31st Brigade (Australia)

31st Brigade
Active January – September 1942
Country  Australia
Allegiance Australian Crown
Branch Australian Army
Type Infantry
Size Brigade

The 31st Brigade was a formation of the Australian Army during World War II. Raised in January 1942, amidst concerns of a Japanese invasion of Australia, the brigade was tasked with defending the eastern New South Wales coast around Botany Bay and Cronulla. Initially consisting of just two infantry battalions, after several months a third battalion was assigned to bring it up to strength. The formation was only short-lived and was disbanded in September 1942, having never seen combat, with its battalions being reassigned to other formations.

History

The 31st Brigade was formed shortly after Japan's entry into the war, when the Australian government was concerned about the possibility of a Japanese invasion. The brigade opened its headquarters at Burwood, New South Wales, in January 1942, although it moved to Blakehurst.[1] Upon formation, it was assigned to the 1st Division,[2] a Militia formation. Initially consisting of just two infantry battalions, the brigade was tasked with defending the coastal region between Sydney Heads, Botany Bay and Cronulla, with the 1st and 45th Battalions, which had previously been assigned either directly to Headquarters 1st Division, or in the case of the 45th Battalion, to the 28th Brigade. In March 1942, the brigade was relieved of its defensive duties by the 5th Brigade so that its units could undertake training.[3]

Under the command of the 2nd Division, the brigade moved to Narellan, remaining there until June 1942, when they were rotated back to Blakehurst. At this time, the forward defensive positions along the beach had been taken over by the 18th Garrison Battalion, so the 31st Brigade's troops continued to carry out training, while tasked with mobile defence in the event of an invasion.[4] In May 1942, the 48th Battalion was assigned to the brigade to bring it up to three infantry battalions.[5] In June, the 48th was transferred again, though, firstly to the 5th Brigade and then the 9th.[6] The 31st Brigade was disbanded in September 1942. The 1st and 45th Battalions were subsequently amalgamated, and transferred to the 9th Brigade.[4]

Units

The 31st Brigade consisted of the following units:[5]

See also

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Mackenzie-Smith 2018, p. 2115.
  2. ↑ "31st Brigade: Superiors". Orders of Battle. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  3. ↑ Mackenzie-Smith 2018, pp. 2115–2116.
  4. 1 2 Mackenzie-Smith 2018, p. 2116.
  5. 1 2 "31st Brigade: Subordinates". Orders of Battle. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  6. ↑ "48th Battalion: Superiors". Orders of Battle. Retrieved 22 July 2018.

Bibliography

  • Mackenzie-Smith, Graham (2018). The Unit Guide: The Australian Army 1939–1945, Volume 2. Warriewood, New South Wales: Big Sky Publishing. ISBN 978-1-925675-146.
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