WWII Military Units,
HistoryNT,
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Date
0000-00-00,
Location
Larrakeyah - Emery Point,
Nation of service
Australia,
Service
Army,
Service branch
Artillery,
Unit
61 Field Battery,
Parent unit
2/11 Field Regiment,
Date arrived in NT
1943-01-23,
Date left the NT
1943-09,
History
The Regiment was formed at Seymour in Victoria. Enlisted men in this Regiment came from Geelong, Caulfield, Balcombe and Royal Park. The 21 and 22 Batteries were formed in July 1941. In October 1941 while the Regiment was in Syria, a third Battery, the 61, was formed. They were initially armed with World War One 18-pounders. In June, they were issued 4.5 inch howitzers and then 18 pounders and finally 25 pounders. The Regiment took part in the invasion of Syria. They returned to Australia on five separate ships and reconcentrated in Queensland. They left Woodford on 4 January 1943 travelling by truck, train and then truck again reaching Darwin on 23 January. The regimental headquarters and 61 Battery were located at Larrakeyah Barracks. The Regiment remained in Darwin until September when it again embarked for New Guinea. The Regiment was disbanded in December 1945. Total casualties included 12 deaths and 13 wounded. Lieutenant Colonel John Hayes was the only member of the Regiment killed in action in New Guinea.,