A unit of the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF), it was raised from volunteers for overseas service that were drawn from all over Australia.

En route the battalion's transport, HMT Southland, was torpedoed by German submarine UB-14 near Lemnos and the passengers and crew were forced to abandon ship.

Following this they undertook mainly defensive duties along the Australian line until December 1915, when they were evacuated from Gallipoli after the decision was made to withdraw Allied forces from the peninsula.

[2] After a period in reserve for rest and reinforcement the battalion was called upon to help to defend against the German spring offensive of April 1918.

[2] The following day, however, upon a request made by Prime Minister Billy Hughes, the Australian Corps was withdrawn from the line.

[14] Upon formation, the newly raised unit drew personnel from parts of the 21st and 23rd Infantry Regiments, and the 19th Light Horse.

In 1927, when territorial designations were adopted, the battalion assumed the title of "The Victorian Rangers"; its motto – Pro Deo Et Patria – was also approved that year.

[15] Initially, the battalion was brought up to strength with personnel serving under the compulsory training scheme, but in 1929, following the election of the Scullin Labor government, the compulsory training scheme was abolished and this, coupled with the economic privations of the Great Depression reduced the number of recruits available.

[13] This battalion undertook garrison duties in the Northern Territory during World War II, before being disbanded in August 1943 without having served overseas.