The RAN Bridging Train, (RANBT), was formed in Melbourne under the command of LCDR L.S. Bracegirdle.
The unit was to be a mounted engineering unit made up of RAN Reserve personnel who were unable to be employed in sea going ships. Originally it was planned the unit would operate with the Royal Naval Division, (RN Reservists employed as Infantry), on the Western Front, however the RANBT was later diverted to Gallipoli for service there.
LCDR Bracegirdle was selected as the Commanding Officer. Despite being a naval officer he had extensive experience in land warfare due to his service in China during the Boxer Rebellion, (1900), the Boer War, (1901-02), and the German New Guinea campaign, (1914-15).