The Battle of Surabaya was fought between regular infantry and militia of the Indonesian nationalist movement and British and British Indian troops as a part of the Indonesian National Revolution against the re-imposition of Dutch colonial rule. The peak of the battle was in November 1945. The battle was the largest single battle of the revolution and became a national symbol of Indonesian resistance. Considered a heroic effort by Indonesians, the battle helped galvanise Indonesian and international support for Indonesian independence. 10 November is celebrated annually as Heroes' Day.
A British Indian soldier uses a knocked-out, Indonesian nationalist militia-modified Universal Carrier as defensive cover against enemy gunfire in a main street in the East Javan city of Surabaya, in November 1945.
A defiant Bung Tomo in Surabaya, one of the most revered revolutionary leaders, wearing an Imperial Japanese Army uniform. This photo became an iconic image of the revolution.
Sukarno speaks with Indonesian soldiers prior to the Battle of Surabaya. The battle saw the birth of the Tentara Keamanan Rakyat, a predecessor of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
The burnt-out car of Brigadier Mallaby where he was killed on 30 October 1945
Heroes' Day or National Heroes' Day may refer to a number of commemorations of national heroes in different countries and territories. It is often held on the birthday of a national hero or heroine, or the anniversary of their great deeds that made them heroes.
A wreath on Hősök tere in 1940.