Recognising 80 years since the Fall of Ambon
3 February 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the Fall of Ambon in the Second World War.
The island (in present-day Indonesia) was the site of two airfields at Laha and Liang during the war. In December 1941 the Australian battalion group ‘Gull Force’ was sent to Ambon to join with Netherlands East Indies troops in protecting the island.
Ill-prepared, under-equipped and without air support, the combined forces faced three Japanese battalions who landed on the island during the night of 30-31 January 1942.
Within days the defences were overwhelmed and the Australians decided to surrender.
While some small groups were able to escape the island, most of Gull Force and many Dutch troops were captured and became prisoners of war. The prisoners were subjected to brutal treatment, and more than three-quarters of the Australians who were captured on Ambon died in captivity.
On the 80th anniversary of the Fall of Ambon, we remember all those who served on the island during the Second World War and encourage Australians to take a moment to remember their service and sacrifice.
Pictured are men of 2/21 Battalion who were deployed to Ambon as part of Gull Force