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1 RAR Association Incorporated

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VALE NX85532 CPL Doug Cartan

Published Thu 03 Oct 2019

Corporal Arthur Doug Cartan NX85532

2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF

9 – 12 – 1920 to 21 – 9 - 2019

Doug Cartan served in the 2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion 2nd AIF from 24 / 1 / 1942 – 22 / 5 / 1946.  His service included all the battles the 2/1st was involved in during the Owen Stanley Campaign (the Kokoda Trail).  This includes Templeton’s Crossing, Gorari, Suputa and then on to Sanananda.   After the battle at Suputa the strength was 17 Officers and 202 men.  The unit strength when entering The Kokoda Trail was 38 Officers and 656 men. 

The battalion returned to New Guinea for the Aitape / Wewak Campaign and returned to Australia in November 1945.

Why should this be of interest to members of 1 RAR.  The 2/1st Battalion lead the attack on Bardia and then on to Tobruk.  They fought in Greece and in Crete defeated the Germans in Retimo.  They were proud that they were the FIRST BATTALION and that their Black over Green Colours always led. 

Doug was always involved with the Association and for years would lead the 2/1st Battalion in the Sydney ANZAC Day march.  We have lost more than just a man.  We have lost one of the last fighter warriors this nation has but “WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”.

To the 1 RAR men; Be proud of your links to these Diggers.  Their Colours are on the ties you wear.  They are a part of the history of the 1st Battalions as are you, so whenever you can raise a glass to their memory and to the 1st Battalions.

Mike Waldron

1 RAR Association

 

Doug with his Daughter on ANZAC Day in Sydney 2017