Portugeuse East Timor WW2.

[elephant12]

Did the Portugeuse issue any decorations for East Timor service during WW2? What type of uniforms and equipment was worn by Portugeuse and Timorese colonial soldiers WW2? Ranjit.

[Mossy]

Ranjit,

As far as i am aware, the Portuguese simply vacated East Timor when the Japanese moved in. They had spent little effort on doing anything in East Timor in regards to infrastructure, and this would not change after the war either. Australian troops fought there for a period, and were aided by the Timorese. The were 150 Portuguese soldiers, but this was likely to be a force comprising of both Timorese and Portugese men.

Although i am unable to directly answer the question regarding medals, i doubt anything was issued, bar perhaps a unit or regimental-style unoffical commemorative medal. As to uniforms, i would suggest that they would have been standard tropical style uniforms, similar to Portuguese Africa issue (Whatever that be) and would not have lasted long once the Japanese invaded.

A question is raised however, as to whether any of these men might have been awarded Australian medals for their service in Australian units or aiding them. I will have to look into that a bit further, although there is not much out there.

All the best,

sam.