Was the Australian Army Good in WW2?

As a proportion of its population, the Australian Army was ultimately one of the largest Allied armies during World War II. Another 5,558 were killed or died as prisoners of war (POWs), while non-battle casualties in operational areas were also significant and included 1,088 killed and 33,196 wounded or injured.

How good were Australian soldiers in WW2?

Australia had some very good, world-class weapons during WW2. Mostly the same weapons other British and Commonwealth armies used. Later in the war Australians were mainly doing jungle fighting against the Japanese and some weapons that were obsolete in Europe were still very capable against the Japanese.

Did us save Australia in WW2?

Did the US save Australia in WW2? No! The USA had no intention of saving Australia, its objective was to constrain Japanese expansionism that threatened USA interests in Asia.

Were Australian troops given the opportunities to defend Australia?

Universal military training was introduced by the Australian Government on advice from Field Marshal Kitchener following his visit to Australia in 1909. Kitchener’s Memorandum on the Defence of Australia recommended that an army of 80,000 personnel be raised through compulsory training and serve to defend Australia.

What did the Japanese think of Australian soldiers?

Japan thought Australians were poorly equiped and trained. Japan smashed Australia in Malaysia and Singapore, and would have landed in Darwin had it not been for the U.S. It was the fastest battle Japan ever fought taking over Singapore, and they saw Australian troops in action there !

Was Australia bombed in ww2?

Air attacks The first air raid on Australia occurred on 19 February 1942 when Darwin was attacked by 242 Japanese aircraft. At least 235 people were killed in the raid. Occasional attacks on northern Australian towns and airfields continued until November 1943.

What was Australia’s role in ww2?

Almost a million Australians, both men and women, served in the Second World War. They fought in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as against Japan in south-east Asia and other parts of the Pacific.

How did Australia get involved in WW2?

War Is Declared Australia’s war began on September 3rd, 1939, soon after Poland was invaded by Germany. When Britain and France declared war, Prime Minister Robert Menzies quickly announced that Australia was also at war. The main decision for Australia was whether to focus on home defence or to commit troops to Europe.

What battles did Australia fight in WW2?

Many Australians also fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940. Australian troops fought against the Italian navy from 1940 to 1942, and after being sent to the Middle East in 1941, they defeated the Italians at Benghazi.

What was Australia’s first loyalty in WW2?

At the beginning of World War II, most Australians still believed that their first loyalty outside Australia was to England. But by 1942, the fighting of a global war meant that even allies had to make hard choices.

What was the second Australian Imperial Force in WW2?

Following the outbreak of war, on 14 September 1939 Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced that 40,000 members of the Militia would be called up for training and a 20,000-strong expeditionary force, designated the Second Australian Imperial Force (Second AIF), would be formed for overseas service.