Ralp Coyne's Wartime Experiences as a Commando 1942-45 (Coyne, Ralph Joseph; VX64257, Sergeant)

Typed and bound manuscript, 'Ralph Coyne's wartime experiences as a commando 1942-45', an autobiographical memoir written by Ralph Coyne.

The manuscript is an account of the Second World War service of Ralph Joseph Coyne (VX64527, Sergeant) in the 2/4 Commando Company (original the 2/4 Independent Company). The manuscript provides general historical descriptions of events during the Second World War, and also includes a detailed personal memoir of Coyne's time in the Commando Company. Coyne was a signaller who volunteered to join the 2/4 Independent Company early in the war. After training at Wilsons Promontory, he was deployed to the Northern Territory, especially in the Victoria River region. In September 1942 the Company was deployed to Timor to reinforce the 2/2 Independent Company, and to monitor Japanese movements and deployments. The manuscript describes the event where the HMAS Voyager ran aground. In January 1943 he was evacuated by HMAS Arunta, and, after further training at Canungra Jungle Training Centre, he, along with the Company, was attached to 26 Brigade and deployed to New Guinea, including the battle at Lae. He also served at Tarakan. The manuscript also includes a short description of events after Coyne's war service.