Hush Hush Mission - The Persian (Iranian) Expedition of Dunsterforce 1918

Hush Hush - The Persian Expedition: The Australians in Dunsterforce 1918

In the dying embers of World War I, an obscure yet critical mission unfolded in the vast, volatile landscapes of Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Caucasus. Known as Dunsterforce—named after its commander, Major General Lionel Dunsterville—this clandestine Allied force sought to safeguard British imperial interests against a growing maelstrom of geopolitical threats. Among its ranks were seasoned Australian officers, tasked with stemming the tide of German-Turkish influence and securing the eastern frontiers of the British Empire. So, from the Shadow of a Doorway ...

Strategic Imperatives: Defence of India and Imperial Security

The primary objective of Dunsterforce was to counteract the German-Ottoman Pan-Turanian propaganda that sought to unite Turkic and Muslim populations against the British Empire. By stirring up unrest across Central Asia—including Afghanistan and Persia—the Central Powers hoped to ignite a conflagration that could threaten India, the crown jewel of the British colonial realm.

With the Russian Empire collapsing in the wake of the 1917 Revolution, the power vacuum in the Caucasus posed a significant threat to British interests. If left unchecked, the Germans and Ottomans could extend their influence deep into Persia and beyond, endangering British control over Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and its vital oil supplies. Dunsterforce, a hand-picked assembly of elite Allied troops—including Australians—was dispatched to interpose a barrier against this advancing chaos.

The Australian Role: A Small Yet Enabling Contribution

Though numerically small, the Australian contingent of Dunsterforce comprised battle-hardened officers drawn from the Western Front and Gallipoli. These men, skilled in irregular warfare, intelligence gathering, and advisory roles, worked to train local forces, secure supply lines, and disrupt enemy operations. Their expertise in unconventional combat proved invaluable in a theatre where diplomacy, subterfuge, and guerrilla tactics mattered as much as firepower.

Operating in treacherous conditions—ranging from mountainous passes to arid deserts—Dunsterforce faced immense logistical challenges. The mission required navigating volatile alliances with local warlords, Armenian and Assyrian militias, and Persian tribal factions, all while being vastly outnumbered by enemy forces. Despite these adversities, the force successfully delayed Turkish advances and safeguarded key strategic positions, notably in the defence of Baku and the protection of Persian oil fields.

Legacy of Dunsterforce: A Forgotten Chapter in Australian Military History

Although Dunsterforce ultimately disbanded in late 1918, its efforts played a crucial role in preserving British imperial security in the East. The Australians who served in this ‘Hush Hush’ mission left behind a legacy of resilience and adaptability—hallmarks of the ANZAC spirit. Despite its relative obscurity, their contribution to stemming the spread of enemy influence across the Persian frontier remains an important yet underappreciated aspect of Australia’s military history.

As the shadows of global conflict stretched across Central Asia, these Australians stood as part of a thin line holding back the tide of German-Turkish ambitions. Their story, though often overlooked, deserves recognition in the broader tapestry of World War I’s lesser-known campaigns.

For a deeper dive into Australia’s role in Dunsterforce and the Persian Expedition, follow The Novationem Forum for more historical insights!