29th Brigade (Australia)
| 29th Brigade | |
|---|---|
A patrol from the 29th Brigade on Bougainville, January 1945
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| Active | 1941–45 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | ~3,500 personnel |
| Part of |
5th Division (1941–44) 3rd Division (1944–45) |
| Engagements | |
The 29th Brigade was an infantry brigade of the Australian Army that was raised for service during World War II. Formed in late 1941 as part of the Militia, the brigade was initially formed for home defence in response to Japan's entry into the war. Composed of three Queensland-based infantry battalions and various supporting elements, the brigade initially undertook defensive duties around Townsville in 1941–42 before deploying to New Guinea in 1943. There, the brigade undertook garrison duties before taking part in the Salamaua–Lae campaign. After a period of almost 18 months overseas, the brigade's elements were returned to Australia for a period of rest and reorganisation before later being assigned to the Bougainville campaign in 1944–45. After the war, the brigade was disbanded in December 1945, along with its component units.
Raised on 20 December 1941 under the command of Brigadier Thomas Louch for service during World War II, the 29th Brigade was formed as part of the Militia, Australia's part-time military force. Initially tasked with defending Townsville against possible invasion from the Japanese, in March 1942, the brigade's three infantry battalions—the 15th, 42nd and 47th Battalions—began concentrating in Tiaro where they formed part of the 5th Division. In April 1942, the brigade began moving to Townsville to take up defensive duties, constructing defences along line between Giru and Rollingstone. During the Battle of Coral Sea, when the threat of invasion seemed imminent, the brigade was moved to the coast, issued ammunition for the first time and stood-to in preparation for a Japanese landing. In the event, this invasion did not occur and the brigade was stood down, returning to more mundane garrison duties, before moving to Mount Spec, to undertake jungle training in preparation for overseas service.
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