Roff Riders PTO (id:#66500)

(ASL Journal #14 ID: J233)   [next]   [previous]

Babau, West Timor 1942-02-21 (3 others)

Overview:

After a day on continuous action and movement in response to the Japanese invasion of Timor, the bulk of Sparrow Force was concentrated at Tarus, 10 miles east of Koepang and 5 miles west of Babau. Between Sparrow Force and its supply head in central Timor were 20 miles of road and a large force of Japanese paratroopers at Babau. The Australians knew they had to clear Babau if Sparrow Force was to remain a cohesive fighting unit. Therefore, at midnight on 20 February, the commander of Sparrow Force ordered two reinforced companies of the 2/40th Battalion to advance the next morning against the Japanese in Babau. At 0530 hours, the companies moved forward but made slow progress due to weariness and the occasional sniper. By 1030 hours, the companies were 900 yards from the village and given a rest until midday. The Australians then moved forward for a third fight over the village with the Japanese.

Defender: Japanese (2nd Company and HQ Company, Yokosuka 3rd Special Naval Landing Force, Eastern Detachment)  

Errata (source)