Colour Patch – 40th Battalion (The Derwent Regiment)

Description

Description: Colour Patch – 40th Battalion (The Derwent Regiment).

Condition: Very Good

Comments: Colour Patch – 40th Battalion (The Derwent Regiment). Full size. 

Reference: KG 876

During World War II, the militia battalions formed at the end of the World War I from units of the original AIF were maintained as separate units from the battalions raised as part of the 2nd AIF. The 12th/50th Battalion was the direct descendant of the 12th Battalion, AIF, and during the war it served as part of York Force and on garrison duties in the Northern Territory. At the same time, the 40th Battalion also served in Darwin. On 2 May 1945 the 12th/50th Battalion was amalgamated with the 40th Battalion and became the 12th/40th Battalion. This Battalion formed the bulk of Timor Force that accepted the surrender of the Japanese forces from the commander of the 48th Japanese Division at Koepang on 3 October 1945. In March 1946, it returned to Australia and was subsequently disbanded on 29 May 1946.