AUSTRALIAN WITHDRAWAL TO EORA CREEK - 31 August 1942

On the 31 August 1942, the Australian forces withdrew from the Alola area and positioned on the south side of the village of Eora Creek.

Lieutenant Colonel Key, who was the Commanding Officer of the 2/14th Battalion, was missing in action at this time and therefore, Lieutenant Colonel Caro Commanding Officer of the 2/16th Battalion took command of the combined forces. The Australians dug in as best they could and prepared to face the Japanese onslaught once again.

After dark on the 31st the Japanese successfully negotiated the creek and attacked the Australian positions. The Japanese attacks were increasing and by dawn on the 1st September, it seemed likely that the Japanese would outflank the defending Australians.

Therefore, it was decided to continue to withdrawal until contact with the Japanese was broken, this was successfully achieved and by 02 September the Australian rear guard was in the area of Templeton’s Crossing.