Australians at War 1901-2000
1946–1949
13 February 1946
Main Australian contingent of BCOF (British Commonwealth Occupation Force) arrived in Japan. During the six-year occupation of Japan approximately 19,270 Australians served with BCOF.
I recall meeting an ex-POW...who said he had only volunteered to serve in BCOF in order 'to get his own back'. Months later, his attitude had completely changed. Meeting the Japanese people in their war-devastated surroundings made all the difference. He had made friends.'
[Arthur W John, Australian contingent, British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF), Japan]
1 August 1946
During August, British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) in Japan, which included Australian, British, Indian and New Zealand contingents, reached a maximum strength of 40,326.
22 October 1946
Corporal J R Sewell, 10th Australian Bomb Disposal Platoon, BCOF, was awarded the George Medal for his rescue of Japanese survivors after an explosion in a boat carrying high explosives.
1947-1951
Australian military observers joined the United Nations Good Offices Commission (UNGOC) in Indonesia. This was Australia's first commitment of defence personnel to a United Nations operation.
15 September 1948
15 September 1948 – 29 August 1949
RAAF aircrews took part in the Berlin Airlift which brought supplies to Berlin during the Soviet blockade of the city.
