ANZAC Portal

Sharing Australia's military and service history through the experiences of our veterans

Look through the Anzac Portal to uncover the experiences of the men and women who have served Australia in wars, conflicts and peace. The hardship of overseas service extends to the family and friends they leave behind. We commemorate their service and sacrifice.

 

 

 

WAAF recruitment poster, World War II

Paths to Victory #VP75

Feature

Over 6 weeks, in a series called 'Paths to Victory', we're exploring each year of World War II, leading up to Victory in the Pacific Day. It's one way for us to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the war, on 15 August. We look at what Australians did, read, heard and remembered, through insightful photographs, newsclips, newsreels, oral history interviews and short films. Let's start with 1939...

 

Navy in Vietnam: Tony Ey's story

Veterans' stories

Tony Ey served as a Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver in Vietnam. Like many Australian units, his was integrated closely with the Americans. Watch his story.

 

 

 

 

 

Europe First: podcast #1

Commemoration

In the first of a new series, we share stories of Australians who served in Bomber, Coastal and Fighter commands, and in the Mediterranean, North Africa, Greece and Crete. Explore some of the paths our veterans took through World War II on the road to Victory in the Pacific. Listen to the podcast 

 

 

 

Commemorating the end of World War II

Education

The upcoming 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) is an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in World War II. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Darren Chester MP, released a mail out this week to mark this special day in our history. We have sent a package of engaging resources to schools, ex-service organisations and community organisations across Australia. You can also download our free resources

 

 

 

Reginald Saunders: Stories of Service

Resources

Reg Saunders experienced frontline fighting, survived 11 months in hostile territory and led soldiers into battle in World War II. He later served in the Korean War and championed Indigenous equality after the war. Watch his story (6 minutes 45 seconds)
 
This is part our new WW2 series of videos that includes:

  1. Damien Parer
  2. Edward 'Weary' Dunlop
  3. Ellen Savage
  4. Gordon Wallace
  5. Nancy Wake

 

 

 

Shifting Tides: new education book

Resources

This book introduces students to Australia's involvement in the Pacific from 1941-1945. The stories and events provide students with a glimpse into the experiences of those who served overseas, as well as those who remained on the home front. Read it online or download the PDF file.

 

 

 

 

 

A new look and extra content 

What's new

This month we launched a new look, which aligns to the colours of our defence services. We've also released some extra content:

  1. The Korean War - History in Focus 
  2. Paths to Victory Photo Essay
  3. Damien Parer, wartime correspondent 
  4. Leonard Waters, Indigenous fighter pilot
  5. Reginald Saunders, Indigenous army captain

 

 

 

Free books, education resources and videos

What's popular

We've produced over 100 resources on Australia's military and service history. Many are for teachers and students. Some have won national awards. These are what people wanted most in the past 30 days:

  1. Australian Women in War (2008) - see our newer version, Australian Women in War: Service, Courage and Care (2020)
  2. Australian Prisoners of War 1941-1945 (2007)
  3. Conscription: Great Debates (2016)
  4. Kokoda: Exploring the Second World War campaign in Papua New Guinea (2012)

 

 

 

What's on

Upcoming anniversaries and events

27 July 2020 - Korean Veterans' Day
6 August 2020 - 105th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine; 75th anniversary of the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima
7 August 2020 - 105th anniversary of the Battle of the Nek
9 August 2020 - 75th anniversary of the Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki
15 August 2020 - Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day
18 August 2020 - Vietnam Veterans' Day
31 August 2020 - Malaya and Borneo Veterans' Day
2 September 2020 - 75th anniversary of Field Marshal Blamey signing the Instrument of Surrender
3 September 2020 - Merchant Navy Day
5 September 2020 - Battle for Australia Day
14 September 2020 - National Peacekeepers' and Peacemaking Day

Find more dates: Australian National Commemorations

 

 

 

Anzac Day Schools’ Award

Competition reminder

Your school could win up to $5000 this year. Our Anzac Day Schools' Awards focus on World War II and its impact on Australian communities. With Victory in the Pacific Day fast approaching, show us how your school community is commemorating veterans. Entries close 5pm AEST Friday 11 September 2020. See how to enter

 

 

 
 




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