| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR00179 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 1 wallet: 1cm |
| Object type | Letter |
| Maker |
McIlroy, Kenneth Allen |
| Date made | 1942 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 92/0624 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
| Copying Provisions | Copyright expired. Copying permitted subject to physical condition. Permission for reproduction not required. |
McIlroy, Kenneth Alan, (Gunner, b.1920 - d.1945)
Description
Two original handwritten letters written by Gunner McIlroy to his family and fiance Joan describing the involvement of 2/15 Field Regiment in the Battle of Muar River. The letters describe the battle, being surrounded by Japanese troops, withdrawing by swimming the river, being machine-gunned by Japanese planes whilst swimming the river, having to leave everything behind, the loss of all his cobbers, the relief that he had survived the "hell on earth", and the Australian soldiers as "supermen". Gunner McIlroy died of illness on 5 July 1945 following the Sandakan-Rinau death march.