However, by December 1942 the strategic threat to Australia had lessened as the Japanese advance had been halted following the battles of the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal, and the Kokoda Track campaign. Consequently, it was assessed that the large numbers of armoured units created for the defence of Australia were no longer required, and the 2nd Armoured Division was ordered to disband. While elements of the 6th Armoured Brigade were reallocated to other divisions, the 12th Armoured Regiment was disbanded on 13 February 1943.