2nd New Guinea Infantry Battalion | |
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Active | 1944–46 |
Country | Australia |
Allegiance | Allied |
Branch | Army |
Type | Infantry |
Size | Battalion |
Colours | Red and Green |
Battle honours | South West Pacific 1942–45, Kokoda Trail, Kokoda-Deniki, Nassau Bay, Tambu Bay, Finschhafen, Scarlet Beach, Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Sio-Sepik River, Kaboibus-Kiarivu and Bonis-Porton |
Disbanded | June 1946 |
Insignia | |
Unit Colour Patch |
The 2nd New Guinea Infantry Battalion (2 NGIB) was a battalion of the Australian Army during World War II. One of four infantry battalions raised in New Guinea, 2 NGIB was formed in September 1944. It later became part of the Pacific Islands Regiment before being disbanded in June 1946.
The battalion was formed on 26 September 1944 in the territory of New Guinea, during World War II, in order to fight against the Japanese. Its soldiers were primarily natives of New Guinea, under the command of Australian officers and NCOs. Formed late in the war the battalion ultimately played a minor role during the allied campaigns in New Guinea, but did see service during the Aitape–Wewak campaign. The New Guinea battalions each had an establishment of about 77 Europeans and 550 native soldiers.
The Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) along with the 1st and 2nd New Guinea Infantry Battalion were amalgamated to form the Pacific Islands Regiment in November 1944. The 3rd and 4th New Guinea Infantry Battalion joined the regiment in 1945, although 4 NGIB was soon disbanded, whilst the 5th New Guinea Infantry Battalion—although authorised—was never raised. The battalion was disbanded in June 1946.