The rest of the section – NCO and three riflemen.
NCO
Riflemen 1
Rifleman 2
Rifleman 3
The complete squad of eight men
This section is designed as a fire support team with the two Bren Gun teams and armed with rifles rather than SMG’s which were more common.
The next section to come over the next month.
The Second Bren Gun team for the first z Force section.
Tomorrow the rest of the Section
I hope to gradually work through these over the next few weeks.
More tomorrow.
The Australian Independent Companies were a fascinating and highly effective component of the Australian Army during World War 2, renowned for their skills in unconventional warfare, reconnaissance, and long-range patrolling. Their story is one of innovation and resilience in the challenging environments of the Pacific Theatre.
Formation and Early Role
Inspired by the British commando concept, the first Australian independent companies were raised between 1941 and 1942. The initial idea, influenced by a British Military Mission, was to create units trained for a broad range of “special” tasks including raids, demolitions, sabotage, subversion, and organising civil resistance. Initially, there was some uncertainty within the Australian Army about how best to utilise these units, and they were even considered for deployment to the Middle East with the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF).
However, with Japan’s entry into the war in December 1941, the focus quickly shifted to the Pacific. The independent companies were seen as ideal for establishing outposts in the islands north of Australia, acting as observation and early warning forces. If invaded, their mission was to remain behind, harass invading Japanese forces, and conduct guerrilla warfare.
The first independent companies included:
No. 7 Infantry Training Centre at Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
Training for these units was rigorous, often taking place at the No. 7 Infantry Training Centre at Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, where they received instruction in fieldcraft, signalling, and demolitions.
Key Operations and Distinctions
The independent companies quickly proved their worth in the Pacific:
Timor Campaign (2nd Independent Company / “Sparrow Force”): One of the most famous actions involved the 2nd Independent Company (later 2/2nd Commando Squadron). Deployed to Portuguese Timor as part of “Sparrow Force” in December 1941, they waged a highly successful guerrilla campaign against a much larger Japanese force for almost a year (1942-1943). This remarkable resistance tied down an entire Japanese division and earned them significant distinction.
Raid on Salamaua (1st and 2/5th Independent Companies): Elements of the 1st Independent Company (later disbanded and members transferred to other commando units) and the 2/5th Independent Company participated in a major raid on Salamaua, New Guinea, in June 1942 as part of “Kanga Force.” This raid inflicted significant casualties on the Japanese.
Defence of Wau (2/5th Independent Company): The 2/5th Independent Company played a crucial role in the defence of Wau, New Guinea, in January 1943, conducting long-range patrols and ambushing Japanese troops.
New Britain and Bougainville Campaigns (e.g., 2/8th Commando Squadron): Later in the war, commando squadrons, such as the 2/8th, provided vital flank protection and reconnaissance during campaigns in New Britain and Bougainville, often operating independently or attached to larger infantry formations.
Borneo Campaigns (e.g., 2/5th, 2/6th, 2/9th, 2/11th, 2/12th Commando Squadrons): Towards the end of the war, Australian commando units were heavily involved in the “OBOE” operations in Borneo (Tarakan, Labuan, Balikpapan), conducting reconnaissance and clearing operations in challenging jungle terrain.
By 1943, the Australian Army underwent a reorganisation of its special forces. The independent companies were largely absorbed into a new structure and re-designated as “Commando Squadrons.” These were often grouped into “Cavalry (Commando) Regiments” (e.g., the 2/7th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment comprising the 2/3rd, 2/5th, and 2/6th Commando Squadrons), or remained operationally independent as attached units (like the 2/2nd and 2/8th). This reorganisation aimed to integrate them more closely with larger divisional operations, moving them somewhat from their pure independent guerrilla role to acting more as highly skilled light infantry.
Australian Independent Company and Commando Squadron personnel generally wore standard Australian Army uniforms of the period, adapted for jungle warfare. Key elements included:
I have a few more teams and 3 Squads of these to paint. The figure are Expedition Miniatures.