Australia's Turning Point In The Battle Of Singapore

The battle of Singapore was single-handedly the most important turning point in the battle of the pacific. Its significance as an allied outpost made it a vital position for both Allied and Japanese troops alike. During the war Australia was seen as Britain’s shadow causing much political and inter-domestic anger. This caused one of the most significant changes in Australia’s defence mechanism both politically and structurally as it started moving away from imperial England. This was due largely to the fall of Singapore and events preceding and ensuing its collapse. The battle of Singapore in 1942 was significant to Australian and British political relationship because Britain had poor economic and civil conditions, the country lacked support

It was soon discovered by political parties across Australia that something very drastic had to happen in order for the integrity of Australia’s borders to remain secure. When such a significant outpost fell and 130000 Soldiers became prisoners of war(L Murdoch, 2012)-a very large percentage of Australian troops- morale was low, even amongst military leaders. So when Britain refused to aid Australia in bolstering and reinforcing its national borders there was much anger on local and national levels. Citizens believed that they deserved the right to a liberated country especially with the number of men who had fought and died for that same ideology. At the time though there was very little speculation of a Japanese attack so this rage quickly died off. Furthermore, Australia being part of the commonwealth was thought to be on the same political platform. But when Britain’s leaders were making Australian troops inferior to themselves, this fury was reignited especially when it was found out that soldiers were excluded from the Raffles Hotel and Singapore Club. Furthermore, Churchill deceived Curtin into believing that Singapore was secure, in turn guaranteeing Australia’s firewall to an invasion (Pacific War, 2015). When Singapore capitulated, Churchill and British high command blamed Australian troops( L Murdoch,2012) not only adding to the social and political turmoil, but also

After being imposed a trade embargo due to its Chinese campaigns, Japan had to look for an alternative source of supplies for its war against the allies in the Pacific War (History Net, 2015).Australia was struggling to keep up with Japanese aerial and naval advancements and due to this made a very easy and viable target, much to the dismay of governments and citizens. No modern aircraft, such as Spitfires or Hurricanes (Any that did arrive came too late to make a difference) that might have been able to match the Japanese Zero fighter were at the RAAF’s disposal (L Murdoch, 2012). Furthermore, Britain refused to send any air support to Australia for fear of losing more supplies and air assets. This largely angered Australians all over the country and in turn caused Prime Minister Curtin, having lost faith in British promises, to appeal to the United States for help to defend Australia (Pacific War, 2015). The response from the USA was one of the quickest and greatest as it stopped any further breach of border protection after the bombing of Darwin. It was due to this strong and mutual relationship that Australia really found an ally in America, something that is significantly seen today in the political ties between the two