720th
October 1942 Battalion Time Line
~~~~~ 720th Military Police Battalion Reunion Association History Project ~~~~~
GHQ
This Page Last Updated 8 September 2007  Click on thumbnail photographs to enlarge
If you were a veteran of the 720th MP Battalion or any of its subordinate units, and recognize any of the events listed on this page, or you are a surviving family member of a Battalion veteran from this era and would like to contribute Information, personal stories, documents, media articles or photographs, please take a moment to contact the History Project Manager at the Email Link provided above for instructions or assistance. Your contributions are extremely important to the Battalion history and always welcomed.
Southwest Pacific Theatre Of War ~ Australia & Papua, New Guinea
Australian Duty Stations
Paupa Campaign

5 October When the Battalion arrived at Townsville, Australia, the Battalion Commander, LTC Larry D. Furey, was appointed Provost Marshal (PM), of Base Section 2 (Townsville City), and  LTC James L. Patterson  assumed command of the Battalion.
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12 October President Roosevelt's Fireside Chat on the Progress of the War. The president summarizes his perception of optimistic American attitudes after a two week, nation-wide trip, which left him in good spirits. Roosevelt addresses a variety of subjects, including women in the workforce, the need for peace after war, drafting eighteen-year olds, and trials for Axis leaders.

18 October Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey is named as the new commander of the South Pacific Area, in charge of the Solomon Islands-New Guinea campaign.

27 October B Company departed from Mount Isa for duty at Townsville.

30 October B Company arrived at Townsville and relieved the 1st platoon of A Company so they could proceed to Cairns, North Queensland, Australia, to augment their 2nd platoon.