2/3rd Commando Squadron | |
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Active | 1941–1946 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | Australian Army |
Type | Commando |
Role | Recon and long range patrol |
Size | 273 men all ranks[1] |
Part of | 2/7th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment |
Double diamonds | Light blue |
Engagements | World War II |
Commanders | |
First Commander | Lieutenant Colonel Donald Matheson |
Last Commander | Major George Warfe |
Insignia | |
Unit colour patch | ![]() |
The 2/3rd Commando Squadron was one of twelve independent or commando companies and squadrons formed by the Australian Army for service during World War II. Raised in October 1941 as the 2/3rd Independent Company, it served in New Caledonia and New Guinea before being amalgamated into the 2/7th Cavalry Commando Regiment and adopting the name 2/3rd Commando Squadron in 1943. After this, the squadron did not see action again until 1945, when it participated in the Borneo campaign. Throughout the course of the war, the 2/3rd lost 69 members killed in action. No battle honours were awarded to the unit, although it participated in a number of notable engagements in these campaigns and its members received numerous decorations for their service. Following the end of hostilities in the Pacific, the unit was disbanded in early 1946, upon their return to Australia.