Almost entirely Tasmanian 2/40th Battalion commemorated in Ross service
While serving in Timor in 1942, members of the 2/40th Infantry Battalion – made up almost entirely of Tasmanians – were being closed in on by Japanese forces and faced with a choice: surrender or face bombing.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sunday marked 83 years since the capture of Tasmanian soldiers who were captured while fighting in World War II.
Members of the 2/40th Infantry Battalion, almost entirely Tasmanian and dubbed the “Sparrow Force,” were deployed to Timor in December 1941.
As the group was being closed in by Japanese forces, the battalion was faced with a choice: surrender or face bombing.
The bulk of the Sparrow Force became prisoners of war.
Once returning to Tasmania, the soldiers would hold a yearly reunion on the weekend closest to February 23.
On Sunday, the 80th reunion took place at Ross with a special commemoration service.
The last 2/40th Battalion member, Lloyd Harding, died in 2021.
World War II veteran Brian Winspear was one of those who went to the 80th reunion event at Ross.
The 104-year-old told The Mercury he knew many soldiers from the 2/40th.
Mr Winspear was a wireless air gunner who was deployed to Darwin from Victoria on December 7 1941 – the same day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour.
“There were 12 planes all flying vertically, and they couldn’t see the targets, so between the pilot’s legs, there was a trap door, and you could look down at the bombing,” he said.
Politicians Andrew Wilkie, Jacquie Petrusma, Lieutenant Col Neil Grierson and Senior ADF Officer Barry Quinn were among the dignitaries in attendance at the commemoration at Ross.
More Coverage
Originally published as Almost entirely Tasmanian 2/40th Battalion commemorated in Ross service
Freight scheme 25-years-old and not “fit-for-purpose”, producers say
For cherry grower Nic Hansen, it costs 50 per cent more to ship his produce from a Grove orchard to Melbourne than it does from Melbourne to Hong Kong. The urgent changes needed to the state’s freight scheme.
Push for solution as families share upset at ward closure
“It has provided life-changing care to so many families, including mine,” mum Jess Wilson said, disappointed in the loss of maternity services at Hobart Private Hospital. Read other Tassie families’ stories.
Bushfire in Triabunna expected to impact town in 2-4 hours
While weary firefighters continue battling blazes on the West Coast, a new bushfire has broken out in southeast Tasmania. For rolling coverage.
Man arrested after allegedly assaulting employee during theft
Police allege a Launceston man assaulted a store employee while stealing almost $400 from a Brisbane Street Arcade store. The latest.
Car rental firm’s new multimillion-dollar Hobart headquarters
A national car rental firm has revealed demand for rentals in Tasmania peaks at Christmas and Easter. Now, the firm is expanding business in Tasmania. Read why.
New owners secured for Tasmania JackJumpers
Larry Kestelman has made it no secret that he has wanted to sell the Tasmania JackJumpers. Now he has finally found an owner to take over the championship-winning team.