The Double Reds of Timor

The author joined the AIF in 1940 completing special forces training in 1941 and then became a section commander in the newly-formed 2nd Independent Company known as the "Double Reds" the was instrumental in developing courses for the Commando Training Squadron in Canungra, Queensland and then returned to his old unit that was renamed the 2/2 Commando Squadron as a captain in New Britain , New Guinea.. This is an emotive heroic story beautifully written about contact with the native Timorese originally when the invading Japanese were trying to subjugate them in WWII and also about re-establishing contact with many of them who survived after a brutal wartime occupation with most of the young men being involved as slave labourers in Japanese concentration camps. The Japanese were systematic in their subjugation of the island and the Double Reds were instrumental in delaying their advance and occupation . Resistance from the Timoreses continued even after the the Australians were withdrawn and the author's successful reuniting with his long lost Timorese friends is a major part of the story.