31/51st Australian Infantry Battalion
From Our Contribution
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Brief History
Previously known as the 31st Australian Infantry Battalion (Kennedy Regiment) which was formed in Townsville in 1921, with personnel from Proserpine to Charters Towers to Ingham. Mobilised in December 1941 they were given a mobile role to counter attack any invading forces, and spent from early 1942 until March 1943 moving around northern Queensland. In April 1943 essential workers were released (sugar and meat workers) leaving the 31st and 51st Battalions short staffed leading to their amalgamation.
In April 1943 the battalion moved to Merauke in Dutch New Guinea, establishing Company sized patrl bases nefore returning to Brisbane in August 1944. Following a period of leave the battalion concentrated at Strathpine before they left for Torokina on Bougainville in December 1944. Having relieved the US troops, the battalion was part of a force that advanced along the coast to Puro, and then Tsimba in February 1945 before being relieved byt he 26th Battalion. In March they took over a holding position before moving to the base of the Bonis Peninsula. In July they concentrated at Torokina and remained there until the end of the war. Hosatilities over they moved to Nauru and Ocean Island to accept the Japanese surrender in those locations.
Unit Personnel
- Stan John Barrett 6 May - 8 Jun 1946
Notes
Content has come from The Unit Guide - Volume 2 - The Australian Army 1939-1945, pages 2.229 & 2.230 - Graham R McKenzie-Smith - Big Sky Publishing - 2018