2nd Division (Australia)

2nd Division (Australia). The 2nd Division is a formation of the Australian Army, with a history spanning both World War I and World War II. First raised in Egypt during the Gallipoli Campaign, it served with distinction on the Western Front. Since its re-establishment in the interwar period, it has undergone numerous reorganizations, transitioning from a frontline combat formation to a key Reserve force command responsible for training and generating forces for the modern army.

History

The division was formed in July 1915 from various Australian Imperial Force units that had been recuperating in Egypt following the Gallipoli Campaign. Under the command of Major General James Gordon Legge, it initially provided reinforcements for the ongoing campaign before being transferred to the Western Front in 1916. Throughout World War I, it fought in many major actions, including the Battle of Pozières and the Battle of Bullecourt. Disbanded after the war, it was re-raised in 1921 as part of the Citizen Military Forces, drawing personnel from New South Wales and later Queensland. During World War II, the division performed garrison duties in Australia before deploying to New Guinea for the Finisterre Range campaign and operations on Bougainville Island.

Structure

During World War I, the division's structure followed the standard AIF model, comprising three brigades: the 5th, 6th, and 7th Brigades. These brigades contained various infantry battalions raised from across Australia, supported by dedicated artillery, engineer, and medical units. In its post-war Citizen Military Forces incarnation, it was primarily based in New South Wales. Today, as a Reserve force formation under Forces Command, it oversees several brigades, including the 4th, 5th, and 8th Brigades, which contain a mix of infantry, logistics, and health service units.

Commanders

Notable commanders of the division include its first leader, Major General James Gordon Legge, who oversaw its formation. During the intense fighting on the Western Front, it was commanded by Major General Charles Rosenthal, a former artillery officer. In the interwar period, command was held by officers such as Major General John Gellibrand. During World War II, it was led by Major General Iven Mackay, later famous for the siege of Tobruk, and subsequently by Major General Stanley Savige, a veteran of the First Australian Imperial Force. More recent commanders have included Major General Paul Brereton.

Battles and campaigns

The division's combat history began with its deployment to the Western Front in 1916. It suffered heavily at the Battle of Pozières during the Battle of the Somme and later at the Battle of Bullecourt. It also participated in the Third Battle of Ypres, including the Battle of Menin Road, and the final Hundred Days Offensive at battles like the Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin. In World War II, after defensive duties in Australia, it saw combat in the New Guinea campaign, specifically the advance through the Finisterre Range during the Ramu Valley operations. Its final major campaign was the Bougainville campaign, involving protracted actions against Japanese forces on Bougainville Island.

Legacy

The 2nd Division is recognized for its significant contributions and sacrifices during both world wars, with its battle honours reflecting key engagements on the Western Front and in the South West Pacific. Its transition to a Reserve force formation has been central to the Australian Army's structure, ensuring the integration and training of citizen soldiers. The division's heritage is preserved by its successor brigades within the current Army Reserve and is commemorated at memorials including the Australian War Memorial.

Category:Divisions of Australia in World War I Category:Divisions of Australia in World War II Category:Australian Army divisions