| Australian 2nd Division (world War Ii) |
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The assignment of Battalion s to Brigade s and Division s varied considerably within the army at the time. When World War II broke out, the 2nd Division was commanded by Major General Iven Mackay . The division was partly mobilised, although the Militia was barred from overseas service. As a result, many members joined the Second Australian Imperial Force . In 1940, Maj. Gen. Herbert Lloyd assumed command of the division. After the Pacific War began in December 1941 , Militia members were prevented from joining the AIF, and were called up for full-time service. The 2nd Division was mobilised at Parramatta , as part of Eastern Command. Its first role was as a reserve in supporting the 1st Division in the defence of the Sydney region. It now comprised the 5th Brigade (based at Bathurst ), the 8th Brigade ( Wallgrove ) and the 14th Brigade ( Greta ). As the possibility of Japanese invasion loomed, in May 1942 , the 14th Bde (3rd, 36th, 55th Battalions) was transferred to New Guinea Force . In July, the 2nd Division was transferred to III Corps , for the defence of Western Australia (WA). The 5th Bde (54th, 56th and 44th Battalion, the latter being a WA unit) and 8th Bde (4th, 30th and 35th Battalions) were joined by the 13th Brigade (the 11th, 16th, 28th Battalions, all from WA). As the tide of war turned in favour of the Allies, the division prepared for active service in the Australian Territory Of New Guinea . In early 1943, the 13th Bde was detached and the 2nd Brigade became part of the division until August 1943. When the 8th Brigade was transferred to the 5th Division in North Queensland in September 1943, for service in New Guinea, the 3rd Motor Brigade joined the division. During March-April 1944, the 5th Bde was moved to North Queensland to prepare for operational deployment, and the 2nd Division was officially disbanded in April. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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