Informal portrait of, left to right, WX2465 Sergeant John O'Mahoney; WX1599 Lieutenant (later ...

Informal portrait of, left to right, WX2465 Sergeant John O'Mahoney; WX1599 Lieutenant (later Captain) Breton Douglas Norman (Bret) Langridge, known as 'Lefty' as he was shot in the right hand; and WX3093 Corporal (later Captain) Ronald Henry (Ron) Christian. Captain (Capt) Langridge, Officer Commanding D Company, 2/16th Battalion, was killed in action in New Guinea on 8 September 1942, aged 23. On 6 September 1942 D Company were assigned to defend the 21st Brigade Headquarters as the Brigade's battalions were defending positions around Mission Ridge and Efoigi village. On 8 September the 2/16th Battalion was attempting to force their way along the track toward Menari and link up with Brigade Headquarters and Capt Langridge, leading 17 and 18 Platoons, was to assist by pushing down from Brigade Headquarters. The two platoons were halted by Japanese forces across their path, Capt Langridge led his men in a fierce charge, he was shot in the chest and died. Capt Christian was awarded the Military Cross in 1943, for his "courage and initiative" at Isurava on 29 August 1942 and 30 August 1942. He was also awarded the Bar to the Military Cross in 1945 for 'conspicuous bravery and leadership' in Balikpapan on 1July 1945.