Rhodes, Roy Alexander (Sergeant, b:1921)

Related to the Second World War service of NX123697 (N18376) Sergeant Roy Alexander Rhodes.
[item 1] Typescript entitled "Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit, ANGAU" by R A Rhodes. The author served in the District Services and Native Affairs section (1943-1946). He outlines the history of the Unit which replaced the civilian government during the war years, and gives detailed information on the divisional structure and functions. 5 pages.
[item 2] Contemporary copy of a photograph taken on Sohana Island, Buka Passage, Bougainville, 1945. Pictured with one of the police boys, Sgt Rhodes is holding a large-billed cuckoo, known locally as a "cuckamo".

Roy Alexander Rhodes was born in Sydney on 20 February 1921. He enlisted with the AIF on 7 August 1940 in Double Bay, Sydney. Sgt Rhodes then served with 30 Battalion. He joined ANGAU (Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit) in 1943. This was the only Australian unit with its own general, Major General Basil M Morris. Sgt Rhodes worked in District Services Native Affairs and was based at Sohano Island, Buka Passage, Bougainville. Towards the end of the war, he held the acting postion of WO2, but this was not finalised. During his last year with ANGAU, Rhodes was involved in setting up the civil administration for the region. He was discharged in July 1946. Rhodes returned to Australia and established a successful career in the retail industry. He rose to be a Commonwealth buyer and NZ Manager for Woolworths. He moved to London to work, and then on his return to Australia, became CEO of Winns in 1976, which owned 28 branches.