Corporal Arthur Doug Cartan NX85532

2/1^st Australian Infantry Battalion AIF

9 – 12 – 1920 to 21 – 9 - 2019

Doug Cartan served in the 2/1^st Australian Infantry Battalion 2^nd AIF from 24 / 1 / 1942 – 22 / 5 / 1946.  His service included all the battles the 2/1^st 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 2/1^st 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 2/1^st 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 1^st Battalions as are you, so whenever you can raise a glass to their memory and to the 1^st Battalions.

Mike Waldron

1 RAR Association

Doug with his Daughter on ANZAC Day in Sydney 2017