KNEEN, THOMAS PAUL Rank: Major Service No: NX65838 Date of Death: 01/07/1942 Age: 28 Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry A.I.F. 2/5 Indep. Coy. Panel Reference: Panel 2. Memorial: LAE MEMORIAL Additional Information: Son of Edwyn Corlett Kneen and Cecil Maud Kneen, of Douglas, Isle of Man. Casualty Details
1941 - Pacific Islands: New Caledonia, Noumea, Ouen Toro An informal portrait of three members of Robin Force beside one the two six inch heavy coastal artillery guns in a battery recently completed at Ouen Toro, a position overlooking Noumea. Lieutenant ... - An informal portrait of three members of Robin Force beside one the two six inch heavy coastal artillery guns in a battery recently completed at Ouen Toro, a position overlooking Noumea. Lieutenant Robert Gabriel NX19753 Greene is central looking directly at the camera behind Lieutenant Greene is an unidentified soldier. NX65838 (N79665) Thomas Paul (Paul) Kneen, Runner and Batman to NX71033 Captain (Capt) Charles Harris Arnell Carty-Salmon, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA), sits astride the barrel of one of the two guns that were part of the reinforcements sent by the Australian War Cabinet to bolster the Free French forces defending New Caledonia. Robin Force consisted mainly of the 3rd Independent (Commando) Company, but also included an artillery component commanded by Capt Carty-Salmon, Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). The gunners and supporting engineers arrived at Noumea on 21 July 1941 and commenced work on the two gun positions. Capt Carty-Salmon's team quickly constructed the gun emplacements, assembled the guns with support from local labour and trained the Free French Militia in their use.
"Runner & Batman" (so probably a Private or Lance-Corporal) in mid 1941 KIA as a Major barely 12 months later Impressive, even by wartime standards.
