Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bryson was extremely well liked in the Grenfell district. He had a brother Keith and sister Joy. He was very fond of his family. He was a swimmer and did quite well in the competitions in the local pool. At the age of 19, before enlistment, he moved to Forbes to take up a position at Goldsborough Mort as an auctioneer.

After enlistment he went to Walgrove where he joined the 2/19th Battalion. They were moved to Bathurst and then took the train to Sydney where they boarded the Queen Mary which headed off to an unknown destination. The troops were surprised to end up in Singapore, expecting to go to the Middle East of Europe. Most struggled with the jungle conditions.

The Battalion never had the resources needed. There were very few planes and no tanks at all. The Japanese had ample of both. The Battle of Muar resulted in shocking casualties and that was closely followed by the Battle of Singapore 1-15 February 1942.

Three soldiers stood on the ridge and blasted the enemy which allowed many to escape. Two died and all were recommended for medals that were never awarded. The recommendations were made by Lieutenant-Colonel A.E. Roberrtson, the Commanding Officer of the 2/19th. Seagent Parramore and Sergent R.E. Norman were acknowledged for their bravery with recommendations for the Distinguished Conduct Medal and The Military Medal.  The recommendation for Bryson, posted as missing on 9th February said:

Displayed conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership throughout the actions during the Japanese landings and his outstanding personal courage in electing to remain in position with a light automatic weapon to cover the final withdrawal of the survivors of the Battalion saved many lives at the sacrifice of his own.

Colonel Anderson wrote to Bryson's parents 15 January, 1946:

I only heard the other day that Sgt. B.W. of my Battalion was your son and I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.

I knew your son very well and with his company Commander (Major Keegan killed in action) we held him in very high regard.

He was alongside me in a rough and tumble we had with some Japs and his cool courage and soldier like bearing impress (sic) me so much that I had earmarked him for recommendation for Commissioned Ranks at the first opportunity.

He was promoted acting Sgt. after the engagement but it has not yet been gazetted but I understand it will be shortly.

I was deeply distressed when I heard of his loss a very fine man and soldier and a type that the nation could not afford to lose.

His company took the brunt of the landing on the island, they fought magnificently but took heavy casualties.

Again my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Stein and yourself.

Yours sincerely,

C.G.W. Anderson

 Sergeant B.W. Stein was missed. His last surviving relative, his sister Joy, died May 2017, forever missing her brother.

Submitted by Wendy Bean