2/40th Battalion / Sparrow Force Commemoration at Ross this Sunday

This weekend will see the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the capture of Tasmania’s 2/40th Battalion.

Taking place at the Ross Town Hall, the event will honour the service and sacrifice of the Tasmanian soldiers who were captured in Timor during World War II.

These soldiers faced overwhelming odds and endured years as prisoners of war, demonstrating resilience and strength. This commemoration is an opportunity to remember their service and ensure their stories are never forgotten.

The event will include a formal ceremony with guest speakers, a wreath-laying service, plaque dedication and the presence of surviving family members and military historians.

Dignitaries in attendance include Andrew Wilkie MHR, Jackie Petrusma MHA, Lieutenant Col Neil Grierson, Senior ADF Officer Barry Quinn and State President of the RSL.

The commemoration marks the 80th reunion being held in Ross and the 83rd year of the capitulation of the Battalion. On 23 February 1942, the 2/40th Battalion was captured by the Japanese on the island of Timor and taken into prisoner of war camps.

Much is written about the battalion, which formed the bulk of ‘Sparrow Force’ deployed to Timor in December 1941. By February 23, however, the odds against Sparrow Force were mounting—food, water and ammunition were running low.

Casualties were increasing, and a large Japanese force was closing in. The Japanese issued an ultimatum: surrender or face bombing. Consequently, the bulk of the 2/40th Battalion surrendered and thus became prisoners of war.

Upon returning to Tasmania, the soldiers decided to hold a reunion on the weekend closest to February 23. They would travel across the state, alternating between Ulverstone, Launceston and Hobart to reunite each year.

The reunion was an opportunity to honour their camaraderie and the special bond they had formed. Some even travelled from interstate to attend this significant weekend.

The event included a full weekend of gathering, reminiscing and, of course, sharing a few beverages. On Sundays they would hold a BBQ, affectionately known as ‘Sunday School’, as a way to wind down before parting ways.

As the years passed and their numbers dwindled, each region held its own reunion on the designated weekend, ensuring a luncheon was always held on the Sunday.

Sadly, no members of the Battalion remain today, but their families continue the tradition to honour their legacy and sacrifices.

WHAT: 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Capture of Tasmania’s 2/40th Battalion
WHERE: Ross Town Hall, 2 Bridge St, Ross TAS 7209
WHEN: 11:00, Sunday 23 February

1.     Official commencement of the Service by Lauchlan Marsh
2.    Address –  Lte. Col. Neil Grierson
3.    Address – Damian Mather – 2/40th Family
4.    Address – Mr Andrew Wilkie MP
5.    Prayer – Chaplain Major Sean Conry
6.    Song – Now is the Hour
7.    Unveiling of the Plaque – Barry Quinn RSL
8.    Wreaths and Flowers are Laid
9.    Reciting of the Ode – Rod Stone
10.   The ‘Last Post’ – AAB – Tas
11.    One minute’s silence
12.   Rouse – AAB – Tas
13.   The Australian National Anthem Lachlan Marsh
14.   Lord’s Prayer – Chaplain Major Sean Conry
15.   Benediction – Chaplain Major Sean Conry
16.   Service association Fall-0ut.

Featured image above: Sparrow Force in Timor, 1942.