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Nackeroo MemorialPrint Page
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 |
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State: | NT |
Area: | AUS |
GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -15.635425 Long: 130.452517 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
Monument Type: | Monument |
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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 |
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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