Battle of Timor

The Battle of Timor (1942–43) occurred in Portuguese Timor and Netherlands Timor, during World War II. It involved forces from the Empire of Japan—which invaded on February 20, 1942—on one side and Allied military personnel, predominantly from Australia and the Netherlands East Indies on the other. Although Portugal was not a combatant, many East Timorese civilians and some Portuguese colonists fought with the Allies as criados (guerrillas), or p... more

The Battle of Timor (1942–43) occurred in Portuguese Timor and Netherlands Timor, during World War II. It involved forces from the Empire of Japan—which invaded on February 20, 1942—on one side and Allied military personnel, predominantly from Australia and the Netherlands East Indies on the other. Although Portugal was not a combatant, many East Timorese civilians and some Portuguese colonists fought with the Allies as criados (guerrillas), or provided food, shelter and other assistance. Allied soldiers, most of whom were Australian commandos, waged a raiding campaign against the Japanese. They were resupplied by aircraft and vessels, based mostly in Darwin, Australia, about 650 kilometres (400 mi) to the southeast, across the Timor Sea. A whole Japanese division was tied up on Timor for more than six months, preventing its deployment elsewhere. The commandos' campaign lasted until February 10, 1943, when the last Australian soldiers were evacuated, making them the last Allied land... less