The Brave Stand of the 2/40th Infantry Battalion at the Battle of Timor

On February 20, 1942, as the Japanese invasion of Timor began, the 2/40th Infantry Battalion, as part of Sparrow Force, made a valiant stand at Koepang, fighting to defend the island against overwhelming enemy forces.

The 2/40th Infantry Battalion was composed almost entirely of Tasmanian soldiers and had earned a reputation for their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. Fighting alongside Dutch troops, they mounted a determined resistance, determined to hold their ground against the Japanese advance. Despite being heavily outnumbered and facing a well-equipped enemy, they fought with incredible bravery, inflicting significant casualties on the invaders.

For four days, the men of Sparrow Force engaged in fierce combat. However, the relentless assault from Japanese ground forces, supported by air superiority and armoured units, made their position untenable. With ammunition and supplies critically low, and no possibility of reinforcement, the order was finally given to surrender on February 23.

The battle took a heavy toll on the 2/40th Infantry Battalion. Eighty-four men were killed in action, and 132 were seriously wounded. Yet, their suffering did not end with surrender. More than twice the number of those lost in battle would later perish in the brutal conditions of Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. The hardships they endured in captivity remain a tragic chapter in the history of Australia’s involvement in World War II.

Today, we remember the incredible courage and sacrifice of the 2/40th Infantry Battalion and all those who fought in the Battle of Timor. Their bravery and dedication to duty will never be forgotten, standing as a testament to the fighting spirit of the Australian soldier.