A two minute breakdown of Australians at War – “We will remember them”
World War One – 1914-1918
-Also known as the Great War, WWI began in 1914.
-416, 809 Australian men between the ages of 18 and 44 were deployed.
-More than 60,000 of them were killed.
-156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner.
World War Two – 1939-1945
-Almost one million Australians served in World War Two.
-It was the war which saw the Australian mainland come under direct attack for the first time.
-Australia lost 34,000 service personal in World War Two.
-Total battle casualties was 72,814.
-Over 31,000 Australians became prisoners of war.
Other wars and peacekeeping missions
-Since World War Two, Australians have taken part in many other wars and conflicts, including Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and the “War on Terror”. In some conflicts, Australian troops have marched in the front line, in others they have have worked as peacekeepers and humanitarians.
What does Remembrance Day symbolise?
At 11am on November 11, 1918, guns on the Western Front fell silent, after more than four years of continuous warfare.
The agreement to end the fighting was an “Armistice”.
The day of remembrance was originally known as Armistice Day, until after World War Two, when it was renamed to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars.
The day now commemorates those killed and who served in World Wars and the 65,000 Australians who have served in more than 50 peacekeeping operations since 1947.
Current Peacekeeping missions for the Australian Defence Force
The United Nations, in which Australia is a non currently has 25 peacekeeping missions active, including Operation Fortitude in Syria, Operation Aslan (South Sudan) and Operation Steadfast in Iraq.
The Australian Government has deployed additional Australian Defence Force personnel and aircraft to the Middle East as part of Operation Beech – in support of the Australian Government’s response to the Hamas-Israel conflict.
What is the United Nations?
The United Nations was formed in 1945, when United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt met with Soviet Premier, Joseph Stalin in Tehran, Iran, and proposed an international organisation, with the main objectives being the maintenance of international peace and security and for the well-being of the World.
Australia’s relationship with the UN dates back to its formation, when it was one of 51 founding members to ratify the UN Charter. Australia continues to support the United Nations Security Council through financial contributions, personnel deployments (civilian, military and police) and membership of key UN bodies.
“Today, we remember those who sacrificed so we could live in freedom”.
