Ballantyne, John Stuart 'Jack' (Lieutenant, b.1914)

Collection consists of a nine page typed account titled 'Rabaul to Moresby - Not by regular routes'. Although not named or signed, it is believed the account was written by VX29934 Lieutenant John Stuart 'Jack' Ballantyne of 2/22nd Battalion. The account spans the period 24 January to 5 May 1942 and describes his escape through the jungle; the different parties he met up with; scavenging for food; voyage on the pinnace 'Lottie Don' from New Britain to New Ireland; time spent re-provisioning and preparing a schooner called the 'Quong Wah'; voyage from Muliama to Buna in New Guinea and eventual freedom.

Rabaul fell to the Japanese on 23 January 1942. 'Lark Force', of which the 2/22nd Battalion was a part, was ordered by their commander, Colonel John Scanlan, to withdrawal on the basis of 'every man for himself'. Unprepared for retreat, chaos ensued and Lark Force disintegrated. In the following days, several parties ranging from company-strength down to pairs and individuals, sought to escape along New Britain's north and south coasts. Some found small boats and got away under their own auspices; others were picked up by larger vessels operating from New Guinea. Around 400 members of Lark Force managed to return to Australia, 300 of which were members of the 2/22nd.