New Zealand and Australian Division
| New Zealand and Australian Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | April–December 1915 |
| Country |
 New Zealand Australia
|
| Branch |
 New Zealand Military Forces Australian Army
|
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of | Australian and New Zealand Army Corps |
| Engagements |
First World War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Alexander Godley |
First World War
The New Zealand and Australian Division was formed at the start of the Gallipoli Campaign as a composite division under the command of New Zealand general Alexander Godley. At the start of World War I New Zealand had mustered insufficient infantry battalions to form their own division while Australia did not have enough to form a second division so the brigades were combined. After Gallipoli, the Australian 4th Brigade was moved to the newly formed Australian 4th Division while New Zealand formed their own division, the New Zealand Division.
The history of the New Zealand and Australian Division was brief but distinguished. It existed as a formation only for the duration of the Gallipoli campaign, after which its constituent brigades became the veteran foundation for two new divisions; the Australian 4th Division and the New Zealand Division.
The division was the second division of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps that made original landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915. The Australian 1st Division made the initial landing and the New Zealand and Australian Division came ashore as the day progressed. Some of the 4th Brigade would not land until the evening. The division's battalions were swiftly drawn into the chaotic fighting on the left (or north) of the landing area. The first to enter the battle were the Auckland and Canterbury Battalions which joined the struggle on the Baby 700 around midday.
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