| Accession Number | P05922.002 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Borneo: Balikpapan |
| Date made | 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Informal portrait of PM4510 Telegraphist Kelvin Stuart Smibert, RAN, sitting in a billycart. ...
Description
Informal portrait of PM4510 Telegraphist Kelvin Stuart Smibert, RAN, sitting in a billycart. Telegraphist Smibert, from Melbourne, Vic, enlisted on 17 June 1942 and was part of the RAN Beach Commando Group B stationed at Balikpapan. These units, collectively known as the RAN Beach Unit (RANBU), conducted local reconnaissance, signposted beaches, controlled boat traffic, and communicated with maritime forces. These beach parties saw little action, as the valuable landing ships were rarely risked. Favourite passtimes for these men included billycart racing and rifle shooting competitions. The men would bet on winners, and used wheels and an electronic timing device made from materials from the oil refineries which were scattered in this area of Borneo.