CAPTAIN HARRY KATEKAR M.I.D.

Captain Harry Katekar M.I.D. was a member of the 2/27th Infantry Battalion during World War II. Born in South Australia, Harry Katekar enlisted in the military despite his ambitions of becoming a solicitor. The page on the Kokoda Historical website provides a detailed account of his experiences. Harry Katekar joined the battalion as a Private and eventually achieved the rank of Lieutenant due to his educational background. The narrative covers their participation in the Allied invasion of Syria and Lebanon, where they faced off against Vichy French troops. Following the fall of Singapore, the 2/27th Infantry Battalion was redirected to defend Australia. They were subsequently deployed to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to support the troops fighting on the Kokoda Track.

Squadron Leader Peter St George Bruce Turnbull DFC

“The Flying Cowboy” and was known for his “magnificent fighting spirit and great skill”

Lloyd Birdsall

Lloyd Birdsall remembers watching Japanese bombers flying overhead in New Guinea, and listening to the sounds of the planes as bombs fell from the sky.

Sergeant Katue

Papuan Infantry Battalion

George Cops

39 Australian Infantry Battalion