World War II contributed to major changes in the nation's economy, military and foreign policy. While the military was largely relegated to subsidiary fronts from mid-1944, it continued offensive operations against the Japanese until the war ended. From 1942 until early 1944, Australian forces played a key role in the Pacific War, making up the majority of Allied strength throughout much of the fighting in the South West Pacific theatre. However, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy units and personnel continued to take part in the war against Germany and Italy. Many more suffered from tropical disease, hunger, and harsh conditions in captivity of the 21,467 Australian prisoners taken by the Japanese, only 14,000 survived.Īustralian Army units were gradually withdrawn from the Mediterranean and Europe following the outbreak of war with Japan. Its casualties from enemy action during the war were 27,073 killed and 23,477 wounded. In addition, Australia came under direct attack for the first time in its post-colonial history.
By the end of the war, almost a million Australians had served in the armed forces, whose military units fought primarily in the European theatre, North African campaign, and the South West Pacific theatre. Australia later entered into a state of war with other members of the Axis powers, including the Kingdom of Italy on 11 June 1940, and the Empire of Japan on 9 December 1941. Australia's military engagements, 1939–1945Īn Australian light machine gun team in action during the Aitape–Wewak campaign, June 1945.Īustralia entered World War II on 3 September 1939, following the government's acceptance of the United Kingdom's declaration of war on Nazi Germany.
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