Historical information

2/1st North Australia Observer Unit 1942-1945 The Nackeroos - During the second World War the 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit guarded Northern Australia against Japanese incursions. The unit established positions in remote areas and carried out patrols on foot and horseback, reporting back by wireless.The unit was barely 550 strong, and with their headquarters in Katherine, in the Northern Territory, they were given the task of patrolling northern Australia to look for signs of enemy activity.
The men made use of the knowledge of local Aboriginals and maintained coast watching outposts. As the threat of invasion passed, the unit was reduced in strength and disbanded in March 1945. A similar role is now carried out by the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE)

Physical description

Black plastic frame containing a dedication on black background with red and green joined square symbol

Inscriptions & markings

2/1st North Australia Observer Unit 1942-1945
The Nackeroos
In memory of those who served
Dedicated on 27 August 2008