History

The 1st Brigade was raised in Sydney in 1914, as part of the 1st Division, for service during the First World War and fought at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Throughout World War II the Brigade formed part of the militia to defend the Australian mainland. The Brigade headquarters was redesignated the 1st Australian Task Force for service in South Vietnam from 1966-1971. Following the Vietnam War the Brigade was located at Holsworthy, NSW, Woodside, SA and Puckapunyal, Vic.

In 1992 the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was the first Brigade unit to move to Robertson Barracks, Palmerston in the Northern Territory. By the end of 2000 the Brigade was relocated to the Northern Territory as a complete formation.

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Victoria Cross Winners

Five Victoria Crosses have been awarded to 1st Brigade members

  • Private John Hamilton, 3rd Bn AIF - 9 August 1915 at Lone Pine, Galliopi
  • Corporal George Howell, 1st Bn AIF - 6 May 1917 at Bullecourt, France
  • Private Thomas Kenny, 2nd Bn AIF - 9 April 1917 at Hermies, France
  • Lance Corporal Leonard Keysor, 1st Bn AIF - 7-8 August 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli
  • Captain Alfred Shout, 1st Bn AIF - 9 August 1915 at Lone Pine, Galliopi

NAME: John Patrick Hamilton (Word)
RANK: Private
UNIT: 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade
DATE: 9 August 1915
PLACE: Lone Pine Trenches, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey

NAME: George Julian Howell (Word)
RANK: Corporal
UNIT: 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade
DATE: 6 May 1917
PLACE: Bullecourt, France

Name: Thomas James Bede Kenny.doc (Word)
RANK: Private
UNIT: 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade
DATE: 9 April 1917
PLACE: Hermies, France

NAME: Leonard Keysor (Word)
RANK: Lance Corporal
UNIT: 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade
DATE: 7 - 8 August 1915
PLACE: Lone Pine Trenches, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey

NAME: Alfred John Shout (Word)
Rank: Captain
Unit: 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade,1st Division
Date: 9 August 1915
Place: Lone Pine trenches, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey