During the Second World War thousands of Australian’s were engaged in combat across the Pacific. These battles against Japanese forces formed what is now known as the Battle for Australia. Battle for Australia Day was formally recognised by the Australian Government in 2008. Each year on the first Wednesday of September we reflect and commemorate the bravery of those who served on Australia’s home front protecting our way of life. It is a reminder of the challenging times Australian’s faced between 1942 and 1945.
Australia at war
In the early 1940s, thousands of young Australians left their homes and families to serve and defend their homeland.
Between late 1941 and early 1942 as Germany became closer to European domination, Japanese forces swiftly moved south.
On February 15, 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese.
On February 19, 1942, approximately 240 Japanese aircraft raided Darwin. More than 240 civilians, Australian and US servicemen and women were killed, 8 ships were sunk in Darwin Harbour.
On March 3, 1942, Japanese forces attacked Broome destroying aircraft and flying boats which were in the bay for refuelling. Although unconfirmed it is believed 89 people were killed.
On the evening of May 31 and early morning June 1, 1942, Japanese Midget submarines launched an attack on Sydney Harbour. HMAS Kuttabul was sunk, killing 21 sailors.
During 1942 and 1943 Australia suffered numerous attacks from the Japanese, many coastal towns, and cities to the north were bombed. A trail of destruction was left behind with many people losing their lives.
Battles around Australia
The Battle of the Coral Sea is the largest naval battle fought off Australian shores and it is often described as the battle that saved Australia.
During early May 1942 in waters off the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, Allied forces prevented a Japanese sea invasion of Port Moresby. Although a tactical victory for Japan in terms of vessels sunk, this battle was a strategic victory for Allied forces and would expose a Japanese vulnerability over the coming months as Allied forces defeated the Japanese at the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay.
Australian men and women also played vital roles in battles in Buna, Gona and Sanananda in Papua, and Wau, the Huon Peninsula, Wewak and Bougainville in New Guinea.
The war has ended
The Second World War ended on August 15, 1945, Australia will never forget the significant role our country played alongside the Allied forces during the war and the way it helped shape our nation today.
Thousands of Australians lost their lives, were wounded, and or became prisoners throughout the war efforts. Every campaign fought during the Battle for Australia is remembered today as we pause and give thanks, reflecting on those who fought and served Australia. May we be eternally grateful for the freedoms we are afforded and have come to enjoy in our great nation.
Lest we forget.
Danielle Ridgway
Defence School Mentor