The 9th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF). The division was raised from regular army units and volunteer infantry brigades, from October 1940 onwards. In common with other Australian divisions, the 9th Division was one of only a few Allied army units to serve with distinction against both Nazi Germany (in North Africa) and the Empire of Japan (in New Guinea and Borneo). The Australian Army Emblem The Australian Army is Australias military land force. ... Combatants Allies: Poland, British Commonwealth, France/Free France, Soviet Union, United States, China, and others Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan, and others Casualties Military dead: 17 million Civilian dead: 33 million Total dead: 50 million Military dead: 8 million Civilian dead: 4 million Total dead: 12 million World War II... The Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) was the name given to the volunteer units of the Australian Army in World War II. The 2nd AIF was formed, from 1939 onwards, to fight overseas: most army units were Militia (reserve) units and under Australian law at the time, Militia troops... The Regular Army is the name given to the permanent force of the United States Army that is maintained during peacetime. ... 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1940 calendar). ... The group of countries known as the Allies of World War II, was those nations opposed to the Axis Powers during the Second World War. ... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ...  Northern Africa (UN subregion)  geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent. ... The flag of Imperial Japan is still used as the flag of Japan. ... Borneo and Sulawesi. ...

History

Formation

The 9th Division was formed in late 1940. The division was the fourth AIF division to be raised for service in WW2; it was formed in England, mostly by the transfer of pre-existing units from the other AIF divisions. 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1940 calendar). ... Royal motto (French): Dieu et mon droit (Translated: God and my right) Englands location (dark green) within the United Kingdom (light green), with the Republic of Ireland (blue) to its west Languages None official English de facto Capital None official London de facto Largest city London Area – Total Ranked...

North Africa

Cyrenaica

After completing its initial training in Australia, the UK and Palestine, the 9th Division was sent to Cyrenaica in Libya in early March 1941 to complete its training and equipping as part of the garrison of this region. When the German-led Axis forces launched an offensive, on March 24, the Allied forces were not sufficiently prepared for action and they were quickly driven out of Cyrenaica, an event nicknamed the "Benghazi Handicap" by the Australians. The division suffered relatively light casualties in this retreat and was fortunate to escape without severe loss. The Roman Empire ca. ... The factual accuracy of this article is disputed. ... Benghazi (Arabic بنغازي, transliterated Banġāzī) is a seaport in Libya, Africa. ... Handicapping, in sport and games, is the practice of assigning advantage through scoring compensation or other advantage given to different contestants to equalize the chances of winning. ...

Siege of Tobruk

A patrol from the 2/13th Infantry Battalion at Tobruk (AWM 020779)

Main article: Battle of Tobruk

On 6 April 1941 the retreating 9th Division was ordered to enter and defend the important port town of Tobruk which General Wavell, the commander of the British Middle East Command, had ordered be held for at least two months. Reinforced by the 18th Brigade of the Australian 7th Division and British artillery and armoured regiments the 9th Division successfully defended the port for over 6 months. Image File history File linksMetadata 9_Div_Tobruk(AWM_020779). ... Image File history File linksMetadata 9_Div_Tobruk(AWM_020779). ... Siege of Tobruk Conflict World War II, Western Desert Campaign Date March 31, 1941 – November 27, 1941 Place Tobruk, Libya Result Allied victory The Siege of Tobruk was a lengthy confrontation between Axis and Allied forces in the North African Campaign of World War II. See also Afrika Korps Desert... April 6 is the 96th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (97th in leap years). ... For the movie, see 1941 (film) 1941 (MCMXLI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1941 calendar). ... Tobruk or Tubruq (Arabic: طبرق; also transliterated as Tóbruch, Tobruch, Å¢ubruq, Tobruck ) is a town, seaport, municipality, and peninsula in eastern Libya in Northern Africa. ... Field Marshal The Right Honourable Sir Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (May 5, 1883 - May 24, 1950) GCB, GCSI, GCIE, CMG, MC, PC was a British Field Marshal and the commander of British Army forces in the Middle East during World War II. He led British forces to victory... The 7th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force. ...

The Australian defence of Tobruk was anchored on three factors: the use of the pre-existing Italian fortifications around the port, aggressive patrolling and raiding of Axis positions and the firepower of the garrison's artillery. Fighting from fixed positions, the Australian infantry successfully contained and defeated repeated German armoured and infantry attacks on the fortress. After the failure of the British attempts to relieve the fortress in May and June 1941 the 9th Division was successful in gradually improving Tobruk's defences through aggressively raiding Axis positions.

Upon the request of the Australian War Cabinet, the bulk of the 9th Division was withdrawn from Tobruk in September and October 1941 with only the 2/13th Battalion remaining in the fortress at the time the garrison was finally relieved in December. The defence of Tobruk cost the 9th Division 3,164 casualties (650 killed, 1,597 wounded and 917 captured).

El Alamein

Syrian interlude

After its withdrawal from Tobruk the 9th Division enjoyed only a brief period of rest in Palestine before being redeployed to northern Syria where, as part of the British 9th Army, it was responsible for guarding the Turkish-Syrian frontier. This deployment was the first time all the elements of the Division had been concentrated in the one area. In addition to its garrison duties, the 9th Division also conducted some much needed training in mobile warfare during its stay in Syria.

While the Australian I Corps, including the 6th and 7th Divisions, was withdrawn to Australia in early 1942 the Australian government agreed to British requests to retain the 9th Division in the Middle East in exchange for an additional American division being sent to Australia. Following the withdrawal of the I Corps the 9th Division was the only Australian Army unit in the Middle East and the last Australian Army unit to see action against the German and Italian armies. I Corps of the Australian Army was the main frontline corps of the army during World War II. Various Australian and other Allied divisions came under its control at various times. ... The most well-known 6th Division in the Australian Army was a unit in the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) during World War II. (The 6th Division name was previously used for a short-lived World War I unit, formed from First Australian Imperial Force troops in England, in... The 7th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force. ...

First Battle of El Alamein

Guns of the 2/8th Field Regiment at El Alamein in July 1942 (AWM 024515)

Main article: First Battle of El Alamein

During early 1942 the Axis forces advanced steadily through north west Egypt. It was decided that the Eighth Army should make a stand just over 100km east of Alexandria, at the railway siding of El Alamein, where the coastal plain narrowed between the Mediterranean Sea and the inhospitable Qattara Depression. Image File history File linksMetadata 2-8_Field_Regt_(AWM_024515). ... Image File history File linksMetadata 2-8_Field_Regt_(AWM_024515). ... The First Battle of El Alamein 1–July 27, 1942 was a battle of the Western Desert Campaign of World War II, fought between the German–Italian Afrika Korps commanded by Erwin Rommel and the British Eighth Army, commanded by Claude Auchinleck. ... The Eighth Army was one of the best-known formations in World War II, fighting in the campaigns in North Africa and Italy. ... Antiquity and modernity stand cheek-by-jowl in Egypts chief Mediterranean seaport For other uses, see Alexandria (disambiguation). ... El Alamein is a town in northern Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea coast. ... Satellite image The Mediterranean Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean almost completely enclosed by land, on the north by Europe, on the south by Africa, and on the east by Asia. ... The Qattara Depression (local: Munkhafad al-Qattarah) is a desert basin within the Libyan Desert of north-western Egypt. ...

On 26 June 1942 the 9th Division was ordered to begin moving from northern Syria to El Alamein. The lead elements of the Division arrived at El Alamein on 6 July and the Division was assigned the most northerly section of the Commonwealth defensive line.

The Axis leader, Erwin Rommel made a major attack on July 1, hoping to dislodge the Allies from the area, take Alexandria, and open the way to Cairo and the Suez Canal. However the Eighth Army had regrouped sufficiently to repel the Axis forces and launch counterattacks. Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel ( ) (November 15, 1891–October 14, 1944) was one of the most distinguished German Field Marshals, and one of the greatest military leaders of his time. ... Modern Cairo Cairo (Arabic: ‎ translit: ) is the capital city of Egypt (and previously the United Arab Republic) and has a metropolitan area population of approximately 15. ... 1881 drawing of the Suez Canal. ...

Before dawn on July 10, as Rommel focused his efforts on the southern flank of the battlefield, the 9th Division attacked the north flank of the enemy positions and captured the strategic high ground around Tel el Eisa. Rommel redirected his forces against them, in a series of intense counterattacks, but was unable to dislodge the Australians.

The final phase of the First Battle of El Alamein was a disaster for the Allies and the 2/28th Battalion in particular: an attempt to capture Sanyet el Miteiriya, known as "Ruin Ridge", on July 26. The operation was part of a complex series of night attacks. The 2/28th suffered significant casualties and vehicle losses in its advance, but achieved its objective. However, the battalion was soon surrounded by German infantry. A planned advance by British tanks failed and German tanks arrived. The 2/28th's positions came under a prolonged and methodical attack by the Axis forces. By the time they surrendered, 65 Australians had been killed. Although the vast majority of the 2/28th had become POWs, 105 members of the battalion remained behind Allied lines and it was subsequently rebuilt.

Second Battle of El Alamein

Main article: Second Battle of El Alamein

Combatants British Commonwealth Poland Free French Forces Greece Germany Italy Commanders Bernard Montgomery Erwin Rommel Strength 250,000 men 1,030 tanks 900 guns 530 aircraft 90,000 men 500 tanks 500 guns 350 aircraft Casualties 23,500 dead or wounded 710 tanks 25,000 dead or wounded 30,000...

South West Pacific

Main article: South West Pacific Area

The 9th Division began embarking for its return to Australia on 24 January 1943. The division arrived at Fremantle in Western Australia on 18 February whereupon all members of the division were granted three weeks leave. The division reformed in April 1943 in the semi-tropical Atherton Tableland region of North Queensland where it began re-organising and re-training for jungle warfare. As part of the conversion to a Jungle Division many of the division’s units were either separated from the division, reorganised into new roles or disbanded. After completing amphibious training near Cairns the 9th Division departed for Milne Bay in New Guinea in late July and early August 1943. South West Pacific Area (SWPA) was the name given to one of the four major Allied commands in the Pacific theatre of World War II, during 1942-45. ... January 24 is the 24th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1943 calendar). ... Location of Fremantle, Western Australia Fremantle (32°03′15″S, 115°44′53″E) is a city located within the Perth metropolitan area on Australias western coast, at the mouth of the Swan River, 19 kilometres southwest of Perths Central Business District. ... Emblems: Fauna-Black Swan Flora-Kangaroo Paw Capital = Perth Motto: Cygnis Insignis (Distinguished by its swans) Slogan or Nickname: Wildflower State Other Australian states and territories Capital {{{Capital}}} Government Governor Premier Const. ... The Atherton Tableland is part of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, Australia. ... Emblems: Faunal - Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); Floral - Cooktown orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum); Bird - Brolga (Grus rubicunda); Aquatic - Barrier Reef Anemonefish (Amphiprion akindynos); Gem - Sapphire; Colour - Maroon Motto: Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Governor Premier Const. ... The Jungle Division was an military organisation adopted by the Australian Army during the Second World War. ... Cairns is a regional city located in far north Queensland, Australia. ...

New Guinea

Main article: New Guinea campaign

The New Guinea campaign was one of the major military campaigns of World War II. Fighting in the Australian mandated Territory of New Guinea (the north-eastern part of the island of New Guinea and surrounding islands) and Dutch New Guinea, between Allied and Japanese forces, commenced with the Japanese...

Lae

The 9th Division's first task in New Guinea was to liberate the town of Lae in a joint operation with the 7th Division. On 4 September 1943 the 9th Division successfully conducted an amphibious landing to the east of the town while the 7th Division began flying in to the recently captured Nadzab airfields to the west of Lae from 7 September. Lae is the second largest city of Papua New Guinea with a population of approx 120,000. ... The 7th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force. ... September 4 is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years). ... 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1943 calendar). ...

After establishing their supply bases the two Australian division's raced each other to Lae. The race was won by the 7th Division which entered the town several hours ahead of the 9th Division on 16 September. The 9th Division's advance had been held up by Japanese resistance and difficulties with crossing the rivers between the landing beaches and Lae.

Finchhafen and Sattelberg

Borneo

Infantry from the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion advancing through wrecked oil storage tanks at Tank Hill, Tarakan. (AWM 090932)

Main article: Borneo campaign (1945)

The 9th Division returned to Australia between January and March 1944. After a period of leave the division re-formed in the Atherton Tablelands. Due to high personnel turnover in this period many of the division's units had to be virtually rebuilt. Image File history File linksMetadata Tarakan. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Tarakan. ... The Borneo campaign of 1945 was the last major Allied campaign in the South West Pacific Area, during World War II. In a series of amphibious assaults between May 1 and July 21, the Australian I Corps, under General Leslie Morshead, attacked Japanese forces occupying the island. ... The Atherton Tableland is part of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, Australia. ...

While the Australian I Corps (of which the 9th Division was part) had originally been intended to participate in the liberation of the Philippines, these plans were dropped, and the Corps was instead tasked with the liberation of Borneo. I Corps of the Australian Army was the main frontline corps of the army during World War II. Various Australian and other Allied divisions came under its control at various times. ... Borneo and Sulawesi. ...

Tarakan

Main article: Battle of Tarakan (1945)

The 9th Division's role in Borneo was the liberation of Tarakan Island and British North Borneo. The Battle of Tarakan occured May 1945. ... Tarakan is an island in the Kalimantan Timur province of Indonesia. ... North Borneo was a British Protectorate and later Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, situated in what is now the province of Sabah Malaysia. ...

The 26th Brigade Group landed on Tarakan on May 1, 1945. Resistance from the Japanese was unexpectedly fierce, and it took six weeks to secure the island. The 26th Brigade Group suffered most of the 900 Australian casualties in this operation.

Brunei and Labuan

The remainder of the 9th Division landed in the Brunei Bay region of North Borneo on 10 June 1945. The 20th Brigade rapidly secured Brunei against relatively light opposition, suffering only 40 casualties in this campaign. The 24th Brigade, however, encountered greater opposition in taking the island of Labuan. After securing Labuan, the Brigade was landed on the northern shore of Brunei Bay and liberated this area against only light opposition. The division's total casualties in this operation were 114 killed. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... North Borneo was a British Protectorate and later Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, situated in what is now the province of Sabah Malaysia. ... State motto: Capital Victoria Governor  ? Chief Minister  ? Area 92 km2 Population 78,000 (est. ...

Disbandment

Following the end of the war the 9th Division remained in Borneo and performed occupation duties until the arrival of Indian troops in January 1946. The 9th Division began gradually demobilising on 1 October 1945 with soldiers with dependants or long service being the first to be discharged. The division's headquarters was disbanded on 10 February 1946 and the last unit of the division was disbanded in May 1946. October 1 is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ... February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ...

Casualties

Men of the 2/48th Battalion gather around the grave of Lieutenant T.C. Derrick VC DCM on Tarakan (AWM 108261)

The 9th Division suffered a total of 2,732 killed in action, 7,501 wounded and 1,863 captured. These 12,096 casualties represent approximately one quarter of the men who served with the division. Image File history File linksMetadata Derrick_grave_(AWM_108261). ... Image File history File linksMetadata Derrick_grave_(AWM_108261). ...

Structure

Infantry units (with state of origin, where applicable)

• 20th Australian Infantry Brigade – from 7th Division, 1941.
  • 2/13th Australian Infantry Battalion, New South Wales (NSW)
  • 2/15th Australian Infantry Battalion, Queensland (Qld)
  • 2/17th Australian Infantry Battalion, NSW

• 24th Australian Infantry Brigade – from 8th Division, 1940
  • 2/25th Australian Infantry Battalion, Qld (to 25th Infantry Brigade, 194?)
  • 2/28th Australian Infantry Battalion, Western Australia (WA)
  • 2/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion, South Australia (SA)

• 25th Australian Infantry Brigade - to 7th Div., 1941
  • 2/31st Australian Infantry Battalion, Qld
  • 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Victoria (Vic.) (to 24th Infantry Brigade, 194?)
  • 2/33rd Australian Infantry Battalion, NSW

• 26th Australian Infantry Brigade
  • 2/23rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Vic.
  • 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion, Vic.
  • 2/48th Australian Infantry Battalion, SA

• 27th Australian Infantry Brigade – to 8th Div., 1941
  • 2/26th Australian Infantry Battalion, Qld
  • 2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion, Vic.
  • 2/30th Australian Infantry Battalion, NSW

• Artillery regiments
  • 2/7th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
  • 2/8th Field Regiment, RAA
  • 2/12th Field Regiment, RAA (ex 2/2nd Medium Reg., Corps Artillery)
  • 2/3rd Anti-Tank Regiment, RAA (from 8th Div., 194?)

• Other units
  • 2/3rd Australian Machine-Gun Regiment (Vic.)
  • 2/4th Australian Pioneer Battalion
  • 9th Australian Divisional Cavalry (from 8th Div., 1941)
  • Engineer companies
    • 2/3rd Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, Tasmania/WA/SA (from 6th Div., 194?)
    • 2/13th Field Company, RAE, Qld (ex 2/1st Field Park Company)
    • 2/7th Field Company, RAE, Qld (ex Corps Troops)
    • 2/4th Field Park Company, RAE, WA (ex 8th Division)

The 7th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force. ... Emblems: Floral - Waratah (Telopea Speciosissima); Bird - Kookaburra (Dacelo Gigas); Animal - Platypus (Ornithorhynchus Anatinus); Fish - Blue Groper (Achoerodus Viridis) Motto: Orta Recens Quam Pura Nites (Newly Risen, How Brightly You Shine) Slogan or Nickname: First State, Premier State Other Australian states and territories Capital Sydney Government Governor Premier Const. ... Emblems: Faunal - Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); Floral - Cooktown orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum); Bird - Brolga (Grus rubicunda); Aquatic - Barrier Reef Anemonefish (Amphiprion akindynos); Gem - Sapphire; Colour - Maroon Motto: Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Governor Premier Const. ... The 8th Division of the Australian Army was formed to serve in World War II, as part of the Second Australian Imperial Force, who were in turn, part of the Allies of World War II. The 8th Division was raised from regular army units and new, all-volunteer infantry brigades... The 2/25th Australian Infantry Battalion was a World War II Australian Army unit. ... Emblems: Fauna-Black Swan Flora-Kangaroo Paw Capital = Perth Motto: Cygnis Insignis (Distinguished by its swans) Slogan or Nickname: Wildflower State Other Australian states and territories Capital {{{Capital}}} Government Governor Premier Const. ... Emblems: Hairy Nosed Wombat (faunal); Sturts Desert Pea (floral); Opal (gemstone); Leafy Seadragon (marine) Motto: United for the Common Wealth Slogan or Nickname: Festival State Other Australian states and territories Capital Adelaide Government Governor Premier Const. ... Emblems: Pink heath (floral) helmeted honeyeater (bird) Leadbeaters possum (faunal) Motto: Peace and Prosperity Slogan or Nickname: Garden State, The Place To Be, On The Move Other Australian states and territories Capital Melbourne Government Governor Premier Const. ... Emblems: Flora Tasmanian Blue Gum Fauna none Motto: Ubertas et Fidelitas (Fertility and Faithfulness) Slogan or Nickname: The Apple Isle Other Australian states and territories Capital Hobart Government Governor Premier Const. ...

Commanders

Major General Henry Wynter (October 1940 - February 1941)
Major General Leslie Morshead (February 1941 - March 1943)
Major General George Wootten (March 1943 - October 1945). Sir Leslie James Morshead (September 18, 1889 - September 26, 1959) was an Australian soldier with a distinguished career in both world wars. ...

External links

• Australian War Memorial Encyclopedia, "El Alamein"
• Peter Stanley (Australian War Memorial), 2002, "Ruin Ridge, 26–27 July 1942"

References

• Chris Coulthard-Clark (2001) The Encyclopaedia of Australia's Battles. Allen & Unwin. Sydney.
• Mark Johnston (2002). That Magnificent 9th. Allen & Unwin. Sydney.
• Colonel Ward A. Miller The 9th Australian Division Versus the Africa Corps: An Infantry Division Against Tanks--Tobruk, Lybia, 1941