Can anyone give me the geographical location of the Battalions of the 16th Brigade when Italy declared war on 10th June 1940 please.
David Very odd one as they were initially with 8th Div at Palestine - then Egypt with 6th Div and finally 4th Indian at the Battle of the Tummers - but try the Battle for Sidi Barrani - can't trace them afterwards Cheers
Brigade War Diaries available at: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/AWM52/8/2/16. Diary for 10 Jan 1940 shows the Brigade HQ was in Sydney Harbour, riding at anchor. The Infantry Battalion Diaries are at: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/AWM52/8/3/1/ http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/AWM52/8/3/2/ http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/AWM52/8/3/3/ Mark
It would appear that they were coast watching in Palestine. I just need to know when they made it to Egypt now. I expect that will be detailed in August or September.
The information you need is at the AWM site in the War Diaries mentioned by Mark. I have PMed you a brigade order of battle with location statement.
10 June, 1940 (having totally misread the date, must put my glasses on). 16 Bde were at Julis iin the Palestine. The Bde entered Egypt on 3 Sep 1940, the camp at Helwan, one mile from Helwan Station, and 18 miles from Cairo. Mark Edit: Source, Purple Over Green, The History of the 2/2 Australian Infantry Battaliion 1939 - 1945, S. Wick 2Ed, 1978.
Mark. I think you misread my June 10th date as January 10th! David. Thanks, I'll look at your pm in the morning.
I thought the Italians were being mighty brave, and should've realised my mistake on my initial post. Sorry bout that, David. Mark
David. At the end of your pm to me there was a Brigade location summary. Could you do me a favour and just post one of those for the 19th Brigade 1940 through to 1942 please, it would be very useful. Thank you very much.
David, are you able to help me with the 19th Brigade? Also, does anyone know if the 16th Brigade were at roughly full strength (M.E.W.E) on 1st January 1941? Thanks all.
