2/1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion

The 2/1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion was established on 14 December 1939 as part of the 6th Division, with men from across Australia.  Initially intended for deployment in the Middle East, the battalion was diverted for garrison duties in the UK. The 2/1st then went to Greece to support the 6th Division on the ill-fated defence of the Aliakmon line, before retreating to Crete where the men either evacuated, escaped, or became prisoners.  Recalled to Australia in March 1942, companies were then sent to Papua and later Borneo.  The 2/1st was disbanded on 26 January 1946.