Home | History Hub for Kids | The Great Emu War
The Great Emu War
The Emu War of 1932
The Great Emu War of 1932 was an event that took place in Campion, Western Australia. After World War I, many soldiers were given land in the region to farm, but they faced many challenges and in 1932, the district was plagued by large numbers of emus. However, by the early 1930s, the country faced economic difficulties during the Great Depression, and many of these soldiers struggled to make their farms run a profit. Adding to the challenges a massive number of emus — about 20,000 birds came to the area, for food and water.
​
These flightless birds were causing extensive damage to crops, prompting farmers to seek help from the federal government. ​In response to the farmers call for help, the Australian military was called in to help manage the emu population. Armed with rifles, soldiers attempted to cull the birds. However, the emus proved to be very quick and it was difficult for the soldiers to target.
The military operation was unsuccessful, leading to more emus than before and ending with the military withdrawing. ​The "war" became a symbol of the challenges faced by farmers and a part of Australian history, illustrating the unexpected difficulties in dealing with wildlife. The Emu War has been remembered for its funny and silly use of military forces against these flightless birds.
The Emu War Begins
In October 1932, farmers in the region petitioned the government for assistance due to the extensive damage the emus were causing to crops. The government responded by sending a small group of soldiers, equipped with rifles, to reduce the emu population.
​
The soldiers faced several challenges during their operations:
-
Mobility of Emus: Emus are fast runners and can sprint at speeds of up to 50 km/h. They often scatter when approached, making them difficult targets.
​
-
Tactics: The initial strategy involved setting up ambushes. However, the birds frequently evaded capture, leading to many missed shots and frustrated soldiers.
​
-
Environmental Conditions: The terrain was tough, and the soldiers had to contend with the heat and the birds' unpredictable movements.
​
-
Outcome: The campaign lasted several weeks, from November to December 1932. The military managed to kill only about 1,000 emus, a small fraction of the total population. As a result, the operation was deemed a failure, and the military withdrew. The emus continued to thrive, and the farmers had to find alternative solutions to protect their crops.
The War Begins
Legacy
The Emu War has since become a humorous anecdote in Australian history, often cited as an example of the absurdity of trying to control wildlife with military force. It highlights the challenges of agriculture in Australia and the unexpected complexities of human-animal interactions.
Today, the Emu War serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of finding more sustainable approaches to wildlife management. It also reflects a lighthearted aspect of Australian culture, often referenced in discussions about wildlife and land management.
Government Response and Public Reaction
After the Emu War, the government had to rethink its approach to dealing with wildlife. The failure of the military operation prompted a mix of amusement and frustration among the public. Many people found humor in the idea of soldiers "battling" emus, and the event quickly became part of popular folklore.
Follow-Up Measures
In the aftermath of the Emu War, farmers sought other methods to protect their crops. Some strategies included:
-
Fencing: Building fences to keep emus out of farmland became a more common solution, although it was often expensive and labor-intensive.
-
Trapping: Farmers also turned to trapping as a method to manage the emu population more effectively.
-
Long-term Planning: The government eventually implemented more comprehensive agricultural policies that included better land management practices and assistance for farmers facing wildlife issues.
Cultural Impact
The Emu War has had a lasting cultural impact in Australia, often referenced in a lighthearted manner. It has appeared in various forms of media, including books, documentaries, and even comedic sketches. The story serves as an example of Australia’s unique relationship with its wildlife and the often humorous challenges that arise from it.
Historical Context
The Emu War occurred during a period when Australia was still adjusting to its post-war identity. The social and economic upheaval of the Great Depression, combined with the challenges of agriculture in a harsh landscape, made this event emblematic of broader struggles faced by many Australians at the time.
Modern References
In recent years, the Emu War has been referenced in discussions about wildlife management and conservation efforts. It serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of human intervention in natural ecosystems. The story reminds us that solutions to wildlife conflicts require thoughtful approaches rather than simple, forceful measures.
Conclusion
The Emu War remains a fascinating chapter in Australian history, blending humor with serious lessons about agriculture, wildlife management, and the unpredictable nature of both. It’s a reminder that sometimes, nature doesn’t respond to human plans in the way we expect, and it encourages more innovative and compassionate approaches to coexistence with wildlife.
​
Campion, Western Australia
Campion is a deserted townsite located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, roughly 320 km East North East of Perth, within the Shire of Nungarin. It lies in the locality of Chandler, with Mukinbudin being the nearest town.
Established as a farming settlement in early 1920s, it attracted returning soldiers and migrants who worked as clearing contractors for the Agricultural Bank of Western Australia and later purchased their own land.
Initially referred to as the East Lake Brown district, the area features nearby Lake Brown, one of several lakes surveyed by John Septimus Roe, the Surveyor General of Western Australia, in 1836. Originally named after Colonial Secretary Peter Broun, the area was renamed in 1925 in honor of Sir William Campion, the newly appointed governor of Australia.
Facts About Emus
The Great War
World War I was known at first as the Great War and the War to End All Wars. It was the largest war the world had seen up to that time.
Most of the battles took place in Europe and the Middle East.