Kuskopf, Benjamin Arthur (Private, b.1921 - d.1945)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of Q100630 Private Benjamin Arthur Kuskopf, 9 Australian Infantry Battalion, Citizens Military Force, New Guinea and Australia, 1942 and [unknown date].

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of one copy of a letter from Private Benjamin Arthur Kuskopf to his mother, Mrs Charlotte Kuskopf. The original letter, dated 1 October 1942, was written while he was serving with 9 Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea. This copy of the letter was created by Private Kuskopf’s sister, Mrs Lavena Evelyn Marshall (née Kuskopf). In his letter, Private Kuskopf writes of his thoughts regarding death, dying and faith, and attempts to prepare his mother for his possible death while serving.

Private Benjamin Arthur Kuskopf enlisted to the Citizens Military Force on 23 May 1941. He was mobilised in October 1941, and was taken on strength to 9 Australian Infantry Battalion. Private Kuskopf went on to serve with this unit in Queensland, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. On 19 February 1945, Private Kuskopf was wounded in action while serving at Bougainville. He died on 21 February 1945, and was eventually buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea.