Battle of Timor order of battle facts for kids
The Battle of Timor was a fight that happened on the island of Timor during World War II. It took place from 1942 to 1943. The main groups involved were the Empire of Japan, who invaded the island on February 20, 1942, and the Allies. The Allied forces were mostly from Australia and the Netherlands. Many local Timorese people and some Portuguese colonists also helped the Allies. They fought as criados (which means guerrillas or freedom fighters) or provided important things like food and shelter. This article explains the different groups of soldiers who fought in this battle.
Contents
Who Fought in the Battle of Timor?
This section lists the main military groups and forces that were involved at the start of the Battle of Timor. It shows which countries and types of units were present on the island.
Portuguese Forces
Even though Portugal was neutral in World War II, some Portuguese forces and civilians on Timor helped the Allies. They were defending their part of the island.
Portuguese Colonial Army Units
- HQ Timor (Repartição Militar de Timor): This was the main command center for the Portuguese military on Timor.
- Native Rifle Company (Companhia de Caçadores Indígenas): A group of local soldiers trained by the Portuguese.
- Oecussi detachment of the Native Rifle Company: A smaller part of the rifle company, stationed in the Oecussi area.
- Border Cavalry Platoon: A small group of soldiers on horseback, used for patrolling the borders.
Portuguese Civil and Auxiliary Forces
These were not regular army units but helped with defense and order.
- Dili Police Corps (Corpo de Polícia de Dili): The police force in the capital city of Dili.
- Civil administration sepoys: Local guards working for the government.
- Timorese militias and auxiliaries: Groups of local Timorese people who organized to help defend the island.
Allied Forces
The Allied forces were mainly from Australia and the Netherlands. They were sent to Timor to help defend it against the Japanese invasion.
Sparrow Force Units
Sparrow Force was the name given to the Allied troops, mostly Australians, sent to defend Timor.
- HQ Sparrow Force: The headquarters for all the Sparrow Force troops.
- 2/40th Infantry Battalion: A large group of Australian foot soldiers.
- 2/2nd Independent Company: A special unit of Australian commandos, skilled in guerrilla warfare.
- 2/1st Heavy Battery: An artillery unit with large guns.
- A & C Troops, 79th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery: British soldiers with anti-aircraft guns to shoot down enemy planes.
- 75th Light Aid Detachment: A unit that repaired vehicles and equipment.
- 2/1st Fortress Engineers: Soldiers who built and maintained defenses.
- 2/1st Fortress Signals: A unit responsible for communications, like radios.
- B Troop, 18th Anti-Tank Battery: Soldiers with guns designed to destroy enemy tanks.
- No.2 Section, 2/11th Field Company: Another group of engineers.
- 23rd Brigade Signals: More communication specialists.
- 2/12th Field Ambulance: A medical unit that provided first aid and care for wounded soldiers.
- 22nd Dental Unit: Provided dental care for the troops.
- Australian Army Service Corps: This group handled supplies, transport, and other support for the army.
Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) Units
These were Dutch soldiers from the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia).
- Timor and Dependencies Garrison Battalion: A battalion of soldiers stationed to defend Timor.
- 3rd Company, VIII Infantry Battalion: A company of foot soldiers.
- Reservekorps (RK) Infantry Company: A reserve group of infantry soldiers.
- Machine-Gun Platoon, XIII Infantry Battalion: A small unit equipped with machine guns.
- Artillery battery (4 × 75 mm guns): A unit with four large cannons.
- Engineer platoon: Soldiers who built and maintained structures.
- Mobile auxiliary first aid platoon: A medical unit that could move quickly to help wounded soldiers.
Empire of Japan Forces
The Japanese forces were the invaders. They aimed to take control of Timor.
- 228th Regimental Group: A large group of Japanese soldiers.
- 3rd Yokosuka Special Naval Landing Force (detachment): A special unit of Japanese marines, similar to commandos.
