The division was sent to the Western Front in May 1916 and served there for the duration of the First World War.

[1] On 19 July 1916, together with the 5th Australian Division, the 61st Division fought the Battle of Fromelles, designed as a feint attack as part of the Somme Offensive.

[1] The attack, against well prepared German positions based on a ridge, was a disaster and responsible for the subsequent poor reputation of the Division.

[2] The division later took part in the advance to the Hindenburg Line and the Third Battle of Ypres.

[1] The order of battle was as follows:[1] The brigade contained the following battalions until February 1918 when most of them were disbanded.