The Kennedy Regiment was formed in 1886 as the 3rd Qld (Kennedy) Regiment, from various volunteers and rifle club members from Charters Towers, Ravenswood and Townsville.
The Boer War (1899-1902) was the first battle test of the Regiment, as volunteers were deployed to Africa.
World War One saw the Kennedy Regiment become the first Australian infantry unit mobilised. Under the Australian Infantry Force, it became the 31st Battalion.
In World War Two, it was mobilised as the 11th Brigade, and then amalgamated into the 51st Battalion.