The 22nd Battalion, also known as the "Wellington Battalion", was an infantry battalion of the New Zealand Military Forces, which served during the Second World War. Formed in November 1939, it was part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. After undertaking training at Trentham Camp the battalion sailed from New Zealand on the 1 May 1940. The battalion saw action in Greece, Crete, North Africa, and Italy. Upon formation, the battalion was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Andrew, a Victoria Cross recipient from the First World War. Sergeant Keith Elliott was the 22nd Battalion's sole Victoria Cross recipient during the Second World War, receiving the award for actions around Ruweisat, Egypt, on 15 July 1942. Other decorations bestowed upon membe