 The most decorated RAN unit of the war was the Bridging Train . A reserve unit commanded by Lieutenant Commander Leighton Bracegirdle , it supported the British at Suvla Bay during the Gallipoli Campaign by constructing piers and harbours in the bay . Afterwards it served in Egypt and Palestine , taking part in an amphibious assault in El Arish and the First Battle of Gaza before it was disbanded in 1917 . A number of members later went on to serve with the AIF and RAN . During the war the RAN lost 171 men killed , including 15 officers and 156 sailors , of which six officers and 57 sailors had been on loan from the Royal Navy . 
