About This Unit
11th Infantry Division
The 11th Division was an Australian Army formation raised during World War II by the renaming of 'Milne Force' in December 1942. Predominately a Militia formation, the division's main role during the war was as a base command headquarters, although elements saw action in New Guinea against Japanese forces during the Finisterre Range campaign and in New Britain. It was disbanded in July 1946.
In July 1942, a headquarters was raised to command the units that had been sent to Milne Bay, to establish a series of airfields there after the Battle of the Coral Sea. The majority of the staff for this headquarters came from the 1st Division, and at the time of its establishment it was called "C Force" and became Milne Force in August 1942. Only a limited number of troops were assigned, with the first elements being two companies of Militia troops from the 55th Battalion, bolstered later by the arrival of the 7th Infantry Brigade and then the 18th Infantry Brigade, a veteran Second Australian Imperial Force unit.
In late August and early September, the Japanese attempted to land troops to capture the airfields which would have imperilled Port Moresby and expose it to a risk of marine landings to seize it. In the Battle of Milne Bay the Japanese suffered their first land defeat of the war, by the defending Milne Force elements. In October, the 17th Infantry Brigade arrived to relieved the 18th, which was despatched to Buna in December 1942 and the Battle of the Beachheads.
In January 1943, it was relieved at Milne Bay by the 5th Division and transferred to Port Moresby, where it took over base unit command.
New Guinea Campaigns: Throughout 1943 and 1944, the division's headquarters moved through Dobodura, Lae, and Wau. It assumed responsibility for various sectors, including the area between Oro Bay and Buna. After returning to Australia in July 1944, it was reconstituted in Queensland and converted to a Jungle division establishment.
Final Campaign and Disbandment (1945–1946) - New Britain: In July 1945, the division landed at Jacquinot Bay to contain Japanese forces on the Gazelle Peninsula.
Following the war's end in August, the division entered Rabaul to oversee the surrender of the Japanese garrison.
The 11th Division remained in Rabaul until April 1946 and was officially disbanded on July 1, 1946.
Compiled by Steve Larkins May 2026
Sources: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11th_Division (en.wikipedia.org)