The first action undertaken by a combined force of Naval ratings and and military took place at Kabakaul, New Guinea on the 11 September 1914. Have attached website with brief story of the action http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/bitapaka.htm John
I see what you mean, but technically I think that Australia's first action in the Great War was firing on the German steamer Pfalz in Port Phillip Bay at about 09:00 on 5 August 1914. This is often claimed to be the first shot fired by the British Empire in the conflict. Gareth
I think you are both right .... John said " The first action undertaken by a combined force " and here's just a little padding for Gareth's post .... !! http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A110531b.htm
To Annie and Gareth, Thank you both for your valued comments. Gareth, I was tossing up about putting the firing on the german steamer, but I though that was more of a detaining of a ship. I think the Australian pilot on board was the true hero of the day by wrestling the steering wheel from the captain and returning the ship to port. Annie What can one say except you are a genious the way you find all the information you do. It was a good read about commander of the fort.
If you scroll down to the 2nd soldier on the left ... you'll see his son Arthur Bruce ... who it seems .... was a dedicated soldier in his own right !! http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8080/tex...our/Bank of NSW roll of honour S page 344.pdf
And here's the other son .... but his name on his papers is Charles Augustus Horace Sandford http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8080/showPerson?pid=266329 Sorry ... I went off topic didn't I ??
