26th Brigade (Australia)
26th Brigade | |
---|---|
![]() 26th Brigade Headquarters landing on Tarakan Island from a LST in May 1945. | |
Active | 1940–1946 |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Australian Army |
Type | Infantry |
Size | Brigade |
Part of | 7th Division (1940–1941) 9th Division (1941–1946) |
Engagements | World War II
|
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | David Whitehead |
Insignia | |
Headquarters unit colour patch 1940–1942 | ![]() |
1942–1946 | ![]() |
The 26th Brigade was an
History
Formation and service in the Middle East
The 26th Brigade was raised on 22 July 1940
The brigade reached the Middle East in December 1940 and began training around Dimra Camp, in Palestine. Initially, it was assigned to the 7th Division, but in February 1941 it was transferred to the 9th Division with which it served throughout the war.[5] In March 1941, the brigade was committed to the Western Desert campaign, following up the successes of the 6th Division against the Italians, occupying positions around Baracca. After the German offensive in Cyrenaica began, the brigade withdrew towards Tobruk, which fell under siege. Between April and October, the brigade formed part of the Allied garrison holding the vital port after it was surrounded. During this time, they held the western side of the defences, before taking part in fighting around an area that became known as The Salient in May. The 2/24th Battalion was heavily engaged during the fighting around Bianca, being reduced to half strength before the rest of the 26th Brigade, with reinforcements from the 18th Brigade restored the situation.[6] Later, the brigade rotated around the perimeter, manning defensive positions throughout the siege. As British and Polish reinforcements arrived by sea, the 26th Brigade was withdrawn by the Royal Navy in late October.[7]
![Soldiers wearing helmets sit in a sandbagged position near a machine gun](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/AWM_020073_2_48th_Battalion_Tobruk_1941.jpg/220px-AWM_020073_2_48th_Battalion_Tobruk_1941.jpg)
Arriving in Palestine via Alexandria, the brigade was established at Julis for reorganisation, rest and training. In early 1942, the 9th Division was sent to Syria to relieve the 7th Division, which had been ordered to return to Australia following Japan's entry into the war. The 26th Brigade subsequently undertook occupation duties around Tripoli and Majlaya.[3] Renewed fighting in the Western Desert resulted in the brigade being hastily redeployed to Egypt in July 1942. As the German offensive threatened Alexandria, the 26th Brigade initially occupied defensive positions around Amiriya before being sent forward. Throughout July and August, they took part in the First Battle of El Alamein, during which they fought several defensive actions around Tel el Eisa.[8] In September, the brigade prepared for a coming offensive, during which time Brigadier David Whitehead assumed command of the brigade. Throughout October and early November, the brigade took part in the Allied offensive during the Second Battle of El Alamein, during which it undertook several attacks, pushing towards the coast as the Australians were assigned the task of achieving the initial break-in for other Allied forces to exploit.[9] After a period of consolidation, the 9th Division was withdrawn to Palestine, establishing camp at Beit Jirja. In late January 1943, it was subsequently moved to Egypt in preparation for embarkation to return to Australia.[8]
Fighting in New Guinea and on Tarakan
Embarking from
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Australian_infantry_advance_behind_a_Matilda_tank_on_Tarakan_%28AWM_photo_128724%29.jpg/220px-Australian_infantry_advance_behind_a_Matilda_tank_on_Tarakan_%28AWM_photo_128724%29.jpg)
In May 1944, the brigade concentrated at
Following the conclusion of hostilities, the 26th Brigade remained on Tarakan for several months undertaking garrison duties while personnel awaited repatriation to Australia for demobilisation. Initially there was a shortage of shipping available, which delayed the process. In October, around 300 personnel from the brigade volunteered for service with the
Structure
The 26th Brigade typically consisted of:[16][17]
- Brigade Headquarters
Commanders
The following officers commanded the 26th Brigade during the war:[18][19]
- Brigadier Raymond Tovell (1940–1942)
- Brigadier David Whitehead (1942–1945)
References
Citations
- ^ Morgan 2018, p. 20.
- ^ Grey 2008, pp. 146–147.
- ^ a b McKenzie-Smith 2018, p. 2107.
- ^ Morgan 2018, p. 21.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 21–22.
- ^ Morgan 2018, p. 22.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 22–23.
- ^ a b c McKenzie-Smith 2018, p. 2108.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 23–24.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 24–25.
- ^ McKenzie-Smith 2018, p. 2109.
- ^ Morgan 2018, p. 25.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 22–27.
- ^ Johnston 2002, p. 247.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 27–28.
- ^ Johnston 2002, p. xii.
- ^ "26 Australian Infantry Brigade: Subordinates". Orders of Battle.com. Retrieved 27 December 2010.
- ^ "26 Australian Infantry Brigade: Appointments". Orders of Battle.com. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
- ^ Morgan 2018, pp. 20–23.
Bibliography
- ISBN 978-0-521-69791-0.
- ISBN 1-74114-643-7.
- Morgan, Joseph (2018). "The Australian 26th Infantry Brigade During World War 2". Sabretache. LIX (4 (December)). Garran, Australian Capital Territory: ISSN 0048-8933.
- ISBN 978-1-925675-146.