Awati Mau
Torres Strait Islander (Saibai Island)
Private
Pioneer Company, Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion
Australian Army
WW2 Veteran
Medals and awards
1939-45 Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
Australia Service Medal 1939-45
I am from Sabai Island, which is an island in Australian waters, just 4 km from the Papua New Guinea mainland. When I was 16 years old, I joined the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion which is Australia’s only all-Indigenous military unit. I was attached to the Pioneer Company, where we undertook construction and building tasks throughout the Torres Strait. Our original light infantry role was expanded to conducting support functions including engineering, transport, supply and signals.
Formed in 1943 to defend Australia’s northern lands from the threat of Japanese invasion during the Second World War, our battalion consisted of 880 men from across the Torres Strait. As there were only about 4,000 people living across the Torres Strait, this shows our commitment, to our community and nation and to defending and protecting country.
I feel very proud, at the age of 97, to lead the service and parade on Thursday Island to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the TSLI. It was a special moment, along with being personally recognised for my service by being seated beside the chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant-General Simon Stuart. I had hoped that Mebai Warusam, who is 99, and still living on Saibai Island had been able to attend. We are the only two members of the Battalion who served during WW2.
Awati Mau and Mebai Warusam passed away in 2023.