The Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train was a unique unit of the Royal Australian Navy, active only during the First World War, where it served in the Gallipoli and the Sinai and Palestine Campaigns. The Train was formed in February 1915 and stood down in May 1917. Throughout its existence, it was composed of Royal Australian Naval Reservists under the command of Rear Admiral Leighton Bracegirdle KCVO DSO RAN. Normally fighting as a part of the British IX Corps, the Train also supported the I ANZAC Corps and Imperial Camel Corps in the defence of the Suez Canal.
They were the only Australian naval unit serving in a European theatre of war. They were therefore bent on proving, both to the Royal Navy and to the British Army, that they could overcome any difficulties. —Lt Commander Bracegirdle, Officer Commanding, RAN Bridging TrainThe Train was the most decorated Australia Naval unit of World War I, with more than 20 decorations awarded to its sailors.
Read more about Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train: Formation & Recruitment, Suvla Bay, Suez Canal, Disbandment, See Also
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