| 34th Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1940–1944 |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Branch | New Zealand Military Forces |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | ~700–900 personnel |
| Part of | 8th Brigade, 3rd Division |
| Engagements | Second World War |
| Insignia | |
| Distinguishing Patch | &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Distinguishing_Patch_34th_Battalion_(NZ).svg) |
The 34th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the New Zealand Military Forces, which served during the Second World War. Formed in Fiji in late 1940, it saw service in the Pacific against the Japanese.
The 34th Battalion was initially used for garrison duties on Fiji and New Caledonia before being committed to the fighting in the Solomon Islands, briefly seeing combat against the Japanese in the Treasury Islands in late 1943. Returned to New Zealand in mid-1944 and was disbanded later that year as part of a partial demobilisation of New Zealand forces. Many of its personnel returned to civilian employment while others were sent to Italy as reinforcements for the New Zealand 2nd Division. The battalion was awarded three battle honours for its service during the war.