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Deep Dive: The Forgotten Force (1994)

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The Forgotten Force
The Forgotten Force recounts the role of over 36,000 Australian men and women in the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) in post-war Japan. These troops were deployed to Hiroshima Prefecture, including the city of Hiroshima itself, after the atomic bombings. The documentary uses rare archival footage, private photographs, and firsthand accounts from both Australians and Japanese to present the aftermath of the bombings and the efforts to rebuild a democratic society under military rule. The film captures the transformation from initial suspicion and fear to eventual friendship and trust between former adversaries. It focuses on a crucial chapter in Australia's history that has not received significant attention, providing insights into the experiences of those involved in the occupation and the impact on both nations.

Why Watch

  • •See rare archival footage of post-war Hiroshima.
  • •Meet the Australians who served in BCOF.
  • •Find out about the rebuilding efforts in Japan.

Did You Know

•Over 36,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.
•The documentary features rare archival footage from post-war Japan.
•Hiroshima Prefecture was one of the primary deployment areas for BCOF.
•The film includes firsthand accounts from both Australians and Japanese.

Perfect For

Australian military historyPost-war JapanHiroshima studies