The Shadow of War

In September 1939, Europe was plunged into war when German troops invaded Poland. When Britain declared war on Germany, the Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies informed the nation that Australia was also at war. Australia’s Military Forces were mobilised and, by late 1940, were engaged in fierce fighting far from Australian shores at sea, in the air over Europe, and across North Africa.

From September 1939 the shadow of war spread across the land masses of Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa and over the Atlantic and Southern Oceans.

In December 1941 Japanese Forces simultaneously attacked targets on Hawaii and across South East Asia, bringing America into the War and posing a direct threat to Australia.

Australia Under Attack

The War Memorial in Canberra has an excellent web site Australia Under Attack 1942-1943. Many Australians believed they were under threat of imminent invasion and the site explores some of the reasons why.

The site includes some fascinating information in a series of categories including Australia under attack, mobilisation, the end in sight, through objects, artworks, photographs, documents and education from the Memorial’s extensive collections.

Click HERE to view this excellent site.