Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions Inc

The Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions Inc was formed in Newcastle in 1983 as "The Friends of the City of Newcastle Regiment". Its main aim was to support the Commanding Officers and members of the then current Army Reserve Infantry Battalion (2RNSWR). The association was responsible for raising funds to purchase items of ceremonial equipment not provided by the Army. It was also responsible for a detailed and spirited campaign to keep the unit’s Battalion Headquarters in Newcastle. Unfortunately, despite a great deal of local support and many political interventions the action was not successful.

The Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions Inc continue to support all Army Reserve Units in Newcastle, including the provision of comfort packs when Newcastle based Army Reserve soldiers are deployed on overseas operations.

Another of the main aims of The Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions Inc over the past 35 years has been to maintain the military history and traditions of the Newcastle area. The Association was responsible for arranging for placement of commemoration plaques at the Australian War Memorial for the original 2nd Battalion World War I, the 2/2nd Battalion World War II, the 13th Battalion (Maitland) and the 34th Battalion (Maitland's Own). At this time, a plaque for the 54th Battalion was also dedicated. The 54th Battalion was formed in Egypt in 1916 following the Gallipoli campaign. Half of the original 2nd Battalion members were transferred to form the 54th Battalion and many of them died at the battle for Fromelles.

The Friends have also supported members of the 2/2nd Battalion from World War II and organized their annual reunions in Newcastle for about 20 years. There are only a few membersof this famous battalion surviving now but many of their descendants are members of The Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions Inc.

Source: Amiens 1918: The beginning of the end. Compiled by The Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions. Newcastle, 2018.