Australian Capital Territory

39th Infantry Battalion, A.M.F.

The Commemorative Plaque for the 39th Infantry Battalion, Australian Militiary Forces.  This plaque is laid in the walkway connecting the Australian War Memorial with the visitor carpark.  This Militia battalion was the first body of Australian Troops to oppose the Japanese on the Kokoda Track.  Made up of men from the state of Victoria, the 39th Battalion fought a fighting withdrawal against the advancing Japanese; culminating in their stand at Isurava.  As their battle honours indicate, they were later ordered into the battle of Gona on the Beach Heads and Amboga River.  Dispite their 'Militia' status, they were equal to any AIF Battalion on the Kokoda Track and earned the title "The Ragged Bloody Heroes".