The 2/1st Battalion was re-raised in June 1941, in Palestine; meanwhile, the 2/3rd Battalion was detached from the brigade to take part in the Syria–Lebanon campaign, serving with the 17th Brigade. During this time, the 2/6th and 2/7th Battalions briefly came under the brigade's command. Throughout the latter part of 1941, the 16th Brigade undertook garrison duty in Egypt and then later in Syria. In early 1942, following Japan's entry into the war, the Australian government requested that the 6th Division be returned to Australia and in February the brigade moved to Beit Jirja, in Palestine, prior to embarkation. En route, the 16th and 17th Brigades were diverted to Ceylon where they were landed to defend against a possible Japanese invasion. The 16th Brigade defended an area around Horana until July 1942, when they completed the voyage back to Australia, which was completed by August.