9 Troop, B Squadron, 2nd/9th Australian Armoured Regiment Matilda Tanks - moving east Labuan, Borneo 10-6-1945.

9 Troop, B Squadron, 2nd/9th Australian AR

Matilda Tanks of the Austrailian 2nd/4th Armoured Regiment in the Solomon Islands 24-04-1945

Matilda Tanks of the Austrailian 2nd/4th AR 

The second 39th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Military Forces (39th BN) was raised on 1st of October 1941 and assigned as a Citizens Military Forces/Militia (reserve) unit. Manned by young volunteers, and designated for garrison duty at Port Moresby (Fortress Moresby), Papua. By August 1942, against a tenacious and battle hardened foe of 7,000,[1] this poorly equipped, poorly trained and poorly supported group of 409 men,[2] under deplorable odds and conditions on the Kokoda Trail, provided extraordinary courage, tenacity, devotion and results. Thanks to the 39th BN and the local Papuans (fuzzy-wuzzy angels)[3] early resistance, they provided the first proof to the Allies, that the Imperial Japanese Army soldier on land was not invincible, this action helped turn a threat on Australia into a victory. Such was their duty, and spirit to counter their foe, that by January 1943, 5 months after the commencement of combat, they could only muster 32 men,[4] the 39th BN were disbanded.

Today Australians acknowledges the 'Kokoda Trail Campaign' and the 39th BN's courage and commitment, as an example of one of Australia’s finest moments in its collective spirit and modern nationhood