Tributes flow for brave servicemen

In Jan “Kabarli” James’ book, Forever Warriors, a number of Kimberley servicemen are profiled.

One of those profiled is Charles D’Antoine, an Aboriginal man from One Arm Point, was busy refuelling flying boats in Roebuck Bay on the fateful morning of March 3, 1942, when Japanese Zero fighters struck.

The flying boats were carrying Dutch refugees from Java, mainly women and children, who were being evacuated from Japanese occupation forces.

In a matter of moments, the Japanese began their attack on the boats, killing 88 people.

Witnessing the horrors unfolding in front of him, Mr D’Antoine jumped into the water, swimming through burning fuel and wreckage to rescue a woman and her child.

He continued to assist other survivors who had also taken to the water.

Mr D’Antoine received a bravery award for his heroic actions from the Dutch Government in 1944.

Private Matthew Otto Gregory was born on October 4, 1921, in Beagle Bay.

He worked as a baker before enlisting as a private in the 29th Garrison Battalion of the Australian Army from March 5 to August 2, 1942.

He enlisted second in the Australian Army at Port Hedland on August 3, 1942. He served in New Guinea and embarked at Brisbane on June 10, 1945 and disembarked at Morotai in New Guinea. He was discharged on May 15, 1946.

He died in Broome in September 2000, and was laid to rest in Beagle Bay.