| Newcastle Covering Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1941–42 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Role | Fortress |
| Size | Brigade + |
| Engagements | Second World War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | John Murray |
TheNewcastle Covering Force was an Australianmilitia force responsible for protecting the strategically importantNewcastle region in New South Wales and its approaches duringWorld War II. Established on 8 April 1941, the formation's composition changed over the course of its existence, starting from a single infantry battalion support by a machine-gun unit and swelling to roughly brigade-size, with a brigade headquarters and three battalions – two infantry and one garrison – supported initially by a machine gun battalion that was later converted to a motor regiment. The unit was responsible for defending the important port and air bases in and around the town, part of Fortress Newcastle, against afeared Japanese invasion.[1] Newcastle Covering Force was converted on 15 April 1942 to the10th Division, a regularAustralian Army unit, following a complete re-organisation of the higher command structures of the Australian Army.[2]
The following units were force assigned to the Newcastle Covering Force:[3]