| 56th Battalion (Australia) | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:B_Coy_Australian_56th_Bn.jpg) Soldiers of the 56th Battalion in 1937 | |
| Active | 1916–1919 1921–1944 1956–1957 |
| Country |  Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | ~900–1,000 officers and men[Note 1] |
| Part of | 14th Brigade, 5th Division (WWI) 5th Brigade, 2nd Division (WWII) |
| Engagements | World War I World War II |
| Insignia | |
| Unit colour patch | &sq=&lang=&file=File:56th_Battalion_AIF_Unit_Colour_Patch.PNG) |
The 56th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in 1916 for service during the World War I and took part in the fighting in the trenches of the Western Front in France and Belgium before being amalgamated with the 54th Battalion in late 1918 following the German spring offensive reduced the numbers in both battalions. After the war, the battalion was re-raised as a part-time unit in New South Wales. During World War II the battalion was mobilised and undertook garrison duties in Australia until it was disbanded in 1944. It was briefly re-raised in 1956, but was disbanded the following year and its personnel used to re-raise the 4th Battalion, which later became part of the Royal New South Wales Regiment.
- ^ Kuring 2004, p. 47.
- ^ Palazzo 2004, p. 94.
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