Australian 6th Battalion
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| Australian 6th Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1914-1919 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Line Infantry |
| Part of | Australian 2nd Brigade |
| Colors | Purple over Red |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
The 6th Battalion was raised for the First Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. the battalion was completely recruited from Victoria and formed the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division.
The battalion was raised within two weeks of the declaration of war and left Australia two months later. The battalion proceeded to Egypt, arriving on 2 December. The battalion took part in the Landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 as part of the second wave. Ten days after the landing the 2nd Brigade was transferred from Anzac Cove to Cape Helles to assist in the attack on Krithia. In August, the battalion took part in the attack on Lone Pine. The battalion served at Gallipoli until the evacuation in December.
After the withdrawal from Gallipoli, the battalion returned to Egypt. In March 1916, it sailed to France and deployed to the Somme. The battalion's first major action in France was at Pozières in July 1916. Later the battalion fought at Ypres, in Belgium, before returning to the Somme in winter. During the Battle of Menin Road in September 1917, Lieutenant Frederick Birks earned the Battalion's only Victoria Cross.
In 1918 the battalion helped to stop the German spring offensive in March and April. The battalion subsequently participated in the greatest Allied offensive of 1918, launched near Amiens on 8 August 1918. The battalion continued operations to late September 1918.
The battalion returned to Australia in November and amalgamated with 7th Battalion. This battalion was amalgamated with another, formed from the 5th and 8th Battalions, to form the 2nd Brigade Battalion.
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