Encyclopedia
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Defence Force
Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders have contributed to Australia’s military forces for many years. Exact numbers are not known, however Aboriginal trackers served in the Boer War and approximately 400 to 500 served in the First World War. In the Second World War as many as 6,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples served as enlisted servicemen, members of irregular units, or in support units. The Second World War Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion had around 745 Indigenous Australians in August 1943. The Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit was one of several irregular forces raised.
More About:
- Reginald Saunders
- David Uniapon
- Reading list: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Defence Force
- Mura Gadi - a guide to manuscript, pictorial and oral history materials relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the National Library of Australia
- Bringing Them Home
- Australian Indigenous Servicemen
