11th Division (Australia)
| 11th Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1942–45 |
| Country |  Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | World War II |
The 11th Division was an Australian Army unit formed during World War II by the redesignation of Milne Force on 1 October 1942. The division saw action in New Guinea during the Finisterre Range campaign and in New Britain.[1] It was disbanded on 31 August 1945.[2]
History
At the time of its formation on 1 October 1942 from the remnants of Milne Force, the division was commanded by Major General Cyril Clowes. It remained around Milne Bay until January 1943 when it was transferred to Port Moresby. A further move occurred in July 1943, when the division was flown to Dobodura. In September 1943, the division's command changed hands with Major-General Allan Boase taking over. In April 1944, it took over, the division's headquarters moved to Dumpu, and it subsequently relieved the 7th Division which had been fighting a campaign through the Markham and Ramu Valleys and into the Finisterre Ranges. The division continued the advance towards Madang, linking up with the 5th Division around Bogadjim, before being moved back to Wau in early May 1944, leaving its divisional carrier company at Dumpu and transferring several units to the 5th Division.[3]
The 11th was one of six Australian divisions that were converted to the Jungle division establishment in the middle of the war.[4] The division later fought a brief campaign on New Britain in the last year of the war, landing at Wide Bay, and taking over from the 5th Division in the final months of the war.[5][6]
It was disbanded on 31 August 1945.[7]
Divisional units
All units that served with the division during the war.[8]
- 7th Infantry Brigade (October 1942 – January 1943, February 1943 – July 1943 & July 1944 – August 1944)
- 18th Infantry Brigade (October 1942 – December 1942 & April 1944 – May 1944)
- 14th Infantry Brigade (February 1943 – March 1943)
- 15th Infantry Brigade (February 1943 – May 1943 & April 1944 – April 1944)
- 30th Infantry Brigade (February 1943 – March 1943)
- 6th Infantry Brigade (July 1943 – April 1944)
- 29th Infantry Brigade (July 1943 – April 1943 & March 1944 – September 1944)
- 4th Infantry Brigade (June 1945 – August 1945)
- 13th Infantry Brigade (June 1945 – August 1945)
- 2/6th Armoured Regiment (January 1943 – Apr 1943)
- 2/1st Pioneer Battalion (February 1943 – February 1943)
- 2/8th Armoured Regiment (Apr 1943 – July 1943)
- 15th Battalion (July 1943 – Aug 1943)
- 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion (June 1945 – August 1945)
- 158th Infantry Regiment (United States Army) (February 1943 – April 1943)
Commanding officers
- Major General Cyril Clowes
- Brigadier Murray Moten
- Major General Arthur Allen
- Major-General Allan Boase
- Major-General Alan Ramsay
- Major-General Kenneth Eather
See also
Notes
- ^ Dennis et al 1995, p. 104.
- ^ "11 Infantry Division history". Order of Battle. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
- ^ "New Guinea" (PDF). Campaign Publications. Veterans Review Board. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ Palazzo 2001, p. 183.
- ^ "Rabual War Cemetery". Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ "Australian 1945 campaigns" (PDF). Campaign Publications. Veterans Review Board. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ "11 Infantry Division history". Order of Battle. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
- ^ "11 Infantry Division units". Order of Battle. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
References
- Dennis, Peter; Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin; Connor, John (1995). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (1st ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-553227-9.
- Palazzo, Albert (2001). The Australian Army: A History of its Organisation 1901–2001. South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-551507-2.
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