When war was on the doorstep to Australia's north 80 years ago, nearly 900 Torres Strait Islanders signed up to help protect the country despite not being able to enter pub, earn a fair wage, or be counted in the Commonwealth census.
abc.net.au/news/torres-strait-light-infantry-battalion-80th-anniversary-thursday/102113752In the early 1940s, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could not enter a pub, they were not paid a fair wage, and they were not counted in the Commonwealth census.
A special service and parade to commemorate 80 years since the TSLI's establishment was held on Thursday Island on Friday. "He was waving and saluting and blowing kisses … you could just see that he totally enjoyed the day," she said. Lieutenant General Stuart said the fact that nearly every man of military age in the Torres Strait at the time volunteered to join the battalion to defend their homes was an incredible example of service.
"The role that they play at a critical choke point in Australia's northern approaches was, I think, a seminal role in the defence of Australia," Lieutenant General Stuart said. "Almost every serving soldier today from the Torres Strait can trace their family history back to a soldier who served in the TSLI Battalion and they continue to share their knowledge of country to protect Australia's borders across the north," Lieutenant General Stuart said.Corporal Goodwill Billy from the 51st Battalion said Sarpye Company was following in the footsteps of the TSLI.
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