55th/53rd Battalion (Australia)

The 55th/53rd Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army that served during World War II. Formed in New South Wales in 1942 as an amalgamation of the 55th and 53rd Battalions, it was part of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division. The battalion was created as part of a rationalization of Australia's military resources as the threat of invasion of the Australian mainland diminished and manpower was diverted to other sectors of the economy.

Primarily a garrison and training formation in Australia, the 55th/53rd Battalion provided home defense and prepared soldiers for service overseas. They did not see active service abroad. The battalion was disbanded in 1944 as further reorganizations took place within the Australian military. The personnel were largely reassigned to other units requiring reinforcements.