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During the initial years of the Second World War, Australia’s military strategy was closely aligned with that of the United Kingdom. As a result, most Australian military units deployed overseas in 1940–1941 were sent to North Africa and the Mediterranean where they formed a key part of the Commonwealth forces.
On 19 February 1942, just four days after the Fall of Singapore, mainland Australia came under attack for the first time, when 242 Japanese fighters, bombers and dive bombers attacked Darwin.
Between 1950 and 1953, personnel from the Australian Navy, Army and Air Force fought as part of the United Nations (UN) force defending South Korea from a communist North Korean invasion that was later strongly supported by China.
The Battle of Maryang San was fought on 3-8 October 1951. It is described in the official history as the greatest single feat of the Australian Army during the Korean War.
The Battle of Kapyong was fought between 23–25 April 1951. It is considered one of the decisive battles of the Korean War.
Following the end of the Gallipoli campaign, a large part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) transferred from Egypt to the Western Front. Those who remained, mostly members of the Light Horse, fought a mobile war against the (Ottoman) Turkish Empire in the Middle East.
With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the Australian Government pledged full support to Britain. In 1915 Australians became involved in an Anglo-French campaign at Gallipoli to ease Turkish pressure on Britain’s ally, Russia.
During the First and Second World Wars, hundreds of thousands of Australia’s men were deployed overseas. Many of those who remained at home contributed enormously to the war effort, particularly during the Second World War when everyone was compelled to make sacrifices and many volunteered their time and labour.
National service is compulsory service in the military. Australia has a long tradition of national service, with four separate national service schemes dating back to the early years of the 20th century. The more than 280,000 national servicemen who served between 1951–1972 are affectionately known as the Nashos.