Tom Derrick

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Thomas Currie Derrick
Tom Derrick
Nickname(s)"Diver"
Buried
Labuan War Cemetery
AllegianceAustralia Commonwealth of Australia
Service/branchAustralian Army
Years of service1940 – 1945
RankLieutenant
Battles/warsSecond World War
AwardsVictoria Cross
Distinguished Conduct Medal

Thomas Currie Derrick VC, DCM (20 March 1914 – 24 May 1945) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Well known by his nickname of "Diver", Derrick was awarded the Victoria Cross following his assault on a heavily defended Japanese position at Sattelberg, New Guinea, in November 1943 during the Second World War. During the engagement, he scaled a cliff face while subject to heavy fire and was able to silence seven machine gun posts, before leading his platoon in a charge that destroyed a further three.

Born in a suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, Derrick left school at the age of fourteen and gained employment at a bakery. As the Great Depression grew worse, he lost his job and moved to Berri, where he found a job on a fruit farm. Marrying in 1939, Derrick enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force during July 1941, and was allotted to the 2/48th Battalion. Shipped to the Middle East, he served during the Siege of Tobruk where he was recommended for the Military Medal and promoted to corporal. At El Alamein, Derrick was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his efforts in destroying three German machine gun posts, two tanks and capturing one hundred prisoners.

Returning to Australia during February 1943, Derrick undertook an extensive period of training with his battalion before they were posted for service in the South West Pacific Theatre. Assisting in the capture of Lae, he returned to Australia in February 1944 and was posted to an officer cadet training unit. Commissioned as a lieutenant in November, Derrick re-embarked with his battalion to Morotai in April 1945. Fighting at Tarakan during May, he was engaged in action on the heavily defended hill Freda when he was hit by five bullets from a Japanese machine gun. Derrick died from his wounds on 24 May 1945.

Early life

Derrick was born in the Adelaide suburb of Medindie, South Australia, on 20 March 1914 to David Derrick, a labourer from Ireland, and his Australian wife, Ada (née Whitcombe). The Derricks were not well off, and Tom often walked barefoot to attend Sturt Street Public School and later Le Fevre Peninsula School.[1] In 1928, age fourteen, Derrick left school and gained employment in a bakery. By this time, he had developed a keen interest in sports, particularly cricket, Australian Rules Football, boxing and swimming; it was Derrick's diving in the Port River that earned him the nickname of "Diver".[2]

As the Great Depression took effect, Derrick subsisted on the proceeds of odd jobs, such as fixing bicycles and selling newspapers, in conjunction with his job as a baker. In 1931, as the Depression grew worse, Derrick lost his job at the bakery and he and some friends rode their bicycles towards Berri—a destination approximately 225 kilometres (140 mi) away—in search of employment.[3] Upon arrival, Derrick and two others spent the next few months living in a tent on the banks of the Murray River while looking for work. As the annual Royal Adelaide Show opened, Derrick made his way to the boxing pavilion where he bet he could stay upright for three rounds with the ex-lightweight champion of Australia. After being knocked down in the second round, he immediately stood up again and won the bet; albeit at the cost of a black eye and a few bruised ribs.[4]

In the later months of 1931, Derrick eventually found employment working as a fruit picker at a vineyard in Winkie, where he later became a full time worker on a fruit farm; he remained there for the next nine years.[5] Having met at a dance seven years previously,[6] Derrick married Clarance Violet "Beryl" Leslie at St Laurence's Catholic Church, North Adelaide, on 24 June 1939.[1]

Second World War

Derrick did not volunteer for military service when war broke out in September 1939 but, like many other Australians, decided to enlist after the fall of France in June 1940.[7] Joined the Second Australian Imperial Force on 5 July 1940,[8] he was allotted to the 2/48th Battalion, 26th Brigade, as a private. Derrick was sent to Wayville Showgrounds where he joined his unit, before receiving his initial training at Woodside.[9][10] Derrick thrived on military life, but found discipline difficult to accept.[7]

In preparation for its embarkation to the Middle East, the 2/48th Battalion paraded through the streets of Adelaide to Mitcham railway station in October. The battalion's voyage overseas, however, was delayed until the following month when the unit boarded the SS Stratheden on 17 November.[9] Derrick was confined to the ship when it stopped at Perth for going absent without leave in order to sightsee. He was later placed on a charge and fined for punching another soldier who taunted him over this.[7]

North Africa

Arriving in El Kantara, Palestine, the 2/48th Battalion encamped in the area and began training in desert warfare. During this time, the battalion set up athletic contests and Derrick became well known for his frequent wins in the cross-country races, in conjunction with a book he set up on the competitions.[9] In March 1941, the unit was shipped by train and trucks to Alexandria, Egypt, and then along the North African coast to Cyrenaica, in Libya, where they formed up as part of the 9th Australian Division.[10][11]

Sergeant T. C. Derrick, November 1943

From Cyrenaica, the 2/48th Battalion completed its training with the 9th Division,[10] prior to moving further along the coast to Gazala. As the unit began to dig in, they were abruptly withdrawn back down the coast to Tobruk in wake of the German Afrika Korps' advance.[11] They entered the city itself on 9 April 1941, and spent the following eight months holding Tobruk while under siege from Axis forces.[10] During this time, Derrick acquired an Italian Breda machine gun and regularly led patrols in attacks against both German and Italian troops.[11] While Derrick's bravery was noted during the siege, he recorded experiencing a continual fear of death in his diary.[12]

On the night of 30 April, the Axis forces launched a severe assault on the Tobruk defences and managed to gain a substantial section of territory. In response to this, the 2/48th Battalion was ordered to execute a counter-attack the following evening. During the ensuing engagement, Derrick fought as a section member in the far left flank of the attack. Having suffered heavy casualties in what Derrick described as "a bobby dazzler of a fire fight", the battalion was forced to withdraw. Praised for his leadership and bravery during the assault,[13] Derrick was immediately promoted to corporal,[3][13] and recommended for the Military Medal. The award, however, was never made.[13]

In late May, Derrick discovered a German posing as a British tank officer and reported him to company headquarters; the man was subsequently taken into custody as a spy.[14] Following a period of heavy fighting in June, the 2/48th Battalion was placed in reserve for a few days the following month. Promoted to platoon sergeant in September, Derrick—along with the rest of his battalion—was withdrawn from Tobruk and returned to Palestine aboard HMS Kingston on 22 October. Disembarking at Tel Aviv, they were granted three days leave in the city, before returning to a period of training.[14]

Following a period of rest and garrison duties in Syria, the 2/48th Battalion was rushed to El Alamein, Egypt, in order to reinforce the British Eighth Army's position.[10] During the First Battle of El Alamein on 10 July 1942,[5] Derrick took part in the 26th Australian Brigade's attack on Tel el Eisa.[10] In the initial assault, Derrick, against a barrage of German grenades, led an attack against three machine gun posts and succeeded in destroying the positions in combination with capturing over one hundred prisoners.[1][5] As the Axis troops counter-attacked that evening, the Australian line was overrun by a unit of tanks. As the German infantry following the tanks came forward, Derrick's Company led a charge against the men.[15] During the engagement, Derrick managed to destroy two German tanks through the use of Sticky bombs.[1][5] Commended for his "outstanding leadership and courage", Derrick was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the fighting at Tel el Eisa.[16] The announcement of the award was published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 18 February 1943.[17]

We could see Diver standing in the carrier, Tommy gun in hand, the top half of his body exposed. It was like a chap riding a horse into a hail of fire. You could hear the bullets splattering off the metal sides of the carrier. I thought, "God, he'll never come out of that."

Private Joe Ratta[18]

Promoted to sergeant on 28 July,[5] Derrick led a patrol of six men in an intelligence reconnaissance on 3 October, where the group managed to pinpoint several German machine gun positions and strongholds; this information was to be vital for the upcoming Second Battle of El Alamein.[19] The El Alamein offensive was launched on 23 October, with the 9th Australian Division taking part.[10] At one point during the engagement, Derrick jumped up onto an Allied gun carrier heading towards the Germans. Armed with a Thompson submachine gun and under intense heavy fire, Derrick attacked and knocked out three machine gun posts while standing in the carrier. He then had the driver reverse up to each post so as he could ensure each position was silenced. By the following morning, Derrick's platoon occupied all three posts. The members of the 2/48th Battalion who witnessed Derrick's action were sure he would be awarded the Victoria Cross, however no recommendation was made.[18] For part of 31 October, Derrick assumed command of his company after all of the unit's officers had been killed or wounded in fierce fighting.[20]

On 21 November 1943, Derrick was briefly admitted to the 2/3rd Australian Field Ambulance with slight shrapnel wounds to his right hand and buttock.[21] Twelve days later, the 2/48th Battalion left El Alamein and returned to Gaza in Palestine,[10] where Derrick attended a corps patrolling course later that month.[21] In January 1943, the 2/48th Battalion embarked aboard the S.S. Nieuw Amsterdam and commenced its return to Australia along with the rest of the 9th Division.[10][22]

South West Pacific

Disembarking at Port Melbourne in late February 1943,[10][22] Derrick was granted a period of leave and travelled by train to Adelaide where he spent time with Beryl. He rejoined his battalion—which was now encamped in the outskirts of Adelaide—before they proceeded by train to the Atherton Tableland where they were to receive training in jungle warfare. Brought up to full strength by the end of April, the 2/48th Battalion completed its training following landing-craft exercises near Cairns.[23] During this time, Derrick was attached for duty to the Headquarters of the 21st Brigade in July. Admitted to hospital with injuries to his right eye later the same day, Derrick returned to the 2/48th Battalion on 27 August, where he was briefly attached to the 2/43rd Battalion.[21]

On 3 August 1943, the members of the 2/48th Battalion boarded HT Allen at Cairns, bound for Milne Bay, New Guinea. Arriving three days later,[21] the unit spent the rest of the month training, in preparation for the Allied attack on Lae.[1][24] The unit's objective was to land on a strip of land designated as "Red Beach", and then fight their way approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) west towards Lae. Following a bombardment by American destroyers, Derrick's wave landed on the beach with minimal casualties on 4 September. Ten days later, the 2/48th Battalion's C Company—led by Derrick's platoon—captured Malahang airstrip, before Lae fell to the Allies on 16 September.[24] Derrick was scornful of the Japanese defence of Lae, and wrote in his diary that "our greatest problem was trying to catch up" with the retreating Japanese force.[25]

Victoria Cross

Following Lae, the 9th Division was tasked with the seizure of Finschhafen, to clear the Huon Peninsula and gain control of the Vitiaz Strait. By 2 October, one of the division's brigades had managed to gain a foothold on Finschhafen, but soon encountered fierce resistance from Japanese forces. Following an assault on the Australian position by the Japanese in the area, the 26th Brigade was transferred to reinforce the Australian position on 20 October. As the division switched to the offensive, the 26th Brigade was ordered to capture Sattelberg in November.[5] A densely wooded hill, Sattelberg rose 1,000 metres (1,100 yd) and served as the dominant feature in the Finschhafen region;[26] it was in an assault on this position that Derrick earned the Victoria Cross.[27]

First look at the ground made the task a suicide one. Jap bunkers on top could fire down on us and drop grenades down, a very sticky position indeed. Decided to give it a go using 4 and 5 sections. The move off required great courage and nerve and not a single man hesitated.

Sergeant Tom Derrick[28]

The Australian attack on Sattelberg began in mid-November, with the Japanese slowly giving ground and withdrawing back up the precipitous slopes. Each side was suffering heavy casualties, and on 20 November, Derrick was placed in command of B Company's 11 platoon after the unit had "lost all but one of their leaders".[26] By the 22 November, the 2/23rd and 2/48th Battalions had reached the southern slopes of Sattelberg, holding a position approximately 600 metres (660 yd) from the summit. Any further use of tanks was prevented at this stage following a landslide on the road, and the final assault was left to the infantry.[5]

On 24 November, the 2/48th Battalion's B Company was ordered to outflank a strong Japanese position sited on a cliff face, and then to attack a feature 140 metres (150 yd) from the Sattelberg township. Due to the nature of the country, the only possible approach to the town was through an open patch of kunai grass situated immediately beneath the top of the cliffs. Over a period of two hours, the Australians made several attempts to clamber up the slopes to reach their objective, but each time they were repulsed by intense machine gun fire and grenade bombardment by the Japanese. As dusk fell, it appeared that it would be impossible to reach the objective or even retain the ground already occupied and as such the company was ordered to withdraw.[5][29] On learning this, Derrick replied to his company commander: "Bugger the CO. Just give me twenty more minutes and we'll have this place. Tell him I'm pinned down and can't get out."[30]

Sergeant Tom Derrick hoists the Australian Red Ensign at Sattelberg, New Guinea.

Moving forward with his platoon, Derrick attacked a Japanese post that had been holding up the advance. Successfully destroying the position with grenades, he ordered his second section around to the right flank. The section soon came under heavy machine gun and grenade fire from six Japanese posts.[5][29] Clambering up the cliff face, Derrick held on with one hand while hurling grenades into the weapons pits with the other in what was likened to "a man ...  shooting for [a] goal at basketball". Climbing further up the cliff under heavy fire and in full view of the Japanese soldiers, Derrick continued to attack the posts with grenades before following up with accurate rifle fire. Within twenty minutes, he had reached the peak after clearing seven posts,[30] during which time the demoralised Japanese defenders had fled from their positions to the buildings of Sattelberg.[28][29]

Derrick then returned to his platoon, where he gathered his first and third sections in preparation for an assault on the three remaining machine gun posts in the area. Attacking the posts, Derrick personally rushed forward on four separate occasions and threw his grenades at a range of about 7 metres (7.7 yd), before all three were silenced.[5][29] Derrick's platoon held their position that night,[28] before the 2/48th Battalion moved in to take Sattelberg unopposed the following morning.[5] Following the battalion commander's insistence that Derrick personally hoist the Australian flag over the town,[28] it was raised at 10:00 on 25 November 1943.[5]

The final assault on Sattelberg was later known within the 2/48th Battalion as 'Derrick's Show'.[31] While he was already a celebrity within the 9th Division, the action brought him to wide public attention.[32] On 23 March 1944, the announcement and accompanying citation for Derrick's Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette. It read:[33]

Government House, Canberra. 23rd March 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:-

Sergeant Thomas Currie Derrick, D.C.M., Australian Military Forces.

For most conspicuous courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty during the final assault on Sattelberg in November, 1943.

On 24th November, 1943, a company of an Australian Infantry Battalion was ordered to outflank a strong enemy position sited on a precipitous cliff-face and then to attack a feature 150 yards from the township of Sattelberg. Sergeant Derrick was in command of his platoon of the company. Due to the nature of the country, the only possible approach to the town lay through an open kunai patch situated directly beneath the top of the cliffs. Over a period of two hours many attempts were made by our troops to clamber up the slopes to their objective, but on each occasion the enemy prevented success with intense machine-gun fire and grenades.

Shortly before last light it appeared that it would be impossible to reach the objective or even to hold the ground already occupied and the company was ordered to retire. On receipt of this order, Sergeant Derrick, displaying dogged tenacity, requested one last attempt to reach the objective. His request was granted.

Moving ahead of his forward section he personally destroyed, with grenades, an enemy post which had been holding up this section. He then ordered his second section around on the right flank. This section came under heavy fire from light machine-guns and grenades from, six enemy posts. Without regard for personal safety he clambered forward well ahead of the leading men of the section and hurled grenade after grenade, so completely demoralising the enemy that they fled leaving weapons and grenades. By this action alone the company was able to gain its first foothold on the precipitous ground.

Not content with the work already done, he returned to the first section, and together with the third section of his platoon advanced to deal with the three remaining posts in the area. On four separate occasions he dashed forward and threw grenades at a range of six to eight yards until these positions were finally silenced.

In all, Sergeant Derrick had reduced ten enemy posts. From the vital ground he had captured the remainder of the Battalion moved on to capture Sattelberg the following morning.

Undoubtedly Sergeant Derrick's fine leadership and refusal to admit defeat, in the face of a seemingly impossible situation, resulted in the capture of Sattelberg. His outstanding gallantry, thoroughness and devotion to duty were an inspiration not only to his platoon and company but to the whole Battalion.

Later war service

The 2/48th Battalion remained at Sattelberg until late December 1943, at which time it returned to the coast in order to regroup.[34] On Christmas Eve, Derrick noted in his diary that the next day would be his "4th Xmas overseas" and "I don't care where I spend the next one I only hope I'm still on deck [alive]".[12] On 7 February 1944, the battalion embarked from Finschhafen and returned to Australia, disembarking at Brisbane.[21] Granted leave, Derrick made his was to South Australia and spent a short period with Beryl.[34] In April, he was admitted to hospital suffering from a case of malaria. Having sufficiently recovered, Derrick returned to the 2/48th Battalion the following month. During this time, he was charged with being absent without leave and subsequently forfeited a days pay.[21]

Reg Saunders and Tom Derrick congratulate each other on receiving their commissions.

On 20 August 1944, Derrick was posted to an officer cadet training unit in Victoria.[21] He had accepted the posting on the proviso that he be allowed to rejoin the 2/48th Battalion on the completion of the course;[34] a violation of the Army's policy which banned men commissioned from the ranks from returning to their previous unit. An exemption was subsequently granted after a period of lobbying.[35][36] While at this unit, Derrick shared a tent with Reg Saunders, who later became the Army's first Indigenous Australian officer.[37]

Commissioned as a lieutenant on 26 November 1944, Derrick was granted twenty-four days leave.[5][21] Returning to the 2/48th Battalion as a reinforcement officer, his appointment as a platoon commander in his old company was met by "great jubilation".[32] During this period, the battalion had been posted to Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands for "an extensive training period", before being transported from Cairns to Morotai during April 1945.[10][21]

On 1 May 1945, Derrick took part in the landing at Tarakan; an island off the coast of Borneo.[38] Under the cover of a naval and aerial bombardment,[39] he led his platoon ashore in the initial waves of the landing, where they were initially posted at the boundary of the 2/48th Battalion and 2/24th Battalion's area of responsibility.[38] The Japanese force on the island mounted a determined resistance, and Derrick was later quoted in the Sunday Sun as having told a war correspondent that he had "never struck anything so tough as the Japanese on Tarakan".[40]

Slowly pushing inland,[39] the 2/48th Battalion's main task from 19 May was to capture a heavily defended hill code-named Freda.[41] Derrick's platoon unsuccessfully probed Japanese positions on that and the following day, suffering two men killed with others wounded. He later recorded that the these setbacks were a 'bad show' in his diary.[42] On 21 May, Derrick and Lieutenant Colonel Bob Ainslie, the 2/48th Battalion's commander, debated the size of the force which should be used to capture the Freda position. Derrick successfully argued that a company was the largest force which could be employed in the restricted terrain. He was in high spirits that night, possibly in an attempt to lift his platoon's morale.[43] On 22 May, Derrick's was one of two platoons that attacked a well-defended knoll and captured the position. Derrick played a key role in this action, and coordinated both platoons during the final assault that afternoon.[44]

Men of the 2/48th Battalion gathered around Derrick's grave during his funeral.

After capturing the knoll, the two platoons—reinforced by two sections of the 2/4th Commando Squadron—dug in to await an expected Japanese counter-attack. At about 03:30 on 23 May, a Japanese light machine gun fired into the Australian position.[45] Derrick sat upright to see if his men were alright, and was hit by five bullets from the gun's second burst; striking him from his left hip to the right of his chest.[1] His runner, 'Curly' Colby, dragged him behind cover, but Derrick could not be immediately evacuated as Japanese troops attacked at about 04:00. Derrick was in great pain from his wounds, and told Colby that he had "had it".[46] Despite this, he continued to issue orders for several hours after being wounded. It was later discovered that the area in which Derrick's platoon was located was over looked by a Japanese bunker—something he would have not been able to determine as the successful Australian attack was completed late in the evening.[47]

When stretcher bearers reached the position at dawn, Derrick insisted that the other wounded be attended to first. Derrick was carried off Freda later that morning, where he was met by the 26th Brigade's commander, Brigadier David Whitehead.[48] The two men briefly conversed before Derrick excused himself, fearing that he did not have much time left and wishing to see his padre. Stepping back, Whitehead saluted and sent for Father Arch Bryson.[49] After arriving at a hospital, surgeons found that bullets had torn away much of Derrick's liver. Derrick died on 24 May 1945 during a second operation on his wounds.[37] He was buried in the 2/48th Battalion's cemetery on Tarakan that afternoon,[37] and was later interred at the Labuan War Cemetery, plot 24, row A, grave 9.[50]

Legacy

Tom Derrick was widely mourned. His widow, Beryl, became prostrated with grief after being informed of his death and many members of the Army were affected,[37] with one soldier lamenting it felt as if "the whole war stopped".[30] By the time Derrick's death was officially announced on 30 May, most Australians on Tarakan had heard the news and rumours had spread claiming that he had been speared or shot at short range by a sub-machine gun.[37]

Derrick's medals on display at the Australian War Memorial

The Japanese force on Tarakan learned of Derrick's death and tried to exploit it for propaganda purposes. They printed a leaflet which began "We lament over the death of Lieutenant General Terick CinC of Allied Force in Tarakan" and later included the question "what do you think of the death in action of your Commander in Chief ...?"[37] This leaflet reached few Australian soldiers, and had little impact on them. 'Tokyo Rose' also broadcast taunts over 'Terick's' death.[51]

Derrick's reputation continued to grow after his death, and many Australian soldiers recalled any association they had with him.[37] Many Australians believed that he embodied the 'ANZAC spirit' which is widely attributed to Australian soldiers,[52] and he continues to be perhaps the best-known Australian soldier of the Second World War.[32] Historian Michael McKernan later remarked that, for his war service, Derrick had arguably deserved "a VC and two bars ... at El Alamein, at Sattelberg and now at Tarakan".[39] In a 2004 television interview, then Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, was asked "Who was the best soldier of all time?" After a short pause, he replied: "Diver Derrick". This sentiment was later concurred by General Sir Francis Hassett. Hassett—who as a lieutenant colonel had served at Finschhafen with II Corps headquarters—stated:[53]

From what I learnt; not only was Derrick a magnificent soldier, but also a splendid leader who, immediately he saw a tactical problem, fixed it with either personal bravery or leadership imbued with determination and common sense.

— General Sir Francis Hassett, Hassett: Australian Leader

On 7 May 1947, Beryl Derrick attended an investiture ceremony at Government House, Adelaide, where she was presented with her late husband's Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medal by the Governor of South Australia.[27] Derrick's Victoria Cross and other medals are now displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra,[54] along with a portrait by Sir Ivor Hele.[1] A street in the neighbouring suburb of Campbell and a rest stop in the 'Remembrance Driveway' between Sydney and Canberra were also named in his honour.[55][56] In June 2008, a newly built bridge on the Port River Expressway in Adelaide was named the Tom 'Diver' Derrick Bridge following a public campaign.[57]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Gammage, Bill (1993). "Derrick, Thomas Currie (Tom) (1914 - 1945)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. ISBN 978-0-522-84459-7. ISSN 1833-7538. OCLC 70677943. Retrieved 27 July 2008.
  2. ^ Macklin 2008, p. 134
  3. ^ a b "Lieutenant Thomas Currie 'Diver' Derrick, VC, DCM". Who’s who in Australian Military History. Australian War Memorial. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Macklin 2008, pp. 134–135
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Staunton 2005, p. 259
  6. ^ Macklin 2008, p. 135
  7. ^ a b c Horner 2002, p. 66
  8. ^ "DERRICK, THOMAS CURRIE". World War II Nominal Roll. Commonwealth of Australia. 2002. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c Macklin 2008, p. 136
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "2/48th Battalion". Australian military units. Australian War Memorial. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b c Macklin 2008, p. 137
  12. ^ a b Johnston 1996, p. 19
  13. ^ a b c Macklin 2008, pp. 137–138
  14. ^ a b Macklin 2008, pp. 138–139
  15. ^ Macklin 2008, p. 139
  16. ^ "Recommendation for Thomas Currie Derrick to be awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal" (PDF). Index to Recommendations: Second World War. Australian War Memorial. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "No. 35908". The London Gazette (invalid |supp= (help)). 18 February 1943.
  18. ^ a b Macklin 2008, pp. 142–143
  19. ^ Macklin 2008, p. 141
  20. ^ Maughan 1966, p. 714–715
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Derrick, Thomas Currie SX7964". Record Search. National Archives of Australia. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b Macklin 2008, p. 144
  23. ^ Macklin 2008, pp. 144–145
  24. ^ a b Macklin 2008, p. 145
  25. ^ Johnston 2000, p. 108
  26. ^ a b Macklin 2008, p. 146
  27. ^ a b "Recommendation for Thomas Currie Derrick to be awarded a Victoria Cross" (PDF). Index to Recommendations: Second World War. Australian War Memorial. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ a b c d Macklin 2008, pp. 146–147
  29. ^ a b c d Arthur 2005, pp. 440–441
  30. ^ a b c Reid 2000, pp. 28–29
  31. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 33
  32. ^ a b c Burness, Peter (2005). "'Diver' Derrick". Wartime (31). Canberra: Australian War Memorial: p. 16. ISSN 1328-2727. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  33. ^ "No. 36436". The London Gazette (invalid |supp= (help)). 23 March 1944.
  34. ^ a b c Macklin 2008, p. 147
  35. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 34
  36. ^ Long 1963, p. 77
  37. ^ a b c d e f g Stanley 1997, p. 147
  38. ^ a b Stanley 1997, p. 71
  39. ^ a b c Macklin 2008, p. 148
  40. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 137
  41. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 141
  42. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 142
  43. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 143
  44. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 143–144
  45. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 144
  46. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 144–145
  47. ^ Long 1963, p. 438
  48. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 145
  49. ^ Macklin 2008, p. 149
  50. ^ "Derrick, Thomas Currie". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  51. ^ Stanley 1997, p. 148
  52. ^ Vonthoff, Tony (2005). "Military Heroism: An Australian Perspective" (PDF). Australian Defence Force Journal (169). Canberra: Australian Defence College: p. 33. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  53. ^ Essex-Clark 2005, p. 147
  54. ^ "List of Victoria Crosses at the Memorial". Hall of Valour. Australian War Memorial. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ "Street search for: "Derrick Street"". ACT Planning & Land Authority. Retrieved 16 January 2009.
  56. ^ "Driveway Map". Remembrance Driveway Committee Inc. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
  57. ^ "Name backdown for new Port bridge". ABC News. 5 June, 2008. Retrieved 25 June 2008. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

References

  • Arthur, Max (2005), Symbol of Courage: The Men Behind the Medal, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom: Pan Books, ISBN 0-330-49133-4
  • Essex-Clark, John (2005), Hassett: Australian Leader, Loftus, New South Wales, Australia: Australian Military History Publications, ISBN 1-876439-65-3
  • Johnston, Mark (1996). At the Front Line. Experiences of Australian Soldiers in World War II. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521560373.
  • Johnston, Mark (2000). Fighting the Enemy: Australian Soldiers and Their Adversaries in World War II. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521782228.
  • Long, Gavin (1963). The Final Campaigns. Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Canberra, Australia: Australian War Memorial.
  • Horner, David (2002). The Second World War (1): The Pacific. Botley: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1841762296.
  • Macklin, Robert (2008), Bravest: How some of Australia's war heroes won their medals, Crows Nest, New South Wales, Australia: Allen & Unwin, ISBN 978-1-74114-882-4
  • Maughan, Barton (1966). Tobruk and El Alamein. Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Canberra, Australia: Australian War Memorial.
  • Reid, Richard (2000), For Valour: Australians and the Victoria Cross, Australia: Work and Turner Pty Ltd, ISBN 0 642 36802 3
  • Stanley, Peter (1997). Tarakan. An Australian Tragedy. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1864482788.
  • Staunton, Anthony (2005), Victoria Cross: Australia's Finest and the Battles They Fought, Prahran, Victoria, Australia: Hardie Grant Books, ISBN 1-74066-288-1

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tom Derrick.
  • "Diver Derrick". Fifty Australians. Australian War Memorial. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  • "Derrick VC". VC Recipients. Diggerhistory.info. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdaymonth= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

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