Major-general performed all tasks allotted â and some that werenât
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By Jill Garland
12.38pm
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DONALD RAYMOND BEGG: 1924-2021
In early 1945, a newly minted Duntroon Lieutenant joined the Royal Australian Artillery. He prepared to join the Australian Imperial Force in Balikpapan, Borneo. On arrival at the allied base in Morotai, Indonesia, he was ordered to stay and help with campsite improvements.
Deeming this a waste of his training in gunnery and jungle warfare, the Lieutenant wandered back to the docks and discovered the troopship
Kanimbla about to leave for Balikpapan, so he walked on board. He reasoned if he was discovered as a stowaway he wouldnât be charged with desertion because he was going