The Australian Infantry Battalion, 1942 to 1945
The organisation of the Australian Infantry Battalion at the start of the war was closely modelled on that of its British counterpart. As the conflict progressed however, and the focus of Australian efforts shifted from North Africa and the Mediterranean to the Pacific, new War Establishments were issued for Australian Battalions.
The below links lead to descriptions of the Australian Battalion organisations used in the latter part of the North African campaign and in the Pacific theatre. I would like to extend my thanks to James Daniels for making this part of the site possible. I had inquired to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) about obtaining copies of the War Establishments used by Australian units, but unfortunately nothing came of it. James contacted me via the site, and mentioned he was undertaking some research at the AWM, and offered to let me know if he found any establishment tables.
To my great surprise he was successful, and kindly forwarded me scanned copies of his finds, which he agreed I could add to the site for those others interested in the subject. Thanks again James.
The Australian Infantry Battalion 1942
Derived from the following War Establishment table -
An Infantry Battalion (Higher Establishment), II/12F/3, notified in Army Council Instructions 15th December 1941.
The Australian Infantry Battalion 1943
Derived from the following War Establishment table -
An Infantry Battalion (Tropical Scale), ref II/12C/1, issued 23rd November 1942.
The Australian Infantry Battalion 1944 to 1945
Derived from the following War Establishment tables -
An Infantry Battalion (Tropical Scale), ref II/12C/2, dated as reprinted 16th June 1943 (incorporating amendments 1 and 2).
An Infantry Battalion (Tropical Scale), ref II/12C/3, issued 13th May 1944 (incorporating amendments 1 to 7).
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