Australia’s War Experience

Question 1

Kokoda Campaign

Answer 1

Fought in Papua New Guinea (1942) to stop Japanese from reaching Port Moresby.
Harsh jungle conditions: steep terrain, disease, and lack of supplies.
Mainly young, inexperienced Australian militia (Citizen Military Forces).
Helped by local Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
Turning point: Australians pushed Japanese back by November 1942.
First time Australians defended land so close to home.

Question 2

Theatres of War

Answer 2

Europe/North Africa:
Fought in Tobruk, Greece, Crete, and El Alamein.
Helped defeat German and Italian forces in North Africa.

Pacific/Asia:
After Japan entered the war (1941), focus shifted to the Pacific.
Fought in Malaya, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Borneo.
Over 22,000 Australians captured in Fall of Singapore.

Question 3

Australian Home Front

Answer 3

• First Nations: Many enlisted; faced racism; denied benefits post-war.
• Japanese Attacks: Bombed Darwin (1942), attacked Sydney Harbour; raised fear of invasion.
• National Security Act: Gave federal government control; censored media, interned ‘enemy aliens’.
• Cowra Breakout: 1944 mass escape by Japanese POWs; 231 Japanese & 4 Australians died.
• Women in War: Took male jobs, joined services (AWAS, WAAAF); helped war effort but few long-term rights.