Headed 2 Commando Company (CMF) Room 31, "D" Block Albert Park Barracks MELBOURNE (Undated). Signed by Peter Seddon, OC 2 Commando Company Written in early June 1955, (Reference details in the letter), shortly after the Unit was raised. The letter was written to John Petty, who was one of the original members of the newly raised Company,, the first of 2 Commando Units (the other in Sydney) raised since the WW2 Cdo Units were disbanded. It portrays the beginnings of the new Commando era.Copy of single page letter, early "quarto" size. Headed 2 Commando Company (CMF) Room 31, "D" Block Albert Park Barracks MELBOURNE (Undated). Signed by Peter Seddon, OC 2 Commando Company Written in early June 1955, (Reference details in the letter).2 commando company, raising of, officer commanding, peter seddon, john petty

Unit members in the photo: Back row: Peter Herd, Mick Stewart, Ian Bunston, Russ Bradley, Bob West, Peter Reid, Norm 'Doc' Willoughby, Brian Hinneburg, Claude Gillard, _______ , Kevin Hatfield, Ian Hicks, Mack Hinds, John Woodruff. 4th row: Geoff Smith, Phil 'Juni0r' Meakins, Phillip Roff, George Wing, 'Bluey' De Clerk, Bob 'Canada' Johnston, Jim Walsh, Mike Hicks, Ern Jeffries, Carl 'Dutchy' Hulsbergen, Leigh Power, __________ , Norm 'Mick' Kennedy, Ray Bunyard, Jack Murray. 3rd row: Jeff Tomlinson, ______ , Vince Nehill, Jim Stephens, Bert Boatwright, Bill Leach, Bob Reid, Peter 'Padre' Bowden, ______ , Frank Read, Peter Higgins, Bill Salmon, John Hutchinson, Gus Kongas, Tony Poole. 2nd row: Roman Stuczynski, Stan Polan, Allan Moore, Don Bergman, Col 'Ali' Barbour, Peter Askew, Ron Smith, OC Major John Hutcheson, Adj Capt John Pritchard, Lt John O'Rourke, Ron Scott, George 'Taffy' Drakopoulos, Ted Malone, Ray Sanders, Kevin Collins, Barry Creighton. 1st row: Tom Massey, Mick Thurlough, Glen Watterson, Joe Frazer, Warren Hutchings, Max Coulson, Graham Gould?, Maurice 'Elvis' Priestly, _______ , 'Bluey' Darlington, 'Bluey' _____ , _____________ , 'Tich' McIntyre, Jim Trainor. Proovided by Jim Trainor.One of a very few photos only of (almost) the complete personnel of 2 Cdo Coy in its early years. B & W group photo unframed, 5 rows tiered, 73 men in winter battledress at the 2 Commando Company depot at Ripponlea, Melbourne in 1958. A separate document names most of the men. Described by Jim Trainor as Ripponlea pay parade July 1958. 2 commando company - 1958 - pay parade - ripponlea depot - unit personnel

It gives a concise history of 2 Commando Company, from 1955 when it was formed, to 1995, giving details of its Officers Commanding, including its founding OC, their philosophies, and general and significant Company events and personnel over the 50 years. It has 3 chapters describing the development of Australia's Special Forces.Written to mark the 40th anniversary of 2 Commando Company, and presented to all 2 Commando Association members and friends who attended the 40th anniversary dinner in February 1995. Gives a 40 year history of the Company. Soft cover; White cover, green main title. Contains chronological concise history of the Unit, also with themed chapters, with limited photographs. Cover photo of Commando rock climbing, wearing green beret.NLA ISBN 0 646 22208 2. Copyright 1995.40th anniversary- 2 commando company- 2 commando association-40th anniversary-officer commanding- founding oc-australia special forces

The patch badge was worn on shirts by members of the 2 Commando Company Sky Divers, one of Victoria's and Australia's earliest Skydiving clubs. Formed in 1961 by Warren Hutchings within 2 Commando Company, members jumped under the auspices of the Army and RAAF.One of the few military sponsored clubs, it was a pioneer in Australian skydiving before the advent of the Australian Parachute Federation.Circular cloth sew-on badge, black and white with stiched-on parachutist with red and white striped canopy; gold stitched border.2 Commando Company Skydivers2 commando company - sky divers - early skydiving club - warren hutchings - australian skydiving- australian parachute federation

Major Peter Seddon was the founding Officer Commanding of 2 Commando Company when it was first raised in Melbourne in 1955.I and 2 Commando Companies, in Sydney and Melbourne, were the first of the post-WW2 Commando and Special Forces units raised in Australia since the disbanding of the WW2 Commando units. Rectangular black and white glossy head and shoulders photograph of subject."Peter Seddon" Donated by Peter Seddon.The first Officer Commanding 2 Commando Company.major peter seddon - founding officer commanding - 2 commando company - post-ww2 commando - special forces units

This photograph was taken of the initial members of 2 Commando Company emplaning on a commercial aircraft which was to take them to their first annual camp being conducted at Canungra in Queensland.Early photograph of a recently established specialist Army unit.B & W photophoto

The booklet gives the order of proceedings for the ceremony, on 1st March 1980, of the conferring of the Freedom of Entry to the City of Williamstown upon Second Commando Company, based at Fort Gellibrand, Williamstown.This was the first time the Commando Company had been formally recognised in a traditional ceremony by the city where it was based.12 page (white) rectangular A5 paper booklet, including cardboard cover.Coat of arms of the City of Williamstown on front cover and page 1. Title: "The Conferring of The Freedom of Entry to the City of Williamstown upon Second Commando Company Royal Australian Infantry."major robin mcbride-freedom of entry-city of williamstown-second commando company-fort gellibrand-mayor of williamstown

Sergeant ‘Mac’ McDermott, left, from 3 Commando Brigade and Sgt Len Holmes, Special Boat Squadron, were attached to 1 and 2 Commando Companies in the mid 1950s to conduct specialist training and provide support for the development of the newly raised Commando unitsMcDermott and Holmes were crucial in providing specialist training for the newly raised Commando units, that had almost no Commando experience within their own ranks.Black and white rectangular glossy photographSergeant ‘Mac’ McDermott, left, and Sgt Len Holmessergeant mac mcdermott - sgt len holmes - special boat squadron - 2 commando company - specialist training - commando units

Colour patch and sweetheart badge mounted on foam core board.

non-fiction

The print depicts the evolution from WW2 Commandos to present-day post-WW2 Commandos, to 2005. The print celebrates the formation of the post-WW2 Commandos and their 50th anniversary in 2005.Framed print, showing WW2 and post-WW2 Commandos and the original post-WW2 'Strike Swiftly' beret badge. Limited edition print 12/100.2 commando company- 1st commando regiment- golden jubilee- 50th anniversary- commemorative print- post-ww2 commandos

The pamphlet gives the order of proceedings for a service held on 17 February 2010, at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, to mark the 50th anniversary of the 'Rip incident' involving 75 Commandos with three deaths and a number of injuries.The service was a mark of respect to the lost men and their families; it was a tragic, but significant, event in the history of the relatively new Commando unit, remembered by former serving members.A4 sheet folded to four page A5 pamphlet, pastel paper, showing logo of 1st Commando Regiment Association (Victoria).Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne logo on back cover.shrine of remembrance-melbourne-50th anniversary-rip incident- commando tragedy-2 commando company-queenscliff

The booklet is a reprint of Brigadier WH 'Mac' Grant's history of WW2 Special Forces, written originally in 1995, and was presented to attendees at the 45th anniversary celebrationsThe reprint marked the 45th anniversary of 2 Commando Company, the first (along with 1 Commando Company) post-WW2 SF unit, and explained the origins of its WW2 predecessors. brigadier wh mac grant- history of ww2 special forces-2 commando company-1 commando company-post ww2 sf units

Several members who participated in this battle were former commandos and members of 2 commando CompanyFind bySoftcover 332 pageInscribed presentation by Harry Smith dated June 2012australian commandos, vietnam war, australian special forces

Awarded to William Donald Alsop - 2/10 Commando Squadron during WW2These medals has historic significance as it was issued to William Alsop a Commando in 2/10 Commando Squadron for his service during World War II and has strong provenance as it was donated with a Deed of Gift.The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Pacific Star’ and War Medal 1939-45.SX33860 William Alsopww2, world war 2, australian commando, independent company

This was the "Order of service" for the inaugural unveiling of the WW2 Commando Cairn at Tidal River, Victoria. Lt General Sir Edmund Herring, Lt Governor of Victoria addressed the assembly, 2 Commando Company soldiers were the Guard of Honour, and the 4/19 PWLH Regt band played. This was the first official memorial to WW2 Commandos, located at Wilsons Promontory where the Commando units were first trained. A memorial ceremony is held in November each year since 1964. Honour rolls of WW2 and post-WW2 Commandos who died in battle or training were added in 2011.2 sheet quarto (four sides) white semi-glossy paper with black type and logo. Order of service.Niltidal river wilsons promontory commando memorial cairn ww2 honour rolls post-ww2 national

In 1960 seventy-four commandos from 2 Commando Company left Point Lonsdale at 6pm on February 17 to cross The Rip in an exercise raid on the Portsea officer school. Shortly after departing, a strong tide caught the raiding party and pushed them out to sea through The Rip, where 10-metre waves capsized many of the kayaks and amphibious vehicles. Many of the men were picked up by larger rescue boats, only to be overturned once again in the heavy seas. Warrant Officer George Drakopolous and the driver of his amphibious DUKW, Private Eddie Meyer, both drowned as their vehicle sank. Eight of the commandos were rescued in Bass Strait after being picked up by an Italian ship, the Toscana. Commando Roger Wood helped others board the Toscana safely but was washed off a rope ladder by a monster wave and into the sea. His body was never found. It remains one of Australia's least-known peacetime military tragedies.One of the later disasters around the Rip between Points Nepean and Lonsdale. The 'Queenscliffe' lifeboat turned out to search for survivors without success Paddles from a Mk3 foldaboat used in ill fated commando training exercise in 1960the rip disaster, kayaks, oars

The history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron during World War II – scarce as a 1st edition dated 1986. Having completed its training at Foster, on Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, the 2nd Independent Company was raised and travelled north to Katherine, in the Northern Territory. However, following Japan’s entry into the war, as with the other independent companies that were sent to the islands off Australia, the 2nd was sent to Timor, where it joined the 2/40th Battalion and the rest of Sparrow Force. Sparrow Force divided itself between west Timor, part of the Netherlands East Indies, and east Timor, which belonged to Portugal. The 2/40th Battalion defended the capital of west Timor, Koepang, and the airfield at Penfui. Most of the independent company moved to the airfield at Dili, in east Timor, and the nearby mountains. Portugal was opposed to the stationing of a Dutch or Australian garrison in case this provoked the Japanese, but despite this opposition, on 17 December 1941, elements of the 2nd Independent Company and Dutch troops landed near Dili. On 20 February 1942 the Japanese invaded the island, attacking east and west Timor simultaneously. The 2/40th Battalion held out for three days, but were overrun and were killed or captured. Similarly, the 2nd could not hold the airfield and were also driven back. But they were not captured and instead retreated to the mountains where they conducted a very successful and pursued a guerrilla war against the Japanese which lasted for over a year. Following the capture of Timor, the 2nd occupation the company was listed as “missing”, the company’s signallers were able to build a wireless transmitter, nicknamed ‘Winnie the War Winner’, and on 18/19 April were able to contact Darwin. At the end of May RAN vessels began landing supplies for the Australians on the south coast of east Timor. These supply runs were very dangerous but they allowed the Australians on Timor to continue fighting. In September the guerillas were reinforced with the 2/4th Independent Company. However, this could not go on indefinitely. In August the Japanese lunched a major offensive against the guerrillas and Japanese reprisals against the civilian population of east Timor reduced their support for the Australians. The 2nd (now named the 2/2nd Independent Company) and 2/4th were withdrawn in December and January 1943 respectively. Although the 2/2nd Independent Company is best known for its time on Timor, it also saw extensive service in New Guinea and New Britain. The independent company reformed at the army’s training centre at Canungra, Queensland, where it was reinforced and reequipped. The company then moved to the Atherton Tableland, where it briefly became part of the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. Due to this reorganisation, in October, the 2/2nd Independent Company was renamed the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. When this happened though, the 2/2nd was back in action. In June 1943 the 2/2nd sailed from Townsville for Port Moresby and was subsequently flown to Bena Bena, in the Bismark Range in New Guinea’s highlands. Here they supported the 2/7th Independent Company in patrolling the Ramu River area. In the second week of July the 2/2nd moved into position, with its headquarters at Bena Bena and with its platoons’ occupying neighbouring positions. By the end of the month their patrols were skirmishing with the Japanese. The 2/2nd remained in New Guinea until October 1944. After 90 days leave, the squadron reformed at Strathpine in Queensland before sailing to New Britain in April 1945. The 2/2nd landed at Jacquinot Bay on 17 April. The squadron then moved to Wide Bay, in order to support the 13th Brigade of the 5th Division, and was based at Lamarien. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or transferred to other units. For those who were left, they returned to Australia and in early 1946 the 2/2nd Commando Squadron was disbanded. Includes Nominal Roll Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 270 pages

The 2/6th Commando Squadron (Australia) was one of 12 independent companies or commando squadrons raised by the Australian Army during WW2. The 2/6th served in four major campaigns - Kokoda, Buna, Markham-Ramu and Borneo and was involved in the Battle of Kaiapit. Late in the WW2 hostilities 2/6th Commando Squadron was at Balikpapan and attached to 25th Brigade to provide support to the Brigade - reconnaissance patrols, fighting patrols, ambushes and humanitarian assistance to local inhabitants. The 2/6th Commando Squadron was disbanded in 1946. The Sword returned to Australia with a member of 2/6th Commando Squadron VX132826 W G H Burrell. The Book Purple Devils was written by Syd Trigellis Smith in his retirement, he had served during WW2 with 2/2 Field Regiment in New Guinea.VX132826 W G H Burrell served with the AIF during WW2 in New Guinea and posted to 2/6th Commando Squadron and was on Borneo and at Balikpapan. George Burrell was able to being back the sword at the end of hostilities. The Book the Purple Devils is the 2/6th Commando Squadron history as interpreted by Syd Trigellis Smith.Book Purple Devils by Syd Trigellis, Smith, a Japanise Sword - steel blade encased in a leather scabbard and the military history of VX132826 W G H Burrell who served with 2/6 th Commando Squadron.The Book - Purple Devils, a History of 2/6 Australian Commando Squadron, ISBN 064607125-4. vx132826 w g h burrell, ww2, new guinea, 2/6th commando sqn, gunto sword, purple devils

A 384 page

An interesting 40 page book telling the story in poetry of the 2/2nd Australian Independent Company from training in Australian to active service in Timor. Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 40 pagesww2, commando, east timor, 2/2/nd independent company

Brian Walpole, the author, was a Australian Commando and special operations operative behind enemy lines in New Guinea and Borneo during WW2. Brian was a commando with the Australian 2/3 Independent Company. He went to New Guinea in January 1943 and remained until the fall of the Japanese base at Salamaua in September. He fought on the Bobdubi Ridge. His commanding officer was the well-regarded George Warfe, whose portrait was sketched by war artist Ivor Hele. Brian blazed a trail through the New Guinea jungle which appears on some maps as Walpole’s Track, discovering and naming the ambush site Goodview Junction. Soon afterwards (July 1943) Goodview Junction was the scene of a key campaign victory which contributed to George Warfe being awarded the Military Cross.Brian’s Special Operations training mostly took place at Careening Bay (Western Australia) and Fraser Island (Queensland). He arrived in Borneo at the time of the 9th Division’s landing at Labuan Island, and took part in two SRD operations – Colt and Semut 3. After the surrender, Walpole's work continued as many of the Japanese did not recognise the surrender and continued to fight on. Brian relates how on the 14th of September 1945 while still an operative in SRD he was able to save POWs from certain death and after a firefight arrested 10 Japanese soldiers at Simanggang Borneo. He was alone and had been assisted in the battle by 20 headhunters from the jungles along the Rejang River. One of the people saved was a young nurse in her 20s, Lena Ricketts. ww2, australian special operations, australian commando, new guinea, borneo, world war ii