2/1st North Australia Observer Unit
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| 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit | |
|---|---|
.jpg/300px-NAOU_(AWM_058471).jpg) Troopers of the North Australia Observer Unit during a morning parade in October 1943 |
|
| Active | 1942-1945 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Size | Peak strength of 559 soldiers and 59 guides |
| Nickname | Nackeroos |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Lt-Col Bill Stanner |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Colour Patch |  |
The 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (2/1 NAOU) was an Australian Army reconnaissance unit of World War II. 2/1 NAOU was formed in May 1942 to patrol remote areas of northern Australia and provide warning to the Northern Territory Force of any Japanese landings. As the threat of Japanese landings declined 2/1 NAOU patrols were reduced in July 1943 and the unit was disbanded in March 1945.
The Australian Army's Regional Force Surveillance Units have a similar role to 2/1 NAOU and NORFORCE traces its history back to 2/1 NAOU.
