RENNIE, Matthew David
| Service Number: | 24932 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) |
| Born: | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 11 June 1933 |
| Home Town: | Ipswich, Queensland |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Natural Causes, 13 February 2025, aged 91 years, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Privately Cremated |
| Memorials: |
Korean War Service
| 4 Jul 1952: | Involvement Australian Army (Post WW2), Private, 24932, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) |
|---|
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Daryl Jones
Matthew was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1993 - For service to veterans and their families
Matthew joined the Korean War effort with 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) in 1952 at just 19 in Pusan, South Korea. After 11 years in the Army, Matthew served as State President of the Korea Veterans Association, spent many years as a welfare officer and Legatee, and dedicated himself to identifying and honouring hundreds of unknown soldiers buried at Ipswich Cemetery.
Matthew was a cherished member of both the Ipswich and Toowoomba communities and was unwavering in his dedication to supporting veterans through research and advocacy. His passion for ensuring those who served were never forgotten left an enduring mark on all those who knew him. In recognition of his tireless service to the veteran community, Matthew was awarded the RSL Meritorious Service Medal in 2020 – the highest award given by the Returned and Services League to a member.
11 Jun 1933-13 Feb 2025
3rd Battalion RAR Korea 1952-1953
1st Com Div Battle School Japan 53-54
2nd RAR Malay 55-57
11th N. S Training BN Wacol58-61
Life Member of Ipswich RSL Subbranch and Meritorious Award Recipient
Life Member 2RAR Association.
Matt served in Korea with 3 RAR (4 Jul 1952 – 4 Jul 1953) (366 days), Japan with 1st Com Div Battle School (1953-54) in Malaya with 2 RAR (1955-57) and with 11th NS Training Bn Wacol Qld (1958-61).
Matthew, late of Springfield Qld passed away on 13 Feb 2025, age 91.
Matt was a Life Member of the 2 RAR Association and served as
Committee Member (2001-06), Vice President (2006-2010) and President (2009-11).
In the 1993 Australia Day Honours List Matthew was award an OAM for “Service to Veterans and their families”.
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of a living legend, Matthew Rennie OAM. A proud Korea Veteran, Matthew was a highly respected figure within RSL Queensland and a cherished member of both the Ipswich and Toowoomba communities.
Matthew’s unwavering dedication to veterans, his tireless efforts in research and advocacy, and his passion for ensuring those who served were never forgotten have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His wisdom, kindness, and commitment to honouring our veterans will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Matthew passed away last Thu 13 Feb 25, with a private family funeral to be held on 03 Mar 2025.
A memorial service will be held at CSI Club Services Ipswich, 5A Lowry Street, North Ipswich QLD 4305 and will be live streamed by the Ipswich RSL Subbranch. This will commence from 2pm on the 19th of Feb.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many who mourn his loss. Rest in peace, Matthew.
We Will Remember Him
Lest We Forget.
Click images to start slideshow.