18th Brigade (Australia)
Encyclopedia
The 18th Brigade was an infantry
brigade
of the Australian Army
, which served during the Second World War. The brigade was raised on 13 October 1939 and was one of the first three infantry brigades of the Second Australian Imperial Force
(2nd AIF) to be formed. Initially commanded by Brigadier Leslie Morshead
, it served in the United Kingdom
, the Middle East
and the Pacific
during the war. Following the end of hostilities, the 18th Brigade was disbanded on 3 January 1946.
s: the 2/9th
, the 2/10th, the 2/11th and the 2/12th Battalions
, which were raised from Queensland
, South Australia
, Tasmania
and Western Australia
.
Following training, the brigade was dispatched to the Middle East
, departing from Melbourne
in May 1940. However, while they were at sea they were diverted to the United Kingdom
in order to help defend the island against a possible invasion by German forces
following the Fall of France. After landing at Gourock, Scotland, the brigade moved south to Salisbury Plain
where they undertook training and defensive duties. In the United Kingdom, the 18th Brigade provided a cadre to the newly formed 25th Brigade
and became part of the 9th Division when it was raised in October 1940.
. The 18th Brigade arrived there in early January 1941. Around this time, the 2nd AIF was reorganised and each brigade was reduced from four battalions to three. As a result, the 2/11th Battalion was transferred to the 19th Brigade
. At the same time also, the 18th Brigade was transferred to the 7th Division. Following this, on 21 March 1941, the brigade took part in an attack on a Italian stronghold at Giarabub, 230 kilometres (142.9 mi) south of Bardia
. Although the fortress was held by about 1,500 Italians supported by artillery, the Australian force dispatched only consisted of a reinforced battalion due to supply difficulties. Setting out on 10 March from Siwa
, the assault began early on the morning of 21 March from the south over marshy ground. Led by the 2/9th Battalion with machine-gun and mortar support from the 2/12th and 2/10th Battalions, the attack was put in from the south while the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment feigned an attack from the north at the strongest point of the fortress. A heavy sandstorm obscured visibility, which hindered the supporting artillery and resulted in a number of casualties when one company moved beyond the barrage. Nevertheless, heavy fighting followed and resistance continued until 2:00 pm in the afternoon when the Italians surrendered. About 250 Italians were killed and 1,300 captured for the loss of 17 Australians killed and 77 wounded. Following the attack, the 18th Brigade returned to Ikingi Maryut
.
In April the brigade was sent to Tobruk
where they took part in the defence of the port
between May and August 1941. In September 1941, the brigade rejoined the rest of the 7th Division, which had been taking part in the fighting against Vichy French
forces in the Syria-Lebanon campaign
. Following the armistice
the division was allocated the task of undertaking garrison duties and the 18th Brigade was subsequently stationed at Aleppo
, near the Turkish border.
. Following defensive duties and training in Queensland, the 18th Brigade, under the command of Brigadier George Wootten
, took part in the Battle of Milne Bay
. Deployed with a battery
from the 2/5th Field Regiment
attached at brigade level, the 18th Brigade arrived at Milne Bay between 12 and 21 August. Between 27 August and 7 September the brigade played an important role in the fighting which resulted in the first major defeat of the Japanese during the war. One of the brigade's soldiers, Corporal
John French
, of the 2/9th Battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross
for his actions during the fighting on 4 September 1942.
Later, as the 7th Division was assigned to the advance on the Japanese bases on the Papuan coast around Buna and Gona
, the brigade, although understrength, was transferred to Buna
in mid-December 1942 with the 2/9th Battalion landing at Oro Bay on 15 December. On 21 January the brigade captured Sanananda
alongside the US 163rd Infantry Regiment. They were finally withdrawn back to Australia on 10 March 1943. During the fighting around Buna, the 18th Brigade suffered 425 men killed and more than 800 wounded. This represented 96 per cent of the brigade's strength at the start of the campaign.
By the time that the brigade returned to Australia, it was down to only 44 per cent of its authorised strength. In early July, the brigade was brought back up to strength with an intake of 1,300 men from the 1st Motor Brigade
, which was subsequently disbanded. In August 1943, after training and re-organisation around Ravenshoe, Queensland
, the 18th Brigade was deployed to Port Moresby
in preparation for further operations, arriving there on 12 August. During the early phases of the Finisterre Range campaign
the brigade remained in reserve around Port Moresby, while the other two brigades of the 7th Division, the 21st
and 25th Brigades, were deployed to defend the approaches to Lae
. They remained there until 4 January 1944 when the brigade was transported by air to Dumpu
to relieve the 21st Brigade around Shaggy Ridge, subsequently taking part in the fighting around the Kankiryo Saddle, Prothero I and II and Crater Hill. Following the conclusion of the fighting around Shaggy Ridge in February, the brigade remained in New Guinea until May 1944 when they were withdrawn back to Australia for re-organisation.
in Borneo
on 1 July 1945. Following the initial landing, the 18th Brigade, supported by 'D' Company, 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion
, secured the high ground around Klandasan. On 3 July they captured the town of Balikpapan before being relieved by the 25th Brigade. Following the completion of hostilities in August, the brigade remained on Borneo as the demobilisation process
began. The 18th Brigade was disbanded on 3 January 1946 at Balikpapan after its component battalions were disbanded throughout December 1945 and January 1946.
of the 18th Brigade:
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
brigade
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
of the Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
, which served during the Second World War. The brigade was raised on 13 October 1939 and was one of the first three infantry brigades of the Second Australian Imperial Force
Second Australian Imperial Force
The Second Australian Imperial Force was the name given to the volunteer personnel of the Australian Army in World War II. Under the Defence Act , neither the part-time Militia nor the full-time Permanent Military Force could serve outside Australia or its territories unless they volunteered to...
(2nd AIF) to be formed. Initially commanded by Brigadier Leslie Morshead
Leslie Morshead
Lieutenant General Sir Leslie James Morshead KCB, KBE, CMG, DSO, ED was an Australian soldier, teacher, businessman, and farmer, with a distinguished military career that spanned both world wars...
, it served in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and the Pacific
South West Pacific Area
South West Pacific Area was the name given to the Allied supreme military command in the South West Pacific Theatre of World War II. It was one of four major Allied commands in the Pacific theatres of World War II, during 1942–45...
during the war. Following the end of hostilities, the 18th Brigade was disbanded on 3 January 1946.
Formation
The 18th Brigade was formed on 13 October 1939 as part of the 6th Division. Upon formation the brigade consisted of the following battalionBattalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
s: the 2/9th
2/9th Battalion (Australia)
The 2/9th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army during World War II. Raised in Queensland as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force shortly after the outbreak of the war, it served as part of the 18th Brigade and over the course of the war it was attached to the 6th, 9th...
, the 2/10th, the 2/11th and the 2/12th Battalions
2/12th Battalion (Australia)
The 2/12th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army which served during World War II. Raised in late 1939 as part of the all volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force, the battalion served throughout the course of the war in the United Kingdom, North Africa, New Guinea and on...
, which were raised from Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
, South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
, Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
and Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
.
Following training, the brigade was dispatched to the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, departing from Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
in May 1940. However, while they were at sea they were diverted to the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in order to help defend the island against a possible invasion by German forces
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
following the Fall of France. After landing at Gourock, Scotland, the brigade moved south to Salisbury Plain
Salisbury Plain
Salisbury Plain is a chalk plateau in central southern England covering . It is part of the Southern England Chalk Formation and largely lies within the county of Wiltshire, with a little in Hampshire. The plain is famous for its rich archaeology, including Stonehenge, one of England's best known...
where they undertook training and defensive duties. In the United Kingdom, the 18th Brigade provided a cadre to the newly formed 25th Brigade
25th Brigade (Australia)
The 25th Brigade was a brigade-sized infantry unit of the Australian Army that served during the Second World War. Raised in July 1940 and consisting of three infantry battalions, the 25th Brigade served in the United Kingdom, the Middle East, New Guinea and Borneo before being disbanded in...
and became part of the 9th Division when it was raised in October 1940.
Middle East
Later, when the threat of invasion of the United Kingdom decreased, the decision was made to transfer the Australian forces there to the Middle EastMiddle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
. The 18th Brigade arrived there in early January 1941. Around this time, the 2nd AIF was reorganised and each brigade was reduced from four battalions to three. As a result, the 2/11th Battalion was transferred to the 19th Brigade
19th Brigade (Australia)
The 19th Brigade was a formation of the Australian Army during World War II as part of the 6th Division. Formed in April 1940 as a result of the reorganisation of the Second Australian Imperial Force when the infantry brigades composition was reduced from four to three battalions. The fourth...
. At the same time also, the 18th Brigade was transferred to the 7th Division. Following this, on 21 March 1941, the brigade took part in an attack on a Italian stronghold at Giarabub, 230 kilometres (142.9 mi) south of Bardia
Bardia
Bardia is a geographic region in the Democratic Republic of Nepal.Bardia comprises a portion of the Terai, or lowland hills and valleys of southern Nepal. The Terai is over 1,000 feet in elevation, and extends all along the Indian border...
. Although the fortress was held by about 1,500 Italians supported by artillery, the Australian force dispatched only consisted of a reinforced battalion due to supply difficulties. Setting out on 10 March from Siwa
Siwa Oasis
The Siwa Oasis is an oasis in Egypt, located between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea in the Libyan Desert, nearly 50 km east of the Libyan border, and 560 km from Cairo....
, the assault began early on the morning of 21 March from the south over marshy ground. Led by the 2/9th Battalion with machine-gun and mortar support from the 2/12th and 2/10th Battalions, the attack was put in from the south while the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment feigned an attack from the north at the strongest point of the fortress. A heavy sandstorm obscured visibility, which hindered the supporting artillery and resulted in a number of casualties when one company moved beyond the barrage. Nevertheless, heavy fighting followed and resistance continued until 2:00 pm in the afternoon when the Italians surrendered. About 250 Italians were killed and 1,300 captured for the loss of 17 Australians killed and 77 wounded. Following the attack, the 18th Brigade returned to Ikingi Maryut
Ikingi Maryut
Ikingi Maryut is an area in the Western Desert, outside Alexandria, Egypt. It was the site of an Allied staging camp during World War II.-References:**...
.
In April the brigade was sent to Tobruk
Tobruk
Tobruk or Tubruq is a city, seaport, and peninsula on Libya's eastern Mediterranean coast, near the border with Egypt. It is the capital of the Butnan District and has a population of 120,000 ....
where they took part in the defence of the port
Siege of Tobruk
The siege of Tobruk was a confrontation that lasted 240 days between Axis and Allied forces in North Africa during the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War...
between May and August 1941. In September 1941, the brigade rejoined the rest of the 7th Division, which had been taking part in the fighting against Vichy French
Vichy France
Vichy France, Vichy Regime, or Vichy Government, are common terms used to describe the government of France that collaborated with the Axis powers from July 1940 to August 1944. This government succeeded the Third Republic and preceded the Provisional Government of the French Republic...
forces in the Syria-Lebanon campaign
Syria-Lebanon campaign
The Syria–Lebanon campaign, also known as Operation Exporter, was the Allied invasion of Vichy French-controlled Syria and Lebanon, in June–July 1941, during World War II. Time Magazine referred to the fighting as a "mixed show" while it was taking place and the campaign remains little known, even...
. Following the armistice
Armistice
An armistice is a situation in a war where the warring parties agree to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, but may be just a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace...
the division was allocated the task of undertaking garrison duties and the 18th Brigade was subsequently stationed at Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
, near the Turkish border.
New Guinea
The 18th Brigade returned to Australia in early 1942 following the outbreak of the Pacific WarPacific War
The Pacific War, also sometimes called the Asia-Pacific War refers broadly to the parts of World War II that took place in the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and in East Asia, then called the Far East...
. Following defensive duties and training in Queensland, the 18th Brigade, under the command of Brigadier George Wootten
George Wootten
Major General Sir George Frederick Wootten KBE, CB, DSO & Bar, ED , was an Australian soldier, public servant, right wing political activist and solicitor. He rose to the rank of temporary Major General during World War II....
, took part in the Battle of Milne Bay
Battle of Milne Bay
The Battle of Milne Bay, also known as Operation RE by the Japanese, was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II. Japanese marines attacked the Australian base at Milne Bay on the eastern tip of New Guinea on 25 August 1942, and fighting continued until the Japanese retreated on 5...
. Deployed with a battery
Artillery battery
In military organizations, an artillery battery is a unit of guns, mortars, rockets or missiles so grouped in order to facilitate better battlefield communication and command and control, as well as to provide dispersion for its constituent gunnery crews and their systems...
from the 2/5th Field Regiment
2/5th Field Regiment (Australia)
The 2/5th Field Regiment was an Australian Army artillery regiment formed on 25 April 1940, as part of the 7th Division in 1940 during World War II. The regiment was part of the North African Campaign, Syria-Lebanon Campaign, Salamaua-Lae campaign, Finisterre Range campaign and the Borneo campaign....
attached at brigade level, the 18th Brigade arrived at Milne Bay between 12 and 21 August. Between 27 August and 7 September the brigade played an important role in the fighting which resulted in the first major defeat of the Japanese during the war. One of the brigade's soldiers, Corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
John French
John Alexander French
John Alexander "Jack" French VC was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
, of the 2/9th Battalion, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
for his actions during the fighting on 4 September 1942.
Later, as the 7th Division was assigned to the advance on the Japanese bases on the Papuan coast around Buna and Gona
Battle of Buna-Gona
The Battle of Buna–Gona was a battle in the New Guinea campaign, a major part of the Pacific campaign of World War II. On 16 November 1942, Australian and United States forces attacked the main Japanese beachheads in New Guinea, at Buna, Sanananda and Gona. Both forces were riddled by disease and...
, the brigade, although understrength, was transferred to Buna
Battle of Buna-Gona
The Battle of Buna–Gona was a battle in the New Guinea campaign, a major part of the Pacific campaign of World War II. On 16 November 1942, Australian and United States forces attacked the main Japanese beachheads in New Guinea, at Buna, Sanananda and Gona. Both forces were riddled by disease and...
in mid-December 1942 with the 2/9th Battalion landing at Oro Bay on 15 December. On 21 January the brigade captured Sanananda
Sanananda
-History:Occupied by the Imperial Japanese in 1942 during World War II and became a heavily fortified defensive area.Liberated by the Australian Army and US Army on 18 January 1943 during the Battle of Buna-Gona.-References:**...
alongside the US 163rd Infantry Regiment. They were finally withdrawn back to Australia on 10 March 1943. During the fighting around Buna, the 18th Brigade suffered 425 men killed and more than 800 wounded. This represented 96 per cent of the brigade's strength at the start of the campaign.
By the time that the brigade returned to Australia, it was down to only 44 per cent of its authorised strength. In early July, the brigade was brought back up to strength with an intake of 1,300 men from the 1st Motor Brigade
1st Motor Brigade (Australia)
The 1st Motor Brigade was a formation of the Australian Army during World War II. The brigade was converted in April 1942, from the 1st Cavalry Brigade. The brigade was assigned to the 5th Division on formation, then transferred to the 1st Motor Division in September 1942, and transferred again in...
, which was subsequently disbanded. In August 1943, after training and re-organisation around Ravenshoe, Queensland
Ravenshoe, Queensland
Ravenshoe is a town on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is located south west of the regional centre, Cairns. At the 2006 census, Ravenshoe had a population of 910....
, the 18th Brigade was deployed to Port Moresby
Port Moresby
Port Moresby , or Pot Mosbi in Tok Pisin, is the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea . It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papua, on the southeastern coast of the island of New Guinea, which made it a prime objective for conquest by the Imperial Japanese forces during 1942–43...
in preparation for further operations, arriving there on 12 August. During the early phases of the Finisterre Range campaign
Finisterre Range campaign
The Finisterre Range campaign, also known as the Ramu Valley–Finisterre Range campaign, was a series of actions in the New Guinea campaign of World War II...
the brigade remained in reserve around Port Moresby, while the other two brigades of the 7th Division, the 21st
21st Brigade (Australia)
The 21st Brigade was a brigade-sized infantry unit of the Australian Army. Formed in April 1940 as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force, the unit was raised for service during World War II...
and 25th Brigades, were deployed to defend the approaches to Lae
Lae
Lae, the capital of Morobe Province, is the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is located at the start of the Highlands Highway which is the main land transport corridor from the Highlands region to the coast...
. They remained there until 4 January 1944 when the brigade was transported by air to Dumpu
Dumpu, Papua New Guinea
Dumpu is a village in the upper Ramu Valley in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. The village is serviced by Dumpu Airport. During World War II the village became the divisional headquarters of the Australian 11th Division....
to relieve the 21st Brigade around Shaggy Ridge, subsequently taking part in the fighting around the Kankiryo Saddle, Prothero I and II and Crater Hill. Following the conclusion of the fighting around Shaggy Ridge in February, the brigade remained in New Guinea until May 1944 when they were withdrawn back to Australia for re-organisation.
Borneo
The brigade's final involvement in the war came when they landed at BalikpapanBattle of Balikpapan (1945)
The Battle of Balikpapan was the concluding stage of the Borneo campaign . The landings took place on 1 July 1945. The Australian 7th Division, composed of the 18th, 21st and 25th Infantry Brigades, with support troops, made an amphibious landing, codenamed Operation Oboe Two a few miles north of...
in Borneo
Borneo
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located north of Java Island, Indonesia, at the geographic centre of Maritime Southeast Asia....
on 1 July 1945. Following the initial landing, the 18th Brigade, supported by 'D' Company, 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion
2/1st Machine Gun Battalion (Australia)
The 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion was formed on 14 December 1939 as part of the 6th Division and served in England, Greece, Crete and Papua New Guinea before becoming part of the 7th Division and serving in Borneo. The battalion was disbanded on 26 January 1946...
, secured the high ground around Klandasan. On 3 July they captured the town of Balikpapan before being relieved by the 25th Brigade. Following the completion of hostilities in August, the brigade remained on Borneo as the demobilisation process
Demobilisation of the Australian military after World War II
The demobilisation of the Australian military after World War II involved discharging almost 600,000 men and women from the military, supporting their transition to civilian life and reducing the three armed services to peacetime strengths...
began. The 18th Brigade was disbanded on 3 January 1946 at Balikpapan after its component battalions were disbanded throughout December 1945 and January 1946.
Commanders
The following officers served as commanding officerCommanding officer
The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...
of the 18th Brigade:
- Brigadier Leslie MorsheadLeslie MorsheadLieutenant General Sir Leslie James Morshead KCB, KBE, CMG, DSO, ED was an Australian soldier, teacher, businessman, and farmer, with a distinguished military career that spanned both world wars...
(1939–1941); - Brigadier George WoottenGeorge WoottenMajor General Sir George Frederick Wootten KBE, CB, DSO & Bar, ED , was an Australian soldier, public servant, right wing political activist and solicitor. He rose to the rank of temporary Major General during World War II....
(1941–1943); - Brigadier Frederick ChiltonFrederick Oliver ChiltonBrigadier Sir Frederick Oliver Chilton CBE, DSO & Bar was a senior officer in the Australian Army.Chilton was remembered as the last surviving commanding officer of the 2/2nd Infantry Battalion of the 6th Division; he was farewelled in Sydney by a handful of his former colleagues.The handful of...
(1943–1945).