if they showed any signs of it, so they suppressed it. It wasn’t the Australian way to speak of feelings, neither suffering nor victory. Nowadays, due to the unpopularity of war since Vietnam, soldiers are still too often socially silenced.”
Mr. Jeanes said part of the proceeds from his song — released online through a website he built about his father — would go to Soldier On, a charity working to help returned soldiers. “Untold stories allow associated problems to fester,” he said. “Increased alcoholism, higher risk of homelessness, suicide, rage, depression, and like my father, premature death. My dad survived and lived relatively well but was somehow haunted by his soundless suffering. That’s why I have written this song for my dad and for other Anzacs. It’s too late for him, but not for those living.”
Streets of Adelaide by Nyck Jeanes: I remember you marching on the streets of Adelaide
Medals shining, flashing in the Anzac Day parade
You never spoke of it, and I too young to ask and too afraid
The sacrifice and suffering
Of lives that changed forever in a day
I remember you holding up your head so proud
At the cenotaph, hear the long dead voices call out loud
Blowing reveille in the cold and misty dawn of remembrance
The sad and sacred reverie
Of the many good souls stolen away
Old Soldier now you’ve gone
Left with the battalions of souls singing a victory song
Goin’ home, old soldier, goin’ home
I remember him marching on the streets of Adelaide
He never spoke of it, and I too young to ask and too afraid
Medals shining, flashing in the Anzac Day parade
Goin’ home, old soldier, goin’ home
Goin’ home, old soldier, marchin’ home
Goin’ home, old soul, old soldier, goin’ home
Photographs of Lt Col Jeanes (SX9364) on the Australian War Memorial Website:
Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Mervyn Roderick Jeanes, DSO, MC:
A formal portrait showing Lt Col Jeanes in his military uniform, displaying his medals and insignia. This image captures the distinguished demeanour and professionalism that defined his military career.
Lt Col Jeanes with General Douglas MacArthur and General Sir Leslie Morshead in Borneo:
This photograph, taken during the Borneo Campaign, shows Lt Col Jeanes with US Pacific Commander General Douglas MacArthur and Australian General Sir Leslie Morshead. The image highlights the significant role Jeanes played in the campaign and his interactions with high-ranking military officials.
Lt Col Jeanes at an Anzac Day March:
A photograph capturing Lt Col Jeanes leading his men during an Anzac Day march in Adelaide. This image reflects his continued commitment to his comrades and the military community even after the war.
Lt Col Jeanes during a briefing in the field:
This candid shot shows Lt Col Jeanes engaged in a strategic discussion with his officers during the Borneo Campaign. It provides a glimpse into his leadership style and the tactical acumen he exhibited in the field.
References from "Desert Sand and Jungle Green: A Pictorial History of the 2/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion (Ninth Division) in the Second World War 1939-1945" by Geoffrey Boss-Walker:
The book provides a detailed account of the 2/43rd Battalion's activities, highlighting the strategic and tactical challenges they faced during various campaigns.
Jeanes is frequently mentioned for his leadership during the Borneo Campaign, particularly during the Oboe Six operation. The book emphasizes his ability to inspire his men and execute complex manoeuvres under fire.
Specific references include his role in the planning and execution of attacks that were crucial to the success of the Allied operations in Borneo, and his commendable actions that led to the award of the Distinguished Service Order.
 
 Compiled by John Baker
 

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