These events of the Merauke Force ranging through the Australian Militia (CMF), the Imperial Army (AIF) other RAAF units and their part of the defence of our Northen Coast during 1942 and 1944, these experiences I beleive to be true and could be a book in their right, I will edit these stories in and out of this page, as they should be read by others. Reference Map
The first is to Robert Gaudion of the 26 Infantry. Followed by Frank Wells raised and educated in the Warragul area. tells of his experiences with the31/51 Australian Infantry Battalion 2nd AIF.the 31st Hqs was based in Townsville with the 51st Hqs in Cairns. The history of these units beginns with Australian Malitia and Reserve Battalions who's records go back to the 1860's. These units were amalgamated in February 1942.
As the stratigies of the war changed the Japaness had overstretches their supply lines and allied air forces gaining control of the airspace the pressure on the forces based at Merauke eased, this was followed by a period of boredom were the true spirit of the service men and their ability to scrounge and improvise with sport and gambling was shown, perhaps the best of these was the staging of the Melbourne-Merauke Cup for the enjoyment of all including, the many Americans stationed in the area.
The Late Martin Saunders also raised in the Warragul community tells of the early days of Radio and Radar, and a Bill Phillips a Transport Driver with 6 Medical Recovery Station tells of the first medical unit.
Back to Chapter two.