Fire Carriers

Indigenous people serving in WW2 

By Xavier M 5/6MG

Not a lot of people talk about the indigenous peoples in WW2. But they did have a few significant roles.

Enlisted Personnel

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 indigenous Australians enlisted in WW2, with some working in average battalions while others worked for special units such as the Torres Strait light infantry battalion.

Labor and Support

Many indigenous Australians did crucial labor in the Northern Territory, working on construction sites, military farms and as truck drivers delivering cargo to RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force).

Motivation

Indigenous Peoples enlisted in the hope that they would get better treated than by non indigenous Australians, or travel and earn more money.

Sacrifice

The sacrifice of indigenous Australians and their communities are often overlooked. At least 83 indigenous Australians were killed, 123 wounded and 17 became prisoners of war.

I think we should pay better respect to the First Nations soldiers who served in WW2.