APPENDIX 2 - PERIODS OF COMMAND

Summary

The list that follows contains 276 individual officers officially appointed to command Australian infantry battalions during the Second World War. For the reasons discussed in the introduction and appendix 1 it does not include those who administered command or those who acted in command on the battlefield. Hence, in some cases, there appear to be quite large gaps between two COs. During these periods it should be assumed that an officer, or a series of officers, administered command of the battalion pending the formal appointment of the next incumbent.

This list is comprehensive but not complete. Weaknesses in the archival record relating to militia battalions in the period September 1939–December 1941 have meant that the COs of some battalions during this period cannot be determined; it is estimated that less than ten officers have been thus omitted.

The dates of command listed are those contained in each officer's service record (Australian Army Form B. 199, Officer's Record of Service), which were promulgated in the AMF's various appointments and promotions lists. Where examination of unit records – primarily war diaries – has revealed significant discrepancies, the dates have been amended accordingly.