-
Conscription introduced into Australia
Conscription in Australia, or mandatory military service also known as national service, has a controversial history dating back to the first years of nationhood. Australia currently has no provision for conscription. -
Australia declares war on Germany
After Great Britain declared war on Germany Australia did 3rd sept 1939, we sent the 6th/7th/9th division of the AIF -
9th Division Returns to Australia
Was active from 1940-1943, size 16,000-18,000 infantry, second Australian Imperial force (2nd AIF), returned to Australia 24th Jan 1943. -
Australian fighter pilots participated in the Battle of Britain
This air campaign, known as the Battle of Britain, officially lasted from 10 July to 31 October 1940. The battle began with German attacks on coastal convoys in an effort to draw RAF fighters into battle. -
Australia declares war on japan
One hour after Japanese bombers struck at Hawaii on the morning of December 7, 1941, Prime Minister John Curtin of Australia declared that "from one hour ago, Australia has been at war with the Japanese Empire. -
Japanese aircraft bomb Darwin
On 19 February 1942, 188 Japanese planes were launched against Darwin, whose harbour was full of Allied ships. It was the largest Japanese attack since Pearl Harbour, 7 December 1941, and followed a reconnaissance flight on 10 February 1942. -
Japanese midget submarines attack Sydney harbour
In the late afternoon of 31 May 1942 three Japanese submarines, I-22, I-24 and I-27, sitting about seven nautical miles (13 kilometres) out from Sydney Harbour, each launched a Type A midget submarine for an attack on shipping in Sydney Harbour. -
Battle of El Alamein
Three major battles occurred around El Alamein between July and November 1942, and were the turning point of the war in North Africa. The Australian 9th Division, led by Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, played a key role in two of these battles, enhancing its reputation earned defending Tobruk during 1941. -
Australians defeat Japanese landings at Milne bay
August 25th – September 6th 1942, August 25th Australian Forces compromising the 2/9, 2/12, 2/10, 25, 9 and 61 battalions are stationed at Milne Bay. On September 6th after evacuating the main body of Japanese forces from waga waga, Japanese cruisers again enter the bay at night and sink the M.V. Anshun. -
Australian recapture Kokoda
The Kokoda Trail campaign had ended with a whimper, some three and half months after it had begun. The actual moment is best summarised by the Official History: ‘So, quietly, the Australians re-entered Kokoda. -
9th Division Returns to Australia
The 9th division was active from 1940-1943 it contained about 16,000-18,000 infantry it was apart of the second Australian Imperial force (2nd AIF). -
Australians capture Madang
Australian troops moving north along the coast of Bogadjim on Monday seized Madang. -
Australians capture Brunei
The Battle of North Borneo took place during the Second World War between Allied and Japanese forces. Part of the wider Borneo campaign of the Pacific War, it was fought between 10 June and 15 August 1945 in North Borneo.
