3rd Machine Gun Battalion (Australia)

3rd Machine Gun Battalion
3rd Machine Gun Battalion on parade, 1918
Active1918–1919
CountryAustralia
BranchAustralian Army
TypeInfantry
RoleDirect and indirect fire support
Size~ 900 personnel
Part of3rd Division
EngagementsWorld War I
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Archibald Blacklow
Insignia
Unit colour patchA two toned circular organisational symbol

The 3rd Machine Gun Battalion was an infantry support unit of the Australian Army. Originally formed in March 1918 for service during World War I as part of the all volunteer Australian Imperial Force, it was one of five such units raised as part of the AIF during the war. The battalion consisted of four machine gun companies, which had previously existed as independent companies assigned mainly at brigade level. The battalion took part in the final stages of the war, seeing action during the Allied defensive operations during the German spring offensive and then the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, which finally brought an end to the war. The battalion was disbanded in mid-1919 during the demobilisation of the AIF following the conclusion of hostilities.