5th Pioneer Battalion
From WA Military Digital Library
The 5th Pioneer Battalion was formed on 10th March 1916 from volunteers who were already in Egypt. Soldiers from Western Australia and South Australia made up the majority of the Battalion. Most of these men had trade qualifications or were miners and had experience in engineering and construction as well as their skills as soldiers. They were tasked with laying and repairing railway lines, constructing trenches, road clearance, laying water and communication lines, manning anti-aircraft defences and fighting as infantry when required.