Text Size:  Normal text size  Normal text size  Normal text size Print this page Print page Email this page Email page

Key Dates in Australia's Military History: 1939

<< previous | content | next >>

Recruits for the second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) at the Melbourne Showground, 1939.

Recruits for the second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) at the Melbourne Showground, 1939.
(AWM 000172)

3 September

Great Britain declares war on Germany.  Prime Minister Robert Menzies announces that, as a consequence of Britain’s declaration, Australia is also at war.

5 September

Formation of Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF) and call for volunteers.

27 November

Volunteers from the Country Women's Association (CWA) pack Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) parcels for sending overseas to service personnel.

Volunteers from the Country Women's Association (CWA) pack Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) parcels for sending overseas to service personnel.
(AWM J08031)

Inauguration of Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS).

5 December

A Sunderland aircraft of  No.10 Squadron RAAF, part of the RAF Coastal Command, flies on the first official RAAF operation of World War 2.

 

 

 

<< previous | content | next >>