The Australian Troops and Their Critical Role in Stopping Axis Advances During WWII
The Australian troops played a pivotal role in thwarting the advances of both the German and Japanese forces during World War II. Their strategic placement and resilience made them the Australian Troops the go-to fighting force in critical arenas of both the European and Pacific theaters.
The Siege of Tobruk: The Australian Army's Critical Position
The Siege of Tobruk in North Africa marked a crucial turning point in the war. Initiated in 1941 when elements of the Allied Army were besieged in the Libyan port of Tobruk by German and Italian forces, the Australian troops were part of the Allied contingent that managed to halt the unstoppable advance of the Axis powers. The siege lasted for 231 days, with the Australian 9th Division, under the leadership of Lieutenant-General Leslie Morshead, playing a vital role in defending the port against relentless attacks. Their toughness and determination were epitomized by the nickname, "The Rats of Tobruk."
Strategic Importance and Challenges
The Axis forces, under Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel, initiated the siege of Tobruk on 10 April 1941. Despite facing severe shortages of equipment and supplies, the Australians, along with other Allied forces, withstood numerous attempts by the Axis to break the siege. The Allied forces, including Polish, British, Indian, and Czech soldiers, fought valiantly, with the Australians taking the front line. Their presence was strategic, as Tobruk's capture would have provided the Axis with a vital supply port closer to the Egyptian–Libyan border, depriving the Allies of a key strategic location.
Defensive Measures and Supply Lines
The Australian troops entrenched themselves on the Tobruk perimeter, facing relentless attacks and constant artillery bombardment. The port was frequently subjected to aerial attacks by German and Italian bombers, disrupting supply lines. However, the Allies managed to keep the lines of communication open with continuous support from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the British Mediterranean Fleet, which provided resupply via blockade running ships.
The New Guinea Campaign: Stopping the Japanese Advance
While the European theater saw the Australians in Tobruk, their presence in the Pacific was equally critical, particularly in the New Guinea Campaign of the Pacific War. The campaign lasted from January 1942 to August 1945, with the Empire of Japan invading New Guinea and Papua in 1942. The role of the Australian troops in this campaign was not just defensive but also offensive, as they pushed back invading Japanese forces and cleared the region of enemy presence.
Province-Size Battles and Strategic Moments
The campaign consisted of two phases: the initial phase in early 1942, where Japanese forces overran western New Guinea, and the second phase, from late 1942 to 1945, where the Australians, along with other Allied forces, systematically cleared the Japanese from their strongholds. Notable moments include the Australian forces attacking Japanese positions near Buna in January 1943 and the ongoing battle between 2/12th Infantry Battalion and a Japanese tank company near Orodubi.
Challenges and Consequences
The Japanese campaign in New Guinea was marked by heavy losses, with many troops facing a deadly combination of enemy action, disease, and starvation. According to historian John Laffin, the campaign resulted in significant non-combat deaths, as Japanese garrisons were effectively besieged and denied supplies. The strategic success of the Australian and Allied forces in New Guinea was crucial in turning the tide of the Pacific War.
The role of the Australian troops in both the Siege of Tobruk and the New Guinea campaign underscores their strategic importance in stopping the Axis advances. Their resilience, resourcefulness, and tactical acumen were crucial factors in securing vital Allied victories during World War II. By occupying critical positions and refusing to give ground, the Australian forces significantly contributed to the eventual defeat of the Axis powers.