2/1st North Australia Observer Unit
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| 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit | |
|---|---|
Troopers of the North Australia Observer Unit during a morning parade in October 1943 | |
| Active | 1942–45 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Light horse |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Size | Peak strength of 550 personnel including 59 guides |
| Garrison/HQ | Katherine |
| Nickname(s) | Nackeroos |
| Equipment | Small arms, ships |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Lieutenant Colonel Bill Stanner |
| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch | |
The 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit (2/1 NAOU) was an Australian Army reconnaissance unit of World War II. Formed in early 1942 in the Northern Territory, the unit was a light horse mounted unit that was tasked with providing early warning of Japanese activity in northern Australia at a time when an invasion of the country was expected. As the threat of Japanese invasion dissipated the unit's operations were curtailed in 1943 and it was eventually disbanded in the early months of 1945. The unit is considered to be a predecessor of several reconnaissance units that currently exist within the Australian Army.