Key Dates in Australia's Military History: World War Two – 1944
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October 1943 – January 1944
Lieutenant RW Sanders, the first aboriginal to obtain a commission in the Australian Army, is congratulated by Lieutenant TC Derrick VC, 2/48th Battalion, 25 November 1944.
(AWM negative 083166)
Australian campaign defeats the Japanese forces in the Markham and Ramu Valleys and along the Kankiryo Saddle (Shaggy Ridge) in New Guinea.
27 March
Australian Government launches first Victory Loan, aimed at raising ₤150 million ($300 million) for the war effort. Twelve major Government war loans would be offered to the Australian public during World War 2.
24 April
Capture of Madang, New Guinea.
April 1944 – January 1945
Ships of the Royal Australian Navy support the American landings along the north coast of New Guinea, at Morotai, and are in involved in naval actions in the American invasion of the Phillippines.
6 June
D-Day: the Allied invasion of the European mainland. RAAF aircrew of Bomber
Command participate in many invasion air operations.5 August
Mass breakout of Japanese prisoners of war from Cowra camp, NSW.
20 September
Australian cameraman Damien Parer is killed in action while filming American troops on Peleliu. Parer shot what has been considered Australia’s most famous war film—Kokoda Front Line. The film won an Academy Award and brought the experiences of Australian soldiers on the Kokoda track in 1942 to an international public.
15 November
Government approves sending of members of the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) to New Guinea to replace men for service in forward areas. Members of the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) and the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS) are already serving in New Guinea.
November 1944 – August 1945
Australian forces advance on the island of New Britain and contain Japanese forces in Rabaul.
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