Japanese 50 sen note: Private R L Roberts, 3 Battalion, AMF

Japanese 50 sen note, serial no. 1405, issued in 1938. The has been circulated and shows signs of heavy use wear, and there is a dark brown stain in the centre of the note on both sides. It has a central vertical fold mark.

The note was found in a wallet which was picked up by NX163240 (N43906) Private Richard Leslie 'Jack' Roberts near Templeton's Crossing on the Kokoda Trail on the morning of 21 October 1942. At the time he was serving with 3 Battalion, AMF (militia), which was attached in support of 16 Infantry Brigade, comprising 2/1, 2/2 and 2/3 Battalions. On 20 October members of the Brigade were sent to clear the Japanese, who were blocking the Kokoda Trail as it ran beside the Eora Creek ravine immediately beyond Templeton's Crossing. The heavy fighting lasted all day and was carried out in poor visibility owing to the jungle growth, and on steep and slippery terrain. Fierce pockets of Japanese resistance were eventually overcome and the Japanese retreated overnight leaving abandoned equipment and papers for the Australians to find the following morning.

Jack Roberts was born in Wellington, NSW, on 4 September 1917 and served in 3 (militia) Battalion before the Second World War. He continued with 3 Battalion after the outbreak of war and was posted to New Guinea with the service number N43906. He joined the Second AIF, with the number NX163240, on 19 April 1943 and transferred to 2/3 Battalion. Roberts was discharged on 11 April 1946.