Platypus I (Code name Robin)

The Platypus series of missions were carried out during the Second World War by members of the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD) to support Operation Oboe 2, the Allied landings at Balikpapan, Borneo. The Platypus I mission, also code named Robin, was led by Major D J Stott. Platypus I was to be the first phase of the overall Platypus operations. Its mission was to build an intelligence network in the Balikpapan and Samarinda areas, establish layout and the routine of the prisoner of war camp north of Balikpapan and organise armed and passive resistance among the local populations in preparation for D Day. The party left Perth on 12 March 1945 in US Submarine Perch and arrived at Balikpapan area 20 March 1945. The operation was only partly successful and resulted in the death of four members of the party. The mission revealed a number of planning weaknesses that were corrected in subsequent operations.