Australian Involvement in WWll

Australia Declares War on Germany

Sep 3, 1939

After Great Britain declared war on Germany on the 3rd of September, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies followed and did the same.

Australian Pilots Fight in The Battle of Britain

Jul 10, 1940

Australian pilots helped Great Britain push back Germany in one of the largest aerial fights of all time.

HMAS Sydney Sunk

Nov 19, 1941

After a fight with a German cruiser, both ships were sunk and lost until 2008.

Australia Declares War on Japan

Dec 9, 1941

One hour after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, Australian Prime Minister John Curtin declared war on Japan.

Surrender of Singapore

Feb 15, 1942

Combined, 80 000 Australian, British and Indian troops surrendered to a smaller Japanese force,

Bombing of Darwin

Feb 19, 1942

242 japanese aircraft bombed ships in the harbour and the towns two airfields to stop the Allies using Darwin as a base.

Japanese Submarines Attack Sydney Harbour

May 31, 1942

Three Japanese midget submarines snuck into Sydney harbour, killing 21 Australian sailors.

First Battle of El Almanein

Jul 1, 1942

Although the battle was a stalemate, it halted the advance of the Axis forces into Egypt.

HMAS Canberra Sunk

Aug 9, 1942

At the start of the Battle of Savo Island, HMAS Canberra was badly damaged. Unable to move, the cruiser was evacuated and sunk.

Australia Recapture Kokoda

Nov 2, 1942

Australia recaptured Kokoda trail from the Japan, which was a key strategic location.

Conscription Bill Passed

Feb 19, 1943

After much debate, a bill for conscripition was finally passed which obliged conscripted soldiers to serve Australia.

9th Division Return to Australia

Mar 24, 1943

After the Siege of Tobruk, the First and second battle of El Alamein, the 9th division finally returned to Australia.

Japanese Surrender

Sep 2, 1945

After the Americans dropped 2 atomic bombs on Japan, the Japanese were forced to surrender.