Description
Title: The Vital Factor- A History of 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment 1941 – 1946
Author: Handel, Paul
Condition: Near Mint Plus
Edition: 1st Edition
Publication Date: 2004
ISBN: 9781876439613
Cover: Hard Cover without Dust Jacket (Laminated Boards) – 444 pages
Comments: The detailed history of the 2/6 Australian Armoured Regiment during World War 2.
The 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment pioneers the use of Australian Army tanks in jungle warfare. Using US-made Stuart Light tanks, designed for open-country warfare, they achieved a breakthrough in the Japanese defences at Buna and Sanananda in December 1942 – January 1943. Their devastating firepower saved many Australian infantry casualties.
The regiment was formed in August 1941, trained in northern New South Wales and in September 1942; after participating in the largest armoured manoeuvres ever held in Australia, the first squadrons were sent to Papua.
Soldiers and tanks drawn from the whole regiment, were first committed to battle at Cape Endaiadere on 18 December 1942. The actions around the Japanese Paupan beachheads lasted until early 1943.
Returning to Australia in May 1943, the regiment was re-formed in Queensland and then saw service in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and again in Queensland, preparing for the invasion of Singapore. However, the war ended before they saw further overseas service.
This book covers the history of the regiment from formation to disbandment and includes details of the regiments equipment, lessons learned from their actions, tank and crew details and a nominal roll.
Members of the regimental association and families of deceased men, contributed stories, diaries and photos, resulting in a very comprehensive and complete story of this famous unit.
Includes – Casualties, honours and awards, battle honours, nominal roll
