WWII secret soldier Mick Dennis MM dies in Sydney

AUSTRALIA has lost a genuine World War II hero with the passing of former Commando and ‘Z’ Special Unit operative Edgar ‘Mick’ Dennis.

World War II veteran, Mick Dennis, 92, with the honour board at St George Leagues Club. His mate, Spencer Walklate, who he fought the war beside, has been added to the list.

AUSTRALIA has lost a genuine World War II hero with the passing of former Commando and ‘Z’ Special Unit operative Edgar ‘Mick’ Dennis.

The 96-year-old Mr Dennis was awarded the Military Medal for courage under fire following an ill-fated mission codenamed Operation Copper on Muschu island off the north coast of New Guinea in April 1945.

Seven of his ‘Z’ Special comrades perished (four drowned and three were executed) during the mission, but Mr Dennis evaded capture and ran amok.

War hero ... Former Commando and ‘Z’ Special Unit operative Mick Dennis (centre) with navy sailors Russell Smith, and Ron Reynolds in 1945. Pic supplied.

The champion swimmer and wrestler from Clovelly in Sydney killed up to 20 Japanese troops before paddling a wooden plank through shark infested waters to the mainland and making his way back to Australian lines taking out a few more enemy along the way.

“They were hunting me and every time they got close I would knock the first few over and then go bush,” Mr Dennis said in 2011.

He had resolved not be taken alive, planning on using the cyanide pill that all ‘Z’ Special operatives carried with them on a mission if he didn’t die in battle.

Brothers-in-arms ... World War II veteran, Mick Dennis (left) with his brother in 1945.

With typical modesty Mr Dennis fobbed off his acts of bravery as random feats combined with a great deal of luck.

“I don’t think it’s born in you, it’s not drilled into you, it is just something that happens on the spur of the moment. You know what you are going to do and you do it.”

His exploits are recorded in the book The Guns of Muschu by his nephew Don Dennis.

Mr Dennis passed away peacefully at the Prince of Wales Hospital on Monday, November 9. He is survived by five of his six children Gail, Leon, Grant, Cazna and Dane.

WWII Commando and ‘Z’ Special Unit operative Mick Dennis who died this week.

According to Dane, his dad’s legendary humour was on display right to the end.

The funeral service for Mick Dennis (MM) will take place at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium at 2pm on Wednesday November 18.