Australian Artillery in the Netherlands East Indies

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

I have noticed that in 1942 the Australian troops in NEI a o consisted of:

AMBON C Troop 18th AT Bty 4 x 2-Pdr
TIMOR B Troop 18th AT Bty 4 x 2-Pdr
TIMOR 2/1 Heavy Bty 2 x 150 mm (Mjr Mc Wilson)

Is more known about these units? What type were the 150 mm guns? Were there trucks or carriers to tow them?

JAVA 2nd Btn 131st US Artillery (NG). Type of 75 mm guns? Type of trucks?

[JackM]

Stellan,

I have consulted my only book on Timor (Independent Company by Bernard Callinan - tells the story of the 2/2nd Independent Company which stayed behind after the invasion of Timor and fought the Japs as guerillas for thirteen months). It indicates that a battery of the 2/1st Australian Heavy Regiment under MAJ Athol Wilson, disembarked from the "Westralia" (an armed merchantman) in Koepang (south west Timor) in early December 1941.

They accompanied the 2/40th Australian Infantry Battalion, who were captured by the Japs in late February 1942. I assume that the gunners also went into the bag.

No details are given of the guns but I'm guessing that they might have been 6" howitzers probably first in action in 1914-18. No mention either of the towing vehicle but doubtless it would have been some variety of truck.

Jack

[Stellan Bojerud (RIP)]

Thanks for this Jack!

Stellan