Platypus VII

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 VII mission was to carry out a reconnaissance of the Mt Mentawir area about 20 miles north of Balikpapan. The party was inserted on 30 June 1945 by parachute from a Liberator aircraft of 200 flight piloted by W/C Reid. By the same air sortie Platypus VI was also inserted. Party Leader F/Lt Martin did not see his three men or stores at the landing and learned from local peoples that the rest of his party was captured and killed. Martin was wounded during the landing but managed to escape with the help of friendly locals.