Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Breton Douglas Norman (Bret) LANGRIDGE was born on 10th February, 1919 in Perth Western Australia

His parents were Frank Norman LANGRIDGE and Ivy Rose DOUGLAS - he had 3 sisters, Joan, Wendy & Lorelei.

He enlisted in Perth on 1st May, 1940 and on 25th October, 1940 he embarked on the ship Aquitania for the Middle East with the 2/16th Infantry Battalion - they returned to Australia on 25th March, 1942 - he was a Lieutenant who later became a Captain but the dates are unknown

On 6th August, 1942 he embarked with his regiment to Port Moresby and arrived on 12th August, 1942 to fight in the Kokoda Campaign - before he left he became engaged to a Miss Betty DETTMAN who was overseas at the time as a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment of the 2/9th Australian General Hospital - there is a photo of Betty with him before they returned from the Middle East on his profile - the marriage never took place as he was killed on 8th September, 1942 after being shot in the chest - he is buried in Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby and is also honooured at the Australian War Memorial and the Roll of Honour in Inglewood, Western Australia.

On 6th Sept. 1942 D Company were assigned to defend the 21st Brigade Headquarters as the Brigades battalions were defending positions around Mission Ridge & Etoigi village. On 8th Sept the 2/16th Battalion was attempting to force their way along the track towards Menari and link up with the brigade HQ & Captain Langridge leading 17 and 18 Platoons was to assist by pushing down from Brigade HQ.  The two platoons were halted by Japanese forces across their path.  Capt Langridge led his men in a fierce charge, he was shot in the chest & died.   He was recommended to receive a Military Cross but it was not awarded posthumously.

For the full story please check the Trove link

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Trove article about his death & MC Recommendation

West Australian Perth Thursday 11th Feb. 1943, page 2

OFFICERS DEATH.  Recommendation for MC.  details which have been secured since Captain B D N Langridge of WA was killed while leading his men into action at Etogi, New Guinea reveal that his counter attack was of great assistance to comrades and that he was recommended for the Military Cross.  Bret Langridge was one of the units outstanding officres and I had recommended him for a MC for his bravery in action, wrote his battalion commander.  "unfortunately this decoration cannot be awarded posthumously and the only recognition he can now receive is a mention in dispatches.  It is poor recompense for his deeds but his example will live long and will never be forgotten by members of this unit" 

Captain Langridge was employed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia up to the time he enlisted in the AIF in May 1940.  He returned to Australia from the Middle East early last year and during service overseas had been wounded in action.  He then went on to New Guinea.  The late Capt Langridge was educated at Perth Modern School

He was a son of Mrs. & Mrs. Langridge of Dundas Rd Maylands and was engaged to Miss Betty Dettman of Mt Lawley a member of the VAD in the Middle East