Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

WW II
When World War II broke out for Australia in 1939, Michael joined the local citizens military forces (CMF) and after the Japanese directly attacked Australia he joined active military service with the artillery regiment. Michael’s war record confirms that he served in Townsville (in 1942) and the Northern Territory (from July 1942 to July 1943). However the records are scant on information about his northern Australia service. Michael recalled air attacks and having to seek protection behind large gum trees when the Japanese Zero gunners strafed him. His most serious injury at the time was shrapnel wounds to his ear. He counts his luck that it was not an inch closer as he would have lost his life.

Michael excelled in the field and was promoted from the ranks to lieutenant. He spent some time at Adelaide River attached to the 11th Australian Field Regiment (Royal Australian Artillery) where he signed his "Attestation Form" on 17 September 1942. On 24 December later that year he was promoted to acting Lieutenant.

Michael would relate his experiences to his children when they were young in the form of a bedtime story - often these would be didactic. He would recall his posting in 1942 to Townsville at the time of riots by the African-American soldiers. The rioters were marching on the city and his unit was lined up with their guns pointing towards them. Michael said he was in a moral quandry if he had been given the order to fire upon the rioters. He said that he had made up his mind to follow the order if it was given, but to fire above their heads. The Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) has reported on the Townsville US Servicemen Riots. The incidents are also described at www.ozatwar.com/ozatwar/riotupperross.htm.