Dear suthers-ga;
Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question.
Actually, there were two (well, sort of):
The only LAND BASED conflict that New Zealand troops fought during
World War II without being in close proximity to Australian troops was
the Italian front. This was due in large part to the fact that all
three divisions of Australian soldiers in Italy were eventually
redeployed to the Middle East. Over time, all three were pulled from
the Italian front because of the need to meet the aggression of the
Japanese who had invaded Southeast Asia. The last units to be
withdrawn from the area were those of the 9th Division serving in El
Alamein.
The New Zealand Cabinet, by majority vote, determined that it was
necessary to leave the 2nd New Zealand Division in place in the
Mediterranean Theater. It fought in the Italian Campaign, and
eventually reached Trieste. It must be understood though that
Australian air units continued to serve in Italy and Northwest Europe,
as did numerous Australians in British service. While an Australian
may very well have fought along side a New Zealander in Italy after
this troop redeployment, in limited circumstantial situations, there
were no organized units of fighting men representing the interests of
Australia in Italy by this time.
As for the second location, considered SEA BASED, the 3rd New Zealand
Division served alone in the Solomon Islands but Australian ground
forces never served there. Australian units were, however, active on
the nearby island of New Guinea, and Australian air and naval units
also served in the Solomons. Although the two armies were in close
proximity and both were stationed in the same geographical theater of
operations, they did not serve together.
NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL HISTORY. ITALY “From Cassino to Trieste (Vol II.
1967)”, explains in great detail why the decision to keep the 2nd
Division in Italy while disbanding the 3rd Division was so important
to New Zealand (Due to manpower shortages in New Zealand farms and
factories, which were supplying Britain with food).
In short, the answer to your question is the Mediterranean Theater
(Italy).
Below you will find that I have carefully defined my search strategy
for you in the event that you need to search for more information. By
following the same type of searches that I did you may be able to
enhance the research I have provided even further. I hope you find
that that my research exceeds your expectations. If you have any
questions about my research please post a clarification request prior
to rating the answer. Otherwise, I welcome your rating and your final
comments and I look forward to working with you again in the near
future. Thank you for stopping by.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga
INFORMATION SOURCES
World War II Plus 55
http://www.usswashington.com/dl_index.htm
RECOMMENDED READING
NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL HISTORY. ITALY
“From Cassino to Trieste (Vol II. 1967)”
By Robin Kay
SEARCH STRATEGY
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“New Zealand” world war theater Australia |
