Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Keith Horan of ‘Inglewood’ 35 Simpson Street Bondi, was the youngest son of Ted and Rose Horan, and like his brother Fred, was educated at St Josephs Convent Bondi where he won a busary in 1930 to Christian Brothers’ College Waverley. His four sisters were Claire ‘Bonnie’ (Power), Molly (Carmody), Pat (Bleach) and Margaret (Power). Keith worked in the Post-Master General’s at GPO in Martin Place, Sydney in the Accounts branch until he resigned in 1940 to join the AIF. Keith was 6ft tall, an all-round athlete, Waverley College Golf Champion in 1935, and played in the Old Boys rugby union, cricket and golf clubs as well as in the AIF Rugby Union competitions.

In 1940 he enlisted in the 2nd AIF at Victoria Barracks Paddington, and served from 1941 with the 6th Division (2/1st Infantry Battalion) in the Middle East, Ceylon and New Guinea. On 30th January 1945, Keith was killed in action at Nambut Hill, in the Aitape-Wewak campaign, New Guinea, at 26 years of age, when he was forward scout when his platoon under Lt Crowden, was patrolling into Japanese held positions along the ridge from Haydon Knoll.  

The sad news of Keith’s death was received at Simpson Street Bondi by telegram on Saturday 3rd February 1945. Letters were later received from the Battalion Chaplain John Glover, who wrote “Being the man he was, he volunteered to act as forward scout when that position was about the most dangerous one in the world. He gave his life for his comrades, for you and for Australia”, and Pte Lance Windross, who wrote “There is so much to say in Keith’s favour. He was the most lovable and sincere boy I have ever met. I was proud to claim him as my cobber. His cheerful disposition was paramount. During the Owen Stanley show he was an example to all of us and even when very sick towards the end of the campaign, the old smiling face was still in evidence”.