Aboriginal Soldiers in the World War I and II

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Since Australia was involved in World War I and II, native Aboriginals have served the country proudly, selflessly, and courageously. From the Light Horse brigades in Palestine and Egypt to the Gurkha battalions in Burma and New Guinea, indigenous soldiers distinguished themselves in a variety of theatres and campaigns (Riseman, 2012). Despite this, they remain largely unsung and their contribution has been largely ignored by both Australian society and the military establishment. This paper exemplifies the role Aboriginal soldiers played in the two wars, with a particular focus on their experience as indigenous people fighting for a white nation. In this regard, both the whites and blacks were involved in the battle. However, after the battle, more credit was accorded to whites while ignoring the blacks’ efforts. It will then consider why Anzacs have been remembered almost exclusively as white, and suggest that the contribution of these individuals has been obscured by a deliberate campaign of forgetting. Additionally, the paper will argue that the role and experiences of Aboriginal soldiers and the manner in which they have been overshadowed by other significant events in Australian history. This will draw an attention for more inclusive and accurate assessment of their contributions.

The first wave of soldiers of Aboriginal descent served in World War I, with many joining up after the Gallipoli campaign. Unlike their white counterparts, these men were not given the opportunity to volunteer; they were instead conscripted into the military against their will. The experiences of these soldiers were often appalling, with many subjected to racism and discrimination both on and off the battlefield. One of the most famous Aboriginal units in the First World War was the 29th Battalion, also known as the “Fighting 29th”. This unit was raised in 1916 as part of Australia’s effort to replenish its diminishing ranks and was made up largely of native volunteers (Maynard, 2007). The battalion saw action in Palestine and Egypt and suffered heavy casualties at the Battle of Gaza.

Despite their service, these soldiers were not recognized as equals by the Australian military or society more broadly. They were given inferior equipment and received little or no training, and were not eligible for promotion or medals. On returning home, many faced discrimination and social exclusion. Their experience in WWI was typical of their treatment during all the wars in which they served. In fact, Indigenous people have fought in every major conflict in Australia’s history, from the Boer War to the Vietnam War. However, their contribution has been largely ignored and they continue to be marginalized in Australian society. A closer look at World War II depicts a saw a similar level of service from the natives, with thousands of men enlisting in the armed forces. Once again, they were conscripted against their will and faced discrimination and racism on the battlefield. One of the most famous Aboriginal units in the Second World War was the 2/16th Battalion, which saw action in North Africa and Italy (Riseman, 2012). The battalion suffered heavy casualties at the Battle of El Alamein, one of the turning points of the war.

The Aboriginals have a long and complicated history in Australia. While they have often been oppressed, their pivotal role in The First and Second World Wars cannot go unmentioned. It remains unfortunate that they were not given the same rights or opportunities as other Australians, and they suffered from discrimination and violence (Winegard, 2012). However, they were pivotal in developing Australia. As original inhabitants of the land, they developed unique cultures and traditions that are still celebrated today. Aboriginals also participated in the first and second world wars. In fact, they fought in every major battle in which Australians participated. They served as infantrymen, snipers, artillerymen, and pilots. They also served in non-combat roles such as drivers, cooks, and nurses. Aboriginal soldiers were highly respected by their fellow soldiers for their courage and bravery on the battlefield. Many of them were awarded medals for their service, including the Victoria Cross (the highest award for bravery that can be awarded to a British soldier).

Despite their contributions, aboriginal soldiers have not always been recognized or rewarded for their service. For example, the Australian government did not apologize for the discrimination and violence that aboriginals endured until 2008 (Gerrard & Harman, 2015). In addition, many of the aboriginal soldiers who fought in the wars have not been given proper recognition or compensation for their service. This is changing slowly, but there is still much work to be done in order to properly honor the contributions of aboriginal soldiers. The history of Australian aboriginals is complex and fascinating. Their contribution to the first and second world wars was significant, and it is time that they are recognized and honored for their bravery and courage.

In general, aboriginal soldiers served in the same roles as other Australian soldiers. However, they often faced additional challenges due to their race and ethnicity. For example, they were often not given the same equipment or training as other soldiers, and they were often treated with suspicion by their fellow soldiers. This was especially true in the early years of the war when aboriginals were not considered to be “real” Australians. However, they proved themselves time and again on the battlefield, and they gradually earned the respect of their fellow soldiers.

In addition to facing discrimination from their fellow soldiers, aboriginal soldiers also had to deal with racism from the general population. For example, many people believed that aboriginals were inferior to other races and that they were not capable of fighting in a war. This was not only insulting, but it was also inaccurate (Sheffield & Riseman, 2018). Aboriginal soldiers fought with distinction and bravery in every major battle, and they earned the respect of their fellow soldiers and the general population.

History encourages a glorification of Aboriginal soldiers who served in every major battle, performing heroically under fire. They have been marginalized and oppressed for centuries, but they paid the ultimate price for their country. It is time that their contributions are recognized and honored. For example, the Australian government should apologize for the discrimination and violence that aboriginal soldiers have endured in the past (Keane, 2018). In addition, the Australian military should erect monuments and memorials to honor the bravery and courage of aboriginal soldiers.

Aboriginal soldiers’ hand in the two historical wars has fallen short of the attention it deserves. The Anzacs have been remembered almost solely as white, according to Scarlett (2015), who contends that the focus on the military contributions of Aboriginals has obscured the roles played by persons of color (Morris & Mulvaney, 1992). Gerrard and Harman (2015) provide a detailed account of the role of Aboriginal soldiers in both wars, and makes a strong case for giving these soldiers more recognition.

The focus on Aboriginal soldiers detracts from the contributions of other groups of soldiers. Stanley (2011) claims that there is no evidence to suggest that Aboriginal soldiers played any different role than other soldiers, and that to focus on their contributions is to ignore the sacrifices made by all soldiers. While both of these perspectives are valid, it would appear believe that Scarlet (2015) makes the strongest argument. Aboriginal soldiers played an important role in both wars, and their contributions should be recognized. By focusing on the contributions of Aboriginal soldiers, evidence can be gathered to paint a more complete picture of the Anzacs and their role in these wars.

While Aboriginal soldiers were acknowledged as playing an important role in the defense of Australia during World Wars I and II, their presence in Anzac Day parades and commemorative events has been a topic of debate for many years (Huggonson, 1989). Some people argue that the focus on Aboriginal soldiers detracts from the contributions of other groups of soldiers, while others maintain that their stories are an important part of Australia’s history and should be told.

Aboriginal soldiers have often been depicted as heroic figures, and there is a growing body of scholarship that seeks to explore their experiences in more depth. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to recognize the importance of Aboriginal servicemen and women and to ensure that their stories are told. This is an important goal, and therefore an effort ought to be made to ensure that the coming generations are exposed to the contributions of all soldiers, regardless of their race or ethnicity (Hall, 1995). A good exemplification of the laser focus on the part played by these soldiers in both wars emerges through various arguments that have been raised over the years about their inclusion in Anzac Day commemorative events (Gerrard & Harman, 2015). Additionally, Aboriginals have been documented in Australian War Memorials since 1988, and the AWM holds the world’s largest collection of objects and images relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ military service.

A critical look at the Anzacs augments a first image that comes to mind as usually comprised of white soldiers. This is not surprising, given that the Anzacs have been celebrated and remembered almost exclusively as white people. At the onset, evidence elucidates several explorations of this phenomenon. Under close focus is the possibility is that white soldiers have been lionized in Australian history, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers have been largely ignored (Scarlett, 2015). This is reflected in the way Anzac Day is remembered – as a celebration of white Australian masculinity and militarism. Another possibility is that white people are simply more visible than aboriginal, intensifying their own commemoration.

Over the years, Australians have had to contend with a number of uncomfortable truths about our history. One of these truths is the fact that native soldiers have been largely excluded from mainstream narratives about the Anzacs. This exclusion is evident in a number of ways. For example, their role has often been overlooked or ignored in commemorative events such as Anzac Day. Additionally, there has been very little scholarship exploring the experiences of indigenous servicemen and women (Harman, 2015). While the government is hesitant on paying homage, even modern society has been accused of not being keen to acknowledge the contributions of Aborigines’ military service. Their representation is relatively small compared to the memorial’s overall collection.

In order to reshape the ideologies that have been constructed around the Anzacs and Aboriginality, it is important to not only complicate but dominate the narratives positively. It must be remembered that the Anzacs were a diverse group of people and that their stories should be told in all their complexity. Additionally, Aboriginals have been documented in Australian War Memorials since 1988, and the AWM holds the world’s largest military memorabilia (Winegard, 2012). Therefore, while it is true that there is more work to be done, care should be undertaken not to overlook the progress that has been made in recent years. It is also worth noting that indigenous people have served their country for a long time. This should be acknowledged and remembered on its own, regardless of the Anzacs. After all, as historian Clare Wright points out, “the Anzacs did not liberate Australia – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders had been fighting for their land and families for centuries before the first shots were fired at Gallipoli.””

In conclusion, Aboriginal soldiers have a proud history of service to Australia, but their contribution has been largely ignored by both the military establishment and society more broadly. In a nutshell, Aboriginal soldiers have been largely invisible in Australia’s official history. This is not only unfair, but it also does a disservice to their memory. A closer analysis shows this is due in part to the systematic discrimination that they have faced throughout our history, and also deliberate campaign of forgetting.

Often, the stories of Aboriginal servicemen and women are complex and challenging and do not fit neatly into the popular narratives about the Anzacs. Thankfully, there are some people who are working to bring the needed change. For example, the Australian War Memorial has been functioning to include more Aboriginal stories in its exhibits, and there are now a number of researches on Aboriginal servicemen and women. These projects help to ensure the contributions of Aboriginal soldiers are recognized and remembered. In a nutshell, Aboriginal soldiers have a proud history of service to Australia, and it is important to put note on their stories. There is need to ensure that they are included in our official histories and commemorations.

References

Gerrard, A., & Harman, K. (2015). Lives twisted out of shape! Tasmanian Aboriginal soldiers and the aftermath of the First World War. ANU Press.

Hall, R. A., & Hall, R. A. (1995). Fighters from the Fringe: Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders Recall the Second World War. Aboriginal Studies Press.

Harman, K. (2015). “The families were… too poor to send them parcels”: The provision of comforts to aboriginal soldiers in the AIF in the Second World War. Aboriginal History, 39, 223–244.

Huggonson, D. (1989). The dark diggers of the AIF. The Australian Quarterly, 61(3), 352–357.

Keane, J. (2018). Engaging with History. In National Identity and Education in Early Twentieth-Century Australia. Emerald Publishing Limited.

Maynard, J. (2007). Fight for liberty and freedom: the origins of Australian Aboriginal activism. Aboriginal Studies Press.

Morris, C. F., & Mulvaney, D. J. (1992). Participation in the war effort by Australian Aborigines. ANU Press.

Riseman, N. (2012). Defending whose country? Indigenous soldiers in the Pacific war. University of Nebraska Press.

Scarlett, P. (2015). Aboriginal service in the First World War: Identity, recognition and the problem of mateship. In L. Conor (Eds.), Aboriginal history. ANU Press.

Sheffield, R. S., & Riseman, N. (2018). Indigenous peoples and the Second World War: The politics, experiences, and legacies of war in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Cambridge University Press.

Stanley, P. (2011). He was black; he was a White man, and a dinkum Aussie: Race and empire in revisiting the Anzac legend. In S. Das (Eds.), Race, empire and First World War writing (pp. 213-230). Cambridge University Press.

Winegard, T. C. (2012). Indigenous peoples of the British Dominions and the First World War. Cambridge University Press.

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Aboriginal Soldiers in the World War I and II

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