Australian Imperial Force

The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was the name given to two all-volunteer Australian Army forces dispatched to fight overseas during World War I and World War II.

Related Topics:
Volunteer - Australian Army - World War I - World War II

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Following the Federation of Australia in 1901, Australia had a very small regular army and reservists in the Australian Citizens Military Forces could not be deployed overseas. Therefeore the AIFs were formed in 1914 and 1939 respectively.

Related Topics:
Federation of Australia - 1901 - Regular army - Australian Citizens Military Forces

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The two AIFs are distinguished by referring to the World War I contingent as the 1st AIF, and the World War II contingent as the 2nd AIF. During World War I, the Australian Flying Corps, the precursor of the Royal Australian Air Force, was part of the 1st AIF.

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The modern Australian Army was established in 1947 and its soldiers can be (and are) deployed anywhere in the world.

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• First Australian Imperial Force (1914-18)
• Second Australian Imperial Force (1939-45)
• Australian Citizens Military Forces
• Australian Army
 
Australian Imperial Force: External links ►