Australian 6th Division

Australian 6th Division was a formation of the Second Australian Imperial Force raised at the outbreak of World War II. As the first division of the new Australian Army expeditionary force, it saw extensive combat in the early years of the conflict across multiple theatres. The division played crucial roles in the North African Campaign, the Battle of Greece, and the New Guinea campaign, earning a formidable reputation before its disbandment in 1946.

Formation and early history

The division was authorized in September 1939 following Australia's declaration of war on Nazi Germany. Its initial cadre was drawn from the pre-war Militia, with its first commanding officer being Major General Thomas Blamey. The formation was assembled at camps including Puckapunyal in Victoria, with its core infantry brigades being the 16th, 17th, and 19th Brigades. After intensive training, the division embarked for overseas service in early 1940, becoming the first AIF division to depart for the Middle East.

World War II service

The division's first major combat occurred in the Western Desert Campaign, where it achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Bardia in January 1941, followed by the capture of Tobruk. It was then hastily redeployed to defend Greece against the German invasion, fighting a desperate rearguard action at places like the Battle of Tempe Gorge. Following the evacuation, the division's 19th Brigade participated in the Battle of Crete, notably at Rethymno. After returning to North Africa, the division was recalled to Australia in early 1942 following the outbreak of the Pacific War and the threat from Japan.

Post-war and legacy

Following the Surrender of Japan, the division was tasked with occupation duties, forming part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. It was officially disbanded in 1946. The division's legacy is commemorated through memorials, unit associations, and its place in Australian military historiography. Its battle honours are perpetuated by successor units within the modern Australian Army, and its history is studied at institutions like the Australian War Memorial.

Commanders and structure

Command of the division passed through several distinguished officers. After Thomas Blamey, leadership was assumed by Major General Iven Mackay, followed by Major General Edmund Herring, and finally Major General George Alan Vasey. The division's structure evolved during the war, initially comprising three infantry brigades supported by units from the Royal Australian Artillery, Royal Australian Engineers, and Australian Army Service Corps. Its order of battle was modified for jungle warfare in the South West Pacific Area, often operating alongside formations like the 7th Division under I Corps.

Notable battles and campaigns

The division's combat record includes several pivotal engagements. In North Africa, its actions at Bardia and the Capture of Tobruk were early Allied successes. The ill-fated Battle of Greece and subsequent Battle of Crete were defining, though costly, chapters. In the Pacific War, the division fought tenaciously during the New Guinea campaign, including the hard-fought Battle of Wau and the grueling advance along the Salamaua-Lae axis. Its final major operation was the Aitape-Wewak campaign in 1944-45, fighting against determined Imperial Japanese Army forces in the rugged terrain of New Guinea.

Category:Infantry divisions of Australia in World War II Category:Military units and formations established in 1939 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1946