QX37498 Sapper
Bernard Brennan
5th Motor Regiment
2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion
[18th Infantry Brigade]
52nd Aust Port Landing Craft Company
This file last updated 26 October, 2025 12:58
Introduction
Bernard Brennan
Army Photographs
The following information and chronological table are a summary of the entries from the World War Two Service Record of BERNARD BRENNAN b 16 Jul 1920, d 29 Jul 2006 aged 86, buried Maryborough Crematorium, married 24 Apr 1948 RUBY MAY ROCHFORD b 14 Dec 1920, d 11 May 1981, daughter of THOMAS HENRY ROCHFORD and CHARLOTTE ELLEN MILLER.
Bernard served in WW2 as QX37498 with CMF 5th Motor Regiment, the 2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion in NEW GUINEA and the 52nd Port Landing-Craft Company in Townsville. As his operational service with the 2/12th was the most significant I have chosen to use that Colour Patch to represent his service. See his Service Record here.
When he completed his enlistment application for overseas service on 11 July 1941 he was a member of the Citizens Military Forces (CMF) on the strength of the the 5th Australian Motor Regiment, having enlisted on 13 Sep 1940.
On 4 Jul 1943 as part of a large contingent from the 5th Motor Regiment he is transferred to the 2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion, which having returned from serving in the MIDDLE EAST, retrained for jungle warfare and brought up to strength, was despatched to PORT MORESBY in August 1943 and assigned in reserve to the 18th Australian Infantry Brigade.
On 4 Jan 1944 the 18th Brigade was airlifted to DUMPU in the FINISTERRE MOUNTAINS. The 2/12th was involved in the fighting around SHAGGY RIDGE. Between Feb and April they continued operations in RAMU VALLEY, and it was around this time that BERNARD BRENNAN was promoted to acting Corporal and almost immediately hospitalised with acute acne and later dermatitis.
Medically reassessed, he was evacuated to Australia about the time the 2/12th was withdrawn to AUSTRALIA. At home he was reallocated to the 52nd Australian Port Landing Craft Company in TOWNSVILLE.
Obviously unhappy with being pushed aside into a non-fighting role, he immediately applied and was accepted for Commando training on FRASER ISLAND but is brought down with a bout of malaria.
This is where his military career ends as the malaria intiates a review of his medical status, whereuponhe he is assessed as B2, unfit for further military service and is processed for discharge, completing his service on 21 Oct 1944.
The family is that of William Patrick Brennan b 26 Nov 1892, d 24 Nov 1975, buried Boonah Cemetery and Evelyn Ruth n�e Holm b 20 Dec 1894 in Gympie, d 16 May 1971, who married on 25 Nov 1913. See further detailed information at Brennan Family.
Five men of this family served in WW2 and the other four Service Records can be seen at the following links:
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Robert Neville Brennan - see his . . . . . . . . . . Military Biography.
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Donald Henry Charles Brennan - see his . . . Military Biography.
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Kenneth Brennan - see his . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millitary Biography.
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William (Bill) Brennan - see his . . . . . . . . . . . .Military Biography.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviations or acronyms which have a dotted underline can be expanded by moving the cursor over the term - e.g. WIA. The cursor will be replaced by ? and the expanded abbreviation will be displayed. This is gradually being incorporated into the site, replacing the the current expansion of abbreviations. There may be a discernable delay of about a second before the expansion is first provided.
There is also a separate list of abbreviations which is available through the menu at the top of this page or the hyperlink here. Abbreviations are inconsistent, even within a single occurence where a term is abbreviated.
There are a number of sources for tracing abbreviations used in Australian and New Zealand service records. Those used when operating with the British or US forces can generally be found, especially in World War 1. Abbreviations used solely within Australia in WW2 are most difficult to trace, particularly when they are regional. Sometimes a 'best guess' is the only answer.
Duplicated Pages
Some of the service information may appear to be duplicated although individual occurrences are not in the same order and different abbreviations used. This occurs when the unit and Army records are amalgamated upon discharge or death in Service.
Service Numbers
Service numbers in WW1 were unique to the unit (e.g. Battalion) or Corps (e.g. Artillery). In WW2 Service Numbers were unique to the State in which they were allotted. For further information about identity numbers for Service personnel, see Regimental and Service Numbers
Dates of Occurrence and Reporting
The date of reporting an incident may be hours, days or months after the date on which incident actually occurred.
The original service record is amended only when the incident is reported which means that events are not necessarily recorded in in strict chronological sequence. This is the date shown on the left of the page of the original record, and also on the left in my transcription but readers should note that at times there may be no date of reporting at all, particularly when service personel are repatriated for discharge at the end of hostilities.
To assist the reader, when transcribing the military record I have done my best to record events in their chronological sequence. This is date is on the right of the page of the original record and also on the right in my transcription.
For clarity I have transcribed all dates into the format d MMM yyyy.
Enlistment Details
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES.
MOBILIZATION ATTESTATION FORM.
To be filled in for all Persons at the Place of Assembly when called out under Part III. or IV. of the Defence Act.
Army Number......................QX37498...............................
Surname.................................BRENNAN........................Other Names......................Bernard.....................................
Unit.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Enlisted for war service at........................... Gympie........................................................................................................(Place)
..............................QUEENSLAND..................................(State)......................11 Jul 1942............................................................(Date)
A
Questions to be put to persons called out or presenting themselves for voluntary enlistment*
|
1. What is your name? |
1. Surname BRENNAN |
|
2. Where were you born? |
2. In or near the town of MARYBOROUGH in the state or country of Q'LAND |
|
3. Are you a British Subject? |
Natural Born |
|
4. What is your age and date of birth |
4. Age 21 |
|
5. (a) What is your your trade or occupation |
5. (a) Station Hand |
|
6. Are you married, single or widower? |
6. Single |
|
7. Give details of previous Military Service |
7. A.M.F.— |
|
8. If now serving, give particulars |
8. No. Q5967 Rank Tpr Unit 5 Aust Motor Regt |
|
9. Who is your actual next of kin? (Order of relationship.— wife, eldest son, eldest daughter, father, mother, eldest brother, eldest sister, eldest half-brother, eldest half-sister) |
9. Name William Brennan, |
|
10. What is your permanent address? |
10. 40 Fort St, Maryborough |
|
11. What is your religious denomination? (Answer optional) |
11. R.C. |
| 12. Have you ever been convicted by a civil court? |
12. No |
|
13. Have you any of the following Education Qualifications? |
1. Certifcate for Entry to Secondary School |
I, .....................Bernard Brennan.............................................................................................do solemnly declare that the
above answers made by me to the above questions are true and that I am willing to serve in the Australian Military Forces within or beyond the limits of the Commonwealth.
Witnessed by ....................... Capt illegible.................................B. Brennan..................................
* The person will be warned that should he give false answers to any of these questions he will be liable to heavy penalties under the Defence Act.
B
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
I have made full and careful examination of the abovenamed person in accordance with the instructions contained in the Standing Orders for Australian Army Medical Services. In my opinion he is—*
1. Fit for Class I
2. Temporarily unfit for Class I † ............................................................................................................................................................
3. Fit for Class II.
4. Temporarily unfit for Class II †.................................................................All ...........................................................................................
5. Unfit for military service † ..................................................................................................................................................................
Place .............................Gympie................................ Date .............................23Dec 1941 ........................
Signature of Examining Medical Officer .........................H. GLoilson Capt ]........................................................................................
* Classifications which are inapplicable to be struck out † Reasons for unfitness to be stated.
C
OATH OF ENLISTMENT ‡
For persons voluntarily enlisted or called upon under Part IV, of the Defence Act to serve in the Citizens Forces in time of war. Not compulsory for serving members of the Forces or those allotted to the Citizen Forces under Part XII. of the Act, but unless in any case an objection is raised, the oath should be administered to them as part of the ceremony of attestation.
I,.....................Bernard Brennan ...............swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord, the King, in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia until the cessation of the present time of war or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed, and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and cause his Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained, and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law.
SO HELP ME GOD!
Signature of Person Enlisted................. B. Brennan .........................
Subscribed at ............................... Gympie .............................. in the State of ...........................Queensland .............
this ............................ 23rd ...................................... day of .......................................December .................................. 1941 .....................
Before me—
Signature of Attesting Officer ................................Lt Illegible ....................................................................................................
‡ Persons who object to take an oath may make an affirmation in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Defence Act. In such cases the above form will be amended acccordingly and initialled by the Attesting Officer.
Handwritten note records "Commenced F.T.D. with 5 Motor Regiment 22 Dec 1941"
Overstamped with "DISCHARGED" and handwritten note "21 Oct 1944" and authorising details.
Chronological Events
(Service and Casualty Form)
|
Date |
Received |
Event/Casualty |
Date of |
Place of |
|
24 Jan 1942 |
5 Motor Regt |
Called up for F.T.D. |
22 Dec 1941 |
GYMPIE |
|
6 Feb 1942 |
Motor Regt |
Sick to C.D.S |
5 Feb 1942 |
GYMPIE |
|
13 Feb 1942 |
5 Motor Regt |
Returned from C.D.S. Gympie |
5 Feb 1942 |
GYMPIE |
|
13 Feb 1942 |
5 Motor Regt |
Sick leave - 3 days |
10 Dec 1942 |
GYMPIE |
|
26 Feb 1942 |
5 Motor Regt |
placed on A.I.F. Reserve |
17 Jan 1942 |
GYMPIE |
|
13 Jul 1942 |
5 Motor Regt |
A.I.F. Enlistment - New No QX37498 |
11 Jul 1942 |
GYMPIE |
|
29 Oct 1942 |
5 Motor Regt |
Promoted to L/Cpl |
5 Motor Regt |
16 Oct 1942 |
|
12 Jun 1943 |
5 Motor Regt |
Attended Company Assault Cse, 1 Aust W.T. Sch, Redbank (7 Jun 43 to 15 Jun 1943) |
3 Jun 1943 |
Field |
|
23 Jun 1943 |
5 Motor Regt |
Rejoined from Coy Asssault Cse, 1 Aust Army W.T. Sch., Redbank |
17 Jun 1943 |
Field |
|
4 Jul 1943 |
5 Motor Regt |
Transferred to 2/12 Bn |
3 Jul 1943 |
GYMPIE |
|
13 Jan 1944 |
2/12 BN |
Classified Proficient |
28 Jun 1943 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
8 Jul 1943 |
2/12 Bn |
T.O.S. from5 Aust Motor Regt |
3 Jul 1943 |
Aust |
|
8 Jul 1943 |
2/12 Bn |
Reverted to Pte at own Request |
28 Jul 1943 |
Aust |
|
9 Aug 1943 |
2/12 Bn |
Embarked [HMT] "KATOOMBA", TOWNSVILLE |
9 Aug 1943 |
AUST |
|
12 Aug 1943 |
2/12 Bn |
Disembarked PORT MORESBY, NEW GUINEA |
12 Aug 1943 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
10 Jan 1944 |
2/12 Bn |
Appointed L/Cpl PAID |
31 Dec 1943 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
23 Feb 1944 |
2/12 Bn |
Promoted A/Cpl |
23 Feb 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
23 FEB 1944 |
15 FD AMB |
Evac to 15 Fd Amb (PUO) |
23 Feb 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
1 Mar 1944 |
15 Fd Amb |
Trans to "X" List |
1 Mar 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
1 Mar 1944 |
15 Fd Amb |
Disch 15 fd Amb to Con. Camp (Acute Acne) |
4 Mar 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
6 Mar 1944 |
2/7 AGH |
Evac 15 Fd Amb to 2/7 AGH (Dermatitis) |
6 Mar 1944 |
NEw GUINEA |
|
15 Mar 1944 |
112 ACD |
Evac 2/7 AGH to 112 A.C.D. |
14 Mar 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
|
|
Medical Classification assessed as Medically fit to carry out certain
duties |
1 Apr 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
15 May 1944 |
112 A.C.D. |
Disch'd 112 ACD to LAE GDD |
19 Apr 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
25 Apr 1944 |
2/12 Bn |
X List. Rejd unit from LAE D.D. |
24 Apr 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
30 Mar 1944 |
2/12 Bn |
M/O to Sth Commd for on MVT to M.LAND |
29 Apr 1944 |
NEW GUINEA |
|
9 Jun 1944 |
NG REC OFF |
EMP MORESBY DEPL BRISBANE |
7 Jun 1944 |
QLD |
|
8 Jun 1944 |
GDD(Q) |
M/I ex 1 APSC for realloc |
8 Jun 1944 |
QLD |
|
20 Jul 1944 |
GDD(Q) |
M/O to 52 [Australian] Port (Landing) Craft Coy RAE |
20 Jul 1944 |
QLD |
|
21 Jul 1944 |
52 APC |
TOS from Qld L of C Area G.D.D. |
20 Jul 1944 |
QLD |
|
21 Jul 1944 |
52 APC |
Reverted to Sapper at own request |
21 Jul 1944 |
QLD |
|
22 Aug 1944 |
52 APC |
M/O on detach to Fraser Commando School [Fraser Island] |
4 Aug 1944 |
QLD |
|
29 Sep 1944 |
7 ACH |
Adm to 7 Aust Camp Hospital (BT Malaria) |
24 Sep 1944 |
QLD |
|
8 Oct 44 |
52 Port Coy |
Detained in 7 ACH ovr 7 days & tfd to 'X' List |
2 Oct 1944 |
QLD |
|
8 Oct 1944 |
52 Port Coy |
Disch 7 ACH to QLD L of C Area GDD |
2 Oct 1944 |
QLD |
|
17 Oct 1944 |
52 Port Coy |
March out to QLD L of C Area GDD for discharge |
7 Oct 1944 |
17 Oct 1944 |
|
NDG |
GDD QLD |
Medical classification assessed as "B2", (Acne Vulgaris) by final Med Board Confirmed by DDMS |
17 Oct 1944 |
QLD |
|
7 Oct 1944 |
GDD QLD |
M.In ex 7 Aust Camp Hosp for Disch |
17 Oct 1944 |
QLD |
|
|
|
Discharged |
21 Oct 1944 |
QLD |
World War 2 Infantry Battalions
Infantry Battalions in the tropics during WW2 had a strength of some 39 officers and 955 men, with four rifle companies (A, B, C and D) each of three platoons, supported by battalion headquarters and a headquarters company with six specialist platoons whose composition could vary but generally signals, pioneer, anti-aircraft, transport, mortars and administration.
Redcoats to Cams, Ian Kuring, AUSTRALIAN MILITARY HISTORY PUBLICATIONS, 2004
2nd/12th Infantry Battalion
COLOUR PATCH 2ND/12TH
AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION
The 2/12th Battalion was formed on 13 Oct 1939 as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force, part of the 18th Brigade. The unit Colour Patch insignia was the white bar over blue of the 12the Battalion, with a border of grey added to distinguish it from the militia.
The unit embarked from SYDNEY on the HMT "QUEEN MARY" for the MIDDLE EAST together with the remainder of the 18th Brigade,but was re-routed to Scotland following the fall of FRANCE to the Germans.
With the threat to the UK diminished the Australian units were redirected to the EGYPT in the MIDDLE EAST, sailing via AFRICA to ALEXANDRIA on 31 Dec 1940.
The battalion was in action at TOBRUK and subsequent campaigns finally being assigned to garrison duties in SYRIA.
In PALESTINE in early 1942 the Japanese threat saw the 2/12th reassigned to the 7th Division and relocated in AUSTRALIA.
In Aug 1942 the unit was deployed to MILNE BAY where the Australians were the first to defeat the Japanese on land. The 2/12 invaded and secured GOODENOUGH ISLAND and then sent to BUNA and SANANANDA, relocating to PORTR MORESBY in Jan 1943 and then AUSTRALIA.
Rested, retrained and reinforced the 2/12th embarks for PORT MORESBY in Aug 1943 where the battalion is held in Divisional reserve. On the last day of 1943 the battalion is committed to fight in the FINISTERRE RANGE. They joined the rest of the 18th Brigade in Jan 1944, and are part of the fighting on SHAGGY RIDGE, PROTHERO I and IIand RAMU VALLEY before returning to Australia in May 1944.
The unit returns to take part in the landing on BALIKPAPAN in July 1945. BALIKPAPAN falls quickly, and the battalion remains in BORNEO until the end of the war when men are progressively returned to Australia and demobilised. The unit is disbanded on 1 Jan 1946.
Medals and Dress Embellishments
1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Australia Service Medal 1939-1945;
Use the hyperlinks or scroll down to see further information.
War Medal 1939-1945
[Extract from Defence Honours and Awards website -Imperial Awards
The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse.
The reverse has a lion standing on a double-headed dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.
The rim is plain, and the medal hangs from a suspender. The ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration.
In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.
A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.
The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel.
Pacific Star
The Pacific Star is awarded for entry into operational service in the Pacific Theatre of Operations between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.
Navy and Merchant Navy personnel are eligible if the 1939-45 Star is earned by six months service or if they entered the Pacific Theatre between 2 March 1945 and 2 September 1945.
The Pacific Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim.
Design
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'.
Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.
Ribbon
The ribbon has central yellow and green stripes that represent the forests and the beaches of the Pacific, flanked dark blue, light blue and red stripes that represent the service of the Naval Forces and Merchant Navy, the Air Forces and the Armies.
Clasp
The Burma clasp was issued for the Pacific Star.
When the ribbon is worn alone a silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp.
War Medal 1939-1945
[Extract from Defence Honours and Awards website -Imperial Awards
The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse.
The reverse has a lion standing on a double-headed dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.
The rim is plain, and the medal hangs from a suspender. The ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration.
In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.
A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.
The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel.
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
[Extract from Defence Honours and Awards website - Imperial Awards
The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse.
The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words "THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945".
The rim is plain, and the medal hangs from a suspender.
The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, which are in turn flanked by two outer stripes, one of dark blue and the other of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Merchant Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force respectively.
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II.
The medal was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least 18 month full-time service, or three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Members of the Australian Mercantile Marine must have served the qualifying time at sea.
In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service. To be eligible for the medal a serviceman or woman must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces.