Although the PIAT was the official infantry anti-tank ordnance, it was rarely used by the Australians in the Pacific theater of World War II.

Not because tanks were not often faced, although this was true, but primarily because the US Bazooka was more powerful, easier to obtain, and had no spring mechanism that could dislocate a soldier’s shoulder upon firing.

The Bazooka’s effectiveness against armored vehicles made it the preferred choice among troops, who appreciated its reliability in combat situations. Additionally, the logistical challenges of supplying PIATs and training soldiers to use them effectively contributed to the Australian forces’ preference for the simpler and more familiar American alternative.

As a result, while the PIAT remained officially designated for infantry use, its practical application on the battlefield was significantly diminished, reflecting the broader adaptation and integration of American weaponry within Allied forces in the Pacific campaigns, which ultimately shaped tactics and operational success throughout the conflict.

PIAT in use by the Australian at Balikpapa, Borneo in 1945.