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Murray Moten

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Murray Moten, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025
Murray John Moten
Born1899-07-03
Hawker, South Australia, Australia
Died1953-09-14
OccupationAustralian Army officer
Years active1917–1945
Known forCommanding the 2/27th Battalion in the Syria-Lebanon campaign and the 17th Brigade in the Salamaua–Lae and Aitape–Wewak campaigns during World War II

Brigadier Murray John Moten (3 July 1899 – 14 September 1953) served as a high-ranking officer in the Australian Army during World War II. He led the 2/27th Battalion throughout the Syria-Lebanon campaign in 1941 and later commanded the 17th Brigade during both the Salamaua–Lae campaign in 1943 and the Aitape–Wewak campaign between 1944 and 1945.

Early life and World War I enlistment

Born on 3 July 1899 in Hawker, South Australia, Moten was the eldest child of John Moten, a railway porter, and Maude Mary Sophia (née Murray), an Irish-born nurse. His education spanned several South Australian towns, including Port Augusta, Adelaide, Mingary, and Mount Gambier District High School. In 1913, he became part of the junior cadets. Beginning his career as a messenger at the Mount Gambier post office in January 1915, he quickly advanced to a clerk position at the local branch of the Savings Bank of South Australia. By August 1916, he earned a commission as a second lieutenant within the senior cadets.

Shortly after turning eighteen and following his mother’s passing, Moten enlisted for overseas duty with the First Australian Imperial Force in August 1917. However, he was placed on leave due to flat feet and ultimately discharged on medical grounds in January 1918 because of heart issues and frail physical condition. Afterward, he returned to civilian employment at the Savings Bank's main office in Adelaide.

Between the wars

Following his resignation from the senior cadets, Moten was appointed as a provisional lieutenant in the part-time 48th Battalion, part of the Citizens Forces, in July 1923. In 1924, he pursued accountancy studies at the University of Adelaide. He was elevated to captain on 6 January 1926. Ten days later, he married Kathleen Meegan, a musician, at St Mary's Catholic Church in Port Adelaide. On 29 May 1929, Moten advanced to the rank of major.

The suspension of universal service during the Great Depression under the Scullin Labor government in 1930 led to a decline in volunteers. Consequently, the 48th Battalion merged with the 43rd Battalion, forming the combined 43rd/48th Battalion. The Citizens Forces were subsequently rebranded as the Militia. In 1934, Moten was elected President of the Bank Officials' Association of South Australia. He attained promotion to lieutenant colonel on 17 December 1936 and assumed command of the merged battalion. By October 1938, he was employed as a sales clerk within the mortgage department at the Savings Bank of South Australia.

World War II

Following the outbreak of World War II, two months later, the combined battalion separated back into its original units. Moten resumed leadership of the part-time 48th Battalion, which was not immediately called to active duty. On 29 February 1940, he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration for over two decades of dedicated commissioned service. Subsequently, on 26 April, Moten enlisted in the volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force (Second AIF) as commanding officer of the 2/27th Battalion, holding substantive rank as lieutenant colonel despite impaired vision in one eye.

The battalion was formed at Woodside, South Australia, on 7 May and commenced initial training. Together with the 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions, it constituted part of the 21st Brigade within Australia's second infantry division of the Second AIF—the 7th Division. The unit had an authorised strength of approximately 910 personnel organized into four rifle companies ("A" through "D"), battalion headquarters, a regimental aid post, and a headquarters company that included signals, anti-aircraft, mortar, carrier, pioneer, and administrative platoons. In August, Moten participated in a tactical exercise without troops at Puckapunyal, Victoria before taking a week’s pre-embarkation leave late that September.

Palestine and Egypt

On 19 October, the 2/27th Battalion boarded a train bound for Melbourne before embarking two days later on the requisitioned ocean liner Mauretania. Their route included a stop in British India, where they briefly encamped at Deolali near Bombay. From there, they continued their journey to the Middle East aboard the Takliwa. The battalion reached Egypt on 24 November, disembarking at Kantara on the Suez Canal, and subsequently relocated to Julius Camp in Palestine to undergo additional training. In April 1941, they joined the 7th Division stationed at the Western Desert fortifications of Mersa Matruh and Maaten Bagush to strengthen defenses along the Libyan-Egyptian frontier against a possible German offensive. Although they did not engage in direct ground combat, the battalion was frequently subjected to Axis air raids, which enhanced their physical conditioning and operational skills. On 22 May, they returned to Palestine to prepare for the invasion of Syria and Lebanon, crossing the Suez Canal at Kantara on 26 May and assembling at Kfar Yehezkel by 28 May.

Syria-Lebanon campaign

The 21st Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Jack Stevens, advanced northward along the narrow coastal route in two columns. Moten's column, comprising the 2/27th Battalion supported by light tanks, artillery units, engineers, and naval gunfire, was assigned to clear the coastal road following the border post seizure by the 2/14th Battalion. Flank security and potential support were provided by a British cavalry regiment.

Initial operations and capture of Innsariye

The invasion commenced early on 8 June. Stevens held back Moten's fully motorized column until engineers repaired a large crater near Iskandaroun. By the end of that day, Tyre was occupied by the 2/14th Battalion. The 2/27th advanced on 9 June; amid intense combat at the Litani River, a detached company successfully captured an entire company of Algerian colonial troops. Overnight, engineers constructed a bridge across the river, enabling the remainder of the battalion to cross with vehicles on 10 June.

On 10 June, moving along the coastal road with cavalry scouts leading, both the 2/27th and 2/16th Battalions encountered resistance from forces positioned in hills east of the road and incurred casualties. Stevens ordered a night assault on French defenses at Innsariye. Following artillery bombardment that weakened enemy positions, two companies executed a frontal attack while a third maneuvered to envelop French troops from elevated terrain overlooking an eastern escape route. Moten deployed headquarters personnel and pioneers to block French retreat along the coastal road. By dawn on 11 June, French forces had surrendered. The 2/14th then led the advance until relieved by the 2/27th on the following day.

Progress stalled north of Khan Saada due to strong French defenses controlling Wadi Zaharani and its strategic road junction leading toward Merdjayoun. After a failed frontal assault by the 2/14th Battalion, Moten conducted reconnaissance eastward; he sent two companies that secured a bridge over the Zaharani River and captured approximately 200 French prisoners. The 2/27th continued pressing forward along the coastal road but were stopped by heavy artillery fire near Rhaziye. During 12–13 June, two companies advanced overnight to Darb es Sim near Ghazieh.

Seizure of Sidon

Initially, the mission assigned to the 2/16th Battalion was to secure Sidon, while the 2/27th companies were positioned to monitor eastern approaches, despite lacking formal orders. On 12 June, Moten concluded that executing a flanking maneuver through Miye ou Miye, located east of Sidon, was more advantageous than a direct assault. By the following day, Moten's forward units reached the southern bank of the Sataniq River but lost communication due to challenging terrain conditions. Subsequently, Stevens commanded the 2/27th Battalion to join forces and proceed with the attack on Sidon based on Moten's strategy. After enduring five days of continuous combat, the battalion paused briefly before pressing forward. The offensive encountered fierce opposition, during which the 2/14th Battalion successfully repelled a French counter-attack supported by tanks, utilizing artillery support. On 15 June, Moten's forces occupied Miye ou Miye without opposition and advanced toward Sidon's outskirts. A reconnaissance patrol discovered that French troops had withdrawn; accordingly, Moten entered Sidon and reported to Stevens, who arrived at 16:00.

French Counter-Offensives

Following French counter-attacks near Merdjayoun that achieved some success, Stevens received orders on 17 June to suspend further advances and redeploy the 2/14th Battalion to bolster Australian units at Jezzine. He requested additional support and was reinforced by the British 2nd Battalion of the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) from the British 16th Infantry Brigade. Despite this temporary pause in advancement, vigorous cavalry patrols persisted; on 19 June, the 2/16th Battalion captured Jadra north of Wadi Zeini, followed by the 2/27th securing strategic positions in El Ouardaniye—Sebline-Kafr Maya. Between 21 and 25 June, these battalions conducted patrols along lateral routes to safeguard the coastal column’s eastern flank. On 25 June, Stevens directed the 2/27th and 2/16th to seize control of the El Haram ridgeline; Moten took position on the right flank and dispatched patrols toward Er Rezaniy. Concurrently, the 2/25th Battalion alongside two companies from the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion cleared remaining French elements between columns. By first light on 26 June, resistance had diminished significantly, allowing secure occupancy of the ridge.

With reinforcements arriving from the Australian 17th Brigade on 28 June, the 7th Division concentrated efforts along coastal regions north of Jezzine; meanwhile, eastern operations transitioned to control under the British 6th Division. Stevens' command was reduced to managing two battalions—the 2/27th and 2/16th—and he requested an additional battalion for upcoming operations targeting Damour en route to Beirut, though no immediate allocation was made. To reduce casualties from French artillery fire along the Damour River, his forces held their positions but maintained proactive patrol activities. On 29 June, Moten identified a French emplacement on Hill 394 overlooking Damour River and dispatched a company commander with orders to capture it overnight; after brief resistance, a platoon established a defensive position despite heavy shelling. Avoiding direct frontal assaults, Stevens prioritized reconnaissance missions by both battalions to assess French defenses and river crossings. The 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion was assigned but only had two companies available for deployment. On 1 July, the depleted 2/14th Battalion returned from Jezzine to rejoin infantry elements within the brigade.

Seizure of Damour and Ceasefire

To capture Damour, the 2/27th Battalion first executed an operation targeting French defensive positions west of El Mourhira. Following this, they crossed the Damour River, advancing to El Boum and Four-à-Chaux to outflank the French defenders. The brigade's assault was heavily supported by artillery fire. On 5 June, the leading company moved out from El Haram, paused briefly at El Batal, then conducted a nighttime crossing of the Damour River, taking control of El Boum at daybreak, which was found mostly deserted. Despite facing casualties and artillery interference, additional companies reinforced the attack, securing strategic locations such as Hill 512 overlooking Daraya. After intense marches and combat, the battalion opened a passageway for the 17th Brigade to progress and sever the route from Damour to Beirut. The forward company of the 2/27th reached Damour’s eastern perimeter, engaged French troops, and captured prisoners. Coordinated assaults from the south compelled a French retreat, resulting in the town’s capture by 9 July.

French forces retreated extensively; Stevens received orders to seize Abey and Kafra Matta, which overlook Damour. Reconnaissance patrols discovered these villages abandoned and they were subsequently occupied by the 2/14th Battalion. The French commander had been contemplating surrender for several weeks, influenced by a communication from Australian I Corps commander Lieutenant General John Lavarack on 30 June urging negotiation talks. A ceasefire commenced at 00:01 on 12 July. Throughout the campaign, the 2/27th Battalion incurred over 150 casualties. Following the capitulation of Vichy forces, the battalion undertook garrison responsibilities near Beirut and Tripoli as part of Allied occupation efforts. In October, Moten was hospitalized with measles for a two-week period.

Brigade Leadership and Honors

On 27 December, Moten was elevated to the rank of colonel and granted temporary brigadier status; he was promptly assigned as commander of the 17th Brigade within the 6th Division. He replaced Stanley Savige, who moved on to serve as Director of Recruiting and Propaganda in Australia. The principal units under his command were the 2/5th, 2/6th, and 2/7th Battalions. Under Moten’s leadership, the brigade underwent training and re-equipment in Syria following its involvement in the Greek campaign. On 12 February 1942, Moten received a mention in despatches recognizing his distinguished service in the Middle East and was awarded a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his "exceptional leadership and bravery" during Sidon’s capture. The official citation emphasized his proactive command and courage under intense enemy fire, which played a crucial role in overcoming Sidon’s defenses.

Ceylon Deployment

In early 1942, after Japan entered the war, British and Australian authorities agreed to redeploy the 6th Division from Syria to Southeast Asia. Originally planned for Java deployment, the strategy changed to divert both the 16th and 17th Brigades to defend Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). Moten left the Middle East on 10 March and arrived in Colombo on 24 March.

The Second AIF contingent stationed in Ceylon was commanded by Major General Allan Boase and tasked with protecting the southwestern region considered susceptible to Japanese invasion. To prepare troops for local conditions, Moten founded a Jungle Warfare School aimed at enhancing jungle combat skills and improving logistical transport routes. Japanese aircraft carrier raids on 5 and 9 April resulted in several Allied ship losses. The 17th Brigade was positioned near Akuressa. Subsequently, General Sir Thomas Blamey, recently appointed Commander-in-Chief of Australian Military Forces, ordered both brigades to return to Australia. The headquarters of the 17th Brigade embarked aboard Athlone Castle in July, reaching Melbourne on 4 August.

Papua and New Guinea

Following a brief respite near Seymour, Victoria, the brigade conducted a welcome home parade in Melbourne on 28 August. On that same day, Moten received instructions to relocate to New South Wales. Due to railway congestion and equipment complications, the move to Greta in the Hunter Valley was only finalized by 20 September. During this interval, Moten examined a confidential account of the combat along the Kokoda Trail authored by war correspondent Chester Wilmot. Shortly after conducting an initial training exercise at Greta, the brigade was directed to proceed to Brisbane, Queensland. By 6 October, it had assembled in northern Brisbane but embarked two days later. Moten traveled via Townsville and Cairns before arriving at Port Moresby on 12 October, then proceeded to Milne Bay in the Territory of Papua, where the brigade was destined.

After the decisive Allied triumph at the Battle of Milne Bay and with the redeployment of the 18th Brigade elsewhere, Allied leadership emphasized sustaining robust defenses at Milne Bay. The 17th Brigade was tasked with relieving the last remaining battalion of the 18th Brigade, part of Major General Cyril Clowes's Milne Force, which was redesignated as the 11th Division on 1 October. The brigade's advance party reached Milne Bay in mid-October, followed soon after by its battalions. With limited Japanese activity, combat engagements were scarce; however, a severe malaria outbreak occurred, peaking at over 80 cases per 1,000 men weekly around Christmas 1942. This surge was attributed to endemic disease presence, inadequate enforcement of anti-malarial measures, and shortages of necessary supplies.

From 29 December, Moten commanded the 11th Division until he flew to Wau on 9 January 1943 to conduct reconnaissance for an upcoming brigade deployment. The 29th Brigade replaced the 17th Brigade, which began departing by sea for Port Moresby on 10 January.

Defence of Wau

An improvised Australian unit known as Kanga Force, composed of the 2/5th and 2/7th Independent Companies—irregular troops trained for extended patrols—had been surveilling Japanese bases at Lae and Salamaua since early 1942. In January 1943, despite Allied air strikes, a Japanese convoy reinforced Lae. In response, Kanga Force launched attacks on Japanese positions at Mubo but withdrew under pressure. This situation prompted the deployment of the 17th Brigade to Wau to bolster Kanga Force ahead of an expected Japanese offensive. On 15 January, Moten was assigned command over Wau’s defenses and Kanga Force.

The arrival of the 17th Brigade by air commenced on 14 January, with B Company of the 2/6th Battalion immediately supporting independent companies. Although adverse weather and transport difficulties delayed full deployment until late January, key elements of the 2/6th Battalion secured critical tracks approaching Wau. Moten criticized air transport operations as "uneconomical and haphazard." By 21 January, patrols detected Japanese movements; however, their precise route remained uncertain until Moten identified what he termed the "Jap Track" by 26 January. He devised plans for an attack from forward positions along the Black Cat Track; nonetheless, a swift enemy advance compelled defensive withdrawals and consolidation around Wau village and its airfield.

On 29 January, reinforcements including the remainder of the 2/5th and main elements of the 2/7th Battalion arrived and were rapidly deployed defensively around the airfield. The Japanese launched their assault just before dawn on 30 January but were repelled. Supported by artillery fire from the 2/1st Field Regiment and air strikes conducted by RAAF Bristol Beaufighters, Moten countered a flanking attempt south of Leahy's Farm, inflicting substantial casualties and halting further Japanese progress. Additional reinforcements arrived by 1 February, increasing Kanga Force’s strength to over 3,100 personnel.

By 3 February, defensive positions around Wau remained secure with forward posts preventing further enemy advances. Moten then initiated an offensive using the 2/5th Battalion that cleared territory west of the Bulolo River by 9 February, effectively neutralizing Japanese presence within the Wau Valley. Subsequent operations focused on patrolling vital tracks toward Mubo and repelling counterattacks that forced Japanese forces into an orderly retreat subjected to harassment by air strikes and ground patrols. By late February, Australian forces had pushed Japanese troops back to Mubo, inflicting approximately 1,200 casualties on their main force—the 102nd Infantry Regiment.

In early March, Lieutenant General Sir Iven Mackay recommended Moten for a bar to his Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in recognition of his leadership during this campaign. Endorsed by General Blamey, Moten received this honor on 18 May 1943 for demonstrating "a high order of leadership and control" in successfully repelling a determined Japanese attack between late January and February 1943. The citation praised his capacity to withstand a major assault with initially limited forces before driving enemy troops more than twenty miles from Wau while inflicting heavy casualties under challenging conditions.

Salamaua–Lae campaign

At the start of March, Moten ordered the 2/7th Independent Company and 2/5th Battalion to maintain persistent engagement with Japanese troops through vigorous patrols, advancing to encircle Mubo by the end of the month. In April, the 2/7th Battalion replaced the forward units, while Moten assigned the 2/6th Battalion to secure the approaches through Markham Valley. The 2/7th Battalion remained positioned opposite Mubo, and the 2/3rd Independent Company was stationed at Missim. The arrival of the 24th Battalion from the 15th Brigade allowed for the withdrawal of the 2/5th and 2/7th Independent Companies. Difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions complicated operations, prompting Moten to establish rest camps such as Edie Creek to alleviate soldier exhaustion and reduce illness.

Kanga Force was disbanded on 23 April, with Major General Stanley Savige’s 3rd Division assuming control over Moten’s brigade from Bulolo. Despite enhanced air support, attempts to seize a Japanese stronghold known as "The Pimple" in late April and early May were unsuccessful. Consequently, Savige emphasized aggressive patrolling and limited offensive actions rather than direct assaults on heavily fortified positions. To safeguard flanks, Moten kept the 2/5th Battalion stationed at Wau and relocated his headquarters forward to Skindewai after clarifying operational roles with Savige.

By mid-May, anticipating Japanese defensive arrangements around Salamaua and Mubo, Moten maintained a battalion in forward positions while coastal raiding companies secured territory south of the Bitoli River. These assertive patrols effectively contained enemy forces. Early June saw the 2/6th Battalion replace the 2/7th, deploying companies at key locations such as Lababia Ridge and Mat Mat. Adjustments were made to enhance observation near "The Pimple," alongside coordinating a US battalion’s amphibious landing at Nassau Bay as part of a forthcoming offensive aimed at Mubo.

On 15 June, Moten submitted a comprehensive five-stage operational plan to senior leaders including Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Herring and Major General Frank Berryman, which received their endorsement. The 17th Brigade successfully repelled Japanese attacks at Mubo and Lababia Ridge. Following the capture of Komiatum and Mount Tambu in August, Moten was honored as Commander of the Order of the British Empire and mentioned in despatches. After a period of rest in Australia, his brigade redeployed for the Aitape–Wewak campaign. On 18 November 1945, Moten took command of the 6th Division.

Later life

Upon returning to Australia, Moten was placed on the Regimental Supernumerary List on 17 January 1946 in Adelaide and resumed his civilian pursuits. In June, he led the Australian contingent during the Victory March held in London. In 1947, he was appointed as the Australian Army Representative to the Imperial War Graves Commission and later assumed command of the CMF’s 9th Brigade. While serving in this capacity, he was named honorary colonel of the CMF’s 27th Battalion in 1952. That December, he advanced to general manager of the Savings Bank of South Australia and was appointed aide-de-camp to the Governor-General of Australia on 16 March 1953.

Moten suffered a collapse at a ball hosted by the 27th Battalion at Torrens Drill Hall on 5 September 1953 and passed away due to a heart attack on 14 September at Royal Adelaide Hospital. His funeral included full military honors with both Anglican and Catholic ceremonies at Centennial Park Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, one daughter, and two sons; notably, his son John Moten served as Director-General of Security—the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation—from 1988 to 1991.

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