World War Two - The Leadup

Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 and two days later Britain and France were once more at war with Germany. Australia, as a consequence, was also at war on the ^3rdof September 1939.

Australia went to war with an ill-equipped and incompletely trained Army, still home-bound by the provisions of the Defence Act. The 2^nd AIF was, therefore, raised in a similar fashion to the 1^st - from former soldiers, civilians and volunteers from militia units.⁹²

Strangely enough the first round fired by Britain and the Dominions was again fired from the Fort Nepean Battery. A freighter repeatedly refused to be identified and attempted to enter Port Phillip at 1.50 am on 4 September, only five hours after the declaration of war. One round was sufficient for the SS 'Woniora' to establish her friendly intentions.⁹³

WORLD WAR II – THE LEADUP
Between the Wars	World War II - Initiation
Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 and two days later Britain and France were once more at war with Germany. Australia, as a consequence, was also at war on the ^3rdof September 1939. Australia went to war with an ill-equipped and incompletely trained Army, still home-bound by the provisions of the Defence Act. The 2^nd AIF was, therefore, raised in a similar fashion to the 1^st - from former soldiers, civilians and volunteers from militia units.⁹² Strangely enough the first round fired by Britain and the Dominions was again fired from the Fort Nepean Battery. A freighter repeatedly refused to be identified and attempted to enter Port Phillip at 1.50 am on 4 September, only five hours after the declaration of war. One round was sufficient for the SS 'Woniora' to establish her friendly intentions.⁹³