Portal:Military history of Australia/Units/September 3

Members of the 9th Division parade at Gaza Airport in late 1942

The Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) was the name given to the volunteer personnel of the Australian Army in World War II. The 2nd AIF began forming in September 1939 and was gradually expanded to a peak strength of four infantry divisions, an armoured division and numerous support units. The Second AIF fought against Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Vichy France and the Japanese Empire, with many units fighting in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theatres of the war. Most 2nd AIF personnel were demobilised by the end of 1946 and the 2nd AIF officially ceased to exist in June 1947.