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Home » Themes » Conflict » World War Two
2nd / 40th Battalion Honour RollPrint Page 
The 2nd / 40th Infantry Battalion was the only battalion in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) recruited almost entirely from Tasmania. Initially it was planned that it would consist of three rifle companies from Victoria and one rifle company and one headquarters company from Tasmania. However, public and political pressure lead by the Tasmanian premier resulted in the battalion being formed from the island state.
Following Japan's entry into the war, the battalion was deployed to Timor as part of Sparrow Force and in early 1942 they took part in the fighting on the island against the Japanese. Outnumbered and lacking supplies, the majority of the 2/40th's personnel were captured and spent the rest of the war as prisoners of war, although some were able to wage a guerrilla campaign across the island before being withdrawn by the end of year.
The battalion had 271 men killed in action or died while prisoners of war, while a further 79 were wounded. For their involvement in the fighting on Timor members of the battalion received the following decorations: one Distinguished Service Order, one Military Medal and seven Mentions in Despatches.
Location
| Address: | 18 Macfie Street, Devonport RSL Club, Jack Mason Memorial Museum, Devonport , 7310 |
|---|---|
| State: | TAS |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -41.182195 Long: 146.359684 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Honour Roll |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 03-September-1939 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 15-August-1945 |
Dedication
Honour Roll
1939
1945
They Died that we might live in Freedom
[ Names ]
Plaque:
Presented to Devonport R.S.L.
by Devonport members 2/40th Batt.
1939 -1945
