2/29th Battalion AIF Association

25/09/2026

Ex POW Picnic

Each year before Christmas the Ex-Prisoners of War and Relatives Association - Victoria would arrange a Christmas Party which was held at bayside Keast Park in Carrum Melbourne.

It was an event that we as young kids look forward to all year.

There were carnival rides, for races by kids, mums, dads and a very special visit from Santa who would produce a gift for each and every child.

But it also provided an opportunity for the Men to gather, talk together and share a drink and few stories.

This attached video was taken by my father John (Jack) Coffey HQ Coy.

It features many men from the 2/29th Battalion in particular. The Goulden family, Cowlings, Browns, Reynolds . . . .

I would suggest this event recorded in colour would have been around 1958

The later footage in black and white is circa 1956

If you can add a name to the list please do so.

"We Will Remember Them"

24/09/2026

“Boys From The Bush” Memorial Service

The 2/29th Battalion Association are holding a memorial service on Sunday 11th October in country Victoria.

The service will be conducted in Newborough Square Darimurla Ave Newborough opposite the Yallourn Newborough RSL commencing at 11am.

The service is an opportunity to remember in particular the Men of the 2/29th Battalion who lived and were from the Gippsland area, but it is also a time to pay tribute and remember any service persons that served in any conflict.

After the service we will adjourn to the Moe RSL for lunch.
We look forward to seeing you there on the day.

"We Will Remember Them"

For further information contact
Andrew Coffey
President 2/29th Battalion Association
0408 998 221

16/09/2026

Men of The 2/29th Battalion

Pictured in Malaya
Pte SMITH Eric William
VX 34905
D Coy second from the right back row.
Sent this photo home to his mother

"To Mum, With Lots of Love Eric"

Can anyone else assist with names?
(Note pet monkey front row!)

26/08/2026

Men Of The Battalion

Pte SMITH Eric William
VX 34905
D Coy

Pte SMITH was born in South Melbourne on 20th April 1916 he enlisted in Fitzroy on 26th June 1940, he was 24 years old at that time, single, his religion was Church of England, he listed his occupation as Cotton Spinner his next of kin was his mother residing at Charles Street Abbotsford.

He embarked for Malaya on 30th July 1941, fought in the Battle of Muar and was listed as missing 10th April1942. He was officially listed as a Prisoner of War on 31st December 1943. He was held at Changi Prison and worked on F Force on the Thai Burma Railway.

Pte SMITH was eventually liberated and returned to Australia 9th October 1945

Pte SMITH was single when he returned from the war and married his sister’s best friend Kathleen Coen.

Eric worked most of his life for the Preston Council after returning. his family do not know a great deal about his early life, or his youth unfortunately as he was part of the quiet generation.

He was happily married to Kathleen and had two children Rodney and Jennifer. Eric was well respected and would give anyone a helping hand in the neighbourhood and at work.

Well liked but a man of few words. Unfortunately due to malnutrition Eric came back from the war with nerve deafness, information gathered from his niece indicated that he came back a very different man.

He looked like he was on the outside looking in and stayed in the background in most situations. He was a kind loving father and a wonderful husband to Kathleen.

Pte SMITH died in 1991 at home in Reservoir.

“We Will Remember Them”

14/08/2026

Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day

VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day, also referred to as Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, is celebrated on 15 August. This date commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender on 14 August 1945.

For Australians, it meant that the Second World War was finally over.

15/07/2026

Men of The 2/29th Battalion

In camp Mount Martha Victoria
August 1940

14/07/2026

“Boys From The Bush” Memorial Service

The 2/29th Battalion Association are holding a memorial service on Sunday 11th October in country Victoria.

The service will be conducted in Newborough Square Darimurla Ave Newborough opposite the Yallourn Newborough RSL commencing at 11am.

The service is an opportunity to remember in particular the Men of the 2/29th Battalion who lived and were from the Gippsland area, but it is also a time to pay tribute and remember any service persons that served in any conflict.

After the service we will adjourn to the Moe RSL for lunch.

We look forward to seeing you there on the day.

"We Will Remember Them"

For further information contact
Andrew Coffey
President 2/29th Battalion Association
0408 998 221

12/07/2026

Remembering Prisoners of War service

11/07/2026