Nabiac born George Angus Paterson was a soldier who saw action in both World War II and the Korean War.
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He was killed in action at the battle of Chongchon River, Korea on November 5, 1950.
George was born on May 19, 1921 and enlisted in the Australian Army at Foster, Victoria on November 19, 1942, registering his locality as Bunyah. He was a Trooper posted to 2/2nd Independent Company, 4 section B troop, and embarked with his unit on June 17, 1943, aboard the ship Duntroon bound for Port Moresby.
On arrival, there they were subsequently flown to Bena Bena Airfield near the Bismarck Range in New Guinea highlands.
The company saw action at this location skirmishing with the Japanese until the end of the month. However, the company, including George, saw continuous action until October 1944, returning to Australia aboard the ship, SS Taroona, on September 3, 1944.
Following 90 days leave, the Squadron reformed at Strathpine QLD and they re-embarked on the SS Taroona on April 9, 1945. 2/2 was Australia 's first Commando unit which fought the Japanese to a standstill in the Portuguese colony of Timor. The company returned to Australia aboard the ship SS Taroona on September 3, 1945 and George took his discharge on January 29, 1946.
George re-enlisted in the army on October 29, 1950 and was posted to 3 Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), landing at Pusan, South Korea, where the Battalion had been a month before.
The Chinese launched their first offensive on November 1, 1950 causing a withdrawal of the United Nations force, including 3 RAR. T3 RAR blocked the enemy attack on November 4 - 5, 1950 at the Chongchon River where George was killed. He was 29 years old.
George Paterson's body, along with the bodies of seven British soldiers, were handed over by North Korea. They were re-buried in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery at Pusan, South Korea. A wreath was laid and the service conducted by a Presbyterian Padre, Senior Chaplain R M Park.
Private George Angus Paterson's name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on Tuesday, November 17 at 10.36pm. George served his nation in times of peril, his name will live for evermore.
Lest We Forget
The RSL Gloucester Sub Branch will hold a COVID-safe Remembrance Day service on November 11 at the Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower at 11am. Members of the sub branch and Women's Auxiliary will be around town throughout the day and evening of Friday November 6 selling badges and pens.
