Australia's Participation in War

By Erin_Bradshaw
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    Australias War involvement

  • The Boer War

    From 1899 until 1902 the Boer war took place in the area that is know known as South Africa. The war took place due to Britain wanting to take control or of the Gold mines that were in the Boer states. Australia came to the aid of Britain and helped them throughout the war. Of the 16,000 Australian troops involved in the war, sadly 600 were killed.

  • First World War

    When Britain and Germany went to war on the 4th of August in 1914, Australia showed their full support and pledged to join British soldiers at war. On the 11th of September in 1914 Australian troops landed in Rabaul, and this was Australia’s first participation. Anther important event was on the 25th of April in 1915, when Australian soldiers first entered Gallipoli. During the first world war, Australia showed enthusiasm to help with 416,809 men enlisting to go to war.

  • Second world war

    Just under a million Australians served in the second world war. Australian troops fought against Germany and Italy whilst in Europe and Japan in parts of the Pacific. During the second world war Australia had its first attack on Australian soil, the bombing of Pearl Harbour. There were aproximately 39,648 casualties during the second world war.

  • Malayan Emergency

    Australia's involvement in the Malayan Emergency began when the RAAF arrived in Singapore in 1950. There were approximately 39 Australian Casualties in the Malayan emergency recorded from the 16th of June in 1948 until the 31st of July 1960.

  • Korean War

    In 1950 Australia became involved in the Korean war in the defense of South Korea. During the time span of the 27th of June 1950 until the 17th of July 1953 the Korean war caused approximately 340 Australian casualties.

  • Vietnam War

    The first Australian soldiers arrived in Vietnam in July and August in 1962. Nearly 60,000 soldiers from the navy, army and air force were involved in the war. There were 3000 soldiers wounded and 521 diseased by the end of Australias involvement in 1975.

  • First Gulf War

    When Iraq invaded a neighnbour known for exporting oil, Kuwait, Australia joined the coalition to move against Iraq. There were 1,872 Australian soldiers deployed and none were killed or wounded, therefore it was quite an uneventful war.