The Western Australian Battalions

The 1AIF consisted of five infantry divisions, 1 mounted division and numerous miscellaneous units. Possibly the most amazing thing about the 1AIF is that it was completely raised by voluntary enlistment.

At the outbreak of the war the Australian Army consisted of 2900 regulars and a militia force of approx 45000 men of all ranks. Once the call to arms went out a steady stream of volunteers swelled the 1AIF from the intial 20000 promised to the crown to 416809 enlisted up until the armistice in 1918. Out if this number 329716 actually left Australian shores for service in the Grand Army of the Commonwealth.

Through the looking glass

WA boys in action

The WAGWLHA allows it members to recreate the Battalions/Units that were raised exclusively or had a significant percentage of their recruits from Western Australia. This page gives some brief information about some of these Infantry Battalions during the GREAT WAR. Click on Battalion Patch and the link takes you to the AWM site which provides a nice and concise history of each battalion in the Great War.

Complete List of Units raised fully or in part in WA

When we set up the WA Great War Living History Association we decided on being purely Infantry. Hey!, mounted troops require horses, tack and the ability to ride a horse, none of which we have.  However mounted units such 10LH, Artillery and Service Corp are just as important to WA great war history as us foot sloggers. If a potential recruit is really keen on a mounted unit they should not be discouraged and still come and talk to us.

AIF Order of Battle Gallipoli

AIF Order of Battle Western Front

44 Batallion Lads atb Larkhill Camp UK. The man 3rd from the left, front row is Cpl Albert Bennet