Roland Griffiths-Marsh MM

Using his older brother’s name to gain entry in the AIF, Roland is one of Australia's longest serving soldiers/ His military career commenced with the 2/8th battalion in Greece, Crete and North Africa and later with A "Z" special unit. Parachuted behind Japanese lines, Roland formed a force of Borneo head-hunters to harass the enemy for this; he was awarded the military medal.

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Geoffrey Dwyer:

Forging papers and signatures to join the AIF; 16-year-old Geoff fought his first battle against the Japanese at Lau in New Guinea with the 2/31st Inf. Btn. Known as “young Geoff” by battalion survivors, he saw action at Lae, Nadzab, Ramu Valley, Morotai and Balikpapen. In 1995, he was chosen to take part in the ‘Australian Remembers’ pilgrimage to New Guinea.

John Acland:

At 15, a strong calling to serve his country saw john join the royal navy as a boy seaman. As the youngest serving member of the H.M.S black prince, he saw action with Russian conveys, D-Day. the Aegean islands, Crete and the liberation of Greece. His ship took part in air strikes on Sumatra, Truk, Okinawa and Japan. Next came Hong Kongs turn for freedom.

Allan Pollock

Allan Pollock is believed to be the youngest Australian to survive by the Japanese. Alan was torpedoed on his way to Japan in 1944 and after his recue survived the war in a notorious Omine coal mine. The most enduring memories of his three and a half years as a POW is the comradelier and mateship of the Australian solider.

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5)

Peter Oakley:

At 15, Peter joined his first ship, the Winchester Castle, and one month later found himself in Cape Town/ This was followed by service on troop ships and the hazardous job of carrying aviation fuel; two out of the three convoys being attacked by U-boats. Peter's tanker supplied Navy minesweepers and the Normandy beachhead for 3 months.

Jack Rowsell:

Ten stone in weight and fairly tall, Jack joined the army at 15 years and 3 months. Not long after being reported he was promptly discharged, given a new suit and told to go home. Changing his name, he was successful on the second attempt and served in New Guinea with the 2/2 A.I.B 6th division. Jack became a union official and been a T.P.I for 20 years.

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Roland Ware:

On a black moonless night in 1942, Ron's ship was torpedoed and he became one of the 5 survivors out of the 52. His lasting memory is of being unable to save a young trapped friend begging for his hand to be cut off. The 14 year old deck hand remained in the M.N rising through the ranks to that of Captain.

Bill Phillips OAM ED:

Bill's success after an underage change of places with his brother saw home serving on many battle fronts. Milne bay, Buna, Cape Endaiadere, Nassau Bay, Lae, Torokina, Jaba River, Marawaka, Mobaiai River, Buin Road, Mivo River, Rabaul and Morotal Island. Captain Bill Phillips, OAM, had 20 years of post war service which included the occupation of Japan.

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9)

Keith Solway: Vale

Keith went to see at the age of 14 1/2 and was trained as a gunner on the 20 mm Oerilkons. This stood him in good stead when he was posted to the M.V, Sammex. The pilot who released his torpedo at the ship should have known better; an indignant young gunner shooting the plane down. Keith served in the Atlantic and Pacific and the invasion of Sicily and Italy.

10)

Cliff Glew:

At 15, Cliff joined the AIF by forging family documents. Arriving in New Guinea at 16, his 2/1st commando unit was credited with shooting down the first zero. Crossing the Owen Stanley’s he saw action from Bulldog to the Markham valley, Salamaua and Nadzab. Cliff was then discharged because of his age.

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