In the annals of military history, few campaigns are as peculiar as Australia’s Great Emu War of 1932. This bizarre confrontation between the Australian military and thousands of emus remains one of the most unusual wildlife management operations ever conducted.
Image credit: Atlas of Living Australia
The crisis began when thousands of emus migrated inland from coastal areas to the Campion district of Western Australia. These large, flightless birds discovered the cultivated lands and water sources of ex-servicemen farmers who had settled in the region after World War I. The farmers’ wheat crops provided an irresistible feast for the hungry emus.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Desperate for a solution, the farmers appealed to Minister of Defense Sir George Pearce. The military response was swift but unconventional: deploying soldiers armed with Lewis guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition. The operation was led by Major G.P.W. Meredith of the Seventh Heavy Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
However, the military soon discovered that emus were surprisingly resilient and tactical adversaries. The birds scattered into small groups, making them difficult to target effectively. Their thick feathers seemed to absorb bullets without causing fatal injuries. The first attempt ended in embarrassing failure, with only a handful of the estimated 20,000 emus eliminated.
The media had a field day with the operation’s lack of success. One ornithologist noted that the emus employed ‘guerrilla tactics,’ with small groups breaking away to outmaneuver the military units. The local press dubbed it the ‘Emu War,’ a name that stuck and became a peculiar chapter in Australian history.
The aftermath led to significant changes in wildlife management approaches. Instead of military intervention, farmers eventually adopted more practical solutions, including improved fencing and sustainable deterrent methods. Today, the Great Emu War serves as both a humorous historical footnote and a reminder of the challenges in balancing agricultural development with wildlife conservation.
References:
The bizarre story of when Australia went to war with emus—and lost – link
Categories: Australian History, Historical Events, Military History, War History, Wildlife
Tags: Agricultural History, Australian History, Great Emu War, Military History, Unusual Wars, Wildlife Management
Religion: None
Country of Origin: Australia
Topic: Historical Events
Ethnicity: None
