This left just the 17th Motor Regiment and the brigade's headquarters in Victoria. The brigade did not see any active service and was disbanded at Gherang, Victoria, in April 1943, as part of a draw down of Australia's armoured forces that was undertaken once the threat of an invasion had passed. At this time, the Australian government decided to reallocate some of the manpower that had been tied up in the armoured divisions to other formations that would be used for jungle warfare, or to civilian industry. One of the brigade's former units, the 20th Motor Regiment, was subsequently deployed to Merauke, in Dutch New Guinea, as part of Merauke Force to undertake defensive duties. In February 1945, the 20th Motor Regiment was converted into a pioneer battalion and was renamed the 20th Pioneer Battalion. Of the four companies subsequently raised, No. 3 Pioneer Company served in New Guinea before the end of the war. The following units served with the brigade as a cavalry brigade:  The following units served with the brigade as a motor brigade: