1st Division | |
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Active | 1 November 1941 – 1 April 1944 |
Disbanded | 1 April 1944 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Role | Home defence |
Part of | Northern Military District |
Engagements | World War II |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Harold Eric Barrowclough (1942) |
The 1st Division was one of three New Zealand Army home defence divisions formed during World War II. The unit was established on 1 November 1941 and was responsible for protecting the northern region of New Zealand's North Island from invasion. The 1st Division was placed on alert during the early months of the Pacific War, but no threat developed. The division was greatly reduced in size during 1943 and was disbanded on 1 April 1944.