6th Machine Gun Battalion (Australia)
| 6th Machine Gun Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1942–1944 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Direct and indirect fire support |
| Size | ~ 900 personnel |
| Part of | 7th Division |
| Engagements | |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Colour Patch |
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The 6th Machine Gun Battalion was a battalion of the Australian Army that was raised for service during World War II. A Militia unit, it was formed in New South Wales in 1942 and completed training around Wollongong and Shellharbour. Equipped with Vickers medium machine guns, in mid-1943, the battalion deployed to New Guinea where they were assigned in support of the 7th Division, taking part in the Markham and Ramu Valley – Finisterre Range campaign, being flown from Port Moresby to Gusap to provide protection to the airfield there.[1] The battalion was disbanded in December 1944, and its personnel, many of whom had volunteered to serve with the Second Australian Imperial Force, were sent as reinforcements to other units, including the 2/24th Infantry Battalion, seeing further action on Tarakan.[2]
References
- Citations
- ↑ Dexter 1961, pp. 594, 684.
- ↑ Campbell 2007, p. 221.
- Bibliography
- Campbell, John (2007). Machine-Gunners: A History of 6 Australian Machine-Gun Battalion, AIF 1942–1944. Loftus, New South Wales: Australian Military History Publications. ISBN 978-1-87643-983-5.
- Dexter, David (1961). The New Guinea Offensives. Australia in the War of 1939–1945: Series One (Army) Volume VI. Canberra: Australian War Memorial. OCLC 2028994.