New England Online > Military > New England Army > Structure > Western Division
Western Division
| Western Division | |
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| General Information | |
| Active: | 1 July 2023 - Present |
| Size: | Four Brigades |
| Division HQ: | Bundarra |
| Operating Area: | - Gwydirshire - Macintyre - Parkes - Servernshire |
| Commanders | |
| Current CO: | Owen Causely |
The Western Division is one of the three operational divisions of the New England Army. Headquarterd at the Bundarra, the the division is responsible for operation and administration of all Land Command brigades in the north ands west of New England, and incorporates the counties of Gwydirshire, Macintyre, Parkes and Servernshire. The division was formed on the 1st July 2023 and saw combat during the Five Day War.
The division is larest of the three, with four brigades under the it's command. The current commander of the division is Major-General Michelle Martin. The 3rd Brigade is led by Brigadier Katherine Nehl, the 6th Brigade is under the command of Brigadier Daniel Petersen, while the 9th Brigade is commanded by Brigadier Andrew Howard. The Militia brigade is commanded by Brigadier John McDowall.
History
Like it's two companions, the Western Division was raised in July 2023 in response to a defence water paper "Making a Modern Army". The Davidson government responded by creating the various commands, divisions and brigades that exist to the present day. The Western Division was placed under the command of Major-General Frank Pauls, and was charged with the protection of the western slopes and north midlands of of New England.
In the lead up the Five Day War, border incursions and skimishes took place across the Macdonald River and in the Nandawar Ranges. The division was able to repulse most of the attacks before damage could be inflicted upon infrastructure assests or the civilian population. However, the when the attacks showed no sign of relented, the division was placed on an offensive standing in early July 2032.
With the outbreak of the Five Day War on the 8th July 2032, the division was tasked with two roles. It was first charged with supported the Metropolitan Division in an assulat on Tamworth, which was carried out by the 3rd and 10th Brigades. The second role called for the 6th to launch an offensive to the west against the towns of Warialda and Moree. The 9th Brigade was kept in reserve, but was used in the capture of Stanthorpe on the evening of the 8th July.
The 3rd Brigade accomplished it's mission against a much smaller force and reached the target objective of Attunga, an action that was responsible for causing a panic in the enemy that caused the rout at nearby Kootingal. The 3rd was the first New England force into Tamworth since the Civil War and while encountering pockets of resistance from the civilian population, the brigade was able to accomplish it's objectives and occupied the city, leaving the 1st Brigade to continue it's drive down the Cockburn River velley and beyond to secure the city.
Meanwhile, the 6th Brigade drove across the north-west plains, encountering token resistance and occupied Moree without any significant casulties. The 6th was able to hold it's objectives without any further resistance and played no further part in the war. It formed the basis for the occupation force that held the plains until 2034.
Since the end of the occupation, the division has contined to provide support for the defence of New England's west.
Organisation
The Western Division is divided into four brigades, with three assigned to active regulars and one in reserve. The regular brigades are based in Bundarra, Mt Russell and Deepwater, with the reserve brigade also headquartered in Bundarra. In addition the 14th Brigade, an inactive reserve "paper brigade" is assigned to the division. This additional brigade can be recalled to active duty in the event of a major emergency.
3rd Brigade - Based in Bundarra, the 3rd is charged with protecting the western slopes from assulat by force coming up the Macdonald River or from over the passes in the Nandewar Ranges. The brigade also renders assistance to the Royal Border Regiment in protecting the border from enemy incursions.
6th Brigade -
9th Brigade - The Deepwater based 9th are responsible for the defence of the midlands.
10th (Militia) Brigade -
| New England Army |
| Land Command · Special Forces Command Divisions: Eastern · Metropolitan · Western Brigades: 1st · 2nd · 3rd · 4th · 5th · 6th · 7th · 8th · 9th · 10th · 11th · 12th · 14th · 15th |
| New England Defence Force |
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