It was originally raised in 1916 as part of the First Australian Imperial Force during World War I. Throughout World War I the battalion served on the Western Front as part of the 9th Brigade, attached to the 3rd Division. Due to heavy casualties amongst the AIF and a decrease in the number of replacements arriving from Australia in 1918, the battalion was disbanded before the war ended in order to reinforce other units in France.
The battalion was initially established in 1916 as part of the First Australian Imperial Force during World War I. Throughout World War I, it served on the Western Front as a component of the 9th Brigade, attached to the 3rd Division. Due to heavy casualties among the AIF and a decline in the number of replacements arriving from Australia in 1918, the battalion was disbanded before the war ended in order to bolster other units in France.