| 2/30th Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1940–1945 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of | 27th Brigade, 8th Division |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
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The 2/30th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army that served during World War II. Formed on 22 November 1940 at Tamworth, New South Wales, the battalion was part of the 27th Brigade of the 8th Division. It fought in Malayan Campaign, participating in the battles at Gemencheh Bridge, Gemas, Ayer Hitam and Singapore. Most of the battalion was captured and became prisoners of war, although some were able to escape and return to Australia. The battalion was not disbanded until the end of the war, however, after the Malayan campaign they were not reformed and did not take part in any further fighting during the war.[1]
During the course of the war the 2/30th Battalion lost 433 men killed in action or died in captivity, while a further 136 were wounded. The following decorations were bestowed upon 2/30th Battalion personnel: one Distinguished Service Order, four Officers of Order of the British Empire, two Military Crosses, two Distinguished Conduct Medals, one British Empire Medal and 16 Mentions in Despatches.[1]
As of 2008, the battalion's numerical designation was perpetuated by the 2/30 Training Group, an Australian Army unit which is stationed in Butterworth, Malaysia. This unit also uses the same Unit Colour Patch as the 2/30th Battalion.[2]
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The 2/30th Battalion received the following battle honours:
The following officers served as commanding officer of the 2/30th Battalion: