18th Brigade (Australia)
| 18th Brigade | |
|---|---|
2/9th Battalion, part of the 18th Brigade, during the fighting at Shaggy Ridge, January 1944
|
|
| Active | 1939–46 |
| Country |
 Australia
|
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Brigade |
| Size | ~3,500 personnel |
| Part of | 7th Division |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Leslie Morshead |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Colour Patch |  |
The 18th Brigade was an infantry brigade of the Australian Army, which served during the Second World War. The brigade was raised on 13 October 1939 and was one of the first three infantry brigades of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) to be formed. Initially commanded by Brigadier Leslie Morshead, it served in the United Kingdom in 1940–41, where it helped bolster the British garrison in anticipation of a possible German invasion following the Fall of France. In early 1941, the brigade was transferred to the Middle East where it later took part in fighting against the Italians in Libya and then helped to defend the besieged port of Tobruk before fighting against the Vichy French in the Syria–Lebanon campaign. The 18th Brigade was withdrawn to Australia in early 1942, and it later took part in the fighting against the Japanese in Pacific fighting several campaigns in New Guinea between late 1942 and early 1944. Its final involvement of the war came in mid-1945 when it took part in re-taking Balikpapan. Following the end of hostilities, the 18th Brigade was disbanded on 3 January 1946.
The 18th Brigade was formed on 13 October 1939 as part of the 6th Division. Upon formation the brigade consisted of the following battalions: the 2/9th, the 2/10th, the 2/11th and the 2/12th Battalions, which were raised from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.
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