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World War 2 is often recalled as being a war between the Axis (Germany, Italy and Japan) and Allies (Britain, USA and USSR). While this is not necessarily inaccurate it can be misleading, for in truth a far larger number of countries were involved. By involved, I refer to countries that made a significant enough military contribution to be on a war footing between 1939 - 1945. As such countries like Denmark and Belgium, with their neutrality violated, I do not consider to have been involved in military terms. So, here is the list with a brief narrative for each:

Allied Countries:

Albania: Invaded by Italy in 1939 but provided strong resistance up until 1940. Albanian nationalist groups continued to resist and in 1944 removed German troops from the country. The only eastern European country to do so without Soviet assistance.

Australia: Committed to war against Germany in 1939 in conjunction with Britain. Proved more useful in Pacific theater against Japan. Australians fought in Malaya, the Dutch East Indies and the Australian territory of New Guinea. The Australian mainland also came under attack by Japan.

Bahrain: The Sheik of Bahrain declared war on Germany in 1939. Bahrain forces fought under British command in the Middle East theater.

Canada: A Commonwealth nation. Main military contribution made during Operation Overlord, where Canada provided troops and military equipment. Also assisted in North Africa.

China: Invaded by Japan and defended against Japanese invasion forces.

Egypt: More of a battleground in North Africa, but did provide some naval support to Britain and US.

France: Like Britain, went to war in defense of Poland to form a Anglo-French alliance. Unfortunately, despite having a sizable military, was invaded and defeated by Germany in 1940 due to technical limitations and poor strategy. French resistance, forced underground, continued throughout and up until the liberation of France in 1944.

Great Britain: Great Britain represented two entities. Firstly the UK, and secondly the UK along with associated Commonwealth (empire) nations. Went to war with Germany in 1939 after German invasion of Poland. Still boasted world's largest navy in 1939 in addition with a mobile and technically advanced air-force spearheaded by the RAF spitfire, which was crucial to the defense of the British Isles after fall of France. Land army more limited in comparison to Germany, but improved in time for D-day in 1944. Most successful in North Africa, winning a significant

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