Albert Chowne VC Rest Area, Murrays Flats NSW Australia
S 34° 44.628 E 149° 53.266
55H E 764371 N 6151569
This rest area is also a military memorial to a fallen soldier.
Waymark Code: WM7NR5
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 11/14/2009
Views: 22
From the sign at this rest area:
"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."
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There are toilets, picnic tables and trash facilities at this rest stop. There is also a geocache here: GC19FK6 REMEMBRANCE DRIVEWAY CHOWNE. The location is between Murray Flats and Marulan.
Highway Number: Hwy 31
Common Name for the Highway: Hume Highway
Highway Access Direction: Either Direction
Rest Area Name: Albert Chowne VC Memorial Rest Area
Facilities:
Toilets, Picnic Tables, trash receptical, and a geocache.
Services:
None.
Special Features:
Memorial, as noted above.
WiFi: no
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