A Military Operation Unlike Any Other
In 1932, Australia faced an agricultural crisis unlike any before. On the wheat farms of Western Australia, more than 20,000 emus began invading newly cleared farmland, damaging crops and breaking fences.
In response, the federal government approved a military deployment—not against humans, but against these large, flightless birds. Armed with machine guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition, soldiers were sent to take on the emu threat. The operation, covered widely in the press, became known as the Emu War.
From War Veterans to Bird Fighters
Many of the affected farmers were veterans of World War I, settled on marginal land after returning home. When their crops were destroyed, they appealed to the government.
Defence Minister Sir George Pearce authorized the use of soldiers and Lewis machine guns under strict conditions. Led by Major G.P.W. Meredith, the military arrived in early November with orders to reduce the emu population.
Elusive Targets and Failed Tactics
The first engagement on 2 November saw emus scatter and evade the guns. A second ambush near a dam also failed when the gun jammed after 12 kills.
Attempts to mount guns on trucks proved useless, as the birds outran the vehicles. After six days, 2,500 rounds had been fired with few confirmed kills. On 8 November, the operation was withdrawn amid media criticism and political mockery.
A Second Campaign and Its Aftermath
A second attempt began on 13 November. By 2 December, the unit reported 986 kills with 9,860 rounds, estimating thousands more emus died from wounds.
Still, the results were mixed, and the military campaign ended on 10 December. Farmers later relied on bounties and exclusion fencing. Despite multiple future requests, no further military actions were approved.
A Real Event That Echoed for Decades
Though the Emu War was a response to real agricultural damage, the unusual nature of the operation drew wide attention. Conservationists abroad condemned it.
Farmers continued to battle emus through other means. In later years, the event inspired media retellings, stage productions, and films. The Emu War remains one of the most unusual military operations in recorded history.
In 1932, Australian soldiers were deployed to Western Australia to face an unexpected enemy—emus.
The birds were destroying wheat crops in massive numbers.
Farmers begged for help, and the government responded with machine guns, troops, and over 10,000 rounds of ammo…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/cGgBhJjgl5
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 29, 2025