Australia has always been far removed from global events, primarily due to its geographical location. However, during World War II, it quickly found itself in the midst of the action. After Nazi Germany unleashed World War II in Europe in 1939, Australia, with its close ties to the British Commonwealth, was one of the first nations to send troops and supplies to the war on the side of the Allies. Australian troops fought against the German Wehrmacht in Greece and North Africa, and participated in allied bombing raids against the German Luftwaffe. Almost all of Australia's naval units operated in the Mediterranean. Throughout the course of the war, Australian forces fought in most theaters of conflict, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, and New Guinea. Meanwhile, the homeland remained defenseless, a tactical error, even though Japan had already been a threat prior to this.