Watkins, Leslie W (Private, b: 1919)

Manuscript `As I remember it' describes Watkins' enlistment in 6th Div, training and service with 12 Platoon, B Company, 2/13 Battalion. Describes Kilo 89 Camp in Palestine, action at Barce and pass at Er Rejima, service at Tobruk during April-December 1941, mentioning night patrols, the Salient, friendship with British soldiers, disappointment at aborted evacuation by ship, Polish soldiers, Ed Duda, and eventual withdrawal. Describes movements through Tripoli and Lattakia, demotion from Corporal to Private and transfer to Bn Quarterstore, then into Tank Attack Platoon, and participation in Battle of El Alamein and Operation Supercharge (by now, Bn is part of 9 Div.). Returns to Australia, receiving Jungle Warfare training, participates in landing at Lae and Finschhafen in New Guinea. Volunteers for special mission, which turns out to be S.R.D. with Allied Intelligence Bureau. Receives specialist training at Fraser Island, Richmond, and Garden Island, including instruction from previous members of Operation Jaywick. Before going into action with S.R.D., Watkins is discharged on medical grounds.