2/4th Cavalry Commando Squadron (Australia)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.jpg/300px-2-4_Cdo_Sqn_Tarakan_(109980).jpg) Members of the Australian 2/4th Cavalry Commando Squadron on Tarakan Island in June 1945 |
|
| Active | 1941-1946 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Commando |
| Engagements | Battle of Timor Salamaua-Lae campaign Huon Peninsula campaign Battle of Tarakan |
The 2/4th Cavalry Commando Squadron was an Australian Army commando unit of World War II. 2/4th Cavalry Commando Squadron was formed as No. 4 Independent Company in August 1941 but was disbanded in October. The Company was reformed in late December 1941 following the outbreak of the Pacific War as the 2/4th Independent Company. After completing its training the Company was posted to the Northern Territory in March 1942. During its time in the Northern Territory the Company's primary role was to harass any Japanese forces which landed in the area.
In September 1942 the 2/4th Independent Company was deployed to Timor to reinforce the 2/2nd Independent Company which was waging a guerrilla campaign against the Japanese forces on the island. The Company carried out many successful operations on Timor but was withdrawn to Australia in January 1943 after the Japanese reinforced the island. In April 1943 the Company became part of the 2/7th Cavalry Commando Regiment.
The 2/4th Company deployed to New Guinea in August 1943 and was placed under the command of the 9th Division during the landing at Lae on 4 September. The Company suffered heavy losses during this operation when a Landing Ship Tank part of the Company was travelling in was attacked by Japanese aircraft. Despite these losses, the Company performed well during this campaign and the subsequent Huon Peninsula campaign and was withdrawn to Australia in February 1944.
The 2/4th Company was redesignated the 2/4th Cavalry Commando Squadron in March 1944 and became part of the 2/9th Cavalry Commando Regiment. After a lengthy period of training, the Squadron embarked for Tarakan Island off Borneo in April 1945. During May and June 1945 the Squadron played an important role in the liberation of Tarakan, but suffered heavy casualties. This was the Squadron's last operation and it was disbanded at Ingleburn, New South Wales on 8 January 1946.
[edit] References
- (1994) Commando : from Tidal River to Tarakan : the story of No 4. Australian Independent Company, AIF : later known as 2/4th Australian Commando Squadron, AIF : 1941-45. Melbourne: 2nd/4th Commando Association.
