 Nevertheless, as a result of a manpower shortage in the Australian economy, the government decided to disband or amalgamate a number of Militia units throughout 1942–43, and on 13 December 1943, the 20th merged with the 34th to form the 20th/34th Battalion.This unit remained in existence until it was disbanded on 6 April 1944.Although the 20th Battalion received no battle honours for direct involvement in combat during World War II, in 1961 it was entrusted with the three battle honours bestowed upon the 2/20th Battalion for their involvement in the Malayan Campaign.