DEFENCE OF BATHURST AND MELVILLE ISLANDS
DURING WW2 BY 35 TIWI FROM MELVILLE ISLAND

35 Tiwi from Melville Island were responsible for patrolling Melville Island and Bathurst Island during WW2. They were armed and equipped by the Royal Australian Navy and they wore Navy uniforms. 

They served from 1942 until the end of the war in 1945 but they were never formally enlisted or paid an wages. It is believed that two of the Tiwi soldiers were involved in secret visits to Timor aboard Allied submarines.

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 9 March 2002

This page last updated 20 April 2024