|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
 RAAF Dec 23, 1943 |
Location Thursday Island is part of the Torres Strait Islands (Torres Straits) in the Torres Strait off the Cape York Peninsula and Horn Island in Queensland in Australia. Located to the north is Hammond Island. Also known by simply the abbreviation "TI" for Thursday Island. The Aboriginal name for the island is Waiben. Wartime History On October 5, 1942, the U.S. Army established administrative headquarters under the commanded of Col. Langford inside the court house on Thursday Island. The island was supposed to be defended by white soldiers, with Torres Straights Infantry company as a reserve force. If the Japanese attempted to occupy the island, the defenders were to destroy all boats. During June 1943 until August 1943, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 19 (MTBS 19) under command of Lt. Comdr. Robert J. Bulkley, Jr. operated from Thursday Island with PT-127, PT-128, PT-129, PT-130, PT-131 and PT-132. Allied units based at Thursday Island HQ Torres Straits Force Coastal Defense Artillery (Turtle, Goods, Milman, Endeavour, King) Anti-aircraft batteries 34, 35, 157 17th Australian Field Company Torres Straights Infantry Company Contribute Information Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated February 24, 2026 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
