MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
SENATOR THE HON. MICHAEL RONALDSON
MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER ASSISTING THE PRIME MINISTER FOR THE
CENTENARY OF ANZAC
SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
VA048
VETERANS RETURN TO WW2 BATTLEFIELDS 70 YEARS ON
Eight veterans will return to Borneo next month to mark the 70th anniversary of an important
campaign of the Second World War.
Liberating the people of Borneo from Japanese occupation involved more than 75,000
Australians supporting the Oboe landings on Borneo from May to July 1945 – including the
largest Australian amphibious landing of the Second World War.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson, said the eight veterans
represented all service arms and major aspects of the landings. They are aged from 89 to 96
years old and are from across Australia.
“I am pleased to be able to share this journey with these fine men and reflect on all those who
served and died in the Pacific campaigns during the Second World War and those who
continue to live with the scars of their service today,” Senator Ronaldson said.
Over nine days, 4–12 June, the veterans will travel to Singapore and across Borneo to
significant wartime locations. They will participate in commemorative ceremonies at the
Kranji Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Singapore, the Balikpapan
Memorial, the Tarakan Memorial, the Labuan Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in
Malaysia and the Brunei-Australia Memorial.
“For many of the veterans, it will be their first time back to Borneo since the War and while
the journey will no doubt bring back mixed emotions, it will also be an opportunity for them
to honour lost mates and share their stories with Australia,” Senator Ronaldson said.
“During the Anzac Centenary period it is especially important to reflect on the contribution of
all Australian servicemen and women past and present.
“As a nation, we must ensure that we take this opportunity to remember and to educate
younger Australians about our nation’s century of service, encompassing all wars, conflicts
and peace operations,” Senator Ronaldson said.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line
can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling.
Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546)
Editor’s note: A list of veterans travelling to Borneo is attached. Veteran biographies,
images, historical background and other resources are available at www.dva.gov.au/media.
Follow the veterans on Facebook at DVA Aus, Twitter at @dvaaus and Flickr at DVA Aus.
Departure media opportunity – media are invited to attend a wreath-laying ceremony and
meet the veterans before they depart at the Second World War Memorial Statue, Anzac
Square, Brisbane at 1000 Wednesday 3 June. Entry to the memorial is via Adelaide Street.
Media inquiries: Minister Ronaldson: Mark Lee 02 6277 7820 or 0408 547 381
Veteran interviews: Emma Collien [email protected] or 02 6289 4787 or
+61 (0) 429 129 661 – travelling with the veterans
Veterans travelling to Borneo
Name
Age
Service
Location
Mr Patrick (Pat) Curtis
90
Navy
QLD
Mr Bryan Wearne
90
Navy
VIC
Mr Geoffrey (Geoff)
Chapman
Mr Keith Hearne
91
Army
TAS
89
Army
VIC
Mr Kenneth (Brian)
Winchcombe
Mr Jack Olsson OAM
89
Army
WA
96
Army
ACT
Mr Thomas (Tom) Tyne
94
Air Force
NSW
Mr Frederick (Fred)
Sharon
89
Air Force
SA
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line
can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling.
Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546)