2/6th Cavalry Commando Regiment (Australia)

The 2/6th Australian Cavalry Commando Regiment were part of the Australian 6th Division.

The Unit was originally formed as the "6th Division Reconnaissance Regiment", was renamed the "6th Australian Division Cavalry Regiment" on 8th June 1940 and in November 1943 was renamed "2/6th Cavalry Commando Regiment". [cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/wa/anzac/land.htm#dcca |title=ABC Anzac Day WA - 2/6th Division Cavalry Commando| accessdate=2007-02-07| date=2003-04-24] [ [http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/3984/dadcavu.html Life on an Australian Farm "WESTGREYS" (blog)] Dad's Army retrieved 2 February 2007]

Formation / Structure

The Regiment was the first Australian armoured unit and formed at Ingleburn on 3 November 1939.

In early 1943 it converted to a non armoured Commando role and in 1944 fought in New Guinea against the Japanese. It was disbanded at the end of hostilities in September 1945. [http://www.australian-armour.com/2-6DivCav.html Australian Armour] 2/6th Division Cavalry, retrieved 2 February 2007]

The Regiment comprised the following sub units :

* Regimental Headquarters (RHQ)
* A Squadron
* B Squadron
* C Squadron

As a commando unit, the regiment was organised into the 2/7, 2/9 and 2/10 Commando Squadrons.

The Commanding Officers were: [ [http://www.australian-armour.com/COs_2-6DivCav.html Australian Armour] 2/6th Division Cavalry Commanding Officers, retrieved 2 February 2007]
* LT COL M A Fergusson 10/1939 - 3/1941 (wounded [ [http://www.generals.dk/general/Fergusson/Maurice_Alfred/Australia.html Generals.dk] Fergusson, Maurice Alfred ] , retrieved 2 February 2007 ] )
* MAJ S A Morrison 3/1941 - 6/1941
* LT COL Denzil Macarthur-Onslow 6/1941 - 4/1942
* LT COL J E Abbott 5/1942 - 1/1944
* LT COL E C Hennessy 1/1944 - 9/1945

Middle East / North Africa

The unit fought in Syria, Libya, Egypt and Lebanon against the Vichy French, Italian and German forces.

B Squadron made history when it attacked Port Gearnon 12 December 1940 which established it as the first AIF unit action against land forces in the war. [ [http://www.defence.gov.au/ARMY/2cav/traditions.html Australian Department of Defence] Traditions of Australian 2nd Cavalry Regiment, retrieved 2 February 2007 ]

70 men of the C squadron became known as the "Kelly Gang" when they fought during the Syriancampaign on horseback (the horses were captured from the French Cavalry) . [cite web|url=http://www.australiansatwar.gov.au/stories/stories.asp?war=W2&id=209 |title=Australians at War - Australian Horsemen at home in the Kelly Gang| accessdate=2007-02-08| date=2002-08-01]

They were also the first Australians to use tanks in battle. Since Australians weren't involved with tanks in WWl, it was not until 1941, in Libya, that Australians used tanks in action for the first time. They were captured Italian Mils. [ [http://www.lancers.org.au/site/Lancers_Despatch_Feb_2004.asp Royal New South Wales Lancers Lancer Barracks and Museum] "Snippets:THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN TANKS LEADER IN WAR" David Craven, retrieved 2 February 2007 ]

outh West Pacific

After five months as occupation troops in Lebanon the regiment returned to Australia and served for a brief period in the Northern Territory before moving to Queensland where it was reformed into 3 Commando Squadrons.

After jungle training the 2/7, 2/9, 2/10 Cavalry Commando Squadrons moved to New Guinea where the three squadrons continued to distinguish themselves fighting the Japanese until the cessation of the War. [cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/wa/anzac/land.htm#dcca |title=ABC Anzac Day WA - 2/6th Division Cavalry Commando| accessdate=2007-02-07| date=2003-04-24]

Battle Honours

The regiment received the following Battle honours for their outstanding courage and achievements:

North Africa 1940-41, Bardia 1941, Capture of Tobruk, Derna, Giarabub, Syria 1941, Merjayun, Adlun, Sidon, Damour, South West Pacific 1944-45, Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Abau-Malin, Anumb River, Maprik, Wewak, Wirui Mission [ [http://www.defence.gov.au/army/ahu/HISTORY/Battle%20Honours/Battle_Honours_WWII_CavalryArmdRifles_Units.htm Australian Department of Defence] Battle honours, retrieved 2 February 2007]

The Australian 2nd Cavalry Regiment was chosen by the past members of the 2/6th Australian Cavalry Commando Regiment to hold and preserve these Battle Honours. On 9 October 1971 at a ceremonial parade the Regiment was presented with a scroll and bronze plaque affiliating the two Regiments.

See also

* Australian commandos
* List of Australian armoured units
* North African campaign
* South West Pacific theatre of World War II
* Pacific War

External links

* [http://www.26cavcommando.org.au 2/6 Cavalry Commando Regiment Association (Vic.) Website] Nominal Rolls, Collections Database, Latest News, Stories, Picture gallery, Contact Us form
* [http://www.awm.gov.au/units/event_280.asp Australian War Memorial] Aitape-Wewak Campaign
* [http://www.awm.gov.au/units/event_282.asp Australian War Memorial] Battle of Damour
* [http://www.awm.gov.au/units/place_504050.asp Australian War Memorial] Khirbe
* [http://anzacsteel.hobbyvista.com/Armoured%20Vehicles/australianarmourinthemiddleeastph_1.htm Anzac Steel, Australian Armour in the Middle East, 1940-1942] Use of tanks by 6th Australian Division Cavalry Regiment

References

"To the Green Fields Beyond: The Story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos" Shawn O'Leary (1975)