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Ernest Walter Marshall
Marshall enlisted into the Australian Army on the 2nd of May 1941. He completed training and rose rapidly through the ranks within the armoured division located at Puckapunyal. It was here that Marshall first encountered the independent company. After a meeting with a Major Walker, he was taken on board as Company Sergeant Major of the 2/4th Independent Company.
He moved with the company to the Northern Territory where they prepared to fight a guerilla war if the Japanese attacked. However, it was clear that no attack was coming, and plans were made to send them elsewhere. The company was moved to Timor, where they carried out operations on the island against both Japanese and local indigenous fighters who had sided with them. Throughout the campaign, the company was engaged in almost constant fighting with the enemy. Throughout the battle, Marshall lead 23 separate actions where the enemy was engaged. Ultimately, he was awarded the Military medal for his service and leadership. His citation reads:
“For courage and leadership in operating against natives organized and led by the Japanese. Over a period covering the months of October, November and Early December. At every opportunity this soldier, by determined leadership engaged the enemy in the Kablak – Nunamogue _Hataa Builico area, thereby undoubtedly delaying the permanent progressive penetration of Japs and hostile natives in the Ainaro area. His section engaged the enemy on 23 occasions inflicting casualties estimated to exceed 200 dead, including 15 Japs. The section suffered no casualties themselves and eventually were only forced to abandon their tactical position due to the weight of numbers and excessive sickness within the section”
By the year’s end, the situation had become untenable on the island and by December the company was evacuated back to Queensland. In early 1943, Marshall’s ability as a leader was recognised and he was promoted to lieutenant.
From here, the 2/4th was renamed from ‘Independent Company’ to ‘Cavalry Commando’s’, before being simplified to Commando Squadron. They were sent to Milne Bay where they became part of the 9th Division and took part in the landings at Lae. Following the battle, the squadron took up long range patrolling actions before later being returned to Queensland. They would see one final bout of action when in 1945 they again took part in the landings at Moratai.
Following the war, when the squadron was disbanded, Marshall wished to remain in the army and volunteered to serve in BCOF (British Commonwealth Occupation Force) as part of the occupation of southern Japan. Upon arrival, in early 1946, he and three other officers were awarded medals for gallantry which had not been issued during the war itself. Marshall receiving his Military Medal. After this, he was assigned to the 66th Battalion and would remain with the unit until mid-1948 when as an Acting Captain he would return to Australia on the sick list.
Marshall staid in the army, though never deployed to was again. In the 1950's, then a Major, he joined the newly formed Special Air Service Regiment.
Four officers after being awarded overdue medals, Tokyo 1946. AWM Collection
From left: Lieutenant Colonel Colvin DSO and Bar, Major Makenzie MC, Captain Garland MC and Lieutenant Marshall MM
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Article about a uniform believed to have belonged to Marshall MM.
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