42nd Australian Infantry Battalion (WWII)

The 42nd Infantry Battalion, also known as the ‘Capricornia Regiment’ trained across central Queensland before undertaking defensive duties as part of the 5th Division’s 29th Brigade.  In 1943, the brigade was sent to Milne Bay, then Tambu Bay and Salamaua.  In 1944 they linked up with the 7th Division to clear Lae, then later transferred to Petrie. By August 1944, the brigade held the Australian record for the longest service in New Guinea – 18 months.  In 1945, the battalion, with the rest of the 29th Brigade, joined the 3rd Division in Bougainville.  The battalion lost a total of 27 killed and 55 wounded and disbanded on 7 May 1946,