In the scorching November of 1932, Western Australia witnessed one of history’s most peculiar military operations. The Australian military faced an unexpected enemy that would later humiliate their forces – thousands of emus. These large flightless birds had invaded the Campion district, wreaking havoc on the struggling farmers’ crops during the Great Depression.
Australian soldiers preparing for battle against emus. Image credit: The Collector
The situation became so dire that the Western Australian government decided to take military action. Major G P W Meredith of the Seventh Heavy Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery led the charge against these feathered adversaries. Armed with two Lewis guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition, the soldiers were confident they could handle these seemingly simple targets.
A soldier taking aim at emus during the campaign. Image credit: Science ABC
However, the military severely underestimated their avian opponents. The emus demonstrated remarkable resilience and surprising tactical advantages. These large birds could absorb several bullets without falling, thanks to their thick feathers and robust internal organs. Even more frustrating for the soldiers, the emus split into small groups, making it impossible to target large numbers at once.
The first major confrontation proved disastrous for the military. The Lewis guns jammed after only a short burst of firing, and the emus scattered before the soldiers could inflict significant casualties. Despite mounting several more operations, the results remained consistently disappointing. The birds seemed to possess an uncanny ability to dodge bullets and survive direct hits.
As news of the failed campaign spread, the media began mockingly reporting on the Great Emu War. One journalist notably remarked that the emu command had executed guerrilla warfare tactics with outstanding success. After just a few days, Major Meredith withdrew his forces, marking a humbling defeat for the Australian military against these unexpected strategists.
The Great Emu War stands today as a remarkable example of nature outwitting human military might. While the soldiers eventually withdrew, the emus continued their occupation of the farmlands. This unusual conflict serves as a reminder of how wildlife management challenges can sometimes defy conventional solutions. The story has become a beloved part of Australian folklore, representing both the absurdity and uniqueness of the continent’s wildlife challenges.
References:
The Collector – What Was the Emu War? – link
Science ABC – The Emu War of Australia – link
Categories: Australian History, Do you know, Historical Events, Military History, Unusual Events
Tags: Australian History, Emu War, great depression, Military History, Unusual Wars, Western Australia, Wildlife
Religion: None
Country of Origin: Australia
Topic: Historical Events
Ethnicity: None
