Ok so mclachlan side of family. Im not sure if you knew this but I didnt. I dont know if you want to know this, but I did, and Im still researching to gather his medals (yes he had something) and other documents etc. BUT I have found the 2/25th battalions battle note things from the day uncle duncan died. He died on nov 9th 1942 aged just 24yo. He was a part of the battalion as mentioned on his way to secure gorari in Papua new guide on the kokoda track. He is one of the 10x others lost that day as he was a private. Thank you to my friend, Emily who has deciphered all the army lingo for me from these documents, we have a good account of how valiantly he fought and what he was actually faced with. Im forever grateful to her for this gift and Ive never been so proud of my uncle duncan! He may not have a vistoria cross or whatever, but he is and forever will be my hero! Well heres the read: Before we dive in, a note on companies, battalions etc: Three platoons to a company, three companies to a regimental battalion. A platoon is 30 men, company is about as there are a couple of extra support staff, and a regimental battalion is about 300 men. 8 November - Alpha company was sent in to block the Kobara-Ilimo track, but behind the enemy, so as to halt their retreat. They had occupied the area for the past three days. The rest of the battalion blocked the enemy from reaching Gorari. 9 November - The battalion, specifically Alpha, Charlie and Detal companies, attacked the enemy. However, the enemy was stronger than anticipated and we received casualties, including Captain Dodd. The enemy was so strong that the Aussies could not advance further, so were forced to consolidate the ground that they had gained. The Japanese position was quite strong, and they were dug-in. They had barricades and they had cleared their fields of fire, meaning that they had clear shots at anyone who moved within their vision (this could be quite a long distance, depending on the weapon). Their position was also supported by Medium Machine Gunners who were well camouflaged. The attacking Australians had to come out into the open in order to attack, leaving them vulnerable to the machine gun fire. 2/33 and 2/1 battalions eventually moved ahead in order to secure Gorari, while 2/25 battalion remained behind. 9 November (continued)...Rear battalion headquarters moved up to join the main battalion. The Quartermaster (essentially the supplies people) and the regimental aide post remained at the rear. At 1810hrs Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta companies attacked. The attack continued until dark. Although the Australians gained ground in the attack, they were unable to hold it due to the light machine gun fire of the Japenese, so they withdrew to their earlier position, prior to the attack. Casualties for the day: 4x officers killed in action, 10 x other ranks (Private to Warrant Officer). 2x offiers wounded in action and 21x other ranks. Heaviest single day of casualties to date. 10 November - the Japanese have dug in ahead of the battalion position. Its not clear whether the companies that went forward to secure Gorari are still there or not. If they are, then the Japanese have the attacking force right in front of them, and the troops who have gone to secure Gorari behind them. Delta attacked again on 10 November, with 2x other ranks killed and 8x other ranks wounded. One of the companies (probably Delta) reached the enemy position, but had to cross a stretch of open ground that was between the first lot of Japanese (ie their scouts, snipers, forward personnel) and the main body of the Japanese force. This would have been a very difficult move and the Australians were again very likely to come under fire from medium or light machine guns.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:35:29 +0000
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