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Australia entered World War II on 3 September 1939, following the government's acceptance of the United Kingdom's declaration of war on Nazi Germany. Australia later entered into a state of war with other members of the Axis powers, including the Kingdom of Italy on 11 June 1940, [1] and the Empire of Japan on 9 December 1941. [2]
Attacks on continental Australia during World War II were relatively rare due to Australia's geographic position. However, axis surface raiders and submarines periodically attacked shipping in the Australian coastal waters from late 1940 to early 1945. Japanese aircraft bombed towns and airfields in Northern Australia on 97 occasions during ...
The Bombing of Darwin, also known as the Battle of Darwin, [4] on 19 February 1942 was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia. [5] On that day, 242 Japanese aircraft, in two separate raids, attacked the town, ships in Darwin Harbour and the town's two airfields in an attempt to prevent the Allies from using them as bases to contest the invasion of Timor and Java ...
1940-06-11: South Africa Australia ... Portugal maintained neutrality throughout World War II. Invasion. 1941-12-13
Australia entered World War II on 3 September 1939. On 14 September 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, would be formed for overseas service. Like its predecessor, the Second AIF was a ...
1942 Australian propaganda poster used on the homefront. Australia feared invasion by Imperial Japan following the Fall of Singapore. The Australian economy was markedly affected by World War II. [129] Expenditure on war reached 37% of GDP by 1943–4, compared to 4% expenditure in 1939–1940. [130]
During World War II many enemy aliens were interned in Australia under the National Security Act 1939. RAAF march in November 1941 City Hall filled for Soviet Aid meeting, Brisbane, October 1941 Prisoners of war were also sent to Australia from other Allied countries as were their enemy aliens for internment in Australia.
Australians often regarded the U.S. soldiers as boasting how they, and they alone, saved Australia. Australia did not have a US style draft during World War II. From 1 January 1941 it was compulsory for all single males to serve a 3 month period of full time training in the militia. Further training obligations existed after this.