Platypus VI

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. Platypus VI, led by Captain McLaren, was to obtain intelligence in the Riko River Bridge area and determine the best method of the approach to the area by ground. The party were inserted 30 June 1945 but overshot the drop zone with two men landing in the village, two in the jungle and two within 50 yards of a Japanese guard house. The supplies, including arms, were dropped in an area nearly 1½ miles from the designated drop zone. One member of the party was captured and the party was evacuated 6 July 1945 without completing the mission.