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The Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF, or Second AIF) was the volunteer expeditionary force of the Australian Army in the Second World War. It was formed following the declaration of war on Nazi Germany , with an initial strength of one infantry division and related auxiliary components.
Australian soldiers marching across Westminster Bridge in London during 1940. Elements of the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) were located in the United Kingdom (UK) throughout World War II. For most of the war, these comprised only a small number of liaison officers.
Australia entered World War II on 3 September 1939. On 14 September Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced that 40,000 members of the Militia would be called up for training and a 20,000-strong expeditionary force, designated the Second Australian Imperial Force, would be formed for overseas service. Like its predecessor, the Second AIF was a ...
During the first years of World War II, Australia's military strategy was closely aligned with that of the United Kingdom. In line with this, most Australian military units deployed overseas in 1940 and 1941 were sent to the Mediterranean and Middle East where they formed a key part of the Commonwealth forces in the area. The three AIF infantry ...
The following is a list of Australian divisions in World War II, including all divisions raised within the Australian Army during World War II. A total of 15 such formations were established by the army during the war; of these, four infantry divisions served as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force , along with one armoured division.
Formed as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force for service during the Second World War, the 2/26th Battalion was raised in November 1940 at Grovely in Brisbane, Queensland. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Boyes, the battalion formed part of the 27th Brigade along with the 2/29th and 2/30th Battalions. [3]
This force was known as the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). [3] Initially, the AIF was to consist of only one infantry division, [ 3 ] but following the despatch of the 1st Division in late 1914 further units were raised and these were eventually organised to form the 2nd Division . [ 4 ]
This force was larger than what the Australian economy could support, however, and was gradually reduced in size. [2] At the end of 1943 the Government determined that the Army's strength was to be six infantry divisions and two armoured brigades , though further reductions were ordered in August 1944 and June 1945. [ 3 ]