9th Brigade (New Zealand)
The 9th Brigade was a formation of the New Zealand Military Forces raised for service in Italy with the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the Second World War. As part of the 2nd New Zealand Division, it participated in Operation Grapeshot in 1945. It then provided the New Zealand contingent for the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) before being disbanded with the conclusion of the force.
| 9th Brigade | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1945–1952 |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Branch | New Zealand Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of | 2nd New Zealand Division |
History
World War II
It was formed in Italy in early 1945 for service in the last stages of the campaign. Upon formation, the brigade consisted of elements that were raised from divisional cavalry and machine gun battalions that were reorganised as infantry, alongside other non essential servicemen.[1]
Postwar
After the surrender of Germany and Italy, and followed by the Japanese unconditional surrender, the brigade was transferred to the BCOF with all of its composite units, however, the majority of personnel in Japan were new.
References
- "Second World War – The Army". 1966 Encyclopedia of New Zealand – Te Ara. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
- Kay, Robin (1958). 27 (Machine Gun) Battalion. The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945. Wellington: Historical Publications Branch. pp. 463–467.
- Loughnan, R. J. M. (1963). Divisional Cavalry. The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939-1945. Wellington: Historical Publications Branch. pp. 381–385.