My first contact was in Korea 1953 when Aussie Troops were doing their thing. These guys were a fun loving group that could drink and hold a lot more beer than we Yanks. Over the years and particularly since I retired I have met and known a number of Aussies and found them to be very much like Yanks. Although Pommy's are brethern to both the difference is huge.
The first Aussie I met some months ago was a guy posting on an internet forum. He's from Sydney and rose quickly through the ranks. Smart guy he is. Don't have a clue what Aussies are like but would have loved to find out.
Wonder who that is Thomas mein freund. You will have to come to my country to find the real Australian character.
Lon. That is the larrikin side of our character. The British used to despair at the attitude of the Aussie digger in WWI. While they were stiff upper lip and very empire oriented we were happy go lucky and shunned authoritarianism. We did however make good soldiers. I believe Australians hold more war medals of valor per capita than other nations that fought in wars..
Just an addendum. I've never met an Aussie in real life but I sometimes get very close to their spirit. So should I ever bump into one, I know what makes them tick.