Bundaberg 47th Australian Infantry Battalion Memorial

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Composite concrete memorial cairn, displaying a bronze plaque, dedicated to the service of 47th Australian Infantry Battalion (Wide Bay Regiment), in the defence of Australia during the Second World War. Unveiled on 22 June 2002, the memorial also displays the unit insignia, which is emblazoned in front of the cairn on the ground. Additional Information After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force, also known as the Militia. The Militia was organised to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. The Militia units were distributed in the same areas the original AIF units were raised. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, Queensland's 47th Infantry Battalion was the "Wide Bay Regiment", with training centres in Tiaro, Gympie, Murgon, Wondai, Kingaroy, Childers, Howard, and Bundaberg. After the outbreak of the Second World War the 47th mobilised on 17 March 1941. Towards the end of the year the 47th moved from Rockhampton to Tiaro, where it joined the 15th and 42nd Battalions of the 5th Division's 29th Brigade. In early 1942 the brigade moved to Townsville to prepare defensive positions from Giru to Rollingstone. The brigade later conducted jungle training at Mount Spec, near Townsville. In January 1943 the brigade was sent to Milne Bay, while the 47th was sent to Goodenough Island the next month. In September the 47th was transferred to Nassau Bay and then Tambu Bay, where it took part in the Salamaua Campaign. In early 1944 the brigade linked up with the 7th Division, in order to clear the Japanese from Lae. After spending several months patrolling around Lae, the 47th was transferred to Strathpine in Queensland. Until August 1944 the brigade held the record for the longest time spent in New Guinea - 18 months. On Bougainville the 47th took the lead and captured Mawaraka in the third week of January. Because of the frequent clashes with the Japanese and the miserable environment the brigade's campaign was aptly known as the "battle of the swamps" on 9 January 1945. On 9 July the Japanese attacked the brigade's front, hitting the 47th and conducting raids and ambushes along Lawne's Track. The area was eventually cleared and, by the end of July and despite the heavy rain, the 47th crossed the Mivo. By the end of the war its patrols had reached the Oamai River. The 47th returned to Australia on 23 December and was disbanded on 9 January 1946. Battle Honours Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Tambu Bay, Mawaraka, Mivo Ford, South-West Pacific 1943-45 Casualties 67 died and 147 wounded (Source: Australian War Memorial www.awm.gov.au)