The Great Emu War: When Australia Lost a War to Birds

Introduction

In the annals of military history, few conflicts are as peculiar and intriguing as the Great Emu War of 1932. This was a confrontation where the Australian military squared off against a formidable and unexpected foe: the emu. Native to Australia, these large, flightless birds became the target of a military operation that, astonishingly, ended in failure for the humans involved. This bizarre episode not only highlights the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence but also serves as a cautionary tale about underestimating nature's resilience.

A Nation Under Siege by Emus

In the aftermath of World War I, the Australian government sought to repurpose vast tracts of land in Western Australia. They offered returning veterans parcels of land to establish farms, particularly for cultivating wheat and raising livestock. However, by 1932, these farmers faced a dire predicament. An estimated 20,000 emus, migrating after their breeding season, invaded the farmlands of the Campion district. The emus found the cultivated lands to be an abundant food source, feasting on crops and causing significant damage to fences, which also allowed rabbits to enter and further devastate the fields.

The emus' invasion threatened the farmers' livelihoods during a time when they were already struggling due to the Great Depression and falling wheat prices. Traditional measures to deter the emus proved ineffective, and the farmers grew increasingly desperate for a solution.

The Call to Arms

Desperate for assistance, the farmers turned to the government. They appealed to Minister of Defence Sir George Pearce, requesting military aid to combat the emu invasion. Sympathetic to their plight and seeing an opportunity to both assist the farmers and provide target practice for the military, Pearce authorized a military operation to cull the emu population.

The operation was to be led by Major G.P.W. Meredith of the Seventh Heavy Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery. Armed with two Lewis machine guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition, the military set out to eliminate the emu threat. The mission was scheduled for deployment in October but was delayed due to heavy rainfall, which caused the emus to scatter over a wider area.

The Unlikely Battlefield

The operation commenced on November 2, 1932. However, the emus proved to be elusive adversaries. The first attempts at ambushing the birds were thwarted by their erratic movements and surprising agility. Initial efforts saw the soldiers attempting to herd the emus into a firing range, but the birds would split into smaller groups and scatter in all directions.

At one point, the military mounted one of the machine guns on a truck to chase the emus—a strategy that failed miserably due to the rough terrain and the emus' ability to outrun the vehicle. The bouncing of the truck made accurate shooting impossible, and no emus were killed in this attempt.

Tactical Challenges

Major Meredith observed the emus with a mix of frustration and admiration, stating, "If we had a military division with the bullet-carrying capacity of these birds, it would face any army in the world." The emus could withstand multiple gunshots and continue running, showcasing their incredible resilience. Mechanical issues, such as gun jams, further hampered the soldiers' efforts, and the intelligence of the emus became apparent as they adapted to the military's tactics.

The media began to report on the events, often with a tone of ridicule. Headlines such as "Emus Outwit Military" and "Emu Commanders Employ Guerilla Tactics" started appearing in newspapers, adding to the embarrassment of the situation.

Retreat and Reflection

After six days, with over 2,500 rounds fired and minimal impact on the emu population, the operation was halted. Reports suggested that only a few dozen emus had been killed, far fewer than anticipated. The press mockingly dubbed the event the "Emu War," declaring the emus victorious and the military's efforts a failure.

Parliament debated the issue, and questions were raised about the use of military resources against wildlife. The government's initial enthusiasm waned in the face of public criticism and the apparent futility of the operation.

Second Attempt and Final Withdrawal

A second attempt was launched on November 13, following renewed appeals from the farmers. This time, the military adopted new tactics, and there were minor improvements in the number of emus culled. However, the overall impact remained insignificant compared to the scale of the problem. By December 10, the government withdrew the military personnel for good. The emus remained, and the farmers continued to battle them independently, resorting to bounties and other control measures.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Great Emu War became a symbol of the unpredictability of nature and the limitations of human intervention. It highlighted the need for more sustainable and effective wildlife management strategies. In subsequent years, the government implemented a bounty system that proved to be more effective, with thousands of emus being culled by professional hunters.

Lessons Learned

Human-Wildlife Conflict: The event underscores the complexities in managing wildlife populations that intersect with human activities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding animal behavior and ecology when devising control methods.
Media Influence: The widespread coverage and satire influenced public perception and policy decisions. The ridicule faced by the government and military showcased the power of the press in shaping narratives.
Military Limitations: It showcased that military solutions are not always effective against ecological problems. The skills required for warfare do not necessarily translate to managing wildlife issues.

Today, the Great Emu War is often referenced in discussions about wildlife management and is a topic of interest for historians and enthusiasts alike. It serves as a humorous yet instructive example of what can happen when human hubris meets the resilience of nature.

Resume

The Great Emu War of 1932 was an extraordinary event where the Australian military engaged in a futile battle against emus that were threatening farmlands in Western Australia. Despite utilizing machine guns and strategic planning, the emus outmaneuvered the soldiers through their agility, resilience, and adaptive behaviors. The military's failure led to public ridicule and highlighted the challenges of confronting nature without adequate understanding or preparation. This episode remains a fascinating footnote in history, illustrating the unintended consequences of human actions when addressing environmental issues.

References

Commonwealth of Australia. (1932). Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Canberra: Government Printer.
Johnson, K. (2006). The Emu War: Australia's Most Unsuccessful Bird Control Effort. Journal of Australian Studies, 30(88), 147-157.
National Archives of Australia. (n.d.). The Emu War.
Britannica, Emu War Emu War.