The Australian 2nd Armoured Division was established on 21 February 1942 by redesignating and reorganising the 2nd Motor Division (which was previously the 2nd Cavalry Division). As an armoured division the division was equipped with M3 Grant medium tanks and M3 Stuart light tanks. The 2nd Armoured Division was disbanded in Queensland on 19 February 1943, though the headquarters of its 6th Armoured Brigade was retained and redesignated headquarters 4th Armoured Brigade

Australian 4th Armoured Brigade

The Australian 4th Armoured Brigade was formed in January 1943 to provide armoured support for Australian Army units operating in the South West Pacific Area. The Brigade was never intended to serve as a single formation, rather its role was to provide a pool of armoured units from which units and...

. The 2nd Armoured Division was commanded by Major General W.J.M. Locke throughout its brief existence.

Order of battle upon formation

• Divisional Headquarters
• 6 Armoured Car Regiment
• 2 Armoured Divisional Signals
• 6th Armoured Brigade
  • 12 Armoured Regiment
  • 13 Armoured Regiment
  • 14 Armoured Regiment
  • 9 Motor Regiment
  • 3 Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron
• 3rd Motor Brigade
  • 4 Motor Regiment
  • 26 Motor Regiment
  • 101 Motor Regiment
• Divisional Artillery
  • 22 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
  • 105 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
• Divisional Administration Troops

Order of battle upon disbandment

• Divisional Headquarters
• 6 Armoured Car Regiment
• 2 Armoured Divisional Signals
• 6th Armoured Brigade
  • 12 Armoured Regiment
  • 13 Armoured Regiment
  • 14 Armoured Regiment
  • 9 Motor Regiment
  • 3 Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron
• 2nd Motor Brigade
  • 15 Motor Regiment
  • 17 Motor Regiment
  • 20 Motor Regiment
• Divisional Artillery
  • 22 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
  • 105 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
• Divisional Administration Troops