25th Infantry Battalion
Australian Army

Background
During March 1915, the 25th Infantry Battlaion was formed at Enoggera in Queensland as part of the 7th Brigade in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) with volunteers from Queensland and served in the First World War. During 1921, the 25th Battalion was again raised as part of the Citizens Force later renamed Militia as part of the 7th Brigade based in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. In 1927 adpoted the nickname "Darling Downs Regiment" with the motto Vestigia Nulla Retrorsum. In 1930, the 25th Battalion and 49th Battalion were amalgamated due to shortages. In the two battalions were split then re-raised as the 25th Battalion.

World War II
At the start of World War II, the 25th Battalion began training in the Brisbane area to prepare for deployment. At the start of the Pacific War, the 25th Battalion was mobilised for full-time service in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force 2nd AIF) and was assigned to defensive duty around Caloundra. In May 1942 moved to Townsville and prepared for deployment to Milne Bay in eastern New Guinea. During August 1942 and September 1942 participted in the Battle of Milne Bay. Afterwards, remained for six months defending the area. In March 1943 moved to Port Moresby. In November 1943 returns to Australia. In early 1944, reformed in the the Atherton Tablelands and began training then deployed to Madang area in New Guinea. During November 1944 assigned to the 3rd Division and moves to Bougainville. During December 1944 participates in the Battle of Pearl Ridge in the central sector. During April 1945 participates in the Battle of Slater's Knoll. Corporal Reginald Rattey earned the Victory Cross. Afterwards, reassigned to advance towards Buin until the end of the Pacific War. During World War II, the 25th Battalion lost 62 men killed in action or died in service plus 174 wounded.

Awards
For its service during the war, the 25th Battalion was awarded eight battle honours in 1961; at the same time it was also entrusted with the battle honours earned by the 2/25th Battalion. Corporal Reginald Rattey earned the Victoria Cross plus others earned decorations including three Distinguished Service Order (DSO), three Military Cross (MC), 13 Military Medal (MM) and 16 Mentioned In Dispatces (MIDs).

Commanding Officer (C.O.)
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Miles
Lieutenant Colonel John McKinna

References
Also known as simply 25th Battalion (Australian)
Australian War Memorial (AWM) 25th Australian Infantry Battalion
War Diary 25 Infantry Battalion, September 1944 (AWM52 8/3/63/16)

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