
WWII COMMANDO UNITS
In late 1940 the Australian Army began considering the issue of raising independent companies or commando units for the conduct of irregular warfare. Based upon proposals and advice from the British Military Mission in Australia, in February 1941 the Army began training company-sized units (appx. 280 men) that would act independently of higher command to carry out tasks such as raiding, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare.
Initially, they were intended to be sent to the Middle East as part of the 2nd AIF, however, prior to Japan's entry into the war, several of these units were hastily deployed to the islands to the north of Australia the country to act first as an observation and early warning force and then following the arrival of Japanese forces to carry out delaying, harassment and demolition operations. Several of these early companies having initially engaged with overpowering Japanese forces became stay-behind forces conducting a guerrilla warfare campaign. Most of these commando units went through numerous role and name changes and restructures as the war in the South-West Pacific Area (SWPA) evolved. Below is a brief history of each of the WWII Army and Naval Commando units as well as additional information, photographs and videos.

1 INDEPENTANT COMPANY
The No 1 Independant Company was officially formed in early June 1941.

2/2nd COMMANDO SQUADRON
Initially formed as the No.2 Independent Company, the unit was raised at the end of May 1941.

2/4th COMMANDO COMPANY
The unit was initially formed as "No. 4 Independent Company" in August 1941.

2/5th COMMANDO COMPANY
No. 7 Infantry Training Centre was formed at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia.

2/6th COMMANDO COMPANY
Formed in May 1942 at the Guerrilla Warfare School at No. 7 Infantry Training Centre at Tidal Rive.

2/8th COMMANDO COMPANY
The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilsons Promontory, in Victoria in July 1942.

2/6th CAVALRY COMMANDO REGIMENT
The 2/6th Cavalry Commando Regiment was a cavalry regiment served during WW2 and later converted into a commando unit.

2/7th CAVALRY COMMANDO REGIMENT
The 2/7th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment was one of three commando regiments raised for service during World War II.