What was the population of both Australia and New Zealand when World War II started, how strong were their armed forces at the start of the war and when the war ended? Thanks! James
Population of Aust in 1939 -6.887 millions, 1943 7.266 million.2012-22.677 million NZ 1940- 1.6million, 1945-1.7 million. Suggest you search "WIKIPEDIA" for the armed forces strengths. berkyboy
Australia fielded 4 infantry divisions which was their main army strength. 6th 7th & 9th Divisions were sent to the Middle East. 8th Australian Division was sent to Malaya and was lost when Singapore fell. 6th & 7th divisions were then sent to fight the Japanese, whilst 9th Div stayed in North Africa until after El Alamein and then joined the fight against Japan. It must be remembered that a large number of Australians fought in British squadrons of the RAF in the European theatre, indeed many RAAF squadrons also fought in the European theatre.
