RILEY, Charles Owen
| Service Number: | WX29475 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 8 July 1942, Perth, WA |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/3rd Commando Squadron |
| Born: | Perth, Western Australia, 2 March 1923 |
| Home Town: | Subiaco, Nedlands, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Farmer |
| Died: | Drowned while attempting to rescue 3 girls from surf, Waterman's Bay, Western Australia, 3 September 1954, aged 31 years |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | North Beach Charles Riley Memorial Reserve |
World War 2 Service
| 8 Jul 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Trooper, WX29475, 2nd/3rd Commando Squadron, Perth, WA | |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Jul 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, WX29475 | |
| 5 Aug 1946: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Private, WX29475 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Brian Jennings
Charles Owen Riley
WX 29475 Trooper
2/3 Australian Commando Squadron
World War ll
Charles Owen Riley was a resident of Watermans Bay, and the North Beach Memorial precinct is located within the Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. This is his story and why the Reserve was named in his honour.
Charles Owen Riley was born on 2 March 1923 in Perth and was the son of .
Charles enlisted in the CMF - 10th Light Horse in October 1941 while working on his Uncle’s farm, “Quanagana”, Moora. Prior to that he served 3 years in the Cadets while at Geelong Grammar, and 2 years at Hale School. On 8 July 1942 as a 19 year old he joined the Australian Military Forces and was assigned to the 2/3 Commando Squadron.
He was discharged on 5 August 1946. Having served in South East Asia, Balikpapan, Borneo and New Guinea.
The Battle of Balikpapan was concluding stage of Operation Oboe, the campaign to liberate Japanese held British and Dutch Borneo. The landings took place on 1 July 1945. He was also Rabaul and New Guinea for over 12 months.
The sacrifice made by Charles Owen Riley in losing his life during his bid to rescue three the girls is remembered by the Reserve on the corner of North Beach Road and Kitchener Street that carries his name, and it was first dedicated to him by his Father, Bishop C. L. Riley on Saturday 23rd August 1958.
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