29th Brigade (Australia)

The 29th Brigade was an infantry brigade of the Australian Army. Raised on 20 December 1941^[1] during World War II as part of the Militia. Initially tasked with defending Townsville against possible invasion from the Japanese. In March 1942,^[2] the brigade's three infantry battalions—the 15th, 42nd and 47th Battalions—began concentrating in Townsville where they formed part of the 5th Division.^[3]

In January 1943 the brigade was deployed to New Guinea,^[4] with the 42nd Battalion deployed to Milne Bay to relieve the 7th Brigade's, 61st Battalion. Later, in early 1944, the 15th Brigade assisted the 7th Division's operations around Lae, conducting patrols in the area until August 1944^[4] when they were withdrawn to Australia for rest and re-organisation. The brigade was then subsequently assigned to the 3rd Division and took part in the Bougainville campaign.^[4]

Assigned units

The 29th Brigade typically consisted of:

• Brigade Headquarters;
  • 15th Battalion;
  • 42nd Battalion;
  • 47th Battalion;^[5]
  • 11 Field Company RAE
  • 7 Field Ambulance AAMC
  • Supporting artillery, and other units.

Commanding officers

The following officers served as commanding officer of the 29th Brigade:

• Brigadier Thomas Louch (1941–1942);
• Brigadier Raymond Monaghan (1942–1945).^[6]

References