The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded
for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed
forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire
territories.
The following is an excerpt from the plaque at the rest area,
and is based on the original citation,
Albert Chowne VC NX24405 Lieutenant Albert CHOWNE MM 2/2nd
Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF 25th March, 1945, near Dagua,
New Guinea
For most conspicuous bravery, brilliant leadership and devotion
to duty during an attack on an enemy position on a narrow ridge
near Dagua, New Guinea, on 25th March, 1945. After the capture of
Dagua, the main enemy force withdrew southwards from the beach to
previously prepared positions on the flank of the Division. Further
movement towards Wewak was impossible while this threat to the
flank existed and the Battalion was ordered to destroy the enemy
force. "A" Company, after making contact with the enemy on a narrow
ridge, was ordered to attack the position. The leading Platoon in
the attack came under heavy fire from concealed enemy machine-guns
sited on a small rise dominating the approach. In the initial
approach one member of this Platoon was killed and nine wounded,
including the Platoon Commander, and the enemy continued to inflict
casualties on our troops. Without awaiting orders, Lieutenant
Chowne, whose Platoon was in reserve, instantly appreciated the
plight of the leading Platoon and rushed the enemy's position.
Running up a steep, narrow track, he hurled grenades which knocked
out two enemy Light Machine-Guns. Then, calling on his men to
follow him, and firing his sub-machine gun from the hip, he charged
the enemy's position. Although he sustained two serious wounds in
the chest, the impetus of his charge carried him 50 yards forward
under the most intense machine-gun and rifle fire. Lieutenant
Chowne accounted for two more Japanese before he was killed
standing over three foxholes occupied by the enemy.
The superb heroism and self-sacrifice of this officer
culminating in his death, resulted in the capture of this
strongly-held enemy position, ensured the further immediate success
of his Company in this area and paved the way directly for the
continuance of the Division's advance to Wewak.
(London Gazette: 6th September, 1945)
Albert CHOWNE was born in Sydney, 19th July, 1920. He is buried
at the Lae War Cemetery, New Guinea.
FTF honours go to
McPhan
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