Newcastle Covering Force
| Newcastle Covering Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1941–42 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Role | Fortress |
| Size | Brigade + |
| Engagements | Second World War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | John Murray |
The Newcastle Covering Force was an Australian militia force responsible for protecting strategically important Newcastle region and its approaches during World War II. Established on 8 April 1941, the formation's composition changed over the course of its existence, starting from a single infantry battalion support by a machine-gun unit and swelling to roughly brigade-size, with a brigade headquarters and three battalions – two infantry and one garrison – supported initially by a machine gun battalion that was later converted to a motor regiment. The unit was responsible for defending the important port and air bases in and around the town, part of Fortress Newcastle, against a feared Japanese invasion.[1] Newcastle Covering Force was converted on 15 April 1942 to the 10th Division, a regular Australian Army unit, following a complete re-organisation of the higher command structures of the Australian Army.[2]
Units
The following units were force assigned to the Newcastle Covering Force:[3]
- 8th Garrison Battalion (11 December 1941 – 2 February 1942)
- 16th Light Horse (Machine Gun) Regiment (2 September 1941 – 14 March 1942)
- HQ 32nd Infantry Brigade (2 February – 15 April 1942)
- 8th Garrison Battalion
- 33rd Infantry Battalion
- 4th Infantry Battalion
- 16th Motor Regiment (14 March 1942 – 29 March 1942)
Commanding Officer
Notes
- ↑ "10th Australian Infantry Division". Orders of Battle.com. Retrieved 9 March 2010.
- ↑ McCarthy 1959, p. 26.
- ↑ "Newcastle Covering Force: Subordinates". Orders of Battle. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
- ↑ "Newcastle Covering Force: Appointments". Orders of Battle. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
References
- McCarthy, Dudley (1959). South–West Pacific Area—First Year: Kokoda to Wau. Australia in the War of 1939–1945 Official History Series. Series 1 — Army. Volume V. Canberra: Australian War Memorial.