On 3 September , Great Britain declared war on Germany. As in the First World War, Australia was not directly threatened by this conflict thousands of miles away. But as a loyal member of the British Empire, Australia again raised a volunteer force for overseas service wherever it was needed.
Right from the beginning of the war, Australia was concerned that Japan might also become involved. As long as the Royal Navy in Singapore guarded the sea between Australia and any enemy to the north, Australians felt safe.
On 8 December , Japan declared that the day of European domination of Asia and its resources was over. Japan hoped temporarily to destroy U. The Japanese carrier fleet made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbour, Japanese aircraft attacking United States ships and the Oahu airfields.
Of the United States battleships in port, six were sunk and one run ashore; aircraft were destroyed and 2, men were killed. The Japanese lost 27 aircraft. It took them just 70 days. On 10 December, Japanese planes sank two British battleships, the Prince of Wales and the Repulse, sent to repel their invasion.
AWM P December Despite their bravery this did little to slow down the rapid pace of the Japanese advance towards Singapore. By 31 January , all Empire forces had withdrawn to Singapore Island itself. Some men from both ships were saved after the sinking of the ships by Japanese bomber aircraft.
