Second Australian Imperial Force
Australian Army expeditionary force during World War II / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF, or Second AIF) was the volunteer expeditionary force of the Australian Army in the Second World War. It was formed following the declaration of war on Nazi Germany, with an initial strength of one infantry division and related auxiliary components. After considerable expansion of this force, three divisions were sent to the Middle East and North Africa, while the 8th Division was sent to garrison British Malaya and Singapore.
Second Australian Imperial Force | |
---|---|
Active | 1939–1947 |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Australian Army |
Role | Expeditionary warfare |
Size | 307,000 |
Nickname(s) | 2nd AIF |
Engagements | World War II |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Sir Thomas Blamey |
Under the Defence Act 1903, neither the part-time Militia nor the full-time Permanent Military Force (PMF) could serve outside Australia or its territories unless they volunteered to do so. The Second AIF fought against Nazi Germany, Italy, Vichy France and Japan. After the war, Australia's wartime military structures were demobilised and the 2nd AIF was disbanded, although a small cadre of its personnel became part of the Interim Army that was established in 1947, and from which the Australian Regular Army was formed in 1948.