The British Empire and the Second World WarIn 1939 Hitler went to war not just with Great Britain; he also went to war with the whole of the British Empire, the greatest empire that there had ever been. In the years since 1945 that empire has disappeared, and the crucial fact that the British Empire fought together as a whole during the war has been forgotten. All the parts of the empire joined the struggle and were involved in it from the beginning, undergoing huge changes and sometimes suffering great losses as a result. The war in the desert, the defence of Malta and the Malayan campaign, and the contribution of the empire as a whole in terms of supplies, communications and troops, all reflect the strategic importance of Britain's imperial status. Men and women not only from Australia, New Zealand and India but from many parts of Africa and the Middle East all played their part. Winston Churchill saw the war throughout in imperial terms. The British Empire and the Second World War emphasises a central fact about the Second World War that is often forgotten. |
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... called him to service in the Abyssinian campaign , where his task was to secure a strong- hold for Emperor Haile Selassie in Gojjam province and to foment rebellion against the Italian regime . Wingate became Haile Selassie's military ...
... called upon to support the Abyssinian Patriots , who greatly valued the sight and sound of friendly aircraft . The SDF took part in the imperial campaign in Eritrea and Abyssinia , and also provided a Frontier Battalion for Orde ...
... called ' London Calling ' was held at the Racecourse , and there was a floating extravaganza on Colombo harbour called ' Harbour Lights ' , with two Royal Navy cruisers dressed overall entertaining visitors and a Royal Marines band ...