Prior to formation, units that would form the division's brigades served as part of the Force in Egypt from December 1914,[REF] and then in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, from May to December 1915, during the Gallipoli Campaign [REF].
The first General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major-General Harry Chauvel, appointed 16 March,[REF] was promoted from brigade commander, although he had temporarily commanded the 1st Australian Division for a short period at Gallipoli.