The two colour patches for the 39th Infantry Battalion 1941-43. These soldiers 'chocos' were the first to defeat Japanese troops on land in WW2. The battalion was made up primarily of vets from WW1 and young men 18-19yo. There was at least one 16yo and some 17yo's that lied about their age. They had two months of training, were primarily given arms that were used in WW1 and sent to New Guinea as a garrison force. They were, however, the first Australian troops to fight the Japanese on Kokoda.
Choco's was a term used by regulars in reference to the militia (reserves) because like chocolate they would melt away at the first sight of the enemy.
Kokoda smashed this myth.
The colours were known as 'Mud over Blood' because of the Kokoda campaign.
Two types were worn, square and oval. Both were cut to where there was a thin area of cream white around the edge.
This one is taken from the Australian War Memorial (AWM). The oval patches are faked a lot.
Attachment 209976
Possibly the most famous photo ever taken of the 39th Infantry Battalion.
This was taken by Australia war correspondent Damien Parer of the remnants of the 39th after weeks of fighting the Japanese on the Kokoda Track in 1942. The officer is Lieutenant Johnson. 138 lost their lives.
Attachment 209977