Acknowledgements

It has been a great honour and our privilege to compile and present this Memorial to the young, brave Men of the only World War II West Australian raised Battalion.  This memorial is for the grandchildren and great grandchildren of our men – so they may learn something of their family history and the horrors of POW life.

The 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion Ex-Members Association 2016 Committee and the Website Committee, consisting of Cheryl Mellor daughter of ‘Cowboy’ Matthews WX17000,  Sylvia Norton daughter of Bert Norton WX8493 and Harry Tysoe grandson of Harry Tysoe WX9226 who died Kobe, Japan in November 1943. gratefully acknowledge the support of the following.

First and foremost Murray Ewen, author of Colour Patch The Men of the 2/4th Australian Machine Gun Battalion, 1940-1945 (Victoria Park, W.A. Hesperian Press, 2003), who generously shared all his research to be used in the website. Without access to Murray Ewen’s 12 years of research, this website would not have been possible.

Surviving members of the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion; Ron Badock, WX8729, John Gilmour OAM, WX8622 and Dick Ridgwell, WX14197.

Family members of the men of the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion.

Luke Tannock, great nephew of Frank Richard Noble WX9413. Luke provided us with access to his extensive range of photographs and interviews.

Jan Stewart, daughter of late past President Jim Elliott WX8619 who was was a driving force during early days, assisting us to apply for Lotterywest funding.

A special mention and thanks to Harry Tysoe  who actually volunteered his time and skills to the team.  Harry’s boundless energy and enthusiasm kept the site growing when we were all flagging!  Without Harry we would not be where we are today!

The identification of the men has been accomplished by using existing records and private sources. Similarly the selection of photographs has been undertaken with the greatest possible care keeping in mind the age and quality of the original photographs. However, some unavoidable errors may have occurred due to the factor of time. Please notify the committee if such errors are identified in order to correct.

We also acknowledge and thank Department of Veterans Affairs – Commonwealth Government’s Veteran and Community Grants program

“The Commonwealth has not participated in the research, production or exercised editorial control over the Activity or its contents.  The views expressed and conclusions reached herein do not necessarily represent those of the Commonwealth, which expressly disclaims any responsibility for the content or accuracy of the Activity.”

 

A recent generous donation (2021) was gratefully received from Mr Kerry Stokes AC who in April 2022 stepped down from his role of 15 years as Chair and Member of the Council of Australian War Memorial.

The 2/4th MGB acknowledges the valuable, extensive and generous donations undertaken by Mr. Stokes enriching the military history of Australia for all Australians to share.