Darling Downs remembers its role in crucial WW2 Pacific battle
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
The Toowoomba region will commemorate its contribution to the Battle of Milne Bay this weekend, one of the most important clashes in the Pacific during World War Two.
The Australian Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion had its headquarters in Toowoomba and became known as the Darling Downs regiment.
Its soldiers went to Milne Bay in 1942, where they had a key role in the first significant defeat of Japanese forces.
Toowoomba Region mayor, Paul Antonio, said it’s important to honour the heroic efforts of men from the Darling Downs at Milne Bay.
“On St Patrick’s Day 1942 the Darling Downs 25th Battalion left Cabarlah Barracks and marched down the steep range to the siding at Spring Bluff.
“The soldiers boarded trains bound for the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds, Townsville and eventually Milne Bay.
“More than 200 did not return from battles with the Japanese at Milne Bay in 1942 and Bouganville in 1945.
“The actions of the brave men of the Darling Downs’ 25th Battalion played a key role in defending Australia from a Japanese invasion.
“The victory at Milne Bay will go down in history as one of the most important battles that Australia has ever won.”
In mid-1942, US General Douglas MacArthur chose Milne Bay, at the south-eastern tip of what is now Papua New Guinea, as a forward air base from which to attack Japanese forces in the western Pacific.
The Royal Australian Air Force established operations there, but Japan wanted to put its forces there to support its push along the Kokoda Trail towards Port Moresby.
Japan launched an air raid on Milne Bay on 4 August 1942. More raids followed, and an invasion force landed there later that month.
Heavy fighting followed in awful conditions, with torrential rain and the ever-present malarial mosquitoes. Australian forces prevailed, and Japan withdrew in early September.
The Battle of Milne Bay was the first time Japan had been beaten on land in WW2 and was a significant boost to Allied morale.
On Saturday, Toowoomba will host events to commemorate the battle on its 80th anniversary.
Mayor Antonio said the 25th/49th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment, will participate in a Freedom of Entry March, commemoration service, and a black-tie dinner.
“This weekend we honour and pay our respects to those lost defending our nation. May they never be forgotten.”
