About This Unit
After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia. The Militia was organized to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus Sydney's 53rd Infantry Battalion was the "West Sydney Regiment" and the 55th Infantry Battalion was the "New South Wales Rifle Regiment". During the 1930s, little was spent on defence and the Militia had few volunteers. Thus, in 1937 the 55th merged with the 53rd Battalion, forming the 55th/53rd Infantry Battalion. However, it was separated again in October 1941.
While both battalions served in Papua in 1942, the 55th and 53rd had very different histories.
Read more - https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56135