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Nackeroo MemorialPrint Page Print this page

Nackeroo Memorial Side View
Nackeroo Memorial Side View

Photographs supplied by Diane Watson

The monument commemorates those who served in Northern Australia Observation Unit (NAOU) during World War Two and is also in memory of Aboriginal trackers who assisted the unit. The unit was known as the Nackeroos. 

The NAOU was set up by anthropologist W H Stanner in June 1942 and consisted of over 400 men. The unit`s role was to provide early warning of a Japanese invasion and to form a guerilla force in the event of such an attack. The unit was dispersed in a series of small bases (including several along the Victoria River, one being at Bradshaw Station) and the men carried out horseback reconnaissance patrols and other work. The men made use of the knowledge of local Aboriginals and maintained coastwatching outposts. As the threat of invasion passed, the unit was reduced in strength and disbanded in March 1945.

Location

Address:Victoria Highway , Nackeroo Lookout, Timber Creek, 0852
State:NT
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -15.635425
Long: 130.452517
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:WW2
Approx. Event Start Date:1942
Actual Event End Date:15-August-1945

Dedication

Approx. Monument Dedication Date:April-1999
Front Inscription

In Memory Of The Men And Horses Of
The 2 / 1 North Australia Observer Unit Who
Guarded Timber Creek From 1942
Onwards In The War Against Japan.
Timber Creek Will Remember Them

Lest We Forget

Plaque : 

Also In Memory Of Aboriginal Trackers
Who Helped The Nackeroos Survive In
       This Harsh Environment. 
"You Always Felt Safe When You Had An
         Aborigine With You"  
- Quote By NAOU From "A" Company

 

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au