Australians at War (WWII) By 18butlercr Sep 1, 1939 Australian declares war on Germany Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies declares war on Germany. Period: Sep 1, 1939 to Nov 1, 1942 Time Jan 1, 1940 Australian Troops sail to the MIddle East. Oct 1, 1940 John Curtain is Prime MInister Dec 1, 1941 Australia declares war on Japan. Feb 1, 1942 Japan bombs Darwin Mar 1, 1942 Japanese Troops move to New Guinea May 1, 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea Jul 1, 1942 Australian Troops begon work on the Kokoda Track Nov 1, 1942 Australian's recapture Kokoda