2/3rd Australian Operating Section

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Brief History

In August 1940 this unit, originally named 5th Operating Section (AIF), was raised as part of the support troops for the units moving to the Middle East. They served in EAgypt and Greece before moving to Syria. Withthe entry of teh Japanese into the war, they moved back to Palestine ahead of returning to Austalia in early 1942.

Assembling in Adelaide after home leave the unit moved to Esk in Queensland where they received their new name of 2/3rd Australian Operating Section during June 1942. With the rapid advanc eof Japanese forces in new Guinea they moved to Port Moesby in August working in the Port Moresby area. During the Australian advance post Kokoda Track, they operated from Dobudura in November 1942. Relieved in January 1943 they withdrew t0 Port Moresby before leaving New Guinea for Barrine in June 1943. In June 1944 they moved to Mareeba.

In May 1945 they left for Jacquinot Bay on the south coast of New Britain as part of teh forces advancing on the Japanese stronghold at Rabaul. Following the cessation of hostilities they moved into Rabaul with the 11th Australian Infantry Division to restore communicatons.

Unit Personnel

• Arthur McVeigh 19 Oct 1945 - 17 Jan 1946

Notes

Content has come from The Unit Guide - Volume 4 - The Australian Army 1939-1945, pages 4.463 & 4.464 - Graham R McKenzie-Smith - Big Sky Publishing - 2018