The Soldier's Details

Boyle enlisted with AIF Dec 1940.  He was later appointed CO of 11th Platoon under ‘C’ coy’s CO Capt Colin Cameron who was also in the Light Horse Regiments.

Wounded in action Ulu Pandan on 12 Feb 1942  whilst on reconnaissance of Hill 200.  Admitted to 2/13th Australian General Hospital with bayonet wounds to his right leg and arm.  Discharged to unit on 22 Feb 1942.

Boyle with Major Colin Cameron were the first to represent the Battalion in establishing gardens at Selerang growing tapioca, sweet potato, spinach, cucumber and sweet corn to supplement the POW’s minimal rice meals.  The POWs were allotted 5 acres of ground (with tools) on the outside of the wire at Selerang and a further three acres inside the wire.  When the two men left with ‘A’ Force to Burma in May 1942, Capt Tom Bunning took over as ‘Garden Control Officer’.

From Singapore Kevin was selected with ‘A’ Force Burma, Green Force No. 3 Battalion to work on the Burma end of the Railway.  Please read further about ‘A’ Force

In Dec 1943 Major Green of 2/4th was advised the rail link was almost completed and that a small force was to be left behind under the command of Lt-Col Williams.  Some of these men remained as part of a railway maintenance Party however several men from 2/4th joined Williams No. 1 Mobile Force into Thailand.  Also included in this group were Padre F.X. Corry, Lieutenants Kevin Boyle, Graham Wilson, Ken Lee and Private John Malthouse.  At least they were not then selected to work in Japan and sail ‘Rakuyo’ Maru when she sank in South China Sea Sept 44 with a huge loss of life.

From Java Party No. 5a Robertson Force, Ted Cosson and Merve Wilkinson were also included in Williams No. 1 Mobile Force.

The Camps recorded below are an estimation, i.e. following the movements of work parties as we cannot be certain of each man’s movements without records.

Vale – Kevin Boyle

‘The following members of 2/4^th MG Bn travelled to York for the funeral of Kevin Boyle:

Les Cody, Tom Hampton, Mr and Mrs Phil Beilby, Ken Lee, Greg Burdon, Wally Lymn, Jim Duncan and Jim Gilmour.

There were about 150 people at a very good Church Service which swelled to 250 at the graveside. The ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ was played by Kevin’s grandson.

We offer our condolences to his family.

(included in April 1992 ‘Borehole Bulletin’)’

Kevin Boyle is included in York WW2 enlistments for 2/4th.

Below:  Boyle with 10th Light Horse Regiment.