2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion

The 2/29th Battalion was part of the 8th Division’s 27th Brigade, the last AIF brigade raised during WWII.  The 2/29th initially fought as part of a combined Australian-Indian defence against the Japanese forces advancing through Johore in Malaya.  At Parit Sulong they were forced to withdraw and leave behind their wounded – about 110 Australians, 40 Indians and some medical personnel; most were executed by the Japanese.  Only 130 men from the 2/29th Battalion made it to the British lines. Reinforced within a few days, the battalion joined the defence of Singapore until the surrender.  Personnel then became prisoners of war, enduring hard labour for over three years.