Defenders of Australia - The Third Australian Division

From the nation's founding in 1901, the primary means of Australia's defense has been its citizen soldier. In times of peace and war, the Australian Army and the nation have benefited from a long tradition of service by citizens who temporarily gave up ordinary roles in the community to defend their country. While the greatest need was during the dark days of the two world wars, even in periods of peace Australians have come forward to serve the nation and prepare for its defense.

Of the Australian Army's citizen soldier formations, the longest serving was the 3rd Division. It was raised in 1916 and fought with distinction in the trenches of the Western Front in World War I. Between the two World Wars, the 3rd Division remained alert to the growing danger of Germany and Japan, and its members prepared to face the coming threat. When World War II began, the Division came forward, first to help form the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and later to turn back the Japanese threat from the north. Throughout the Cold War, the 3rd Division again awaited the government's summons, a call which fortunately never came.