Defence of Australia
Prior to the commencement of hostilities with Japan the 1st Armoured Division had been scheduled to deploy to the Middle East where it would be fully equipped and complete its training (1st Armoured Brigade was to embark for the Middle East in December 1941, with 2nd Armoured Brigade embarking in March 1942). These plans were, however, dropped in early December 1941 when it was decided to retain the division in Australia to defend against the feared Japanese landings on the Australian mainland. As an emergency measure the division's armoured regiments were equipped with Bren Carriers until sufficient tanks arrived.
Maj. Gen. Horace Robertson replaced Northcott in April 1942 when Northcott was promoted to command the newly established II Corps. The 1st Armoured Division's armoured regiments were equipped with M3 Grant medium tanks and M3 Stuart light tanks in April and May 1942. Following this, the Division was concentrated in northern New South Wales where it completed its training with a series of large exercises.
In January 1943, the division was moved to the area between Perth and Geraldton, Western Australia where it formed part of III Corps to counter the perceived threat of a Japanese invasion of Western Australia. The divisional headquarters moved between various rural locations, just west of Moora.
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