26th Australian Infantry Battalion (Logan and Albert Regiment) Plaque

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Bronze plaque dedicated to the 26th Australian Infantry Battalion (Logan and Albert Regiment), during the Second World War. The plaque displays a Roll of Honour of the 37 members of the unit who were killed in action or died of wounds on active duty. Additional Information After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia. The Militia was organised to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, Queensland's 26th Infantry Battalion was the "Logan and Albert Regiment". From August 1943 the 26th travelled between Horn Island and the mainland, switching between garrison work in the islands and labouring at Red Island Point, south of Cape York. From September to December the battalion was given leave before resuming training for the 11th Brigade's next deployment at Bougainville. The 11th Brigade, now comprised of the 26th, 31st/51st, and 55th/53rd Battalions, moved to Bougainville in December, responsible for the Northern and Central Sectors. The 26th replaced the 25th Infantry Battalion in the Piaterapaia area in the Central Sector. It was sent out on its first patrol on 5 February, covering Pearl Ridge, Vivie, Keenan's Ridge, Smith's Hill and Chamber's Hill. After being relieved by the 55th/53rd at the start of February, the 26th moved to the Northern Sector, via Torokina. The 26th carried out its second campaign from 21 February to 4 April. In a series of amphibious landings, it cleared Soraken Plantation of all organised Japanese resistance by 28 March. The landings were later described in the official history as "a brilliant series of manoeuvres". After some rest at Soraken, where they were still regularly shelled by Japanese artillery, the 26th relieved the 55th/53rd, working with the 31st/51st to maintain the Ratsua-Ruri Bay line. When a company from the 31st/51st landed at Porton Plantation the 26th led the main force to meet it. Unfortunately, the Australians could not penetrate the Japanese line and the ill-fated company had to be evacuated. The 26th was relieved by the 23rd Brigade's 27th Infantry Battalion at the end of June and the 11th Brigade returned to Torokina. After Japan's surrender, the 26th was transferred to Rabual in September to help guard the Japanese. The unit was completely reorganised. Many veterans were discharged and replaced with men from other units or with young, fresh reinforcements. The battalion remained at Rabaul until March 1946, before finally returning to Australia. It was disbanded on 26 August 1946. (Source: Australian War Memorial www.awm.gov.au)