The Great Emu War of 1932: When Australia Lost to Birds
⚡Quick Summary
In 1932, Australian military forces armed with machine guns were deployed to combat an "invasion" of 20,000 emus destroying farmland in Western Australia. Despite superior firepower, the soldiers failed spectacularly—the emus proved too fast, too clever, and too resilient. The military withdrew in defeat, making this the only war where birds officially won.
Key Facts: 20,000 emus • 2 machine guns • 10,000 rounds fired • Less than 1,000 emus killed • Military withdrew in defeat
🤔Why This Is Weird
The Great Emu War stands out as one of history's most absurd military operations. Here's why it's so bizarre:
A Real Military Operation Against Birds
This wasn't pest control or wildlife management—it was an actual military campaign with soldiers, machine guns, and official military reports. The Australian government deployed the Royal Australian Artillery with Lewis guns to fight flightless birds.
The Emus Had Military Tactics
Soldiers reported that emus seemed to employ guerrilla warfare tactics—scattering when attacked, regrouping, and using terrain to their advantage. One officer noted the emus had "command structure" with scouts and leaders directing the flock's movements.
Machine Guns Were Ineffective
Despite firing over 10,000 rounds, soldiers killed fewer than 1,000 emus. The birds could run at 30 mph, zigzag unpredictably, and their thick feathers absorbed bullets. It took an average of 10 bullets to bring down a single emu—if you could hit one at all.
The Military Officially Withdrew
After weeks of embarrassing failure, the military command officially withdrew troops and declared the operation unsuccessful. This remains the only documented case of a modern military force losing a war to a non-human opponent.
❌What People Get Wrong About This
MYTH: It's Just a Funny Story
Reality: While it sounds absurd, this was a serious agricultural crisis. Emus were destroying crops that farmers desperately needed to survive the Great Depression. Thousands of acres of wheat were being devastated, threatening livelihoods and food supplies.
MYTH: The Entire Australian Army Was Involved
Reality: Only a small contingent was deployed—essentially three soldiers with two machine guns and a truck. It wasn't a massive military operation, just a small team that proved hilariously inadequate for the task.
MYTH: Emus Are Harmless, Cute Birds
Reality: Emus are massive—up to 6 feet tall and 120 pounds—with powerful legs that can disembowel predators. They're fast, aggressive when threatened, and travel in massive flocks that can destroy entire fields overnight. They're basically dinosaurs that never got the extinction memo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Australia declare war on emus?
After World War I, the Australian government encouraged veterans to take up farming in Western Australia. By 1932, approximately 20,000 emus migrated to these farming areas and began destroying wheat crops. Farmers requested military assistance, and the government approved a military operation to cull the emu population and protect the harvest.
How many emus were actually killed?
Official reports vary, but estimates suggest fewer than 1,000 emus were killed despite firing over 10,000 rounds of ammunition. The military's kill ratio was embarrassingly low—approximately one emu per 10 bullets. Some reports claim only 50 emus were killed in the first week of operations.
Did the Emu War really happen, or is it an urban legend?
The Emu War is completely real and well-documented in Australian military records, newspaper articles from 1932, and official government reports. Major G.P.W. Meredith led the operation and filed detailed reports about the campaign's failure. It's one of the most embarrassing but thoroughly documented military operations in Australian history.
What happened after the military withdrew?
After the military's humiliating defeat, the government implemented a bounty system, paying farmers for each emu killed. This proved far more effective—over 57,000 emu bounties were claimed in the following six months. The government also built a massive fence (the Emu Fence) to keep the birds away from farmland.
Why were machine guns so ineffective against emus?
Emus have several natural advantages: they can run at 30 mph with sudden direction changes, their thick feathers provide surprising protection, they scatter when attacked making them hard to target, and they can survive multiple bullet wounds. The Lewis guns used were designed for stationary or slow-moving targets, not fast, unpredictable birds.
Are emus still a problem in Australia today?
Yes, emus remain a significant agricultural pest in parts of Australia. However, modern management uses fencing, population control programs, and non-lethal deterrents rather than military intervention. The Emu Fence (now called the State Barrier Fence) stretches over 1,100 miles and helps keep emus away from farming regions.
Has any other country had a similar "war" with animals?
While various countries have dealt with animal pest problems, Australia's Emu War is unique in being an official military operation that was publicly acknowledged as a failure. China's "Four Pests Campaign" in 1958 targeted sparrows (among other animals) but wasn't a military operation. The Emu War remains the only documented case of a modern military force officially losing to animals.
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✍️About the Author
Qutubuddin is the founder of Weird 'n' Silly, where he personally tests and reviews the internet's funniest products. Got a weird product in mind? Reach out here.
💖 A proud father of 3 lovely daughters and a cute son! 👨👧👧👧👦