The battalion was first formed during the First World War, during which it fought during the Gallipoli Campaign and on the Western Front in France and Belgium as part of the Australian Imperial Force.

It was re-formed as a part-time unit in Western Australia during the inter-war years, and served in the New Britain Campaign against the Japanese during the Second World War.

Upon arrival, the 4th Brigade was assigned to the New Zealand and Australian Division, with whom it subsequently participated in the Gallipoli Campaign between April and December 1915.

[4] A new 16th Battalion was raised in 1936 as the "Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia",[5] as part of an expansion of the Militia following concerns about the strategic situation in Europe.

The campaign was limited to containing the larger Japanese force, and the battalion's involvement was focused primarily around undertaking long range patrols.

[5] After undertaking further garrison duties at Rabaul, the 16th Battalion returned to Australia in early 1946 and was disbanded at Puckapunyal, Victoria, in February.