7th Division, Australian Imperial Forces
2/16th Battalion, 21st Birgade

A Brief History
        It can be argued that the 7th Div. did not fight in as many campaigns as the 6th Div. Nor did they gain the fame of the 9th Div in stopping Rommel at Aleiman in 1943, However the 7th Division was no less a hard fighting unit. They began forming in the early months of the war (that's 1939 not 41) and soon after, were off to Africa where they first fought the Italians. During the Africa Campaign the 7th Div was split in two, one brigade took part in the defense of Tobruk with the 9th, while the other Two went to Syria to defeat the Vichy French in 
  that Country, with the 6th. With the advance of the Japanese across the pacific, both the 6th and 7th Divisions were rushed home to Australia.  They helped led the attack up the Kokoda trail and participated in that campaign till 1945 (one off the longest campaigns of the war). They sustained massive casualties due to combat and disease but maintained through out, its Hard fighting reputation. In 1945, together with the 9th Div., The 7th participated in the assault on Borneo. The 7th was still fighting this campaign as the War ended.  When you stand back and look upon the history of the 7th Div these 50 years on, one can only respect there accomplishments. They fought Italians, Germans, Vichy French and Japanese. They participated in long assaults across the open desert, they battle in patrol size formations along the jungle ridges of new guinea, They were transported by Air and they storm ashore in the amphibious landings in Borneo. Few troops of any country can equal these accomplishments.

The 7th Division Re-enactors

The 7th Division AIF is a living history organization that raises the public's awareness of the forgotten contributions of our Australian allies, who fought side by side with Americans in the Pacific.
        Setting up Small displays at Living History Events and volunteering for educational programs is some of the ways this is accomplished. Battle events are Rare to non-existent, Due to the few Japanese Re-enactors in this country.
        The 7th division philosophy is one of easy going but dedicated commitment to the proper portrayal of the Digger. The Australian figure of authority (I.E. NCO and Officers) rarely were the Yelling, Screaming, and threatening figures usually associated with the English army, The Digger followed a man he respected, not Feared. The Digger Knew he could depend on his mates, They would sacrifice for him and he would sacrifice for them. It is these qualities the group tries to emulate.
 
 
 
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