Australia Begins Preparations to Defend Itself
The challenge of war led to new perspectives on Britain for the countries within the Commonwealth.
The war was challenging the established power relationships between nations. While in Britain there was shock at the loss of Singapore, an omen for the loss of Empire, in Australia there was a much more pressing realisation – that there was a real threat of invasion of Australia itself.
John Curtin, Australian Prime Minister now signalled a realignment of loyalties. It was a practical response to the reality of the situation – who was best placed to stand beside Australia. From North Africa Australian troops, from the 6th and 7th Divisions, were now pulled back to defend the homeland, Curtin refused to allow Australian troops to be diverted to defend Burma. The 9th Division would continue to distinguish itself in the Desert war – but would not participate when the war returned to the European mainland. Thousands of Australian airmen in the RAF and RAAF would continue the fight against Germany until the end.