Forward Scout

Portrait of Private Thomas Hanley, N452848, Forward Scout in 9 Australian Infantry Battalion, his rifle slung across his left shoulder and wearing a green beret. At the time when this portrait was painted, Pte Hanley had been with the battalion for six months, seeing his first action in Bougainville on the Numa Numa trail, and in the Jaba River area. He had distinguished himself for his fearlessness, his quick and accurate shooting, and his bush craft. His previous experience as a horse breaker and kangaroo hunter placed him in good stead for determination and use of the rifle.

In a letter, the artist wrote of Private Hanley: "Private Hanley is barely out of his teens, like many lads here, but in spite of his youthful appearance (with fresh, clean face, showing no hint of care or anxiety even though he has just come out of action only a few days previously ) he has proven himself a grim and deadly opponent to the Japanese". ( April, 1945)