Memorial 2/40th Battalion A.I.F.

"Sparrow Force
In memory of the officers and men of the 2/40th Battalion A.I.F. formed in
Tasmania and attached units of 'Sparrow Force'.
On 23 February 1942 this small unsupported force on Timor were forced to capitulate
to a massive Japanese invasion force. After four days of intensive fighting 48 were
killed in action and 130 wounded.
In September 1942 'Sparrow Force' were shipped to Java. In early January1943, about
450 were sent to Singapore mostly to work on the infamous Burma Railway and then
on to Japan to work in the coal mines, On the way, 87 from the Battalion were drowned
when the Tamahoke Maru was torpedoed approaching Nagasaki by the U.S.S. Tang.
We left 242 of our comrades behind.
Lest We Forget.
Unveiled on 23 February 2013."

The battle honours and history of the 2/4oth Battalion are now carried by the 12th/40th Battalion Royal Tasmanian Regiment, based in Anglesey Barracks, Hobart

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward