The 2/22nd Battalion was an infantrybattalion of the Australian Army. Raised as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force for service during World War II, the battalion formed part of the 23rd Brigade, attached to the 8th Division. It was captured by the Japanese during the Battle of Rabaul in 1942. After being captured, the battalion was not re-raised and a large number of its personnel died in captivity; those that did not were returned to Australia at the end of the war in 1945.
History
Formed on 1 July 1940 at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, the 2/22nd Battalion formed part of the 23rd Brigade, attached to the 8th Division. The battalion's personnel were drawn from the state of Victoria, and included a number of veterans of the World War I. The colours chosen for the battalion's Unit Colour Patch (UCP) were the same as those of the 22nd Battalion, a unit which had served during World War I before being raised as a Militia formation in 1921. These colours were purple over red, in a diamond shape, although a border of gray in an oval shape was added to the UCP to distinguish the battalion from its Militia counterpart; the oval border denoted that the battalion was an 8th Division unit.
In the song, the character Derek (who is featured in the story line of Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)) attempts to convince his father, Arthur, of the great opportunities available in Australia, where there's "no drug addiction" and you can "surf like they do in the U.S.A." Derek's advertisement is compared to John Smith, who campaigned for America in a similar manner, by author Thomas Kitts.
The song also features a jam sequence lasting for approximately half the song, which is atypical for The Kinks. In the Australian single edit, this section is removed by editing an earlier section of the song into another section during a drum beat, which is then followed by a fade-out.
It has featured in a wide variety of Australian press and online media, including mining forums, and continues to garner attention due to its controversial and provocative message. Music press have hailed the song as one of the great contemporary Australian protest songs. The Melbourne Age went as far as to say that Midnight Oil's 'Blue Sky Mine' has nothing on 'Australia (Whore of the World)'.
The Song has been banned by ABC Local Radio Southern Queensland (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) as being too provocative for a conservative audience. ABC Southern Queensland encompasses the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region which is the region where Gordon hails from originally and where he has performed the song at a number of anti-mining rallies. The song has however received airplay in other parts of Australia from the ABC, and has been showcased on the national flagship ABC Environment website. As of May 2011, Gordon is contesting the Toowoomba ruling with the case currently before the independent ABC Consumer and Audience review board.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau, New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 8...
published: 17 Jan 2021
2/22nd Battalion Lark Force Association
This service remembers the men of Australia's 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau in New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Ap...
published: 22 Jan 2023
2/21 Australian Infantry Battalion AIF
Coverage of the historic march by the 2/21 Battalion AIF. The 2/21 Battalion AIF formed at Trawool, near Seymour, VIC in August 1940. Southern Command ordered that all 8 Division units with the exception of the Cavalry Regiment and Machine Gun Battalion transfer to a new camp at Bonegilla. The 2/21 Battalion AIF together with the 2/22 Battalion AIF marched the distance of 146 miles. The troops left Trawool on 23 September and arrived at Bonegilla on 4 October. This was the longest march ever undertaken by AIF units in Australia.
published: 07 Jun 2017
22nd Australian Infantry Battalion (2nd AIF)
This service remembers the men of the 22nd Battalion who served during the Second World War.
Having served in the First World War, the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was re-established in August 1939 - just before the start of the Second World War. From 1939 to early 1943, it undertook garrison duties and training in Queensland and around Australia.
In early 1943, the 22nd was deployed to New Guinea. They served in Milne Bay and Lae before taking part in the Huon Peninsula campaign.
In January 1945, the battalion was sent to New Britain to help contain the Japanese to Rabaul. Once the war ended, they remained on New Britain as a garrison force.
The 22nd Battalion was disbanded in May 1946, having lost 43 men with a further 72 wounded.
published: 12 Dec 2021
Defending Australia 1942 - Episode 1: Lark Force
In order to defend mainland Australia from Japan, Australian and Allied forces occupied a outer defence perimeter of island bases. But the forces sent were small, isolated and unsupported, with disastrous consequences for the soldiers, when massive Japanese invasions began. In this episode, the fate of Lark Force on New Britain.
This is an AUDIO PROGRAMME. For videos, visit Mark Felton Productions: https://youtu.be/C7D6huURHAY
Help support my channel:
https://www.paypal.me/markfeltonproduction
https://www.patreon.com/markfeltonproductions
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of War Stories with Mark Felton. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. War Stories with Mark Felton does not condone written at...
published: 18 Dec 2021
Roberts-Smith warns people against joining ADF
One of Australia’s most decorated soldiers has warned young people against joining the defense force.
published: 14 Nov 2019
2/9 Australian Infantry Battalion
Troops of the 2/9 Australian Infantry Battalion move across rough suspension bridge spanning the Faria River, New Guinea.
published: 07 Jun 2017
Every Australian Infantry Battalion Ever Pt.1
This Video includes all Australian Infantry Regiments from 1-30 including their 1st AIF, Militia and 2nd AIF battalions.
A Part 2 to this video will come out soon.
published: 17 Dec 2021
Charles Green (Australian Soldier)
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hercules Green DSO was the youngest Australian Army infantry battalion commander during World War II. He went on to command the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during the Korean War, where he died of wounds. He remains the only commanding officer of a battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment to die on active service. Green joined the part-time Militia in 1936, and prior to the outbreak of World War II had been commissioned as a lieutenant. He volunteered for overseas service soon after the war began in September 1939, and served in the Middle East and the Battle of Greece with the 2/2nd Battalion. After the action at Pineios Gorge on 18 April 1941, Green became separated from the battalion main body, and made his way through Turkey to Palestine, to r...
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they c...
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau, New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 836 men—the majority of Lark Force—were either captured or surrendered to the Japanese.
Many of these men would go on to die in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship. Unmarked, there was no way to know it was carrying 1,053 prisoners and civilian internees to Hainan Island. On 1 July 1942, the Montevideo Maru was sighted and torpedoed by the submarine USS Sturgeon. It sank in 11 minutes, killing all prisoners on board.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau, New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 836 men—the majority of Lark Force—were either captured or surrendered to the Japanese.
Many of these men would go on to die in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship. Unmarked, there was no way to know it was carrying 1,053 prisoners and civilian internees to Hainan Island. On 1 July 1942, the Montevideo Maru was sighted and torpedoed by the submarine USS Sturgeon. It sank in 11 minutes, killing all prisoners on board.
This service remembers the men of Australia's 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in ...
This service remembers the men of Australia's 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau in New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 836 men – the majority of Lark Force – were either captured by or surrendered to the Japanese.
Many of these men would go on to die in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship. Unmarked, there was no way to know it was carrying 1,053 prisoners and civilian internees to Hainan Island. On 1 July 1942, the Montevideo Maru was sighted and torpedoed by the submarine USS Sturgeon. It sank in 11 minutes, killing all prisoners on board.
This service remembers the men of Australia's 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau in New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 836 men – the majority of Lark Force – were either captured by or surrendered to the Japanese.
Many of these men would go on to die in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship. Unmarked, there was no way to know it was carrying 1,053 prisoners and civilian internees to Hainan Island. On 1 July 1942, the Montevideo Maru was sighted and torpedoed by the submarine USS Sturgeon. It sank in 11 minutes, killing all prisoners on board.
Coverage of the historic march by the 2/21 Battalion AIF. The 2/21 Battalion AIF formed at Trawool, near Seymour, VIC in August 1940. Southern Command ordered ...
Coverage of the historic march by the 2/21 Battalion AIF. The 2/21 Battalion AIF formed at Trawool, near Seymour, VIC in August 1940. Southern Command ordered that all 8 Division units with the exception of the Cavalry Regiment and Machine Gun Battalion transfer to a new camp at Bonegilla. The 2/21 Battalion AIF together with the 2/22 Battalion AIF marched the distance of 146 miles. The troops left Trawool on 23 September and arrived at Bonegilla on 4 October. This was the longest march ever undertaken by AIF units in Australia.
Coverage of the historic march by the 2/21 Battalion AIF. The 2/21 Battalion AIF formed at Trawool, near Seymour, VIC in August 1940. Southern Command ordered that all 8 Division units with the exception of the Cavalry Regiment and Machine Gun Battalion transfer to a new camp at Bonegilla. The 2/21 Battalion AIF together with the 2/22 Battalion AIF marched the distance of 146 miles. The troops left Trawool on 23 September and arrived at Bonegilla on 4 October. This was the longest march ever undertaken by AIF units in Australia.
This service remembers the men of the 22nd Battalion who served during the Second World War.
Having served in the First World War, the 22nd Australian Infantry...
This service remembers the men of the 22nd Battalion who served during the Second World War.
Having served in the First World War, the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was re-established in August 1939 - just before the start of the Second World War. From 1939 to early 1943, it undertook garrison duties and training in Queensland and around Australia.
In early 1943, the 22nd was deployed to New Guinea. They served in Milne Bay and Lae before taking part in the Huon Peninsula campaign.
In January 1945, the battalion was sent to New Britain to help contain the Japanese to Rabaul. Once the war ended, they remained on New Britain as a garrison force.
The 22nd Battalion was disbanded in May 1946, having lost 43 men with a further 72 wounded.
This service remembers the men of the 22nd Battalion who served during the Second World War.
Having served in the First World War, the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was re-established in August 1939 - just before the start of the Second World War. From 1939 to early 1943, it undertook garrison duties and training in Queensland and around Australia.
In early 1943, the 22nd was deployed to New Guinea. They served in Milne Bay and Lae before taking part in the Huon Peninsula campaign.
In January 1945, the battalion was sent to New Britain to help contain the Japanese to Rabaul. Once the war ended, they remained on New Britain as a garrison force.
The 22nd Battalion was disbanded in May 1946, having lost 43 men with a further 72 wounded.
In order to defend mainland Australia from Japan, Australian and Allied forces occupied a outer defence perimeter of island bases. But the forces sent were smal...
In order to defend mainland Australia from Japan, Australian and Allied forces occupied a outer defence perimeter of island bases. But the forces sent were small, isolated and unsupported, with disastrous consequences for the soldiers, when massive Japanese invasions began. In this episode, the fate of Lark Force on New Britain.
This is an AUDIO PROGRAMME. For videos, visit Mark Felton Productions: https://youtu.be/C7D6huURHAY
Help support my channel:
https://www.paypal.me/markfeltonproduction
https://www.patreon.com/markfeltonproductions
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of War Stories with Mark Felton. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. War Stories with Mark Felton does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Australian War Memorial; SpoolWhippet
In order to defend mainland Australia from Japan, Australian and Allied forces occupied a outer defence perimeter of island bases. But the forces sent were small, isolated and unsupported, with disastrous consequences for the soldiers, when massive Japanese invasions began. In this episode, the fate of Lark Force on New Britain.
This is an AUDIO PROGRAMME. For videos, visit Mark Felton Productions: https://youtu.be/C7D6huURHAY
Help support my channel:
https://www.paypal.me/markfeltonproduction
https://www.patreon.com/markfeltonproductions
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of War Stories with Mark Felton. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. War Stories with Mark Felton does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Australian War Memorial; SpoolWhippet
This Video includes all Australian Infantry Regiments from 1-30 including their 1st AIF, Militia and 2nd AIF battalions.
A Part 2 to this video will come out...
This Video includes all Australian Infantry Regiments from 1-30 including their 1st AIF, Militia and 2nd AIF battalions.
A Part 2 to this video will come out soon.
This Video includes all Australian Infantry Regiments from 1-30 including their 1st AIF, Militia and 2nd AIF battalions.
A Part 2 to this video will come out soon.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hercules Green DSO was the youngest Australian Army infantry battalion commander during World War II. He went on to command the 3rd ...
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hercules Green DSO was the youngest Australian Army infantry battalion commander during World War II. He went on to command the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during the Korean War, where he died of wounds. He remains the only commanding officer of a battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment to die on active service. Green joined the part-time Militia in 1936, and prior to the outbreak of World War II had been commissioned as a lieutenant. He volunteered for overseas service soon after the war began in September 1939, and served in the Middle East and the Battle of Greece with the 2/2nd Battalion. After the action at Pineios Gorge on 18 April 1941, Green became separated from the battalion main body, and made his way through Turkey to Palestine, to rejoin the reformed 2/2nd Battalion. The 2/2nd Battalion returned to Australia in August 1942 via Ceylon, to fight the Japanese.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hercules Green DSO was the youngest Australian Army infantry battalion commander during World War II. He went on to command the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during the Korean War, where he died of wounds. He remains the only commanding officer of a battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment to die on active service. Green joined the part-time Militia in 1936, and prior to the outbreak of World War II had been commissioned as a lieutenant. He volunteered for overseas service soon after the war began in September 1939, and served in the Middle East and the Battle of Greece with the 2/2nd Battalion. After the action at Pineios Gorge on 18 April 1941, Green became separated from the battalion main body, and made his way through Turkey to Palestine, to rejoin the reformed 2/2nd Battalion. The 2/2nd Battalion returned to Australia in August 1942 via Ceylon, to fight the Japanese.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau, New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 836 men—the majority of Lark Force—were either captured or surrendered to the Japanese.
Many of these men would go on to die in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship. Unmarked, there was no way to know it was carrying 1,053 prisoners and civilian internees to Hainan Island. On 1 July 1942, the Montevideo Maru was sighted and torpedoed by the submarine USS Sturgeon. It sank in 11 minutes, killing all prisoners on board.
This service remembers the men of Australia's 2/22nd Battalion and Lark Force.
The 2/22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was raised in July 1940 for service in the Second World War. In 1941 they deployed to Rabaul, New Britain, where they combined with several other units to form Lark Force. They were responsible for protecting the vulnerable airbases at Lakunai and Vunakanau in New Britain.
Already under-equipped, Japanese bombings in January 1942 destroyed most of Lark Force's assets. They withdrew from Rabaul and awaited the inevitable Japanese landings. The superior numbers of the Japanese soon overwhelmed their defences, and the order was given to retreat. Lark Force disintegrated and tried to escape.
A small number of men would escape via boats they found in the New Guinea area. Approximately 160 Australians were captured and then massacred at Tol Plantation. 836 men – the majority of Lark Force – were either captured by or surrendered to the Japanese.
Many of these men would go on to die in the sinking of the Montevideo Maru transport ship. Unmarked, there was no way to know it was carrying 1,053 prisoners and civilian internees to Hainan Island. On 1 July 1942, the Montevideo Maru was sighted and torpedoed by the submarine USS Sturgeon. It sank in 11 minutes, killing all prisoners on board.
Coverage of the historic march by the 2/21 Battalion AIF. The 2/21 Battalion AIF formed at Trawool, near Seymour, VIC in August 1940. Southern Command ordered that all 8 Division units with the exception of the Cavalry Regiment and Machine Gun Battalion transfer to a new camp at Bonegilla. The 2/21 Battalion AIF together with the 2/22 Battalion AIF marched the distance of 146 miles. The troops left Trawool on 23 September and arrived at Bonegilla on 4 October. This was the longest march ever undertaken by AIF units in Australia.
This service remembers the men of the 22nd Battalion who served during the Second World War.
Having served in the First World War, the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion was re-established in August 1939 - just before the start of the Second World War. From 1939 to early 1943, it undertook garrison duties and training in Queensland and around Australia.
In early 1943, the 22nd was deployed to New Guinea. They served in Milne Bay and Lae before taking part in the Huon Peninsula campaign.
In January 1945, the battalion was sent to New Britain to help contain the Japanese to Rabaul. Once the war ended, they remained on New Britain as a garrison force.
The 22nd Battalion was disbanded in May 1946, having lost 43 men with a further 72 wounded.
In order to defend mainland Australia from Japan, Australian and Allied forces occupied a outer defence perimeter of island bases. But the forces sent were small, isolated and unsupported, with disastrous consequences for the soldiers, when massive Japanese invasions began. In this episode, the fate of Lark Force on New Britain.
This is an AUDIO PROGRAMME. For videos, visit Mark Felton Productions: https://youtu.be/C7D6huURHAY
Help support my channel:
https://www.paypal.me/markfeltonproduction
https://www.patreon.com/markfeltonproductions
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of War Stories with Mark Felton. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. War Stories with Mark Felton does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Australian War Memorial; SpoolWhippet
This Video includes all Australian Infantry Regiments from 1-30 including their 1st AIF, Militia and 2nd AIF battalions.
A Part 2 to this video will come out soon.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hercules Green DSO was the youngest Australian Army infantry battalion commander during World War II. He went on to command the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, during the Korean War, where he died of wounds. He remains the only commanding officer of a battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment to die on active service. Green joined the part-time Militia in 1936, and prior to the outbreak of World War II had been commissioned as a lieutenant. He volunteered for overseas service soon after the war began in September 1939, and served in the Middle East and the Battle of Greece with the 2/2nd Battalion. After the action at Pineios Gorge on 18 April 1941, Green became separated from the battalion main body, and made his way through Turkey to Palestine, to rejoin the reformed 2/2nd Battalion. The 2/2nd Battalion returned to Australia in August 1942 via Ceylon, to fight the Japanese.
The 2/22nd Battalion was an infantrybattalion of the Australian Army. Raised as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force for service during World War II, the battalion formed part of the 23rd Brigade, attached to the 8th Division. It was captured by the Japanese during the Battle of Rabaul in 1942. After being captured, the battalion was not re-raised and a large number of its personnel died in captivity; those that did not were returned to Australia at the end of the war in 1945.
History
Formed on 1 July 1940 at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, the 2/22nd Battalion formed part of the 23rd Brigade, attached to the 8th Division. The battalion's personnel were drawn from the state of Victoria, and included a number of veterans of the World War I. The colours chosen for the battalion's Unit Colour Patch (UCP) were the same as those of the 22nd Battalion, a unit which had served during World War I before being raised as a Militia formation in 1921. These colours were purple over red, in a diamond shape, although a border of gray in an oval shape was added to the UCP to distinguish the battalion from its Militia counterpart; the oval border denoted that the battalion was an 8th Division unit.