26th Australian Infantry Battalion (WWII)

In WWII, the 26th Battalion was re-established as a Militia unit and included both young recruits and experienced WWI veterans. As part of 11th Brigade, the battalion undertook defensive duties in North Queensland, initially under the command of decorated WWI veteran Henry “Mad Harry” Murray. From May 1943, companies from the 26th were detached for service across the Torres Strait, Horn Island and Cape York. “A” Company detached to the Dutch East Indies, becoming the first Militia unit to serve outside Australian territory. The 26th later saw action on Bougainville, including amphibious landings at Soraken Plantation and around Porton, before ending the war with garrison duties at Rabaul.