Active 1944–46 Allegiance Allied | Country Australia Branch Army Size Battalion | |
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The 1st New Guinea Infantry Battalion (1 NGIB) was a battalion of the Australian Army during World War II. One of four infantry battalions raised in New Guinea, 1 NGIB was formed in March 1944. It later became part of the Pacific Islands Regiment before being disbanded in June 1946.
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History
The battalion was formed in March 1944 in the territory of New Guinea, during World War II, in order to fight against the Japanese. Its soldiers were primarily natives of New Guinea, under the command of Australian officers and NCOs. Although formed late in the war the battalion would ultimately serve in a number of the allied campaigns in New Guinea, including during the offensives on New Britain and Bougainville. The New Guinea battalions each had an establishment of about 77 Europeans and 550 native soldiers.
The Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) along with the 1st and 2nd New Guinea Infantry Battalion were amalgamated to form the Pacific Islands Regiment in November 1944. The 3rd and 4th New Guinea Infantry Battalion joined the regiment in 1945, although 4 NGIB was soon disbanded, whilst the 5th New Guinea Infantry Battalion—although authorised—was never raised. The battalion disbanded in June 1946.