Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Defence Force
Aboriginal 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 700 (possibly more than 1,000) served in the First World War. In the Second World War 3,000-4,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples served as enlisted servicemen, members of irregular units, or in support units (all services and women included). 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.
Further Information
- Indigenous service in Australia's armed forces in peace and war by Dr Chris Clark
- Indigenous service list
- Indigenous defence service
- Reginald Saunders
- 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