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Home » Themes » Conflict » World War Two
2nd / 1st Northern Observer Unit MemorialPrint Page 
The Observer Unit Memorial is a stone obelisk commemorating the 2nd / 1st North Australia Observer Unit that served in World War Two
The 2nd / 1st North Australia Observer Unit (2/1 NAOU) was an Australian Army reconnaissance unit. It was formed in May 1942 to patrol remote areas of northern Australia and provide warning to the Northern Territory Force of any Japanese landings. As the threat of Japanese landings declined 2/1 NAOU patrols were reduced in July 1943 and the unit was disbanded in March 1945.
Location
| Address: | Stuart Highway , Ryan Park, Katherine, 0850 |
|---|---|
| State: | NT |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -14.463197 Long: 132.260071 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 03-September-1939 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 15-August-1945 |
Dedication
| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: | 1991 |
|---|
THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO THE 466 MEN
WHO WITH 1500 HORSES, 6 COASTAL BOATS AND
60 RADIOS PATROLLED THE NORTHERN COASTLINE
OF AUSTRALIA IN THE 2/1 NORTH AUSTRALIA
OBSERVER UNIT (2/1 NAOU-AIF).THE
HEADQUARTERS OF THIS HIGHLY SPECIALIST
FORCE OF EXPERT HORSEMEN, EXPERIENCED
INFANTRYMEN AND WIRELESS OPERATORS WAS
LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF KATHERINE. TODAY
THE NORTH WEST MOBILE FORCE (NORFORCE)
FOLLOWS THEIR LEAD WITH SIMILAR
RESPONSIBILITIES AND TRADITIONS.
2/1 NAOU-AIF 1942-49 NORFORCE 1991
LEST WE FORGET.
