Referrendum: Australia, better of as a Republic?

[cyberwarpy]

I've always wondered what Aussies and other people think about Australia still part of the "British Empire"...

So here's the question: Should Australia become a Republic?

[Jethro]

And that is what they should have gone to the people with, rather than allowing Jack boot Johnny to pervert the whole process.

[Beacon]

Yeah b4 all you poms start saying we already voted on this:

The questions was not a simple Australia become a republic?
yes/no it was a stupid f___ed up question!

OF BLOODY COURSE WE SHOULD! They don't give 2 hoots about us!

And another reason is because they let all these 60+ year old twats vote! Who were all bought up on God Save The Queen etc.
Arrrrh! Wait 2 years they'll all be dead and then ask the question!

[Jethro]

The Republic vote got split on the directly elected President and government appointed President question. The powers to be decided we should go with the government appointed option even though opinion poles show:

a) Over 80% of Australians support a Republic

b) Over 60% support a directly elected model.

Jack Boot Johnny ensured the yes vote for a Republic would give more power to Federal Parliment and therefore ensuring the No vote won. Yes he has all the nouse of a drovers dog. As soon as we kick his ass in the federal election, we should be able to get a decent referrendum on this:mad:

Personally l think Sir Les Paterson should be our first President as he has done sterling service as Cultural Affairs Minister:rolleyes:

[Beacon]

Jethro: No way I should be!
:D

OR

Bob Hawke you see the way he skulls beer perfect president!

[simonm]

I don't really blame Australians for wanting to become a republic; If they don't do it soon then they may end up being forced into it anyway (if Britain decides to become a republic first).

I don't think it will bring any real benefit to Australia other than a symbolic one; Since the queen has very little powers anyway, it's not going to give Australia any more powers of self determination.

I don't quite know what you lot mean when you lot say:

They don't give 2 hoots about us!

What gives you that impression? :confused:

[Geoff Gunson]

I voted yes as well, I think it really doesn't matter all that much, it would create a lot of business changing all the flags and all.

How many poms still want an monarcy anyway!?!?

100% of my office said

Couldn't give a S*** about the monarcy

G

[simonm]

I'm not particually a fan of the monachy but the same question remains here as it does in Australia: What do you put in it's place?

That's a lot harder to answer and it seems that until it has a satisfactory answer, the status quo will persist.

[Kzin]

Originally posted by cyberwarpy
I've always wondered what Aussies and other people think about Australia still part of the "British Empire"...

So here's the question: Should Australia become a Republic?

Nah - the questions should be -

(i) Should Britain be a Republic? (not that I want to be branded a commie or anything :p )

AND

(ii) Should we have a two way "special relationship" with Australia (and New Zealand) for trade, business development etc which stops them from getting swamped (economically and culturally) by their neighbours and err. . - I can't work out what the advantage is to Britain except its a bit like looking out for your mates . . . :cool:

[Kzin]

Originally posted by simonm
I'm not particually a fan of the monachy but the same question remains here as it does in Australia: What do you put in it's place?

I think the popular reply would be democracy :rolleyes:

[Kzin]

Originally posted by Beacon
They don't give 2 hoots about us!

Yes we b~##&y do!

. . . certainly more than anyone else in the world does anyway ;)

[simonm]

Kzin,

Are you saying that Britain is not already a democracy?

The monachy has a role in the British systems that must be replaced. If we abolish the monachy, the whole system of government needs to be rebuilt to take this into account. It's not possible to simply remove the monachy and carry on as we were.

[Kzin]

Originally posted by simonm
Kzin,
Are you saying that Britain is not already a democracy?

Oh:confused: I thought that we were in a constitutional monarchy (http://www.monarchy.net/cma.htm) . And if you've ever had a 'proper' *British* passport (like Lara Croft ;) ) - rather than one of these EU "European" passports you'll notice that it says that you are a British Subject not a Citizen (i.e. one of the Queen's Subjects) ;)

Like most British people I'm quite laid back about it all

- it interesting to notice though that in the US a Republican is right wing whereas in the UK a Republican is a left winger.

[simonm]

I know we are all 'subjects' and not 'citizens' but that doesn't mean that we are not in a demcracy.

I guess what you mean is that you would replace the (un-democratic) queen with an elected president.

I am not sure if we do want a 'democratic' president. I am not sure it would benefit this country or not. :(

[chrisjk]

I think Royalty are good ambassadors for this country. And how many Americans would come to London if it weren't for Buck House? (which is only special because of old maj)

[Kzin]

Originally posted by chrisjk
I think Royalty are good ambassadors for this country. And how many Americans would come to London if it weren't for Buck House? (which is only special because of old maj)

And even more would visit if we all dressed up as characters out of Star Wars . . . :cool:

[Kzin]

Originally posted by simonm
I guess what you mean is that you would replace the (un-democratic) queen with an elected president.

I am not sure if we do want a 'democratic' president. I am not sure it would benefit this country or not. :(

. . . actually all this is becoming pretty irrelevant since the game rules are continually changing (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000142645239690&rtmo=gjSnl7gu&atmo=gjSnl7gu&pg=/et/01/4/30/weur30.html)

- nevertheless - why do we need a president? We have a prime minister as a chief executive (and if we don't like him we can only blame the people of the country that chose him) - we don't need anyone to salute to these days and armed forces can swear to a constitution or even to 'the crown' without a specific human embodyment.

I don't see why the Queen shouldn't keep on living in her palaces and waving to tourists if she likes - (or not if she doesn't) . . . so long as she pays tax like her former subjects:)

[SurfDemon]

Mmm, I think the Ozzies should get rid of the queen. I'm curious what difference it will make to their country (how exactly is the queen to blame for all your woes?:)). We laugh our socks off to hear the Ozzies winging on about the queen or a republic, sorry, but this may come as a shock to you, but we don't care. It's not like we're all living it up in Britain on Australian taxes!!!!:):):)

Get rid of the queen, (we'll exchange her for Rolf Harris!).:):):)

Just my two AUS$

SD

[chrisjk]

and the minogue twins. And Jason donovan. And any other soap "star" who insists on doing Panto.

[SurfDemon]

Originally posted by chrisjk
and the minogue twins. And Jason donovan. And any other soap "star" who insists on doing Panto.

Yeah, poor panto's exhausted and needs a rest:)

SD

[chrisjk]

:D one track mind man, one track mind.;)

[Jethro]

Originally posted by SurfDemon
Mmm, I think the Ozzies should get rid of the queen. I'm curious what difference it will make to their country (how exactly is the queen to blame for all your woes?:)). We laugh our socks off to hear the Ozzies winging on about the queen or a republic, sorry, but this may come as a shock to you, but we don't care. It's not like we're all living it up in Britain on Australian taxes!!!!:):):)

Get rid of the queen, (we'll exchange her for Rolf Harris!).:):):)

Just my two AUS$

SD

The Queen isn't to blame for our woes....well except for John Howards fawning about her like a lap dog. It's just felt that as a multi cultural society we should not have a Foreigner as head of state...symbolic sure.....but an increasing percentage of OZ's population come from non-English backgrounds, and have no notion of Queen.

Plus we would save millions a year on the various state Governors......

[Beacon]

Kzin & Simonm:

Do Not! Why?
Because i have never seen Australia on the cover of a Brit paper! or make major news or send us help or anything!
But you did take away Kylie and Craig Mclaughlin!
Perhaps to make it up your cricket team good put up a bit of a fight!

Bieng a democracy wont give us much that we dont have. Probably less things for you poms who come here though!
I agree with Jethro John Howards a beeep beeep beep
so he can beep the queens beep!

Why do poms want to be a republic?

[cyberwarpy]

That's not the impression we get here in Australia about you guys... :rolleyes: The things we hear over the media... ooooohh... it seems like you guys love the Queen or something... ;)

Originally posted by Geoff Gunson
I voted yes as well, I think it really doesn't matter all that much, it would create a lot of business changing all the flags and all.

How many poms still want an monarcy anyway!?!?

100% of my office said

G

[chrisjk]

well your media is full of crap then. When they ask surveys like "Shall we keep the monarchy or become republic?" ~70% will say keep monarchy but only because they can't be arsed to have to put up with all the other crap that would mean and most of all because it's a change. Why change something if it isn't broken. They cost us a few £££, but any president would take just as much, so **** it why bother. She can go round waving at people and going around in her Rolls Royce (which is the only car in the world - on pulic roads - not to have a reg plate). Nobody really cares.

[Jethro]

Originally posted by chrisjk
well your media is full of crap then. When they ask surveys like "Shall we keep the monarchy or become republic?" ~70% will say keep monarchy but only because they can't be arsed to have to put up with all the other crap that would mean and most of all because it's a change. Why change something if it isn't broken. They cost us a few £££, but any president would take just as much, so **** it why bother. She can go round waving at people and going around in her Rolls Royce (which is the only car in the world - on pulic roads - not to have a reg plate). Nobody really cares.

Hmmmm...that simple explains what is wrong with England...

By the way a Republic does not necessarily mean a President!

For Oz my view is

Can the Queen.

Can the state Parliments.....that wont happen cause the rich need some place to send their idiot third child.....oh hang Downer is in the Federal Parliment.

Increased the size of Federal Parliment.....and take the vote away from all the idiots who voted for GST, cause they are too stupid to be able to cast a vote.

[SurfDemon]

The bottom line is, it's your country and you can do whatever you want with it. We don't care (well I don't:)).

You seem to vote etc. on it every now and then and we hear something about it, but as far as we're concerned it's not really a big issue to us.

I don't mind the queen, but I don't particularly like her, or her kids (apart from Andrew, he always seemed to be off shagging some bird - pitty about his choice of wife!). It's just that I've always thought there were far more important things to worry about in this world:)

Hands up all who think Edwards as Gay as a fairy in a pink tutu?

Surf Demons hands shoot way way up in the air.

SD

[Jethro]

Originally posted by SurfDemon
The bottom line is, it's your country and you can do whatever you want with it. We don't care (well I don't:)).

Thanks SD

You seem to vote etc. on it every now and then and we hear something about it, but as far as we're concerned it's not really a big issue to us.

The government did their level best to side track the debate and achieved that, which is about the only policy that has worked for them in three years.

I don't mind the queen, but I don't particularly like her, or her kids (apart from Andrew, he always seemed to be off shagging some bird - pitty about his choice of wife!). It's just that I've always thought there were far more important things to worry about in this world:)

There is, and soon as we become a republic we will fix those as well

Hands up all who think Edwards as Gay as a fairy in a pink tutu?

As camp as a row of tents mate

Surf Demons hands shoot way way up in the air.

*jethro gives SD high five, low five, slide five*

SD

[Beacon]

Fine then we will SD!

And because of our british background we will winge about it!

I agree whomever voted GST was a good idea is a total f__kwit!
That includes John Howard!

Hey watch BackBerner last night! **** thats a funny political pistake!

[Jethro]

...lol.....

Specially enjoyed the expert talking about foreign investment. :D

[Beacon]

and the bit about paulines dress sense etc.
Love that show!

[cyberwarpy]

I bet ya CUE Fashion is making a loss :rolleyes: ;)

Originally posted by Beacon
and the bit about paulines dress sense etc.
Love that show!

[Jethro]

Mr Hanson, (sick puppy that he is) will only have sex with Pauline if she wears a paper bag, and well the paper bag company refuses to sell her anymore.

Oh my god

A sexual frustrated Pauline Hanson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Run for the hills!

[cyberwarpy]

Ok Then...

Majority of Australians (The New Generation) want Australia to become a republic... So, What about the New Flag... To become a republic we must get rid of the damn Union Jack and replace it with something.

I've got an idea:

Make it look like the American Flag except there's only the 7 Stars instead of the 50! ;)

http://www.3dflags.com/images/u/3dflagsdotcom_usa2wl.gif
http://www.3dflags.com/images/a/3dflagsdotcom_austr2wl.gif

[Beacon]

No bloody way!

I think it should incumber some stars, my avatar, naked women!

Beer represents - wealth(afford it), knowledge(we know what good beer is)

Naked Women represent - the right for women to walk naked down any street they want!
I'm sure thats in the republic laws somewhere!

Stars represent what your head feels like the next morning!

[cyberwarpy]

So...gimme an Idea! A purple flag with a naked woman holding a VB can on it... hahahhah :o

Originally posted by Beacon
No bloody way!

I think it should incumber some stars, my avatar, naked women!

Beer represents - wealth(afford it), knowledge(we know what good beer is)

Naked Women represent - the right for women to walk naked down any street they want!
I'm sure thats in the republic laws somewhere!

Stars represent what your head feels like the next morning!

[Jethro]

Originally posted by cyberwarpy
So...gimme an Idea! A purple flag with a naked woman holding a VB can on it... hahahhah :o



And kicking a football.....................

[cyberwarpy]

Hmmm... I'm gonna flee the country to avoid international embrassement :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Jethro


And kicking a football.....................

[Jeff_1]

As soon as i become a google-billionare and buy my own island somewhere in the south pacific..your all invited too live there..and the only rule is drink all the alcohol you can. ( is that a rule or a common practice ;) )

I can already picture it..my nations flag will be the jack daniels insignia but instead of it saying "jack daniels" on the top it is going too say "alkoholica"..and you can have all the different kind of kebob's ( spelt correctly? ) and i will settle for my burgers ;)
oh yeah ..my own personal cigarette company of course :)

[cyberwarpy]

Are you in Australia Jeff_1? You can have Tasmania! ;)

Originally posted by Jeff_1
As soon as i become a google-billionare and buy my own island somewhere in the south pacific..your all invited too live there..and the only rule is drink all the alcohol you can. ( is that a rule or a common practice ;) )

I can already picture it..my nations flag will be the jack daniels insignia but instead of it saying "jack daniels" on the top it is going too say "alkoholica"..and you can have all the different kind of kebob's ( spelt correctly? ) and i will settle for my burgers ;)
oh yeah ..my own personal cigarette company of course :)

[Jeff_1]

heh tazmania all for little ole me ;) hehhehehehehehehehehehehehe

[cyberwarpy]

Or.... If that doesn't interest you... you can have Kangaroo Island! ;)

So are you in Australia or not...?!? :o

Originally posted by Jeff_1
heh tazmania all for little ole me ;) hehhehehehehehehehehehehehe

[Jeff_1]

i am american...but i have been called other choice name b4 that i care not to get into hehheh.

Kangaroo island??

[cyberwarpy]

Yep. Kangaroo Island "Australia's best kept secret"

http://www.kangaroo-island-au.com

It's got its own web site! ;) Not often you see a little island with it's own website these days :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Jeff_1
i am american...but i have been called other choice name b4 that i care not to get into hehheh.

Kangaroo island??

[simonm]

Because i have never seen Australia on the cover of a Brit paper! or make major news or send us help or anything!

Help for what? What has Australia done to get on the front page?

What is it that Australia expects from Britain? Do they expect something in return for keeping the queen as head of state? It's neither here nor there for Britain whether Australia keeps the queen or not. It's not as if Australia contributes towards the upkeep of the royal family is it?

At the end of the day though, if Australia does not think they'll benefit from remaining in the commonwealth (and I don't know if they do or not) then leave.
:p

[simonm]

I have a flag suggestion for you Australians, and I doubt whether they will appreciate it very much...

How about the Japanese flag?

At least that's the flag they might have had now if Britain had surrendered it's far eastern empire to Japan during WWII. :mad:

[SurfDemon]

Originally posted by Jethro
As camp as a row of tents mate


Excellent expression mate! I'll use that tonight when I'm refering to my brother in the pub!

As for Beacons idea of naked women on the flag - it gets my vote!! That would just be the coolest.

SD

[SurfDemon]

Originally posted by cyberwarpy
Yep. Kangaroo Island "Australia's best kept secret"

http://www.kangaroo-island-au.com

It's got its own web site! ;) Not often you see a little island with it's own website these days :rolleyes:



I'll have to hop on over to it:)

(I bet you that joke gets cracked all the time over there)

SD

[Jeff_1]

You ever been on kangaroo island before cyberwarpy? ( or anyone else )

[Jethro]

Originally posted by Jeff_1
You ever been on kangaroo island before cyberwarpy? ( or anyone else )

Yeap, its awesome. You can either get rooms in this really old hotel or hire a cabin in this kinda small resort place on the beach. You just would not believe the quality of the food these guys produce.

Simon

Quick history leason dude, the Yanks pulled our fat out of the fire in WWII, the aussies were being pushed slowly backward in PNG at the time, when the seppos arrived on the scene.

Yeap and you guys sure did do a wonderful job in Singapore. What a pack of gooses, guns pointed out to sea. Don't worry we only lost a few hundred troops at the time, and the kiwis managed to extract some of theirs.

Actually the Rising Sun would be fitting in Queensland as the Japanese own most of that state.

[Jeff_1]

Well one of these days when i make my millions... i will make a stop at kangaroo island... sounds interesting too say the least. :)

[cyberwarpy]

Originally posted by Jeff_1
Well one of these days when i make my millions... i will make a stop at kangaroo island... sounds interesting too say the least. :)

Yep, I will be your financial officer (with a big commission) :)



Vote for something interesting about India here at:

http://forums.vb-world.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72404

[Beacon]

cyberwarpy:

So are you in Australia or not...?!?

He must be he's right behind you.;)

Simonm:

[QUOTE]I have a flag suggestion for you Australians, and I doubt whether they will appreciate it very much...
How about the Japanese flag?
At least that's the flag they might have had now if Britain had surrendered it's far eastern empire to Japan during WWII./QUOTE]

I backing jethro on this one! You brits did nothing or very little to help us. While we risked several thousands of men for you!
Luckily the USA saw interest/pity in us and came and saved us!
Thankyou USA!!:D
So much for the protection of our motherland!
Looks like you needed us more than we needed you!

What have we done that deserves front cover?
Well! Good question!
Point taken!

[simonm]

You brits did nothing or very little to help us. While we risked several thousands of men for you!
Luckily the USA saw interest/pity in us and came and saved us!

That's a bit unfair.

In the two and a half years before America could be bothered to join in the war (and only then because of Pearl Harbour), The British empire fought not only single handedly against the Japanese onslaught but also spent most of this time alone in Europe trying to fight off th threat of a German invasion. Between May 1940 and June 1941, Britain (and it's empire) fought alone against the might of both Germany and Japan.

Yes, the British made many military blunders in that war and could have never have won it alone but it annoys me when Australians complain of lack of help in WWII. If the majority of the japanese army hadn't been bogged down in S/E Aisa fighting the British, Australia may have fallen long before America ever entered the war.

Britain took a hell of a lot more s**t than Australia ever did and only just managed to keep going attall.

[barrk]

Originally posted by simonm


That's a bit unfair.

In the two and a half years before America could be bothered to join in the war (and only then because of Pearl Harbour), The British empire fought not only single handedly against the Japanese onslaught but also spent most of this time alone in Europe trying to fight off th threat of a German invasion. Between May 1940 and June 1941, Britain (and it's empire) fought alone against the might of both Germany and Japan.

Yes, the British made many military blunders in that war and could have never have won it alone but it annoys me when Australians complain of lack of help in WWII. If the majority of the japanese army hadn't been bogged down in S/E Aisa fighting the British, Australia may have fallen long before America ever entered the war.

Britain took a hell of a lot more s**t than Australia ever did and only just managed to keep going attall.

That's a bit unfair.

In the two and a half years before America could be bothered to join in the war (and only then because of Pearl Harbour), the United States was busy supply Britian with much needed vehicles, weapons, clothing, food to keep Britian's war effort afloat! America is blamed for sticking their nose in places it doesn't belong..namely Europe (where I believe WWII was taking place at the time if I'm not mistaken:rolleyes: )....but we get statements like simonm's about not jumping into the war.......I think that's more than a bit unfair!!!!!!

[simonm]

I don't think there were any countries in the world that would have objected to America joining in WWII. They get accused of medaling now but at the time they were considered an isolationist country.

Yes, America did send supplies...at a price. It all had to be paid back (one of the reasons Britain was so poor after the war).

Don't get me wrong though, I am grateful for America's (eventual) direct involvement in the war.

I am just defending Britain's actions in the war with regard to it's priorities. Britain has often been accused by some Australians that we abandoned Australia.

[SurfDemon]

Originally posted by barrk


That's a bit unfair.

In the two and a half years before America could be bothered to join in the war (and only then because of Pearl Harbour), the United States was busy supply Britian with much needed vehicles, weapons, clothing, food to keep Britian's war effort afloat! America is blamed for sticking their nose in places it doesn't belong..namely Europe (where I believe WWII was taking place at the time if I'm not mistaken:rolleyes: )....but we get statements like simonm's about not jumping into the war.......I think that's more than a bit unfair!!!!!!

*Cough* Britain had to pay for those supplies/weapons *cough*, and if I'm not mistaken is still paying some 50 years later. I think it was Churchill who said that the lights of Europe have been extinguished and will not be relit for another hundred years. And he was almost right. Only now is Europe regaining her economic and military strength.

Don't get me wrong we appreciate your participation and there can be litle doubt that America swung the balance, but we often hear how "America won the war" or "America saved the Europes butt", er... sorry, but it was a joint effort to save the world and you do have to admit you've been a bit tardy to the last two world wars. Of course Bush is trying to make up for that now by being really really early for the next one ;)

If you had left it any longer there is a very good chance the whole world (including America) would be under Axis rule.

The bottom line is all countries involved lost an incredible amount of people (on both sides). I don't think it serves any purpose now to sling mud at each other over it. It was a tragic part of history (as all wars are). I fully understand America's reluctance to join a war that was percieved to be happening on the otherside of the world, it can't be easy to send your own children to face death. But it wasn't Britain versus Germany, it was democracy versus Dictatorship.

P.S. Britain declared war on Germany, they could have stayed out of it if they wanted.

Just my 2 Deuchmarks worth:)

SD

[barrk]

If it's any consolation we are still paying for WWII as well. I don't think there is a nation that was involved in WWII that isn't....well except maybe France:rolleyes:

[simonm]

The fact of the matter is that Russia beat Germany. Britain, America or any other country you care to mention barely had any effect.

80% of Germany's armies were stationed on the eastern front.

By the time the 'Allies' had organised themselves for a 'serious' second front, the Germans were being routed on the Eastern front and the course of the war was inevitable.


As far as Japan is concerned, that's a different matter. America was undoubtedly the deciding factor in ending that war.

[SurfDemon]

True!

I think France is paying for it, a lot of the French army made it to Britain and fought alongside the allies, many of the resistance where tortured and killed, the Germans stripped their country of currency, precious metals and art. France's economy was pretty much scewed at the end of the war, they are still struggling to recover. Farmers are still killed by unexploded bombs and mines from both world wars. Remember they were struggling even before the second world war as WWI had pretty much decimated there country.

I don't think anyone was left untouched by WWII.

SD

[chrisjk]

Don't forget we went out and fought yet another war that century - Falklands.

And this time I think it was pretty much unassisted (please do correct me if i'm wrong). I was 2 when it happened.

[Jethro]

Originally posted by simonm


That's a bit unfair.

In the two and a half years before America could be bothered to join in the war (and only then because of Pearl Harbour), The British empire fought not only single handedly against the Japanese onslaught but also spent most of this time alone in Europe trying to fight off th threat of a German invasion. Between May 1940 and June 1941, Britain (and it's empire) fought alone against the might of both Germany and Japan.

Yes, the British made many military blunders in that war and could have never have won it alone but it annoys me when Australians complain of lack of help in WWII. If the majority of the japanese army hadn't been bogged down in S/E Aisa fighting the British, Australia may have fallen long before America ever entered the war.

Britain took a hell of a lot more s**t than Australia ever did and only just managed to keep going attall.

What a load of propaganda. Yes Britian fought for her colonies against the Japanese, no doubt using the same troops which had put down "native" insurrections.

Britain was involved in a "European" war against Germany which had nothing to do with Oz/NZ. Our Governments sent troops to aid Britian. In fact when the Japanese expanding into the South Pacific, we had to fight tooth and nail to get troops back from your war in Europe and Africa to defend our own Countries.

*Jehtro grids his teeth and types* the USA can be considered the only foreign Country which added the ANZACS in stopping the Japanese in PNG.

Australia and New Zealand have supplied troops to Britian in The Boer War, WWI, WWII (Europe and Africa), the Malaya Insurrection to help out Britain. I repeat these were not wars that were fought in our backyards. They were wars fought by Europeans to maintain the last vestiges of their empires.
Except the second world war of course which basically involved everyone but some yak farmer in Mongolia.

[Kzin]

Originally posted by SurfDemon


*Cough* Britain had to pay for those supplies/weapons *cough*,
You will be pleased to know that the sums paid back in lend-lease by Britain were almost exactly the sames as the sums paid to Germany under the Marshall Plan so the money did get back to Europe ;)

Originally posted by SurfDemon


P.S. Britain declared war on Germany, they could have stayed out



for a while - in 1938/39 Hitler had briefed von Ribbentrop & Donitz for a 1944 invasion of Britain once German capital ship strength was up to an adequate level for the job.

[Beacon]

I'm here to back you up Jethro!
:D
Coz no British will!
;)

[cyberwarpy]

I'm here to back you up Jethro!

Yep. Same here, "fellow Kangaroo" :)

[Jeff_1]

Why you all arguing about this? yes WW2 was horrible but why keep on ranting about it..

[Jethro]

Originally posted by Jeff_1
Why you all arguing about this? yes WW2 was horrible but why keep on ranting about it..

Ranting is a bit stiff mate, it's just all these poms were coming the raw prawn with us.

[cyberwarpy]

it's just all these poms were coming the raw prawn with us.

It's what they are the best at... :)

[Bjwbell]

Anyone want too post some WWII trivia?

[Jeff_1]

What was the name of the port the japanese were going to use as a staging ground for the invasion of australia?? ( no offence meant toward OZ )

[Beacon]

What Like?

Statistics??

[Beacon]

Darwin!

[cyberwarpy]

Then... what did the Japanese use Perl Harbour for... :D

Originally posted by Jeff_1
What was the name of the port the japanese were going to use as a staging ground for the invasion of australia?? ( no offence meant toward OZ )

[Jeff_1]

Port Moresbey

[cyberwarpy]

So... what did they use Perl Harbour FOR...?!? :o

Originally posted by Jeff_1
Port Moresbey

[Jeff_1]

a place to drop excess bombs?

:rolleyes:

[Beacon]

I don't recall port moresby bieng in Australia?

Some extract conclusions:

New Guinea - Between the 2nd and 4th in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, US and Australian land-based aircraft annihilate a troop convoy bound for Lae from Rabaul. All eight transports and four escorting destroyers are sunk.

More coming!

[cyberwarpy]

Since when did the Japanese start having "excess bombs"... :confused:

Originally posted by Jeff_1
a place to drop excess bombs?

:rolleyes:

[Jeff_1]

I should clear myself.. i didnt mean port moresbey was in australia..

[Beacon]

Quote from the ABS yearbook!

" Australia has not experienced a subsequent invasion; no war has since been fought on Australian soil. Yet Australians have fought in ten wars"
"All of them were begun by other nations and involved Australia because of its overseas ties; alliances formed through sentiment, loyalty or simply for reasons of security. "

That says it all for me!

But yet there's more:

"That same Anzac landing really heralded Australia's entry into the First World War, a war that took nearly 60,000 Australian lives. The tremendous cost of the War (Australia's casualty rate, in proportion to the number of troops engaged, was higher than for any other country in the British Empire) "

[Beacon]

Some more Trivia:

"The War also fundamentally altered Australia's relationship with Britain, for it had forced Australia to look away from Britain and towards the United States for support and security."

". In October 1942 the Australians played a significant part in the battle of El Alamein, in which the Germans and Italians were decisively defeated and forced to retreat from the North
African theatre."

"Combined Australian and American efforts, however, prevented large-scale attacks on the Australian mainland. Japan suffered significant defeats in the battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942 and in the battle of Midway a month later. In August at Milne Bay in Papua, the Australians dealt the Japanese their first defeat on land. The bitter Kokoda campaign, fought by Australians in the humid, malarial jungle and rugged mountains of New Guinea, halted the Japanese advance on Port Moresby. By early 1943 Australian and American forces had pushed the Japanese out of Papua. Allied forces progressively retook New Guinea and adjacent islands during 1943 and 1944. By 1945, Australian troops had almost cleared New Guinea of the Japanese and had landed in Borneo. American forces were poised to invade Japan by mid-1945. On 6 and 9 August, atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing nearly 100,000 people. Japan surrendered shortly after."


Shall I stop?

[Beacon]

Q) What was the name of the ship that sunk the HMAS Sydney?

[Jeff_1]

Keep going ;)

[Beacon]

Can't be bothered! The ABS Australian Bureau of Stats is full of this stuff!

Sorry I didn't read the Question properly!
But Darwin was attacked by Japanese Bombers!

Ok last little bit!

West Coast of Australia(this is from memory)

Broome and other NW towns were bombed threat to invade Australias premier Naval Base promptedgun turrets to be built all arround Perth!

Just a bit about Perth itself. It was thought that the Japanese were going to attack HMAS Striling Naval Base and take Perth and then the rest of WA. Which aint bad thinkin coz of small population numbers. The Govt then built over 50 Gun turrets up and down Perths Coast, Built Turrets and ports airstrips on Islands surrounding. Most still stand as tourist attractions!
Then built 3 military airports to go along with the Naval Base!

So when the Japs flew down here (survielance) they avoided it!

[Jethro]

Originally posted by cyberwarpy
Since when did the Japanese start having "excess bombs"... :confused:



The Datsun 120Ys they couldn't off load to Australia.

Ok question

Which Germany Territory did New Zealand troops invade and hold control of till a vote for independance was conducted over 20 years later?

[simonm]

*Jehtro grids his teeth and types* the USA can be considered the only foreign Country which added the ANZACS in stopping the Japanese in PNG.

CLAPTRAP!

OK, The USA defeated Japan...I'm not denying that. But it was mainly a naval war. The British (and associates) took on the Japanese army in south east Aisa.

Look, I'm not trying to say the Australians should be thankful to the British for anything that happenned in WWII, and I know Britain has much to be thankful for from the many Australians who gave their lives fighting against both the Germans and Japanese. What I am saying, though, is that Australia has no right to complain about being abandoned in the war.

[Jethro]

Originally posted by simonm


CLAPTRAP!

OK, The USA defeated Japan...I'm not denying that. But it was mainly a naval war. The British (and associates) took on the Japanese army in south east Aisa.

Look, I'm not trying to say the Australians should be thankful to the British for anything that happenned in WWII, and I know Britain has much to be thankful for from the many Australians who gave their lives fighting against both the Germans and Japanese. What I am saying, though, is that Australia has no right to complain about being abandoned in the war.

Sorry, no one is complaining about being abandoned in the war. The fact is British troops were fighting for their colonies as the last vestige of Empire.

Do you actually know anything about the war in the Pacific? Of course it was mainly naval engagements, there are not that many great hulking land masses down here. American Naval Power stopped the Japanese in the Pacific, (mid way etc).

[Beacon]

SimonM wrong USA did not defeat Japan The Allies Defeated Japan mainly USA, AUS and NZ!
The USA definately could not of done it without the ANZACS.

Yes Britain played a small part in the South East Asia!
Never said they didn't what we are saying is that we got more help from USA then from our own mother country the one in which many australians lost there lives for! So in fact we felt abandoned! Why do you think we are now turning more towards america!

Air warfare was a major part in the war in the pacific/australia. Darwin was bombed by planes, PNG as well etc.
Japan used it had air bases in Burma etc. How do you think they reached us!

[simonm]

Do you actually know anything about the war in the Pacific?

No, I'll admit that I know a lot more about the war in Europe than in the Pacific.

Yes Britain played a small part in the South East Asia!
Never said they didn't what we are saying is that we got more help from USA then from our own mother country the one in which many australians lost there lives for! So in fact we felt abandoned! Why do you think we are now turning more towards america!

To the above, let me just say that if you believe that America's involvement in the war with Japan had anything todo with concern or sympathy for Australia's position then you must be having a laugh!

What do you think Britain was doing? Do you think we had a huge reserve army just sitting in Europe doing nothing? Was Australia ever anywhere near under as much threat as Britain was (from invasion). Did Australian cities ever get bombed in the way that British cities were?

Britain did it's best to help defend many countries (both allies and colonies) from German or Japanese invasion (ok, often unsuccessfully). I never hear of any other countries complaining about Britain abandoning them.

[Queen_Elisabeth]

Oi! B*stards!

It's not my fault my great grand daddy thought your country would make a great open air prison!!!

Anyway, I'm led to understand that almost all of you are fully rehabilitated now, and can re-enter normal society. Therefore we have put aside a lovely area of land in Greenland that you can all live in, thus freeing up your country for some of the next generation of prisoners. It's only fair, you've had more than your fair share, now let somebody else have a shot.

The boats to take you to Greenland will be arriving soon so you'd better start packing.

Thanks again for being great sports,

Liz

[chrisjk]

Very convincing maam, except you spelt your own name wrong, Elizabeth II

[SurfDemon]

Maybe it's a cunning disguise?.....




..... or maybe she's dyslexic.....

.... or maybe the Silly SurfDemon Suffers Shamefully Shoddy Spelling!!!!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D

SD

[cyberwarpy]

ROFL ;)

Originally posted by chrisjk
Very convincing maam, except you spelt your own name wrong, Elizabeth II

[Lee M.]

You guys should have stormed into the Surviver camp and partied with the townies!

[Lee M.]

SimonM wrong USA did not defeat Japan The Allies Defeated Japan mainly USA, AUS and NZ!

2 words for you mate:
Nuclear Weapons

[da_silvy]

yes

[Jeff_1]

Does anyone know what the "SS" stood for in the german army during WW2?

[Beacon]

SS = schutzstaffeln.

LeeM

Ok. So you dropped Nuclear bombs. So u reckon USA single Handedly defeated the Japanese?

ROFL

[Beacon]

LeeM:

The surrender for Japan was going to come about soon. Emperor Hirohito
actually stopped all Kamikaze missions and wished to make peace with the
Allies through the Russians (May 1945). The conclusion that dropping the
atomic bombs was in order to save lives was made after the war was over and
was not the initial reason why the atomic bombs were dropped.
The atom bombs were dropped to intimidate the Russians and let them know who
had the real power in the world at that time. It became the start of the
Cold War. Stalin had spies in Los Alamos and had already had news of the bomb and had
plans to build their own.

[cyberwarpy]

So you are telling me... that the Americans dropped the bomb and killed thousands of lives (they are still dying of Cancer that is being passed onto generations) just to prove to the Russians that they had atomic power .... :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

!!!!!!!!!!!


Originally posted by Beacon
LeeM:

The surrender for Japan was going to come about soon. Emperor Hirohito
actually stopped all Kamikaze missions and wished to make peace with the
Allies through the Russians (May 1945). The conclusion that dropping the
atomic bombs was in order to save lives was made after the war was over and
was not the initial reason why the atomic bombs were dropped.
The atom bombs were dropped to intimidate the Russians and let them know who
had the real power in the world at that time. It became the start of the
Cold War. Stalin had spies in Los Alamos and had already had news of the bomb and had
plans to build their own.

[Beacon]

Yep! Revenge maybe!

But this is what is reported by insiders!