Honouring the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron: Heroes of the Ramu Valley
The 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron holds a distinctive place in the history of Australian operations in New Guinea. Trained for reconnaissance, long-range patrol and sudden strike, members of the squadron operated in the dense jungle and steep river valleys of the Ramu region, where their skills and courage made a strategic difference in the wider New Guinea campaign.
This article summarises the squadron’s role, highlights key actions, and outlines practical ways to honour their legacy today. It is written for general readers, family members, students, and anyone interested in military history or Australian heritage.
Origins and role
The 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron evolved from mounted and reconnaissance traditions into a light, flexible force capable of operating behind enemy lines. Commando-trained soldiers specialized in patrolling, intelligence gathering, guiding larger formations through difficult terrain, and executing targeted raids. In the Ramu Valley, these capabilities helped limit enemy movement, identify supply lines, and protect Allied advances.
Actions in the Ramu Valley
Operating in tropical conditions posed challenges: thick jungle, torrential rain, disease, and rugged terrain. Despite this, the squadron conducted long-range patrols, ambushes and reconnaissance missions that often proved decisive. Their work provided critical intelligence for commanding officers and gave local units time to maneuver with fewer surprises from the opposition.
- Long-range reconnaissance that mapped enemy positions and movements.
- Patrols that disrupted supply routes and isolated enemy detachments.
- Cooperation with infantry and engineering units to secure strategic tracks and river crossings.
These operations were not without cost. Casualties from combat, illness and the conditions of jungle warfare left a lasting impact on veterans and families alike. Their sacrifices became part of the larger narrative of Allied efforts in the Pacific theatre.
The courage shown by the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron in the Ramu Valley is a testament to quiet determination and professional skill.
Legacy and remembrance
Remembering the squadron means preserving stories, supporting veterans’ families, and keeping public awareness alive through education and commemorative events. Museums, local memorials and unit histories play important roles in ensuring that the sacrifices and achievements of the squadron remain visible to future generations.
- Preserve primary sources: diaries, letters, unit reports and photographs.
- Support oral history projects that record veterans’ first-hand recollections.
- Encourage local schools to include New Guinea campaign studies in history curricula.
How to honour these heroes today
There are practical ways individuals and communities can pay tribute to the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron:
- Visit and maintain memorials or war graves associated with the squadron.
- Donate or volunteer to museums and historical societies focused on World War II in the Pacific.
- Participate in or organise commemorative events on relevant anniversaries.
- Support publications and research that produce accurate accounts of the squadron’s service.
Honouring the squadron is not only an act of remembrance but also an opportunity to learn about leadership, resilience and the complexities of wartime decision-making in extreme environments. By preserving their history, we keep alive the lessons and values that emerged from the Ramu Valley campaigns and ensure that the service of these commandos is not forgotten.
