When another force was raised in 1939 it was called the Second AIF, with the original force then becoming the First AIF.īefore starting your search, assemble as much evidence as you can. The force raised in 1914 was known as the AIF. When a force was required to deploy overseas, in 1914 and again in 1939, a special force known as the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), liable for service anywhere in the world, was raised by voluntary enlistment for the duration of the war. The Militia was also known as the Citizen Military Forces. Except for a period after the 1929 Depression, there was universal conscription for the Militia, for service in Australia only. The Australian Military Forces from 1903 to 1948 was largely a militia army with a very small regular cadre. To get started, try the Army Museums Ogilby Trust (UK). The colonial or Australian Army records may refer to prior British service, but details will have to be sought from British records. Numbers of British officers and soldiers joined the various colonial units as they were raised, especially in time of perceived defence emergency. Even after that date, specialists, such as Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers supported the colonial forces. Until 1870, British Infantry Regiments garrisoned the Australian colonies. The records of people who served in these forces will be found in the appropriate state archive.

However, remember that in the First World War the Australian Flying Corps, which flew fighter, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, was part of the Army.īefore 1901 each colony maintained its own military forces. Yes, we do need to state the obvious, if your ancestor served in the Navy or Air Force you are seeking advice from the wrong site.

World war ii navy enlistment records