Commemorating the Battle for Australia
On the first Wednesday in September, we commemorate Battle for Australia Day.
Prime Minister John Curtin used the term 'Battle for Australia' after Singapore fell to Japanese forces on 15 February 1942:
‘Just as Dunkirk began the Battle for Britain, so does Singapore open the Battle for Australia. It is now work or fight as we have never worked or fought before. On what we do now depends on everything we hope to do when this bloody test has been survived.’
Four days later, the Australian mainland was attacked by Japanese aircraft during the Bombing of Darwin. Fears of invasion grew.
In response, thousands of Australians were engaged in multiple actions against Japanese forces between 1942 and 1943. These battles aimed to defend Australia and stop the Japanese from advancing further south.
The events which define the Battle for Australia include the Bombing of Darwin, the attack on Sydney Harbour, the Battle of Milne Bay, the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and the Guadalcanal and Kokoda campaigns.
On days like today, we preserve the memory of those who answered the call to defend our nation during the Second World War and share their stories of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
To learn more about the Battle for Australia, visit our Anzac Portal.
Perth, WA. 1942-11-03. The Prime Minister of Australia, the right Honourable John Curtin, inspecting troops of the A.I.F. before they march through the city of Perth in support of the 100,000,000 pounds austerity loan.
Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.