Waiben launch for six weeks of 80th TSLIB celebrations

‘LIVING legend’ is an apt description of World War II veteran of the Torres Strait Island Light Infantry Battalion Private Awati Mau, who is one of only two surviving former members.

A total of 880 men enlisted with the Battalion during WWII and there are just two survivors left – Private Mebai Warusam (Saibai Island) and Private Awati Mau (Bamaga) who now is a resident at the Star of the Sea Home for the Aged on TI.

Mr Mau was a special VIP guest during two days of celebrations and commemoration on Waiben last Thursday and Friday, at which the 80th anniversary of the Light Infantry Battalion was honoured.

It was an emotional event for Mr Mau as he watched from his wheelchair.

The 80th Anniversary with activities which included an Open Day at Sarpeye Barracks and a ceremonial parade and service joined by the soldiers of 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment’s (51 FNQR) Charlie (Sarpeye) Company through the streets of Thursday Island on Friday.

The Army’s Far North Queensland Regiment’s (51

Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion

80th Anniversary

FNQR) Charlie (Sarpeye) Company, partly traces its history back to the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC joined 51 FNQR to lead the commemorations alongside local community members, veterans and community volunteers.

“The dedication of the Torres Strait Light Infantry during our nation’s hour of need cannot be understated, setting an incredible example of service,” he said.

“880 men – virtually all the men of military age in the Torres Strait at the time – volunteered to join the Battalion during World War II to defend their homes and their country.

“As Australia’s only Indigenous battalion, their legacy is one of the most important features of the Australian Army’s enduring relationship with First Nations communities today.”

Commanding Officer 51

FNQR, Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Schieb, paid tribute to the ongoing role of Indigenous peoples in the defence of Australia today.

“The Torres Strait Islander soldiers of 51 FNQR are crosstrained in a variety of skills including small boat handling, tracking, combat first aid, weapons, patrolling, observation and survival,” he said.

“These skills, coupled with their unrivalled local knowledge about the lands and waters of this region, provide a unique capability that is rooted in traditional First Nations customs, including tribal links, family relationships and a deep connection to country.”

Lieutenant Colonel Schieb said that many of the 51 FNQR soldiers were descendents of veterans from the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, extending a long history of association with the Australian Army.

”This is a proud legacy we celebrate and highlight to current and future generations of Australians,” he said.

The Light Infantry (1942-46) was Australia’s only Indigenous Army Battalion and was formed to defend the far north from a possible Japanese invasion.

TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2023

Townsville exhibition launched

80th Anniversary

Townsville launched an exhibition at the Jezzine Barracks Military Museum as part of the 80th anniversary of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion celebrations.

The event, which included an acknowledgement of country by Francis Tapim, blessing by Fr Elimo Tapim and light refreshment from Bina’s Kitchen, was well-attended by community members.

The exhibition will be on display for the next six weeks, until ANZAC Day, and was curated by Warrant Officer Class Two, Scott Hamilton, assisted by Therese Cowley.

Community members were encouraged to assist with more items, photos and artefacts to be added to the displays.

The museum is open to the public on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm.

Tslib 07

TOP LEFT: Acknowledgement of Country – Mr Francis Tapim.

TOP RIGHT: Blessing of Exhibition – Fr Elimo Tapim.

BOTTOM LEFT: Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson OAM (second left), Manager Army Museum, Major Will Norval (first left, back row), Mundingburra MP Les Walker (second left, back row).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan

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