| No.1 Independent Company | |
|---|---|
&sq=crain_ford&lang=en&file=File:AWM_P04017064_Australian_POWs_at_Shikoku_Japan_c_1945.PNG) Australian prisoners of war, including members of the No.1 Independent Company, in Japan c. 1942–45. | |
| Active | 1941–1942 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Independent Company and later Commando |
| Role | Irregular warfare |
| Size | 17 officers, 256 other ranks[1] |
| Double diamonds | Dark green |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major James Edmonds-Wilson[2] |
| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch | &sq=crain_ford&lang=en&file=File:2_1st_Independent_Coy_UCP.svg) |
The 1st Independent Company was one of twelve independent or commando companies raised by the Australian Army for service in World War II. Raised in 1941, No. 1 Independent Company served in New Ireland, New Britain and New Guinea in the early stages of the war in the Pacific, taking part in a major commando raid on Salamaua in June 1942. Having lost a large number of men captured by the enemy as well as a number of battle casualties, the company was withdrawn from New Britain later in 1942. The company was subsequently disbanded, with its surviving members being transferred to other commando units, and it was never re-raised.
- ^ Horner 1989, p. 22
- ^ L, Klemen (1999–2000). "Australian First Independent Company, 1942". Forgotten Campaign: The Dutch East Indies Campaign 1941–1942. Retrieved 5 June 2011.