The Battalion was formed in 1936 in Mildura, Victoria and was initially called the North West Murray Borderers. Over time, with additions and reinforcements the Battalion gained members from all around Australia. Highlights of 7th Battalion history include:
- Fighting in 1945 on the Numa Numa Trail in central Bougainville, successfully repelling Japanese forces until hostilities ceased in August 1945. At least 62 actions were fought over 4 months;
- Serving in British Solomon Islands on Stirling and New Georgia Islands defending US air force installations and supporting US operations;
- Serving in Papua New Guinea - undertaking mapping/surveying activities near Wau; and
- Serving in the defence of Darwin from Feb 1942 to Sept 1943, during the Japanese bombing raids.
At the end of WW2 the Battalion guarded 26,000 Japanese prisoners on Fauro Island, south of Bougainville until March 1946. Once all members had been discharged, the Battalion was disbanded on 10 May 1946.
For more detailed information on the activities of the 7th Battalion please go to the Our History tab at top of the home page.
(Photo: Local Bougainville men bringing Pte J. Sporn in for treatment at Wearne's Hill. Source Australian War Memorial)