Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Robert George and May Mary Duncan, of Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia.

Private Duncan enlisted in February 1941 and embarked for overseas service in December 1941. He arrived in Ambon on 17 December 1941 and was a member of 2/21 Australian Infantry Battalion which was part of “Gull Force”. This force consisted of 1131 Australian soldiers, Dutch and local native troops whose objective was to occupy Ambon Island (approximately 350 miles NNE of Timor, in the Banda Sea) and hinder the Japanese advance.
Pte Duncan was a member of a large garrison that was positioned around Laha Airfield prior to the Japanese invasion of 30 January 1942. Following a series of short but fierce battles, fighting on Ambon ceased on 2nd February 1942, after which Pte Duncan was listed as missing. He was officially presumed deceased on 20 February 1942.

DUNCAN. — In memory of our dear son and brother. VX39.757. Pte. Terrence Duncan. 21st Battalion, pre sumed dead on February 20, 1942, at Laha, Ambon: also his comrades  of the 21st Batallon Band.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning we will remember
them.
—Inserted by his sorrowing parent and sisters, Moorabbln.

DUNCAN.— in loving memory of Pte. T. G. Duncan, VX39.757, presumed died Laha, Ambon, February 20, 1942. Beloved brother of Winnie; brother-in-law of Gus;  uncle of Ray. Always remembered.