Driver Thomas William Doolan (2/21st Battalion) was stationed at a large food dump in "B" Echelon at Kudmati on the outskirts of the town of Ambon. On 1 February, as the Japanese approached, the men moved to new action stations. It is believed that Doolan refused to leave and armed with six hand grenades, a rifle and a revolver, he stayed, firing at the approaching Japanese from the undergrowth.
Members of Doolan's battalion located his body some days after the Australians surrendered and were allowed to bury him nearby in a marked grave. After the war the cross was removed from his grave and placed in the Australian War Memorial.