World War II veteran declared dead nearly four decades after disappearing without a trace

Former Private Byron 'Bert' Balfour Woolley disappeared from Hobart nearly four decades ago, after leaving his home in West Hobart that he shared with his cousin.

An avid bushwalker, it was believed he took his backpack, some bread and cheese, walking boots, an army coat, army trousers and a green Stetson hat from his home on the day he disappeared.

He was 71 at the time.

The former Hydro Electric Commission worker also ran a newsagency in Queenstown and spent time as a tin prospector in the state's North East.

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But before his working career, he was an active member of the 2/12 Battalion AIF during World War II - two fifths of the soldiers in that battalion were recruited from Tasmania and initially trained at the newly-built camp at Brighton.

Pte Woolley was part of the battalion's A Company, and took part in Oboe Two, the allied amphibious assault at Balikpapan, Borneo in July 1945.

After returning from the war, and to his life in Tasmania, he did not marry or have children, and was described as being a loner, suffering depression.

On the day he was last seen, his cousin, who has since died, made a report to Tasmania Police.

Next month will be 39 years since his disappearance.

Releasing his findings on Tuesday, Coroner Simon Cooper said he was satisfied the ex-solider had died on or shortly after the day he was reported dead.

And it was likely he died near Knocklofty Reserve, Hobart, where he enjoyed going for bushwalks.

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However, searches in the area at the time found no trace of him.

"I am unable to make any further findings," Mr Cooper said.

"It is, I think, reasonable to conclude he went walking, probably nearby. How and why he died are not questions that can, on the evidence, be answered."

Mr Cooper did not make any recommendations in relation to Mr Woolley's death.

"I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Woolley," he said.

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