54th Australian Infantry Battalion (Lachlan - Macquarie Regiment)
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Brief History
During World War II, the battalion was mobilised for full-time service as part of the 5th Brigade of the 2nd Division. Due to the provisions of the Defence Act, it was initially precluded from being sent overseas to fight, but in 1943 it was gazetted as an AIF unit. This meant that it could be sent outside the South West Pacific Area. Regardless, the battalion remained in Australia and undertook garrison duties in New South Wales and Western Australia to defend against a possible invasion. The invasion never came and, on 9 January 1944, the battalion was disbanded, as part of a partial demobilisation of the Australian military that took place at that time as manpower was redirected back towards industry.
Battalion Personnel
- Allan Butcher 14 Jan - 5 Jul 1943
- Francis (George) Hicks MM 15 Apr - 29 Sep 1943 & 3 May - 4 Jul 1944
- Austin John Bevis 14 Jan - 4 Jul 1944
Notes