Australian Independent Companies

The Australian ‘commando’ or ‘special forces’ units were formed during WWII, modelled on the British Army Commandos.  They received special training and were generally used for reconnaissance and long-range patrols.   By May 1942, nine independent companies had been raised to assist with operations in the Pacific theatre – in particular, to establish outposts on the islands to the north of Australia, where they could identify approaching Japanese forces and stall attempted invasions.  Some of their major actions took place on New Ireland, in Timor, at Kaiapit and throughout Papua and New Guinea.  The independent companies were redesignated cavalry commando squadrons in 1943 and fought in Borneo, New Guinea and Bougainville.