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The 13th Battalion AIF was raised in late September 1914, from recruits in New South Wales. Along with the 14th, 15th and 16th Battalions they formed the 4th Brigade, commanded by Colonel John Monash.
The Brigade embarked for overseas in late December 1914. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the 13th Btn arrived in Egypt in early February 1915, to join the 1st Division as part of the New Zealand and Australian Division. On April 25th 1915 the 4th Brigade landed at ANZAC Cove and from May to August, the men established and defended the front line. On eof teh most famous actions was the taking of Hill 971 in August at great cost, The Hill was retaken by Turkish reinforcements. The attack on Hill 60 on 27 August also led to heavily casulaties. After the withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915, the battalion returned to Egypt. Where the AIF was expanded and was reorganised. The 13th Battalion was split enablining experienced soldiers to join the 45th Battalion. The 4th Australian Division was formed by combining the 4th Brigade with the 12th and 13th Brigades.
In June 1916, the 13th sailed for France and trench warfare of the the Western Front. Their first major action in France was at Pozières in August. The 13th Battalion suffered heavy losses in the attack at Bullecourt in April.
1090 men of the 13th Battalion were killed and 2128 were wounded
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