Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, South West Asia, Lebanon, Operation Exporter, 1942

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Overview

This exhibit contains items retained as souvenirs by Australian soldiers of the 7th Division from Operation Exporter in Lebanon against the Vichy French in 1942. Items include an 1822 Pattern, light cavalry sabre, a Lebel rifle bayonet and scabbard and two Kepi style hats.

Historical information

The Allied invasion of Syria and Lebanon in 1941 known as Operation Exporter was one of the more unusual campaigns of the World War 2 due to the complex politics of the Middle East Syria and Lebanon were controlled by the Vichy government established after France was defeated by Germany in 1940. Britain feared that Nazi Germany might use the territory as a base to attack British oil interests in the Middle East or the Suez Canal. When the Vichy government allowed Germany to use Lebanese and Syrian air bases to support an anti-British revolt in Iraq in April 1941, Prime Minister Winston Churchill agreed to plans for an invasion of Syria and Lebanon
Allied planners expected the campaign to last no more than a few days, but the campaign continued for five weeks. The Australian 7th Division formed the bulk of two columns of the main advance in rugged and mountainous terrain north towards Beirut and Rayak. On their right, a combined force of British, Indian and Free French troops attacked through the Syrian desert towards Damascus.
Australians were involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the campaign, including the treacherous crossings of the Litani and Damour rivers, and a series of costly attacks on the former Crusader Castle at Merdjayoun. On 21 June, Australians were among the first troops to enter Damascus. Victoria Crosses were awarded to Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler, and Private James Hannah Gordon for their actions during the campaign.
An estimated 2,400 people, including 416 Australians died in the fighting.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-523

Contextual Information

This exhibit is in the World War 2 Gallery at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia.

Links to additional resources

Battle Honour - Damour

Battle Honour - Litani

Battle Honour - Sidon

Gordon VC

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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