2/4th Australian Field Squadron
From Our Contribution
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Brief History
Originally formed as the 4th Field Squadron at Bonegilla in July 1941, it joined 2nd Armoured Brigade Group and moved to Benalla in March 1942. In June it was renamed as the 2/4th Australian Field Squadron, moving with the group to Largs in July and then to Narrabri in August. In January 1943 it moved to Gobargo until March when it moved to Port Moresby. Soon after they replace a US unit at Bulldog where they worked on the road being built to connect Wau to the south coast. Following the recapture of Lae their efforts moved to the Wau - Lae road, while still maintaining the Wau - Bulldog road. In February 1944 thy moved to Wau and worked on a proposed rest area, which would avoid having to send units back to Australia between campaigns. In May, following the capture of Madang the Squadron moved there to work wit other units to build the port and accommodation.
In November 1944, after 20 months in New Guinea they returned to Australia, and following a period of leave they reassembled at Strathpine in Queensland, joining one of the engineer groups being formed to accompany 1st Australian Corps when it was sent north to liberate Borneo. In February 1945 they moved to Burleigh, and were assigned to the 12th CRE (Works) in April. Assigned to be part of the 7th Australian Infantry Division's Base Sub Area they moved to the staging area on Morotai in May, and they landed at Balikpapan in July. When the war finished they were developing facilities in Balikpapan. Four members of the Squadron died while posted to it, three from accidents, and one due to illness.
Notes
Content has come from The Unit Guide - Volume 3 - The Australian Army 1939-1945, pages 3.484 & 3.485 - Graham R McKenzie-Smith - Big Sky Publishing - 2018