Battle for Babau PTO (id:#66522)

(ASL Journal #14 ID: J230)   [next]   [previous]

Babau, West Timor 1942-02-22 (7 others)

Overview:

Babau remained the key in West Timor. On the previous day, Australian troops threw Japanese Naval paratroopers out of Babau for a second time, allowing Sparrow Force a vital easterly retreat route from the large amphibious landing to their west. The Japanese defenders proved formidable, and the Naval paratroopers prepared a new blocking position in Oesau, about one kilometre to the east of Babau. Three companies from 2/40th Battalion began to reduce this position on the afternoon of 2 February. To ensure Sparrow Force could clear the position at Oesau, a rearguard action was prepared around Babau. The Aussies had to delay the veteran Japanese soldiers from the 228th Regiment who formed the amphibious assault.

Defender: Australian (Company D and rear echelon units, 2/40th Battalion, "Sparrow Force")  

Errata (source)