A.I.F. "Z" Special Unit (Z Force)
Operation Copper mission against Muschu Island

On April 11, 1945 eight Z Special Unit (Z Force) commandos of "Operation Copper" (originally code named "Operation Ash") were embarked aboard HMAS HDML 1321 in Aitaple Harbor. The eight commandos included: Lt. Alan R. Gubbay, Lt. Thomas J. Barnes, Sgt Malcolm F. M. Weber, L/Cpl Spencer H. Walklate, Sig Michael S. Hagger, Sig John R. Chandler, Pte Ronald E. Eagleton and Spr E. T. Dennis.

They would land on on Japanese occupied Muschu Island, capture a Japanese soldier for interrogation, and to make a beach reconnaissance for a perspective landing area. Also, reconnoiter the island's defenses and locate two concealed naval guns, then rendezvous with their launch HMAS HDML 1321.

During the night, they boarded four folboats and paddled towards Muschu Island. Strong currents pushed them southward and swamped and capsized some of their boats causing them to loose some equipment. The force made landfall near Som Point and waited until morning. Although they had lost some of their equipment, they continued on their mission and established a secret camp.

On April 12, 1945 they managed to capture a Japanese prisoner and had nearly completed their mission when they took a wrong turn walking back to their secret camp and encountered an Japanese patrol. The commandos' prisoner slipped off his gag and shouted. The commandos escaped and later attempted unsuccessfully to put to sea on a raft, losing many more of their weapons in the process. Four commandos, Lt. Gubbay, Lt. Barnes, L/Cpl Walklate and Pte Eagleton put to sea on logs in an attempt to make contact with Allied aircraft or patrol boats but were never seen again.

The remaining four commandos Sgt Weber, Sig Hagger, Sig Chandler and Spr Dennis remained on Muschu Island. On April 14, 1945 they approached bomb craters in search of fresh water and encountered a Japanese patrol that opened fire killing three.

Only Spr Dennis escaped, evaded the enemy and managed to swim for the mainland, pushing a heavy board on top of which he carried his Austen gun and ammunition. After swimming approximately 10 miles to the coast of New Guinea, he walked roughly 20 miles through enemy territory before being picked up by an Australian patrol near Aitape, 10 days after the original landing. Afterwards, Dennis was awarded the Military Medal for his "great courage and initiative".

Recovery of Remains
The Australian Army Unrecovered War Casualties Unit led by Major Jack Thurgar investigated this case and recovered the remains of L/Cpl Walklate and Pte Eagleton. On June 12, 2014 both were buried at Port Moresby War Cemetery (Bomana). The memorial service included an honor guard from the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) and the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments provided the funeral party. Also in attendance was 94 year old Edgar "Mick" Dennis, sole survivor of the raid.

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