Sparrow force, Timor 1942

[bob10]

https://youtu.be/quisMMLJRFo

How it all started. A bit stop start at the beginning.

https://youtu.be/Kkvd9E984hY

[bob10]

The Australians did well on Timor, but would not have lasted without the Timor people. That may have had an impact on our involvement in the Timor fight for independance.Any one who would like to read a good book on Sparrow Force should read TIMOR 1942, by CH Wray.

https://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/timor/

[bob10]

Just had a look thru the book. As part of Sparrowforce was an English Light Anti Aircraft Battery, The 79th L.A.A.Battery. I'll quote from the book.

" At 8,30 am it was reported that a further 300 Japanese paratroopers were landing in the same position as on the previous day. Enemy aircraft had commenced attacks on the column from 7 am. , dive bombing and machine gunning the forward troops. The 79th light anti-aircraft Battery fought back valiantly , bringing down several of the attackers, and registering several hits. At first the gunners could not get the enemy to come within range of their light bofors anti- aircraft guns, so a few gunners stood out in the road, waving towels and making vigorously obscene gestures.
Attracted by this activity, the enemy aircraft flew low enough to machine gun them, but the rest of the gunners waited until the aircraft were within their sights, then shot down at least 9 enemy fighters the first day, and seven the next. The bravery of these men, veterans of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, Impressed all the Australians who saw them in action."and why wouldn't it.

[bob10]

The 2/2 association, any one with information, pass it on.

https://doublereds.org.au/

[bob10]

https://youtu.be/UPc6X3c75kk

https://youtu.be/oQPv2H4qblU

[bob10]

https://youtu.be/VLuXEVZ2aKo

[bob10]

https://youtu.be/J4FCUIuErRw