Lyla Lindsey
Australia's involvement in World War II began on September 3, 1939, when Prime Minister Robert Gordon Menzies announced the country's participation in the conflict. Throughout the war, almost a million Australians served in the armed forces, with men and women fighting in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, as well as against Japan in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Australian mainland also came under direct attack for the first time, with Japanese aircraft bombing towns in northwest Australia and submarines targeting Sydney Harbour. By the war's end, Australia had suffered significant casualties, with over 27,000 killed and 23,000 wounded in action, not including those who fell victim to accidents, disease, or natural causes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Australians who served in the armed forces | Almost 1 million |
| Number of Australians killed | 27,073 |
| Number of Australians wounded | 23,477 |
| Number of Australian prisoners of war | 21,467 |
| Number of Australians who died in captivity | 7,467 |
| Number of Australians trained through EATS | 28,000 |
| Number of Japanese POWs who died during a breakout in Cowra, New South Wales | 231 |
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What You'll Learn
Australian deaths and injuries in World War II
During World War II, Australia faced the direct threat of invasion for the first time in its history. Australians fought in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, and against Japan in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The Australian Army suffered heavy casualties, with over 27,000 killed and 23,000 wounded in action. In addition, hundreds more servicemen and women died or were injured in accidents during the war. The Army recorded 1,165 killed and died of injuries in operational areas, and 33,396 soldiers were wounded or injured. Non-operational area casualties were also significant, with 2,051 killed or died of wounds and 121,800 wounded or injured. These figures exclude deaths and injuries from natural causes, including diseases.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) suffered 177 non-battle casualties, and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) suffered 6,271 casualties. The RAAF played a crucial role in the war, with airmen serving in the Mediterranean theatre until the end of 1942.
The war demanded a heavy toll from Australia, with almost a million Australians serving in the armed forces. The threat of invasion was very real, with Japanese aircraft bombing towns in northwest Australia and submarines attacking Sydney Harbour. The war's end brought relief, with the German surrender in May 1945 and Japan's acceptance of unconditional surrender in August 1945.
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Australian POWs in World War II
During World War II, more than 30,000 Australians became prisoners of war (POWs). The Australian POWs were captured by the Germans, Italians, and Japanese between 1940 and 1945. Of the 8,000 Australians taken prisoner by Germany and Italy, 265 died during their captivity. The majority of these men were captured during the fighting in Greece and Crete in 1941, with the next largest group being 1,400 airmen shot down over Europe. The captured Australians were generally treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and were held in permanent camps in Italy and Germany. As the war progressed, the Germans moved prisoners towards the interior of the country to prevent them from being liberated by the advancing Allied armies. These movements, often through forced marches in harsh weather, resulted in many deaths.
During the Pacific War, the Japanese captured 22,000 Australians, including soldiers, sailors, airmen, members of the army nursing service, and civilians. They were imprisoned in camps throughout Japanese-occupied territories in Borneo, Korea, Manchuria, Hainan, Rabaul, Ambon, Singapore, Timor, Java, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, and Japan itself. Out of these prisoners, only 13,872 were recovered at the end of the war, with one-third of the prisoners having died.
The experiences of Australian POWs in World War II highlight the horrors and sacrifices endured by those who served their country. The prisoners' stories, preserved through commemorations and personal accounts, showcase their resilience and the values they fought to defend. The prisoners' contributions and legacy are remembered through memorials and on occasions like Remembrance Day.
One such story is that of Queenslander William Shaw Thompson, who enlisted in the AIF during WWII at just 21 years old. He became a gunner with the 2/10 Field Regiment and marked his 23rd birthday in Singapore, just as the Japanese advanced towards the Australian forces on the island. After the Allied surrender, Bill Thompson endured three and a half years as a POW, one of 15,000 Australians who shared this fate in Singapore. In a letter home in 1945, he wrote, "I won't tell you any more of my experiences, mother, as I think they are better forgotten." Bill returned to Queensland after the war and lived a long life, passing away in 2010, always carrying the weight of his wartime experiences.
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Australian women's involvement in World War II
During World War II, almost a million Australians served, including both men and women. Australian women were eager to contribute their skills to the "war effort", but there was still some resistance to the notion of a woman doing a "man's job". Despite this, women's services were required due to labour shortages. By 1942, women's units had been formed across all arms of the defence forces, including the Women's Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF), the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS), the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS), and the Australian Army Medical Women's Service (AAMWS). Over 66,000 women enlisted to take up opportunities in these services.
Australian women also served in the Australian Army Nursing Service, with some nurses paying their own way to be involved in the war effort. They faced many challenges, including supporting their families on rations and welcoming home wounded husbands or fathers.
In addition to serving in the armed forces, Australian women contributed to the war effort in other ways. The Australian Women's Land Army, for example, was formed during World War II. While the exact nature of this organisation's role is unclear, it may have been involved in providing comfort and support to troops, as was the case for many Australian women during World War I.
Overall, the involvement of Australian women in World War II was significant, and they played an important role in the country's war effort. Their contributions helped to progress women's rights in Australia, challenging the notion that certain jobs were only suitable for men.
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Australian airmen in World War II
During World War II, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) played a significant role in the conflict, with Australian airmen serving in various theatres of the war. The RAAF's contribution to the strategic air offensive in Europe was crucial to Australia's efforts against Germany. Approximately 13,000 Australian airmen served in dozens of British and five Australian squadrons in RAF Bomber Command between 1940 and the end of the war. While most Australians served in British squadrons, the Australian bomber squadrons were an integral part of the RAF units. The majority of these aircrew in Bomber Command were graduates of the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS).
The RAAF also took part in the Battle of the Atlantic, with No. 10 Squadron, based in Britain, flying anti-submarine patrols throughout the conflict. Hundreds of Australian airmen served in RAF Coastal Command squadrons, and their contribution to the Allied operations was significant. The RAAF's role in the strategic bombing of Germany and the protection of Allied shipping in the Atlantic was of great importance. Additionally, during the Battle of Britain in 1940, over 100 Australian airmen fought alongside the RAF, with more than 30 serving as fighter pilots.
In the Mediterranean theatre, Australian airmen served with 3 Squadron, RAAF, and the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAAF's involvement in the Mediterranean included the successful Allied invasion of Syria and the defence against German attacks in Libya. The Australian airmen also played a crucial role in the Pacific theatre, with squadrons based in Port Moresby conducting long-range reconnaissance patrols over northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. The 8th Division, which included airmen, suffered significant losses in 1942 after Japan entered the war.
Overall, the RAAF had approximately 218,300 members during World War II, and their contributions and sacrifices were instrumental in the war effort. The airmen of the RAAF served with valour and distinction, making a significant impact on the outcome of World War II.
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Australian soldiers in North Africa
During World War II, Australia suffered heavy losses, with over 27,000 killed and 23,000 wounded in action. Hundreds more servicemen and women were killed and injured in accidents.
In North Africa, Australian troops fought alongside the Allies against German and Italian forces. The first major land battle involving Australian soldiers in North Africa took place in January 1941, when the 6th Division and other Allied troops engaged Italian forces at Bardia, Libya. The Australians successfully captured Bardia, taking over 40,000 Italians as prisoners. Advancing west along the Libyan coast, the 6th Division captured Tobruk from the Italians in January 1941, and the town became a garrison for Australian and British forces.
However, by April 1941, German forces under the command of Erwin Rommel had begun to surround Tobruk. For eight months, from April to December 1941, Australian forces, including the 9th Division and a Brigade of the 7th Division, played a prominent role in the defence of the town. The Siege of Tobruk was a costly battle, with both sides employing aircraft and artillery in an attempt to gain the upper hand. During the siege, Australian forces held out against repeated German attacks, with up to 14,000 Australians defending the Libyan port.
The 9th Division remained in North Africa after the Siege of Tobruk and played a crucial role in the Allied victory at El Alamein in October 1942. The efforts of Australian soldiers in North Africa contributed to the eventual defeat of Axis powers in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia lost 27,073 people during World War II. This number includes those killed in action and those who died of injuries in operational areas.
23,477 Australians were wounded during the war.
Yes, many Australians suffered from tropical diseases, hunger, and harsh conditions in captivity. Out of the 21,467 Australian prisoners taken by the Japanese, only 14,000 survived.
