 Throughout July the battalion undertook garrison duties in Trieste before the 2nd New Zealand Division was withdrawn to Lake Trasimene . On 15 August 1945 news was received of Japan 's unconditional surrender , ending plans for the battalion to take part in further combat in the Pacific . In September it was decided that as part of the departure of New Zealand troops from the theatre , memorial services would be held at the locations of the division 's major battles . As a part of this program services were held at Cassino and Sangro and on Crete , while smaller parties were sent to Coriano Ridge , Faenza , Forli , Padua , Monfalcone and Udine . 
