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[[Image:Work fight or perish (RC02370).jpg|thumb|An Australian Government leaflet bearing the likeness and signature of Prime Minister [[John Curtin]], telling Australians that they must make sacrifices for the war effort.]]
'''[[Australia]] entered [[World War II]]''' shortly after the [[Invasion of Poland (1939)|invasion of Poland]], declaring war on [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on [[September 3]], [[1939]]. By the end of the war almost a million Australians had served in the Australian armed forces and Australian military units had seen combat in [[European Theatre of World War II|Europe]], [[North African campaign|North Africa]], and the [[South West Pacific theatre of World War II|South-West Pacific]]. In addition, Australia [[Attacks on Australia during World War II|came under direct attack]] for the first time in its history. 39,366 Australians were killed and 23,477 were wounded by enemy action during the war.

In effect, Australia fought two wars between 1939 and 1945.<ref>Hasluck (1970). Page 2.</ref> Australia fought against Germany and Italy as part of the [[British Empire]]'s war effort and against Japan in alliance with the United States and Britain. While most Australian forces were withdrawn from the Mediterranean following the outbreak of war in the Pacific, large numbers of Australians continued to take part in the air offensive against Germany. From 1942 until early 1944 Australian forces played a critical role in the Pacific war, making up the majority of Allied strength in the South West Pacific. The Australian military was largely relegated to subsidiary fronts from mid-1944 but continued offensive action against the Japanese until the end of the war.

==Outbreak of war==
[[Image:Troop ship farewell (000304-01).jpg|thumb|Five women farewelling a troop ship as it leaves Melbourne carrying the advance party of the 6th Division in December 1939]]
Between the wars, Australia suffered greatly from the Great Depression, much like the rest of the western world. In the years leading up to the war Australia followed Britain's policy towards [[Nazi Germany]], supporting first its [[appeasement of Hitler]] and then its guarantee of Polish independence.<ref>Macintyre (1986). Page 325.</ref>

Australia declared war on [[Germany]] on [[3 September]] [[1939]] after the British ultimatum for Germany to withdraw from Poland expired. Australia's first shot of the war took place several hours later when a gun at [[Fort Queenscliff]] fired [[Warning shot|across the bows]] of an Australian ship which was attempting to leaving [[Melbourne]] without the required clearances.<ref>McKernan (1983). Page 4.</ref> On [[10 October]] [[1939]], a [[Short Sunderland]] of [[No. 10 Squadron RAAF|No. 10 Squadron]], based in England for re-equipment, became the first Australian and the first [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] air force unit to go into action when it undertook a mission to [[Tunisia]].<ref name="Stephens 76-79">Stephens (2006). Pages 76-79.</ref>

At the time war was declared the Australian armed forces were less well-prepared than they had been at the outbreak of [[World War I]] in August 1914.<ref>Coates (2001). Page 116.</ref> While the Government began a large military expansion and transferred Australian warships and RAAF aircrew and units to British control, it was unwilling to immediately dispatch an expeditionary force overseas due to the threat posed by Japanese intervention.<ref>Macintyre (1986). Page 326.</ref>

On [[15 September]] [[1939]], Prime Minister [[Robert Menzies]] announced the formation of the [[Second Australian Imperial Force]] (AIF), an expeditionary force of 20,000, to consist of one infantry division and whatever auxiliary units the Army could raise within this troop ceiling. On [[15 November]] [[1939]], Menzies announced the reintroduction of conscription for home defence service effective [[1 January]] [[1940]]. Unmarried men turning 21 in the year ending [[30 June]] [[1940]] would be drafted into the Militia. Because of this, the AIF could not accept personnel who were in [[reserved occupation]]s.<ref>Long (1961). Page 39.</ref>

==North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East==
===Prelude===
{{sectstub}}
During the first years of World War II Australia's military strategy was closely aligned with that of the [[United Kingdom]]. In line with this, Australia's war effort was concentrated in the [[Middle East]] and [[Mediterranean Sea]]. Most [[Australian Army]] units in 1939 were [[Australian Citizens Military Forces|Militia]] (reserve) units barred under Australian law at the time from serving outside Australia and Australian overseas territories. The [[Second Australian Imperial Force]] (2nd AIF) was formed in 1939 as Australia’s expeditionary force and would eventually consist of four [[Division (military)|division]]s raised in 1939–40: the [[Australian 6th Division|6th]], [[Australian 7th Division|7th]], [[Australian 8th Division|8th]] and [[Australian 9th Division|9th]].

The Australian Army saw action in [[North Africa]], [[Greece]], [[Crete]] and [[Lebanon]]. The 6th, 7th and 9th Divisions, as the [[Australian I Corps]] faced Italian and German forces in the Middle East, Greece, and North Africa.

===Battle of the Mediterranean===
[[Image:Hmas sydney 1940.jpg|thumb|right|HMAS ''Sydney'' in 1940]]

From mid-1940, the RAN took part in the [[Battle of the Mediterranean]] as part of the [[British Mediterranean Fleet]]. At the [[Battle of Calabria]] on July 9, 1940, the British [[Royal Navy]] and the Royal Australian Navy engaged ships of the Italian [[Regia Marina]]. The Australian force included the [[Leander class cruiser (1931)|Leander class light cruiser]] [[HMAS Sydney (1934)|HMAS ''Sydney'']] and the destroyers [[HMAS Stuart (D-00/100)|HMAS ''Stuart'']], [[HMAS Vampire (D68)|HMAS ''Vampire'']] and [[HMAS Voyager (D31)|HMAS ''Voyager'']]. The outcome was inconclusive, but ''Sydney'' was credited with the sinking of the Italian destroyer ''Espero'' and shared honours in the sinking of the destroyer ''Zeffiro''.

Ten days later (19 July, 1940), ''Sydney'', with a British destroyer squadron in company, engaged the high-speed Italian light cruisers [[Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni|''Bartolomeo Colleoni'']] and [[Italian cruiser Giovanni dalle Bande Nere|''Giovanni dalle Bande Nere'']] (the [[Battle of Cape Spada]]). In the running battle which followed, ''Bartolomeo Colleoni'' was sunk.

===North Africa===
[[Image:Awm 005392 2nd11th.jpg|thumb|Soldiers from the 2/11th Battalion after the capture of Tobruk]]
The Australian Army first saw action in [[Operation Compass]], the successful Commonwealth offensive in North Africa which was conducted between December 1940 and February 1941. The 6th Division relieved the [[4th Infantry Division (India)|4th Indian Division]] on [[14 December]]. Although the 6th Division was not fully equipped, it had completed its training and was given the task of capturing Italian fortresses bypassed by the [[7th Armoured Division (United Kingdom)|British 7th Armoured Division]] during its advance.<ref>Long (1973). Page 54.</ref>

The 6th Division went into action at [[Bardia, Libya|Bardia]] on [[3 January]] [[1941]]. Although the fortress was manned by a larger Italian force, the aggressive Australian infantry quickly penetrated the defensive lines with the support of British tanks and artillery. The majority of the Italian force surrendered on [[5 January]] and the Australians took 40,000 prisoners.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 55-58.</ref> The 6th Division followed up this success by assaulting the fortress of [[Tobruk]] on [[21 January]]. Tobruk was secured the next day with 25,000 Italian prisoners being taken.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 60-62.</ref>

Following the fall of Tobruk the 6th Division pushed west along the coast road to [[Cyrenaica]] and captured [[Benghazi]] on [[4 February]].<ref>Long (1973). Page 63.</ref> The 6th Division was withdrawn for deployment to Greece later in February and was replaced by the untested 9th Division.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 132.</ref>

On 30 March 1941 a German-led force launched an offensive in Cyrenaica which rapidly defeated the Allied forces in the area, forcing a general withdrawal towards Egypt. The Australian 9th Division covered this withdrawal and on 6 April was ordered to defend the important port town of [[Tobruk]] for at least two months. Reinforced by the 18th Brigade of the 7th Division and British artillery and armoured regiments, the 9th Division [[Siege of Tobruk|successfully defended]] the town for over six months. Through the use of existing fortifications, aggressive patrolling and the firepower of the garrison's artillery the Australians successfully contained and defeated repeated German armoured and infantry attacks on the fortress. Upon the request of the [[Australian War Cabinet]], the bulk of the 9th Division was withdrawn from Tobruk in September and October 1941 and was replaced by the [[70th Infantry Division (United Kingdom)|British 70th Division]]. The 2/13th Battalion was forced to remain at Tobruk until the siege was lifted in December when the convoy evacuating it was attacked. The defence of Tobruk cost the Australian units involved 3,009 casualties, including 832 killed and 941 men taken prisoner.<ref>Coulthard-Clark (2001). Pages 183-186.</ref>

===Greece, Crete and Syria===
[[Image:Australians Crete (007789).jpg|thumb|Australian troops landing in [[Alexandria, Egypt]] after being evacuated from Greece]]
{{sectstub}}
In early 1941 the 6th Division and I Corps Headquarters took part in the ill-fated Allied [[Battle of Greece|expedition to defend Greece]] from a German invasion. [[HMAS Perth (D29)|HMAS ''Perth'']] formed part of the naval force which protected the Allied troop convoys travelling to Greece and participated in the [[Battle of Cape Matapan]] in late March. When the Germans invaded Greece in early April the greatly outnumbered Allied force was rapidly  driven from the Greek mainland. The Australians conducted a fighting withdrawal from their initial positions in northern Greece and were evacuated from southern Greece between 24 April and 1 May.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 144-146.</ref>

The 19th Brigade Group then took part in the [[Battle of Crete]]. The Crete campaign also went badly for the Allies and were forced to evacuate. HMAS ''Perth'' also took part in the evacuation and was damaged by German aircraft. Approximately 3,000 members of the 6th Division could not be evacuated and were taken prisoner.<ref>Coulthard-Clark (2001). Page 190.</ref>

The Allied defeat during the Greek Campaign indirectly contributed to a change of government in Australia. Prime Minister Menzies' leadership had been weakened by the lengthy period he spent in Britain in early 1941, and the high Australian losses in the Greek Campaign led many members of his [[United Australia Party]] (UAP) to conclude that Menzies was not capable of leading the Australian war effort. Menzies resigned on 26 August after losing the confidence of his party and was replaced by [[Arthur Fadden]]. The UAP government collapsed on [[3 October]] and was replaced by an [[Australian Labor Party]] government under the leadership of [[John Curtin]].<ref>McKernan (2006). Pages 125-133.</ref>

The 7th Division and the 17th Brigade from the 6th Division formed a key part of the Allied ground forces during the [[Syria-Lebanon campaign|successful Allied invasion]] of [[Vichy French]]-controlled Lebanon and Syria in June and July 1941. [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) aircraft joined the [[Royal Air Force]] in providing [[close air support]]. The Australian force advanced along the coast road and [[Litani River]] valley, meeting strong resistance from Vichy units. After the Allied attack became bogged down reinforcements were brought in and the Australian I Corps headquarters took command of the operation on 18 June. These changes enabled the Allies to overwhelm the French forces and the 7th Division [[Battle of Beirut|entered Beirut]] on 12 July. The loss of Beirut and the British breakthrough in Syria led the Vichy commander to seek an armistice and the campaign ended on 13 July.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 154-159.</ref>

===El Alamein===
[[Image:2-8 Field Regt.jpg|thumb|Guns of the 2/8th Field Regiment at El Alamein in July 1942]]
Following the campaigns of 1941 the Australian I Corps was concentrated in Syria and Lebanon to rebuild its strength and prepare for further operations in the Middle East. Following the outbreak of war in the Pacific most elements of the Corps, including the 6th and 7th Divisions, returned to Australia in early 1942 to counter the Japanese threat to Australia. The Australian Government agreed to British and United States requests to leave the 9th Division in North Africa until victory over [[Erwin Rommel]] was assured, however. All of the RAN's ships in the Mediterranean were also withdrawn to the Pacific but most RAAF units in the Middle East remained in the theatre.

During early 1942 the Axis forces advanced steadily through north-west Egypt. It was decided that the [[British Eighth Army]] should make a stand just over 100km west of [[Alexandria, Egypt|Alexandria]], at the railway siding of [[El Alamein]]. On [[26 June]] [[1942]], the 9th Division was ordered to begin moving to El Alamein. The lead elements of the Division arrived at El Alamein on 6 July and the Division was assigned the most northerly section of the Commonwealth defensive line. The [[First Battle of El Alamein]] was a stalemate, but the Axis advance on [[Alexandria]] was halted. In October the Eighth Army decisively defeated the Axis forces in the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]]. In January [[1943]], the 9th Division started its return journey to Australia. No. 3 Squadron and No. 450 Squadron RAAF remained in North Africa and supported the 8th Army's advance through Libya and the subsequent [[Tunisia Campaign]].

===Italian Campaign===
[[Image:No.454 Anzac Day.jpg|thumb||Members of [[No. 454 Squadron RAAF|No. 454 Squadron]] commemorate [[Anzac Day]] in [[Cesenatico]], [[Italy]] in 1945]]
As most Australian units in the Mediterranean were redeployed to the Pacific during 1942 Australia played only a small role in the [[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italian Campaign]]. The RAN returned to the Mediterranean between May and November 1943 when eight [[Bathurst class corvette]]s took part in the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]] and escorted convoys in the western Mediterranean.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 192-195.</ref> Several RAAF squadrons and [[No. 1 Air Ambulance Unit RAAF|No. 1 Air Ambulance Unit]] also supported Allied operations in Italy until the end of the war. RAAF squadrons also supported [[Operation Dragoon|the Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944]].

==Britain and Western Europe==
[[Image:10 Sqn (AWM 042259).jpg|thumb|A No. 10 Squadron Sunderland departing for a patrol over the Atlantic in 1941]]
===The defence of Britain===

Australians participated in the defence of Britain throughout the war. About 100 Australian airmen fought with the [[Royal Air Force]] during the [[Battle of Britain]] in 1940, [[Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain|including 25 fighter pilots]]. In addition, two brigades of the AIF were stationed in Britain from June 1940 to January 1941 and formed part of the British mobile reserve. An Australian forestry group was also stationed in Britain between 1940 and 1943.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 41-43.</ref> Several Australian-manned fighter squadrons were also formed in Britain and remained active until the end of the war in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/raaf/fighter.html |title=Air war Europe 1939-1945: Fighter Command |accessdate=2007-12-22 |format= |work=Australia's War 1939—1945 }}</ref>

The RAAF and RAN took part in the [[Battle of the Atlantic (1939–1945)|Battle of the Atlantic]]. [[No. 10 Squadron RAAF|No. 10 Squadron]], based in Britain at the outbreak of war to take delivery of its [[Short Sunderland]] flying boats, remained there throughout the conflict. It was joined by [[No. 461 Squadron RAAF|No. 461 Squadron]] in April 1942, also equipped with Sunderlands. Both squadrons escorted Allied convoys and sank a number of [[U-boat]]s. Several of the RAN's cruisers escorted shipping in the Atlantic and Caribbean in 1939 and 1940 and hundreds of RAN personnel served aboard [[Royal Navy]] ships in the Atlantic throughout the war.<ref name="Stephens 76-79"/><ref>Long (1973). Page 369.</ref>

===Air war over Europe===
[[Image:460 Sqn (AWM 044167).jpg|thumb|Members of No. 460 Squadron and the Lancaster bomber [[G for George]] in August 1943]]
RAAF units played a small but significant role in the Allied air offensive against Germany. Australians were especially notable in [[RAF Bomber Command]]: they represented two percent of all RAAF personnel during the war, but accounted for 23% of the total number killed in action. This statistic is further illustrated by the fact that [[No. 460 Squadron RAAF]], firstly flying the [[Vickers Wellington]] then the [[Avro Lancaster]], had an official establishment of about 200 aircrew and yet had 1,018 combat deaths. The squadron was therefore effectively wiped out five times over. RAAF squadrons, including 460 Squadron, flew many missions in support of the [[D-Day landings]] in 1944 and [[Operation Manna]], dropping food to relieve civilians facing starvation in the [[Netherlands]] in 1945. Overall, the Australian squadrons in Bomber Command dropped 6 percent of the total weight of bombs dropped by the command during the war.<ref>Long (1973). Page 393.</ref> About 3,500 Australians were killed while serving with Bomber Command.<ref>Long (1973). Page 474.</ref>

RAAF airmen and squadrons also took part in the liberation of Europe. Several Australian fighter and light bomber squadrons and hundreds of Australians in RAF units supported the Allied armies from the landing in Normandy until the end of the war. Two RAAF fighter squadrons, [[No. 451 Squadron RAAF|No. 451]] and [[No. 453 Squadron RAAF|No. 453]], operated from bases in France and Germany during this period.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 379-393.</ref>

The RAAF suffered heavy casualties in its campaigns over Europe. 5,397 Australian airmen were killed in Europe and 1,135 in the Middle East.<ref>Long (1973). Page 393.</ref>

==War in the Pacific==
[[Image:Threat to Australia 1942.jpg|thumb|The Japanese advance through the Malay Barrier in 1941-42 and feared offensive operations against Australia]]
===Prelude===
{{sectstub}}
Due to the emphasis placed on cooperation with Britain, relatively few Australian military units were retained in Australia and the [[Asia-Pacific]] Region. Measures were taken to improve Australia's defences as [[Pacific War|war with Japan]] loomed in 1941, but these proved inadequate. In December 1941 the Australian Army in the pacific comprised the 8th Division, most of which was stationed in Malaya, and eight partially trained and equipped divisions in Australia, including the [[1st Armoured Division (Australia)|1st Armoured Division]]. The RAAF was equipped with 373 aircraft, most of these were obsolete trainers, and the RAN had three cruisers and two destroyers in Australian waters.<ref>Horner (1993). Pages 2-3.</ref>

===Malaya and Singapore===
[[Image:Aust AT gun Singapore (012449).jpg|thumb|Australian anti-tank gunners overlooking the [[Johore Causeway]] between Singapore and Malaya in February 1942]]
{{see also|Battle of Malaya|Battle of Singapore}}

At the outbreak of war in the Pacific, the Australian forces in Malaya comprised the 8th Division (less one brigade at Darwin), four RAAF squadrons and eight warships.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 203.</ref> The RAAF became the first service to see action in the Pacific when Australian aircraft shadowing the Japanese invasion convoy bound for Malaya were fired at on 6 December 1941. Australian units participated the unsuccessful Commonwealth attempts to defeat the Japanese landings, with RAAF aircraft attacking the [[beachhead]]s and [[HMAS Vampire (D68)|HMAS ''Vampire'']] accompanying [[HMS Prince of Wales (53)|HMS ''Prince of Wales'']] and [[HMS Repulse (1916)|HMS ''Repulse'']] during their [[Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse|disastrous attempt to attack the Japanese invasion fleet]].<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 210-212.</ref>

The 8th Division was assigned responsibility for the defence of [[Johore]] and did not see action until mid-January 1942 when Japanese spearheads first reached the province. The division's first engagement was the [[Battle of Muar]] in which the Australians and attached Indian and British units inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese before being pushed out of their positions. This was the last major battle in Malaya, and all the remaining Commonwealth forces withdrew to Singapore by 31 January.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 212-214.</ref>

Following the withdrawal to Singapore the 8th Division was deployed to defend island's north-west coast. The division had suffered heavy casualties during the fighting on the mainland, and most of its units were at half-strength. The commander of the Singapore fortress, [[Arthur Ernest Percival|Lt.-General Percival]], believed that the Japanese would land on the north-east coast of the island and deployed the near full-strength [[18th Infantry Division (United Kingdom)|British 18th Division]] to defend this sector. [[Battle of Sarimbun Beach|The Japanese landing]] on 8 February took part in the Australian sector, however, and the 8th Division was forced from its positions after just two days of heavy fighting. The division was also unable to turn back the [[Battle of Kranji|Japanese landing at Kranji]] and withdrew to the centre of the island.

The Japanese captured Singapore's water reservoirs and large supply dumps in the first days of the battle, making prolonged resistance impossible for the Commonwealth forces. After further fighting in which the Commonwealth forces were pushed into a narrow perimeter around the urban area of Singapore, Lt.-General Percival surrendered his forces on 15 February 1942. Following the surrender 14,972 Australians were taken prisoner,<ref>Wigmore (1957). Page 512.</ref> though some Australians escaped on ships. These escapees included the 8th Division's commander [[Gordon Bennett (Australian soldier)|Maj-Gen. Gordon Bennett]], who was found to have not been justified in leaving his command by two post-war inquiries.<ref>{{ADB|last=Lodge  |first=A.B. |authorlink= |year=1993 |id=http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A130195b.htm?hilite=Gordon%3BBennett |title=Bennett, Henry Gordon |accessdate= 2007-12-02}}</ref>

===Netherlands East Indies and Rabaul===
[[Image:Darwin 42.jpg|thumb|The explosion of an oil storage tank during the first Japanese air raid on Darwin on 19 February 1942]]
While Australia's contribution to the pre-war plans to defend South East Asia from Japanese aggression was focused on the defence of Malaya and Singapore, small Australian forces were also deployed to defend several islands to the north of Australia. The role of these forces was to defend strategic airfields which could be used to launch attacks on the Australian mainland. These forces proved too small to resist the Japanese, however, and were swiftly defeated during the first months of the Pacific War.

At the start of the Pacific War the strategic port town of [[Rabaul]] in [[New Britain]] was defended by 'Lark Force', which comprised an AIF infantry battalion reinforced with coastal artillery and a poorly equipped RAAF bomber squadron. While Lark Force was regarded as inadequate by the Australian military,<ref>Hasluck (1970). Page 14.</ref> it was not possible to reinforce it before the Japanese [[South Seas Force]] landed at Rabaul on 23 January 1942. The outnumbered Australian force [[Battle of Rabaul (1942)|was swiftly defeated]] and most of the survivors surrendered in the weeks after the battle. Few members of Lark Force survived the war, as at least 130 were murdered by the Japanese on 4 February and 1057 Australian soldiers and civilian prisoners from Rabaul were killed when [[Montevideo Maru|the ship carrying them to Japan]] was sunk by a US submarine on 1 July 1942.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/ajrp/remember.nsf/pages/NT00002EBE?openDocument |title=Rabaul, 1942 |accessdate=2007-11-06 |last=Moremon |first=John |coauthors= |date=2003 |work=Remembering the War in New Guinea |publisher=Australia-Japan Research Project}}</ref>

Shortly after the outbreak of the Pacific War AIF troops were dispatched from Darwin to the [[Netherlands East Indies]]. Reinforced battalions were sent to [[Koepang]] in [[Timor]] and the island of [[Ambon]] to defend these strategic locations from Japanese attack. A commando company was also sent to [[Dili]] in [[Portuguese Timor]].<ref>Hasluck (1970). Page 14.</ref> The force at Ambon was defeated in the [[Battle of Ambon]] which was fought between January 30 and 3 February 1942. While the infantry battalion at Koepang was defeated, Australian commandos [[Battle of Timor (1942–43)|waged a guerrilla campaign]] against the Japanese in Portuguese Timor until February 1943.

In the lead-up to the [[Battle of Java (1942)|invasion of Java]] a force of 242 Japanese aircraft [[Air raids on Darwin, February 19, 1942|attacked Darwin on 19 February 1942]]. This attack was undertaken to ensure that Darwin could not be used as a base to counter the conquest of the Netherlands East Indies. The attack was successful, and resulted in the deaths of 251 civilians and military personnel, most of whom were non-Australian Allied seamen, and inflicted heavy damage on [[RAAF Base Darwin]] and the town's port facilities. As a result of this attack Darwin was not available to the Allies as a supply and naval base to support operations in the East Indies.

Elements of the Australian military participated in the unsuccessful defence of Java when the Japanese invaded the island in March 1942. [[HMAS Perth (D29)|HMAS ''Perth'']] formed part of the main [[American-British-Dutch-Australian Command]] (ABDACOM) naval force which was defeated in the [[Battle of the Java Sea]] on 27 February during an attempt to intercept one of the Japanese invasion convoys. ''Perth'' was sunk on 1 March during the [[Battle of Sunda Strait]] when she and [[USS Houston (CA-30)|USS ''Houston'']] encountered another Japanese invasion force while trying to escape to [[Tjilatjap]] on the south coast of Java. The sloop [[HMAS Yarra (U77)|HMAS ''Yarra'']] was also sunk off the south coast of Java when she was attacked by three Japanese cruisers while escorting a convoy on 4 March. A 3000-strong Australian force made up of elements from the 7th Division formed part of the ABDACOM land forces on Java. This force formed part of the ABDACOM reserve and saw little action before it surrendered at [[Bandung]] on 12 March after the Dutch forces on the island began to capitulate. 160 ground crew from [[No. 1 Squadron RAAF]] were also captured on Java.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 224-227.</ref>

===The defence of Australia===
[[Image:Geraldton exercise 1942 (028696).jpg|thumb|Australian soldiers exercising to defend [[Geraldton, Western Australia]] in October 1942]]
{{see also|Battle for Australia}}
Following the fall of Singapore the Australian Government and many Australians feared a Japanese invasion. Australia was ill-prepared to counter such an attack as the RAAF lacked modern aircraft, the RAN was too small and unbalanced to counter the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Army, though large, contained many inexperienced units and could not be easily moved around the country.<ref>Grey (1999). Page 171.</ref> In response to this threat most of the AIF was brought back from the Middle East and the Government appealed to the United States for assistance. The Japanese [[Proposed Japanese invasion of Australia during World War II|did not intend]] to invade the Australian mainland, however, as such an operation was judged to be beyond the Japanese military's capabilities.<ref>Stanley (2002)</ref>

The air raids on Darwin demonstrated how unprepared the RAAF was for the defence of Australia. Some RAAF squadrons were transferred back to Australia and to address the shortages of fighter and ground attack planes, [[United States|US]]-built [[P-40]] Kittyhawks were acquired and [[CAC Boomerang]], an Australian designed fighter/close support aircraft, was manufactured.

The perceived threat of invasion led to a major expansion of the Australian military. By mid-1942 the Army had a strength of eleven infantry divisions, three armoured divisions and hundreds of supporting units. While the RAAF was also greatly expanded, the RAN experienced only modest growth. This was a larger force than Australia could sustain, however, and the Army was progressively reduced in size from 1943 until the end of the war.<ref>Palazzo (2001). Page 174.</ref>

In March 1942 the Japanese military adopted a strategy of isolating Australia from the [[United States]] by capturing [[Port Moresby]] in New Guinea, the [[Solomon Islands]], [[Fiji]], [[Samoa]] and [[New Caledonia]].<ref>Horner (1993). Pages 4–5.</ref> This plan was frustrated by the Japanese defeat in the [[Battle of the Coral Sea]] and was postponed indefinitely after the [[Battle of Midway]].<ref>Horner (1993). Page 10.</ref> Following the defeat of the Japanese surface fleet the IJN submarines were deployed to disrupt Allied supply lines by attacking shipping off the Australian east coast.

The [[Axis naval activity in Australian waters|Japanese submarine offensive against Australia]] commenced in May 1942. The offensive began with an unsuccessful [[Attack on Sydney Harbour|midget submarine raid on Sydney Harbour]] on the night of 31 May which was followed by attacks on merchant shipping. These attacks continued until August 1943 and led to the loss of 28 ships, including the [[AHS Centaur|hospital ship ''Centaur'']], and damage to many others. While these losses caused some disruption to Australian coastal shipping and forced the Allies to devote considerable resources to protecting shipping in Australian waters, they did not seriously affect the Australian economy or Allied war effort.<ref>Stevens (2005). Pages 330-334.</ref>

===The defence of New Guinea===
[[Image:Australian troops at Milne Bay.jpg|thumb|Australian troops at Milne Bay]]
Japanese forces first landed on the mainland of New Guinea on 8 March. On this day Japanese forces staged unopposed landings at [[Salamaua]] and [[Lae]]. Australian guerrillas from the [[New Guinea Volunteer Rifles]] established observation posts around the Japanese beachheads and the [[2/5th Cavalry Commando Squadron (Australia)|2/5th Independent Company]] successfully raided Salamaua on 29 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/ajrp/remember.nsf/pages/NT00002612 |title=New Guinea north coast, 1942 |accessdate=2007-11-07 |last=Moremon |first=John |coauthors= |date=2003 |work=Remembering the War in New Guinea |publisher=Australia-Japan Research Project}}</ref>

After their defeat in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942 the Japanese attempted to capture Port Moresby by landing the South Seas Force on the north coast of [[Territory of Papua|Papua]] and advancing overland using the [[Kokoda Track]] to cross the very rugged [[Owen Stanley Range]]. This advance began on 22 July and [[Kokoda Track campaign|was met by]] an ill-prepared Australian militia brigade known as [[Maroubra Force]]. This force was successful in delaying the Japanese advance but was unable to stop the much larger South Seas Force. Two AIF battalions from the 7th Division reinforced the remnants of Maroubra Force on 26 August but the Japanese continued to make ground until supply problems and further 7th Division reinforcements forced them to break off the offensive and withdraw on 24 September. Australian and US forces pursued the Japanese along the Kokoda Track and forced them into a small [[bridgehead]] on the north coast of Papua in early November.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 233-236.</ref> The RAAF and USAAF played an important role throughout the Kokoda Track campaign by attacking the Japanese force's supply lines and [[Airdrop|airdropping]] supplies to Australian Army units.<ref>{{cite paper |last= |first= |author=Air Power Development Centre |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Air Campaign Over the Kokoda Trail |version= |publisher=Air Power Development Centre |date=2005 |url=http://defence.gov.au/raaf/airpower/html/publications/pathfinder/2005/Pathfinder_37_Dec05_hires.pdf |format=PDF |id= |accessdate=2008-01-26 }}</ref>

Australian forces also defeated an attempt to capture the strategic [[Milne Bay]] area in August 1942. During the [[Battle of Milne Bay]] two brigades of Australian troops, designated Milne Force, supported by two RAAF fighter squadrons defeated a smaller Japanese invasion force made up of elite [[Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces]] units. This was the first notable Japanese land defeat and raised Allied morale across the Pacific Theatre.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 232.</ref>

Australian and US forces [[Battle of Buna-Gona|attacked the Japanese bridgehead in Papua]] in late November 1942 but did not capture it until January 1943. The Allied force comprised the exhausted 7th Division and the inexperienced and ill-trained [[32nd Infantry Division (United States)|US 32nd Infantry Division]] and was short of artillery and supplies. Due to a lack of supporting weapons and the Allied high command's insistence on unreasonable deadlines the Allied tactics during the battle were centred around infantry assaults on the Japanese fortifications. These proved to be very costly and the area was not secured until 22 January 1943.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 240.</ref>

Following the defeats in Papua and [[Guadalcanal]] the Japanese mounted a last attempt to capture Port Moresby. In January 1943 a 3000-man strong Japanese force [[Battle of Wau|attempted to capture Wau]]. The town was reinforced by air and the Japanese were defeated in the outskirts of the town following heavy fighting. The Japanese force began to withdraw towards the coast on 4 February. Following the defeat at Wau the Japanese attempted to reinforce Lae in preparation for an expected Allied offensive in the area. This attempt ended in disaster when a Japanese troop convoy was destroyed by USAAF and RAAF aircraft during the [[Battle of the Bismarck Sea]].<ref>Long (1973). Pages 251-256.</ref>

===New Guinea offensives===
[[Image:Shaggy Ridge2 (AWM 064258).jpg|thumb|An Australian officer and a signaler on Shaggy Ridge]]
After halting the Japanese advance, Allied forces went on the offensive across the SWPA from mid 1943. Australian forces played a key role throughout this offensive, which was designated [[Operation Cartwheel]]. In particular, General Blamey oversaw a highly successful series of operations around the north-east tip of New Guinea which "was the high point of Australia’s experience of operational level command".<ref>Horner (2002). Pages 15-16.</ref>

After the successful defence of Wau the [[3rd Division (Australia)|3rd Division]] [[Salamaua-Lae campaign|began advancing towards Salamaua]] in April 1943. This advance was mounted to divert attention from Lae, which was one of the main objectives of Operation Cartwheel and proceeded slowly. In late June the 3rd Division was reinforced by the US 162nd Regimental Combat Team which staged an amphibious landing to the south of Salamaua. The town was eventually captured on 11 September 1943.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/pushingback/wausalamaua.html |title='Bloody ridges': Wau-Salamaua |accessdate=2008-01-01 |format= |work=Australia's War 1939—1945 }}</ref>

In early September 1943 Australian-led forces mounted a classic [[pincer movement]] to capture Lae. On 4 September the 9th Division made an amphibious landing to the east of the town and began advancing to the west. The following day, the [[503d Infantry Regiment (United States)|US 503rd Parachute Regiment]] made an unopposed parachute drop at Nadzab, just west of Lae. Once the airborne forces secured Nadzab Airfield the 7th Division was flown in and began advancing to the east in a race to capture Lae. This race was won by the 7th Division, which captured the town on 15 September. The Japanese forces at Salamaua and Lae suffered heavy losses during this campaign, but were able to escape to the north.<ref>Coates (2004). Pages 57-60.</ref>

After the fall of Lae the 9th Division was given the task of [[Huon Peninsula campaign|capturing the Huon Peninsula]]. The 20th Brigade landed near the strategic port of [[Finschhafen]] on 22 September 1943 and swiftly secured the port and the nearby coastline. The Japanese responded by dispatching the [[20th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)|20th Division]] overland to the area and the remainder of the 9th Division was gradually brought in to reinforce the 20th Brigade against the expected counter-attack. The Japanese mounted a strong attack in mid-October which was defeated by the 9th Division after heavy fighting. During the second half of November the 9th Division captured the hills inland of Finschhafen from well dug in Japanese forces. Following its defeat the 20th Division retreated along the coast with the 9th Division and [[4th Brigade (Australia)|4th Brigade]] in pursuit.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 331-343.</ref> The Allies scored a major intelligence victory towards the end of this campaign when Australian engineers found the 20th Division's entire [[cipher]] library which had been buried by the retreating Japanese. These documents led to a [[Cryptanalysis|code breaking]] break through which enabled General MacArthur to accelerate the Allied advance by bypassing Japanese defences.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 254.</ref>
[[Image:Aust ships Cape Gloucester (106687).jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Australia'' and [[HMAS Arunta (I30)|HMAS ''Arunta'']] bombarding Cape Gloucester]]

While the 9th Division secured the coastal region of the Huon Peninsula the 7th Division drove the Japanese from the Peninsula's inland [[Finisterre Range]]. The [[Finisterre Range campaign]] began on 17 September when the 2/6th Independent Company was air-landed in the Markham Valley. The Company defeated a larger Japanese force and secured an airstrip which was used to fly the Division's 21st and 25th Brigades in. Through aggressive patrolling the Australians forced the Japanese out of positions in extremely rugged terrain and in January 1944 the division began its attack on the key [[Shaggy Ridge]] position. The ridge was taken by the end of January, with the RAAF playing a key supporting role. Following this success the Japanese withdrew from the Finisterre Range and Australian troops linked up with American patrols from their beachhead at Saidor on 21 April and secured [[Madang]] on 24 April.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 254-257.</ref>

In addition to supporting the Army's role on the New Guinea mainland, the RAN and RAAF took part in offensive operations in the [[Solomon Islands]]. This involvement had begun in August 1942 when both of the RAN's [[heavy cruiser]]s, [[HMAS Australia (D84)|HMAS ''Australia'']] and [[HMAS Canberra (D33)|HMAS ''Canberra'']] supported the US Marine [[Guadalcanal Campaign|landing at Guadalcanal]]. On the night after the landing HMAS ''Canberra'' was lost during the [[Battle of Savo Island]] and the RAN played no further role in the [[Guadalcanal Campaign]].<ref>Frame (2004). Pages 183-184.</ref> RAAF aircraft supported several US Army and Marine landings during 1943 and 1944 and a RAAF radar unit also participated in the [[Battle of Arawe|capture of Arawe]]. Several Australian cruisers and destroyers provided fire support for the [[1st Marine Division (United States)|US 1st Marine Division]] during the [[Battle of Cape Gloucester]] and the [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|US 1st Cavalry Division]] during the [[Admiralty Islands campaign]] in late 1943 and early 1944.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 345-347.</ref>

===North-West Area air campaign===
[[Image:18 Sqn (AWM P02769-001).jpg|thumb|B-25 Mitchell bombers from [[No. 18 (Netherlands East Indies) Squadron RAAF|No. 18 (NEI) Squadron]] near Darwin in 1943. This was one of three joint Australian-Dutch squadrons formed during the war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/alliesinadversity/australia/nei.asp |title=No. 18 (NEI) Squadron, RAAF |accessdate=2007-11-04 |format= |work=Allies in adversity }}</ref>]]
The attack on Darwin marked the start of a prolonged aerial campaign over northern Australia and the Japanese-occupied Netherlands East Indies. Following the first attack on Darwin the Allies rapidly deployed fighter squadrons to protect the town from a feared invasion.<ref>Powell (1988). Pages 108-110.</ref> A large number of airfields were also built south of Darwin to house fighters and bomber aircraft.

As the tide of the war shifted in the Allies' favour, the Allies mounted increasingly heavy air raids on the NEI from bases in the Darwin area. To counter these attacks the Japanese staged dozens of [[Air raids on Australia, 1942–43|air raids on Darwin and nearby airfields]] during 1942 and 1943, few of which caused significant damage. These raids were opposed by Australian and British fighters and suffered increasingly heavy casualties as Darwin's defences were improved.<ref>Coulthard-Clark (2001). Page 206.</ref> The Japanese also conducted a number of small raids on towns and airfields in northern Queensland and Western Australia during 1942 and 1943.

While the Japanese raids on northern Australia ceased in late 1943, the Allied air offensive continued until the end of the war. During late 1942 Allied aircraft conducted attacks on Timor in support of the Australian guerrillas operating there. From early 1943 United States [[heavy bomber]] squadrons operated against Japanese targets in the eastern NEI from bases near Darwin. These units were replaced by Australian [[B-24 Liberator]]-equipped squadrons in late 1944. The Allied air offensive against the NEI intensified from June 1943 in order to divert Japanese forces away from New Guinea and the Solomons. From 1944 several RAAF [[PBY Catalina]] squadrons were also based at Darwin and conducted highly effective mine-laying sorties across South East Asia.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 269-271.</ref>

===Advance to the Philippines===
[[Image:80 Sqn (OG1751).jpg|thumb|Image:80 Sqn (OG1751).jpg|[[No. 80 Squadron RAAF|No. 80 Squadron]] aircraft being prepared for a ground attack mission at Noemfoor in November 1944]]

After the liberation of most of Australian New Guinea the Australian military played a supporting role in the US-led [[Western New Guinea campaign]] which had the goal of securing bases to be used to mount the [[Philippines campaign (1944–45)|liberation of the Philippines]]. Australian warships and RAAF fighter, bomber and airfield construction squadrons participated in the capture of [[Operations Reckless and Persecution|Hollandia]], [[Battle of Biak|Biak]], [[Noemfoor]] and [[Morotai]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/pushingback/islandhopping.html |title='Island hopping' |accessdate=2008-01-01 |format= |work=Australia's War 1939—1945 }}</ref> After western New Guinea was secured the newly-formed [[Australian First Tactical Air Force]] (1TAF) was used to protect the flank of the Allied advance by attacking Japanese positions in the NEI and performing other garrison tasks. The losses incurred performing these unimportant roles led to a decline in morale, and contributed to the [[Morotai Mutiny|'Morotai Mutiny']] in April 1945.<ref>Odgers (1968). Page 498.</ref>

Elements of the RAN and RAAF also took part in the liberation of the Philippines. Four Australian warships and three transports took part in the [[Battle of Leyte|US landing at Leyte]] on 20 October 1944. After the landing HMAS ''Australia'' became the first Allied ship to be struck by a [[Kamikaze]] when she was attacked on 21 October. Australian ships also saw action in the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]], with [[HMAS Shropshire|HMAS ''Shropshire'']] and HMAS ''Arunta'' engaging Japanese ships during the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October. The Australian naval force also took part in the [[Invasion of Lingayen Gulf]] in January 1945. During this operation HMAS ''Australia'' was struck by a further five Kamikazes which killed 44 of her crew.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 266-268.</ref> A RAAF airfield construction squadron and [[No. 1 Wireless Unit RAAF|No. 1 Wireless Unit]] were also landed in the Philippines and supported US operations there and 1 TAF made a number of raids on targets in the southern Philippines.<ref>Odgers (1968). Pages 374-379.</ref> While the Australian government offered I Corps for use in Leyte and Luzon in the Philippines, nothing came out of these proposals and the Corps was instead used to liberate Borneo in mid-1945.<ref>Horner (1982). Pages 382-383.</ref>

===Mopping up in New Guinea and the Solomons===
[[Image:Final NG campaigns.jpg|thumb|Australian and Japanese Army forces in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in late 1944]]
In late 1944 Australian Army units replaced six US Army divisions which were conducting defensive roles in [[Bougainville Island|Bougainville]], [[New Britain]] and New Guinea. While the US units had largely conducted a static defence of their positions, their Australian replacements mounted offensive operations designed to destroy the remaining Japanese forces in these areas. The value of these campaigns was controversial at the time and remains so to this day. The campaigns' supporters argue that they were worthwhile as a means of keeping the Australian Army involved in the war and maintaining Australia's influence in its region. In contrast, critics of the campaigns argue that they were unnecessary and wasteful of the lives of the Australian soldiers involved as the Japanese forces were already isolated and ineffective.<ref>Grey (1999). Pages 184-185.</ref>

====New Britain and Bougainville====
{{main|New Britain Campaign|Bougainville campaign (1943–45)}}
[[Image:Infantry wide bay (AWM 078376).jpg|thumb|left|Infantry at Wide Bay in January 1945]]
The [[5th Division (Australia)|5th Division]] was assigned responsibility for New Britain and was tasked with protecting Allied bases and confining the large Japanese force on the island to the area around Rabaul. The division replaced the [[40th Infantry Division (United States)|United States 40th Infantry Division]] during October and November 1944. In late November the 5th Division established bases near the Japanese perimeter and began aggressive patrols with the objective of reducing the size of the Japanese enclave. These patrols were supported by the [[Allied Intelligence Bureau]].<ref>Coates (2006). Page 276.</ref>

In early 1945 elements of the 5th Division conducted amphibious landings at Open Bay and Wide Bay at the base of the [[Gazelle Peninsula]] and defeated the small Japanese garrisons in these areas. As a result of the division's aggressive patrolling, by April 1945 the Japanese were confined to the Gazelle Peninsula and offered little resistance to Australian patrols. The 5th Division suffered 53 fatalities and 140 wounded during this campaign. After the war it was found that the Japanese force was 93,000 strong, which was much higher than the 38,000 which Allied intelligence had estimated remained on New Britain.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 276.</ref>

[[Image:Bougainville Matilda (AWM 018384).jpg|thumb|Australian soldiers and a Matilda II tank advancing on Bougainville in March 1945]]
The [[Australian II Corps|II Corps]] was deployed to Bougainville between October and December 1944 and assumed responsibility for the island from the [[XIV Corps (United States)|US Army's XIV Corps]]. The [[3rd Division (Australia))|3rd Division]] and the [[11th Brigade (Australia)|11th Brigade]] were on Bougainville along with the [[Fiji Infantry Regiment]]. The [[23rd Brigade (Australia)|23rd Brigade]] garrisoned neighbouring islands. II Corps was supported by RAAF, RNZAF and USMC air units based on Bougainville.<ref>Odgers (1968). Page 318.</ref>

While the XIV Corps had maintained a defensive posture around the Allied airfields at Cape Torokina, the Australians conducted offensive operations aimed at destroying the Japanese force on Bougainville. As the Japanese were split into several enclaves the Australians fought geographically separated campaigns in the north, centre and southern portions of the island. The main focus was against the Japanese base at Buin in the south of the island, however, and offensive operations in the north and centre of the island were largely suspended from May 1945. While Australian offensive operations on Bougainville continued until the end of the war, large Japanese forces remained at Buin and in the north of the island.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 273-275.</ref>

====Aitape-Wewak====
[[Image:Infantry Danmap River (078054).jpg|thumb|Infantrymen resting on a river bank before attacking Japanese positions near Matapau in New Guinea in January 1945]]
The goal of the [[Aitape-Wewak campaign]] was to complete the destruction of the [[Japanese Eighteenth Army]], which was the last large Japanese force remaining on the Australian portion of New Guinea. This task was assigned to the 6th Division which was reinforced by militia and armoured units and began arriving at [[Aitape]] in October 1944. The 6th Division was also supported by several RAAF squadrons and RAN warships.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 278-279.</ref>

After relieving the US forces at Aitape the 6th Division launched a two-pronged offensive to the east towards [[Wewak]]. The 17th Brigade advanced through the inland [[Torricelli Mountains]] while the remainder of the division moved along the coast. Although the Eighteenth Army had suffered heavy casualties from previous fighting and disease, it mounted a strong resistance and inflicted significant casualties upon the Australian force. The 6th Division's advance was also hampered by the difficulty of resupplying the troops and bad weather.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 278-280.</ref>

The 6th Division secured the coastal area by early May, with Wewak being captured on 10 May after a small Australian force was landed to the east of the town. By the end of the war the Eighteenth Army had been forced into what it had designated its 'last stand' area which was under attack from the 6th Division. The Aitape-Wewak campaign cost Australia 442 lives while about 9000 Japanese died during the campaign and another 269 were taken prisoner.<ref>Coates (2006). Page 280.</ref>

===Borneo Campaign===
[[Image:Borneo Campaign CMH.jpg|thumb|A map showing the progress of the Borneo campaign]]
{{main|Borneo Campaign (1945)}}
The Borneo Campaign of 1945 was the last major Allied campaign in the [[South West Pacific Area]]. In a series of amphibious assaults between [[May 1]] and [[July 21]], the [[I Corps (Australia)|Australian I Corps]], under General [[Leslie Morshead]], attacked [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] forces occupying the island. Allied naval and air forces, centred on the [[U.S. 7th Fleet]] under Admiral [[Thomas Kinkaid]], the [[Australian First Tactical Air Force]] and the U.S. [[Thirteenth Air Force]] also played important roles in the campaign.

The campaign opened on 1 May 1945 when the [[26th Brigade (Australia)|26th Brigade Group]] landed on the small island of [[Tarakan]] off the east coast of Borneo. The goal of this operation was to secure the island's airstrip as a base to support the landings at Brunei and Balikpapan. While it had been expected that it would take only a few weeks to secure Tarakan and re-open the airstrip, [[Battle of Tarakan (1945)|the fighting on the island]] lasted until 19 June and the airstrip was not opened until 28 June. As a result, the operation is generally considered not to have been worthwhile.<ref>Long (1973). Pages 447-453.</ref>

The second phase of the Borneo Campaign began on 10 June when the 9th Division mounted simultaneous assaults on the north-west on the island of [[Operation Oboe Six|Labuan]] and the coast of [[Brunei]]. A week later the Australians attacked Japanese positions in [[Battle of North Borneo|North Borneo]]. During the campaign the 9th Division was assisted by indigenous [[Dayak people|Dayak]] fighters who were waging a guerrilla war against Japanese forces in Borneo. By the end of the war the Australian force had secured most of north-west Borneo.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 286-288.</ref>

The third and final stage of the Borneo Campaign was the capture of [[Balikpapan]] on the central east coast of the island. After 20 day long preliminary bombardment the 7th Division landed near the town on 1 July. The town and its surrounds [[Battle of Balikpapan (1945)|were secured after some heavy fighting]] on 21 July but mopping up continued until the end of the war. The capture of Balikpapan was the last large-scale land operation conducted by the Western Allies during World War II.<ref>Coates (2006). Pages 288-292.</ref>

Although the Borneo Campaign was criticised in Australia at the time, and in subsequent years, as pointless or a "waste" of the lives of soldiers, it did achieve a number of objectives, such as increasing the isolation of significant Japanese forces occupying the main part of the [[Dutch East Indies]], capturing major [[petroleum|oil]] supplies and freeing Allied prisoners of war, who were being held in deteriorating conditions.<ref>Grey (1999). Pages 184-186.</ref>

===Australian intelligence and special forces===
[[Image:21henryst44.jpg|thumb|Central Bureau's headquarters building at [[Ascot, Queensland|Ascot]] in Brisbane]]
Australia developed large [[List of Australian intelligence agencies|intelligence services]] during the war. Prior the outbreak of war the Australian military possessed almost no intelligence gathering facilities and was reliant on information passed on by the British intelligence services. Several small [[signals intelligence]] units were established in 1939 and 1940 and these units had some success intercepting and deciphering Japanese transmissions before the outbreak of the Pacific War.<ref>Horner (1982). Pages 224-225.</ref>

General MacArthur began organising large scale intelligence services shortly after his arrival in Australia. On 15 April 1942 the joint Australian-US [[Central Bureau]] [[signals intelligence]] organisation was established at Melbourne. Central Bureau's headquarters moved to Brisbane in July 1942 and [[Manila]] in May 1945. Australians made up half the strength of Central Bureau, which was expanded to over 4000 personnel by 1945.<ref>Horner (1982). Page 242.</ref>

Australian [[special forces]] also played a significant role in the Pacific War. Following the outbreak of war [[Australian commandos|commando companies]] were deployed to Timor, the Solomon and Bismarck islands and New Caledonia. Although the 1st Independent Company was swiftly overwhelmed in the Solomon Islands in early 1942, the 2/2nd and later 2/4th Independent companies waged a successful [[Battle of Timor (1942–43)|guerrilla campaign on Timor]] which lasted from February 1942 until they were evacuated in February 1943.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/japadvance/timor.html |title=Fall of Timor |accessdate=2008-01-15 |format= |work=Australia's War 1939—1945 }}</ref> The commando companies also played an important role in the New Guinea, New Britain, Bougainville and Borneo campaigns where they were used to spearhead offensives and secure the flanks of operations conducted by conventional infantry.

Australia also formed successful small-scale raiding and reconnaissance forces, most of which were grouped together as the [[Allied Intelligence Bureau]]. [[Z Special Unit]] conducted raids far behind the front line, including a successful [[Operation Jaywick|raid on Singapore in September 1943]]. [[M Special Unit]], the [[Coastwatchers]] and smaller AIB units also successfully operated behind Japanese lines to collect intelligence.<ref>Long (1963). Pages 617-622.</ref> The RAAF and RAN also formed small elite units, with [[No. 200 Flight RAAF]] providing air transport for the AIB and the RAN's [[Royal Australian Navy Beach Commandos|Beach Commandos]] coordinating amphibious landings.

===Operations against Japan===
[[Image:Blamey Japanese surrender.jpg|thumb|General Thomas Blamey signing the Japanese instrument of surrender on behalf of Australia on 2 September 1945]]

Australia played a minor role in the [[Japan campaign]] in the last months of the war and was planning its participation in the [[Operation Downfall|invasion of Japan]] when the war ended. Several Australian warships operated with the [[British Pacific Fleet]] (BPF) during the [[Battle of Okinawa]] and Australian destroyers later escorted British aircraft carriers and battleships during attacks on targets in the [[Japanese Archipelago|Japanese home islands]].<ref>Gill (1968). Pages 603-607, 611-614, 663-665 and 673-674.</ref> Despite its distance from Japan, Australia was the BPF's main base and a large number of facilities were built to support the fleet.<ref>Horner (1982). Pages 377-381.</ref>

A planned invasion of the Japanese home island of [[Honshū]] in 1946, [[Operation Downfall#Coronet|Operation Coronet]], would probably have included a proposed [[Australian 10th Division]], formed from existing AIF personnel, as part of the [[Commonwealth Corps]] which was to be formed from Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand units. The Australian First Tactical Air Force would have also provided air support to this operation.<ref>Day (1992). Page 299.</ref> Three Australian heavy bomber squadrons were scheduled to be redeployed from Britain to Okinawa to join the [[Air raids on Japan|strategic bombardment of Japan]] as part of [[Tiger Force (air)|Tiger Force]].

The [[nuclear attack]]s on [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] caused [[Surrender of Japan|Japan to surrender]] before invasion became necessary. General Blamey signed the [[Japanese Instrument of Surrender]] on behalf of Australia during the ceremony held on board [[USS Missouri (BB-63)|USS ''Missouri'']] on 2 September 1945. Several RAN warships were also present in [[Tokyo Bay]] during the ceremony.

===Naval war in the Pacific and Indian Ocean===
[[Image:Starr King (AWM 128144).jpg|thumb|The [[United States of America|U.S.]]-registered [[Liberty Ship]] ''[[Starr King]]'' sinking after being attacked near [[Port Macquarie, New South Wales|Port Macquarie]] on [[10 February]] 1943.]]
There was [[Axis naval activity in Australian waters]] throughout the war. In November 1941, the HMAS ''Sydney'' was sunk with the loss of all hands (645 officers and men) after a [[battle between HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran|battle with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran]], off the coast of Western Australia.

Following the Japanese attacks in December 1941 the RAN redeployed its larger ships to home waters to protect the Australian mainland from Japanese attack. At the [[Battle of Java Sea|Battle of Sunda Strait]], in March 1942, the RAN suffered the loss of another Leander class vessel, [[HMAS Perth (1934)|HMAS ''Perth'']].

The RAN took part in the [[Battle of the Coral Sea]] in May 1942, where HMAS ''Australia'' survived a brief but intense attack from Japanese torpedo bombers. The battle averted a Japanese attack on [[Port Moresby]]. [[HMAS Hobart (1939)|HMAS ''Hobart'']] also participated in the battle and would latter participate in the amphibious assaults on the Philippines and Borneo. She was in [[Tokyo]] for the Japanese surrender in 1945.

The most significant Japanese naval attacks in Australian waters occurred in May and June 1942, when [[attack on Sydney Harbour|Japanese submarines attacked Sydney and Newcastle]]. Three Japanese midget submarines were launched but only one actually attacked allied shipping in [[Sydney harbour]], sinking the depot ship [[HMAS Kuttabul (ship)|HMAS ''Kuttabul'']] and damaging a Dutch submarine. On June 8, a Japanese submarine surfaced about 10 km (6 miles) off Sydney. For a four minute period, the submarine's deck gun was fired at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Every shot landed well short of its target, all but one of the shells failed to explode and there were no fatalities or serious injuries. The RAN's biggest single ship loss of the war was the sinking of the heavy cruiser [[HMAS Canberra (1927)|HMAS ''Canberra'']] at the [[Battle of Savo Island]] in August 1942.
[[Image:HMAS Swan guns (079323).jpg|thumb|left|[[HMAS Swan (U 74)|HMAS ''Swan'']] firing on Japanese positions in New Guinea in February 1945]]

The Royal Australian Navy participated the United States-led [[island hopping]] campaign in the Pacific, with the surviving cruisers providing fire support and other ships escorting convoys. At the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]], in October 1944, HMAS ''Australia'' became the first Allied ship to be hit by a [[kamikaze]]. The ship survived that and several other suicide attacks, though many crew members were killed.

At its peak strength on 30 June 1945 the RAN comprised 39,650 personnel and 337 ships in commission, making it the fourth largest navy in the world at that time. A total of 1911 naval personnel died as a result of hostilities and more than 30 Australian warships were lost in the war, making it by far the costliest in the RAN's history.<ref>Frame (2004). Page 196.</ref>

==Australians in other theatres==
[[Image:Mission 204 (P00763001).jpg|thumb|Four members of the Australian contingent to Mission 204 in [[Yunnan Province]], China, during 1942]]
In addition to the major deployments, Australian military units and individual Australian service personnel served in other theatres of the war.

Australia played a minor role in the British-led campaigns against [[Vichy French]] colonial possessions in Africa. In late September 1940 HMAS ''Australia'' took part in the [[Battle of Dakar|British and Free French attempt to capture Dakar]] in which she sank a Vichy French destroyer. The Australian government was not informed of the cruiser's involvement in this operation prior to the battle and complained to the British government.<ref>Horner (1982). Page 40.</ref> Three Australian destroyers also took part in the [[Battle of Madagascar|capture of Madagascar]] in September 1942.<ref>Long (1973). Page 265.</ref> Closer to home, [[HMAS Adelaide (1918)|HMAS ''Adelaide'']] played a significant role in ensuring that [[New Caledonia]] came under [[Free French Forces|Free French]] control in September 1940 by escorting a pro-Free French Governor to [[Noumea]] and taking station off the city during the popular protests which resulted in the Governor replacing the pro-Vichy authorities.<ref>Horner (1982). Page 40.</ref>

Australian warships served in the [[Red Sea]] and [[Persian Gulf]] through much of the war. From June to October 1940 HMAS ''Hobart'' took part in the [[East African Campaign (World War II)|East African Campaign]], and played an important role in the [[Italian conquest of British Somaliland|successful evacuation]] of [[Berbera]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/ships/hobart1.html |title=HMAS ''Hobart'' (I)  |accessdate=2007-12-21 |last= |first= |coauthors= |date= |work=HMA Ship Histories |publisher=Seapower Centre - Australia }}</ref> In May 1941 HMAS ''Yarra'' participated in the [[Anglo-Iraqi War]] by supporting the landing of [[Gurkha]] troops near [[Basra]]. In August 1941 ''Yarra'' and [[HMAS Kanimbla (1936)|HMAS ''Kanimbla'']] took part in the [[Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran]], with ''Yarra'' sinking the Iranian sloop ''Babr'' near Kohorramshahr and ''Kanimbla'' landing troops at Bandar Shapur.<ref>Nash and Stevens (2006). Pages 9-10.</ref> A dozen Australian corvettes also escorted Allied shipping in the Persian Gulf during 1942.<ref>Long (1973). Page 287.</ref>

While most Australian units in the Pacific Theatre fought in the SWPA, thousands of Australians were posted to British units in Burma and India. These included 45 men from the 8th Division who volunteered to train Chinese guerrillas with the British Mission 204 in southern China. Thousands of Australians also served with RAF units in India and Burma, though no RAAF units were deployed to this theatre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/farflung/index.html |title=Far Flung Australians |accessdate=2007-12-02 |format= |work=Australia's War 1939—1945 }}</ref>

In addition to operational deployments, thousands of Australian airmen were trained overseas under the [[Empire Air Training Scheme]]. More than 10,000 were trained in [[Canada]] and 674 in [[Rhodesia]]. While many of these men were posted to Australian [[Article XV squadrons]], the majority served within British and other Dominion squadrons.<ref>Clark (2003)</ref>

==Prisoners of war==
{{sectstub}}
{{see also|Japanese war crimes}}
30,000 Australians were taken [[prisoner of war|prisoner]] by the Axis during the war. Only 14,000 of the 22,000 Australian prisoners taken by the Japanese survived captivity. The majority of these deaths were due to malnutrition and disease. The treatment of Australian POWs led to many Australians continuing to be hostile to Japan after the war.<ref>Macintyre (1999). Pages 192-193.</ref>

==Home front==
[[Image:Victory job (AWM ARTV00332).jpg|thumb|Australian women were encouraged to participate in the war effort]]
{{main|Australian home front during World War II}}
{{sectstub}}
During the war the [[Government of Australia|Australian Government]] greatly expanded its powers in order to better direct the war effort, and Australia's industrial and human resources were focused on supporting the Allied armed forces.

==After the war==
[[Image:HMAS Shropshire (123797).jpg|thumb|[[HMAS Shropshire|HMAS ''Shropshire'']] arriving in Sydney in November 1945 carrying long serving Australian soldiers]]

World War II cost thousands of Australian lives and consumed a large portion of national income. During the war II 27,073 members of the Australian military were killed or died of wounds or died while prisoners of war. Of these, 9,572 were killed in the war against Germany and Italy and 17,501 in the war against Japan. Nearly half of Australia's deaths in the Pacific were prisoners of the Japanese.<ref>Long (1973). Page 474.</ref> In financial terms, total Australian war expenditure was [[Australian pound|£]]2,949,380,000. At its peak in 1942-43 war expenditure accounted for 40.1 percent of national income.<ref>Long (1973). Page 474.</ref>

Compulsory military service ended in 1945, and most Australian personnel had been demobilised by the end of 1946.<ref>Palazzo (2001). Page 191.</ref> A volunteer force was formed as Australia's contribution to the [[British Commonwealth Occupation Force]] in Japan and Australia contributed the majority of the BCOF's personnel for most of the occupation.

World War II led to significant changes to Australian society. In economic terms, the war accelerated the development of Australia's manufacturing industry and led to a large fall in [[unemployment]]. The impact of World War II changed Australia's society, and contributed to the development of a more cosmopolitan society in which women were able to play a larger role. The war also resulted in a greater maturity in Australia's dealings with the world, as demonstrated by Australia developing an independent foreign policy and encouraging mass-migration after the war.<ref>Grey (1999). Page 191.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Conscription in Australia]]
* [[Planned invasion of Australia during World War II]]
* [[South West Pacific Area]]
* [[Australia in the War of 1939–1945]]

==Notes==
{{Portalpar|Military of Australia|Adf.jpg}}
{{commons|Category:Military history of Australia during World War II|Military history of Australia during World War II}}

{{reflist}}

==References==
===Books===
* {{cite book |last=Adam-Smith |first=Patsy |authorlink=Patsy Adam-Smith |title=Australian Women at War |year=1984 |publisher=Thomas Nelson Australia |location=Melbourne |isbn=0170064085 }}
* {{cite book |last=Brune |first=Peter |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=A Bastard of a Place. The Australians in Papua |year=2003 |publisher=[[Allen & Unwin]] |location=Sydney |isbn=1741140110 }}
* {{cite book |last=Coates |first=John |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=An Atlas of Australia's Wars |year=2006 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0195559142 }}
* {{cite book |last=Coulthard-Clark |first=Chris |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Encyclopaedia of Australia's Battles |year=2001 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Sydney |isbn= }}
* {{cite book |title=Reluctant Nation: Australia and the Allied Defeat of Japan, 1942–1945 |last=Day |first=David |authorlink=David Day (historian) |coauthors= |year=1992 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |isbn=0195532422 |pages= }}
* {{cite book |last=Day |first=David |authorlink=David Day (historian) |coauthors= |title=John Curtin. A life |year=1999 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers |location=Sydney |isbn=0732264138 }}
* {{cite book |last=Frame |first=Tom |authorlink=Tom Frame (bishop) |coauthors= |title=No Pleasure Cruise. The Story of the Royal Australian Navy |year=2004 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Sydney |isbn=1741142334 }}
* {{cite book |last=Gill |first=G. Hermon |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Royal Australian Navy 1942-1945 |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=25 |series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 2 – Navy |year=1968 |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra |isbn= }}
* {{cite book |last=Grey |first=Jeffrey |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=A Military History of Australia |year=1999 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0521644836 }}
* {{cite book |last=Grey |first=Jeffrey |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Australian Army |edition=1st edition |series=The Australian centenary history of defence |year=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0195541146 }}
* {{cite book |last=Hasluck |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Hasluck |coauthors= |title=The Government and the People 1942-1945 |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=31 |series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 4 – Civil |year=1970 |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra |isbn= 6429367X }}
* {{cite book |last=Horner |first=David |authorlink=David Horner |coauthors= |title=Crisis of Command. Australian Generalship and the Japanese Threat, 1941-1943 |year=1978 |publisher=Australian National University Press |location=Canberra |isbn=0708113451 }}
* {{cite book |last=Horner |first=David |authorlink=David Horner |coauthors= |title=High Command. Australia and Allied strategy 1939-1945 |year=1982 |publisher=Allen & Unwin with the assistance of the Australian War Memorial |location=Sydney |isbn=0868610763 }}
* {{cite book |last=Long |first=Gavin |authorlink=Gavin Long |coauthors= |title=To Benghazi |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=17 |series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 1 – Army |year=1961 (reprint) |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra |isbn= }}
* {{cite book |last=Long |first=Gavin |authorlink=Gavin Long |coauthors= |title=The Final Campaigns |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=23 |series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 1 – Army |year=1963 |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra |isbn= }}
* {{cite book |last=Long |first=Gavin |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Six Years War. A Concise History of Australia in the 1939-1945 War |year=1973 |publisher=The Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Printing Service |location=Canberra |isbn=0642993750 }}
* {{cite book |last=Macintyre |first=Stuart |authorlink=Stuart Macintyre |coauthors= |title=The Oxford History of Australia. Volume 4: 1901-1942 The Succeeding Age |year=1986 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0195546121 }}
* {{cite book |last=Macintyre |first=Stuart |authorlink=Stuart Macintyre |coauthors= |title=A Concise History of Australia |year=1999 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0521625777 }}
* {{cite book |last=McKernan |first=Michael |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=All In! Australia During the Second World War |year=1983 |publisher=Thomas Nelson Australia |location=Melbourne |isbn=0170059464 }}
* {{cite book |last=McKernan |first=Michael |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Strength of a Nation. Six years of Australians fighting for the nation and defending the homeland during WWII |year=2006 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location= Sydney |isbn=9781741147148 }}
* {{cite book |title=Australia's Navy in the Gulf. From Countenance to Catalyst, 1941-2006 |last=Nash |first=Greg |authorlink= |coauthors=Stevens, David |year=2006 |publisher=Topmill |location=Sydney |isbn= }}
* {{cite book |last=Odgers |first=George |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Air War Against Japan 1943-1945 |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=27 |series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 3 – Air |year=1968 (reprint) |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra |isbn= }}
* {{cite book |title=The Australian Army. A History of its Organisation 1901—2001 |last=Palazzo |first=Albert |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2001 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0195515072 }}
* {{cite book |title=The Shadow's Edge. Australia's Northern War |last=Powell |first=Alan  |year=1988 |publisher=Melbourne University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0522843719 }}
* {{cite book |last=Ross |first=A.T. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Armed and Ready. The Industrial Development & Defence of Australia 1900-1945 |year=1994 |publisher=Turton & Armstrong |location=Sydney |isbn=0908031637 }}
*{{cite book|last=Stephens| first=Alan|origyear=2001|year=2006| title=The Royal Australian Air Force: A History| location=London| publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=0195555414}}
* {{cite book |last=Stevens |first=David |title=A Critical Vulnerability: The Impact of the Submarine Threat on Australia’s Maritime Defence (1915-1954)|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/maritimepapers/piama15/piama15_full.pdf |format=PDF |series=Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs (No. 15) |year=2005 |publisher=Sea Power Centre - Australia |location=Canberra|isbn=0642296251 }}
* {{cite book |last=Stevens |first=David |authorlink= |editor=David Stevens |title=The Royal Australian Navy in World War II |origyear=1996 |url= |edition=2nd edition |year=2005 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Sydney |isbn=1741141842 |chapter=South-West Sea Frontiers: Sea power in the Australian context }}
* {{cite book |last=Wigmore |first=Lionel |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Japanese Thrust |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=20 |series=Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 1 – Army |year=1957 |publisher=Australian War Memorial |location=Canberra |isbn= }}

===Journal articles and papers===
* {{cite conference |first=Chris |last=Clark |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Empire Air Training Scheme | conference =Australian War Memorial 2003 History Conference - Air War Europe |booktitle=Conference website |pages= |publisher=Australian War Memorial |date=2003 |location=Canberra |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/events/conference/2003/clark.asp |accessdate=2007-12-22 |id= }}
* {{cite conference
 | first =John
 | last =Coates
 | authorlink =
 | coauthors =
 | date =
 | year =2004
 | month =
 | title =The War in New Guinea 1943-44: Operations and Tactics
 | conference =The Chief of Army's History Conference 2003
 | booktitle =Foundations of Victory. The Pacific War 1943-1944: The Chief of Army's History Conference 2003
 | editor =Peter Dennis and Jeffrey Grey
 | publisher =Army History Unit
 | location =Canberra
 | pages =44-75
 | isbn =0646435906
}}
* {{cite conference
 | first =David
 | last =Horner
 | authorlink =David Horner
 | coauthors =
 | title =Defending Australia in 1942
 | booktitle =The Pacific War 1942
 | pages =1-20
 | publisher =Department of History, Australian Defence Force Academy
 | date =1993
 | location =Canberra
 | url =
 | accessdate =
 | issn = 07292473
}}
* {{Cite web|last=Horner| first=David| year=2002| title=The Evolution of Australian Higher Command Arrangements| url=http://www.defence.gov.au/adc/cdclms/Command%20evolution.doc| work=Command Papers| format = doc | publisher=Centre for Defence Leadership Studies, Australian Defence College}}
* {{cite conference
 | first =Peter
 | last =Stanley
 | authorlink =
 | coauthors =
 | date =
 | year =2002
 | month =
 | title ="He’s (not) Coming South": the invasion that wasn’t
 | conference =Remembering 1942
 | conferenceurl =http://www.awm.gov.au/events/conference/2002/
 | booktitle =Conference Papers
 | editor =
 | others =
 | volume =
 | edition =
 | publisher =
 | location =
 | pages =
 | url =http://www.awm.gov.au/events/conference/2002/stanley_paper.pdf
 | format = PDF
 | accessdate =2007-10-05
 | doi =
 | id =
}}
* {{cite journal |last=Stanley |first=Peter |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=2007 |month= |title=What is the Battle for Australia? |journal=Australian Army Journal |volume=4 |issue=2, Winter 2007 |pages=17-34 | format = PDF |url=http://www.army.gov.au/lwsc/Publications/journal/AAJ_Winter2007/AAJ_Winter07_Stanley.pdf |accessdate= 2007-09-16 |quote= }}

===External links===
* {{cite web |url=http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/index/ww2.asp |title=Second World War |accessdate= |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Australian War Memorial]] }}
* {{cite web |url=http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/ajrp/remember.nsf/ |title=Remembering the War in New Guinea |accessdate= |last= |first= |coauthors= |date=2003 |work=[http://ajrp.awm.gov.au/ajrp/ajrp2.nsf/ Australia-Japan Research Project] |publisher=[[Australian War Memorial]] }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/index.html |title=Australia's War 1939—1945 |accessdate= |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia)|Department of Veterans' Affairs]] }}


{{Australian Military History}}
{{WWIIHistory}}

[[Category:Military history of Australia during World War II| ]]