Defending Australia 1942 - Episode 1: Lark Force

In order to defend mainland Australia from Japan, Australian and Allied forces occupied a outer defence perimeter of island bases. But the forces sent were small, isolated and unsupported, with disastrous consequences for the soldiers, when massive Japanese invasions began. In this episode, the fate of Lark Force on New Britain.

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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of War Stories with Mark Felton. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. War Stories with Mark Felton does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Credits: Australian War Memorial; SpoolWhippet

[obesetuna]

As an Australian who currently lives in the UK, I salute Dr Felton for describing this much over - looked tragedy of WW2.

[sueneilson]

Had the infinite pleasure of knowing one of the survivors of the Japanese detailed in this video. His name was Harold Martin, and after capture, was imprisoned in Changi, then survived 2 years on the Burma railway, then 4 days adrift after their prison ship was torpedoed by a US submarine as mentioned also. Harold was a quiet, kind and gentle man, and died last year at 103 years of age.

[thunderbird]

The Aussies have constantly proven to be a remarkably strong-willed people. As an American I find it unfortunate how often they're overlooked, such as their incredible performance at Kapyong in the Korean War (together with the Canadians and New Zealander artillery force). Good to see Dr. Felton and others sharing these stories.

[timothychapman]

My father was part of gull force as capt. He escaped with 17 others and island hopped to Thursday island using only a compass and world atlas. It took Three months and dad arrived back in Australia weighing 5stone and covered in tropical ulcers. He relived this three months in his dream every year until his death in 2007. I attended the 70th anniversary dawn service and walked through the war cemetery

[andrewd]

My late father, his 2 brothers fought in the 2nd AIF against the Japanese from 1942 in New Guinea after being called back from the Middle East. His eldest brother was in Darwin & was bombed numerous times! Dad told me some horrific stories which you’ve now highlighted Mark! Dad passed away in 2010 & still had nightmares up until his passing aged 86. Although dad moved on with his life, he could NEVER forgive the Japanese for the atrocities committed against his countrymen & allies. Lest We Forget…

[PJF]

When I was 6-9 rs old I lived at RAF Changi in Singapore. My dad flew Argosy type aircraft at the time. From our back garden we could see the notorious Changi prison. I learned about the atrocities there against Japanese prisoners and the bravery of Australian commandos who would smuggle medical supplies onto the beaches at night.

An old woman who sold fruit and hid these supplies and her adventures are worthy of a Dr Felton story. I have made it my mission in life to defend the courage and contribution of the Australian and New Zealand people in all of the wars. Please do not think that the world has forgotten you. Many many Poms still remember your part with respect and gratitude. We will remember them.

[dlosg]

Utterly terrorizing, I still can't believe that one Australian survived being bayonetted over 6 times even one to the face. I still can't believe they were sent to fight being woefully outnumbered and out gunned. Happy to see they are not forgotten. As a US Marine listening about the horrors of war, this is at the top.

[SnoopReddogg]

A lot of the 2/22nd Battalion were recruited from the Western district of Victoria. My small hometown lost 4 men on Rabual. One escape back to Australia only to be KIA in Wau in 1945. Another ended up as a POW only to be torpedoed and plucked out of the water by a USN submarine. My grandmother lost her boyfriend and 2 school friends. Rabaul had a terrible impact on our area.

[westernjeep]

This IS history that should never be forgotten; to my Australian and New Zealand brothers and sisters in-arms, I salute you.

[elviramcintosh]

Painful to imagine what our Uncle Harold Collins went through. But thanks for re-telling this sad story.

[jimrutherford]

Many history professors leave out the Japanese brutality in WW2. They usually focus on Germany and concentration camps.

[mynamedoesntmatter]

Why are the Aussies so overlooked in war histories? What great, brave, hard-fighting soldiers they have always been, and their contributions are almost never even mentioned, much less highlighted. Thank you, sir, for putting this video together. I look for history books that are about Australia‘s fighters. They finished WWI. They were a major force in Korea. One unit, left with no help nearby, was so heroic in Vietnam (there is a great movie on those few guys against thousands of Vietcong). Yet they get skipped over by so many books and documentaries. History; you’ve got to really dig to try and make sure get it all or you’ll miss quite a lot. Helmets and hats off to the Aussies from this thankful American. 🇦🇺 🇺🇸 Thank you to your fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, cousins - all. They gave at home, too.

[saltmerchant]

The unconscionability of Japan denying these acts ever took place to this very day is not lost on anyone.

[draft]

Merry Christmas ⛄🎄⛄🎄 to all. Aussies have been over looked by most. Excellent determination, and collectively very good fighters. Thank God for the Australian people. 🇨🇦🇦🇺

[Ludendorf]

Aussie here - Thanks for covering this topic Mark. You're a legend. These campaigns were huge factors in contributing to Australian national identity and spirit of the Australian Army. It's probably why even though we're an island, we have such a disproportionately large soft spot for the Army.

[Slugbunny]

This is one story I've been waiting to hear. Australia hasn't been heard enough.

[questionmark]

As an Australian, I never knew about this. Thank you for your video Dr Felton and for all your work. Happy holidays.

[jeffveraart]

A workmate's father was at 16 the youngest Australian POW held by the Japanese at Changi, working on the rail line. He had the nickname "the pup". He survived the war and went on to be part of the Commonwealth occupational forces in Japan.

[jabirujoe]

As a "Canzak" (a Canadian serving in the NZ Army in the 70's) my most memorable ANZAC day was the dawn service at the Changi War Memeorial in in Singapore. It somehow made the suffering and sacrifice more tangible and real.

[parvuspeach]

amazing how lightly punished the japanese armed forces where, even their reputation is less known rthan any random nazi or even german soldier