19th Brigade (Australia)

The 19th Brigade was a formation of the Australian Army during World War II as part of the 6th Division. Formed in April 1940 as a result of the reorganisation of the Second Australian Imperial Force when the infantry brigades composition was reduced from four to three battalions. The fourth battalion from the 16th, 17th and 18th Brigades was proposed to form part the 19th Brigade. Due to transport problems, the third battalion of the 18th Brigade joined the brigade instead of the 2/12th Battalion.

The brigade fought in the North African campaign, the Greek campaign, the Crete campaign, before returning to Australia and becoming part of the Darwin garrison force. While the other two brigades from the 6th Division, the 16th and 17th, took part in some of the early campaigns in the Pacific, the 19th Brigade waited three-and-a-half years before it returned to action, taking part in the Aitape-Wewak campaign in New Guinea in late 1944 through to mid-1945.

Units

 * 2/4th Battalion from the 16th Brigade
 * 2/8th Battalion from the 17th Brigade
 * 2/11th Battalion from the 18th Brigade
 * 23rd/21st Battalion (14 May 1942 – 25 June 1943)

Commanders

 * Brigadier Horace Robertson (April 1940 – March 1941)
 * Brigadier George Vasey (March 1941 – December 1941)
 * Brigadier J E G Martin (December 1941 – November 1945)