ZWOERNER, Desmond Noel

ZWOERNER, Desmond Noel – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWII
SERVICE NO : Q21873
RANK : Private
UNIT : 49th Battalion
ENLISTMENT DATE : 28/11/1941
AGE : 22
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Brisbane, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Warwick, Queensland
RELIGION : Church of England
OCCUPATION : Travellers Assistant
DATE OF DEATH : 11/12/1942
PLACE OF BURIAL : Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

MEMORIALS : Warwick State High School Roll of Honour 1939-1945, Warwick The Fallen 1939-1945, Warwick War Memorial, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour

View this person’s Service File : ZWOERNER, Desmond Noel

NOTES : Born on April 20, 1919, Desmond (Des) Noel Zwoerner was one of four children of Arthur James and Amelia Zwoerner [nee Bennett] of Dragon Street, Warwick.

Des went to school at Warwick Central State School and successfully applied for a scholarship to enrol in Warwick State High School in January 1933. Apart from his studies, Dec was a fine athlete and a keen football and hockey player.

After leaving school he continued his involvement in playing hockey and also became involved in the administrative side of the game. He capped his hockey career by gaining representative honours in the Queensland Colts team.

Des worked for the Warwick branch of Hoffnung’s Ltd. This business was a large wholesale and retail business and he worked there until he was called up by the Army for full time duty at Cabarlah on November 7, 1941.

He was transferred into the 49th Battalion and arrived at Port Moresby in December 1941 as part of the signal unit.

While moving forward to relieve positions occupied by other Australian and American troops, the noise made by the American troops drew the enemy’s attention. Des was hit in the left temple when a grenade landed amongst his position at company Headquarters. He died five days later from his horrific wounds.

Cyril Caton Q21814 of Warwick was also a member of the 49th Battalion and was killed two days after Des died.

Read about Southern Downs Military History here.