MEMBERS of the largest First Nations Battalion in Australia were honored as the country marked eight decades of an undying legacy brought by the war.
Established in 1943, the Torres Straight Light Infantry (TSLI) Battalion was formed to defend Australia’s Northern Region from potential invasion during World War II.
Almost 900 Torres Strait islanders volunteered to join the battalion to help protect the country against the invading Japanese forces.
From Light Infantry roles, their tasks soon expand a wider range of support functions such as engineering, transport, supply, and signals at the height of the war.
In a recent ceremony, members of the Australian army joined the Torres Strait Islands community in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the unit’s formation.
One of only two surviving members of the TSLI battalion participated in the event.
The Australian army also marked the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, when thousands of Australian troops fought side by side with partners and western allies during the air and ground battle.
