Anzac Portal: Australia's military history and veterans' stories

Battle of the Coral Sea

Australians served in this battle from 4 to 8 May 1942. It was a major turning point in the Pacific War.

World War I 1914 to 1918

Soldiers standing near a gun with some loading and operating the gun.

World War II 1939 to 1945

Korean War 1950 to 1953

Photograph of 3RAR on the deck of a US troopship

Vietnam War 1962 to 1975

A male soldier standing in front of a tank.

Century of Service book series worksheet

The Century of Service books share stories of Australian military service in the 20th century. This worksheet helps students to understand the stories in the books.

Download the worksheet

Competition

Entries for the 2026 Anzac Day Schools' Awards close on 28 May at 5 PM AEST. The theme is 'Women in service.'

Submit an entry

Veteran stories

Listen to oral histories

We gather stories of ordinary Australians who've had extraordinary experiences serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

Bill Morris's story

Bill served on HMAS Sydney in Vietnam in 1969. He recalled his navy training, public attitudes to the Vietnam War and going home.

Andrew Overall's story

Andrew served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970 with 131 Divisional Locating Battery. He recalled training and wartime service.

Arthur Loudon's story

Arthur joined the RAAF in 1943. He recalled being a navigator in No 12 Squadron RAF and flying 30 missions with Bomber Command.

Biography

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At least 8 soldiers in a trench holding weapons, most of them are sitting

William Symons VC

William enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1914. He embarked with the first convoy of Australian troops.

Short film

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A man at the opening of a shelter dug in the ground and covered over by sandbags and rocks

Rats of Tobruk

Reflections of 6 Australian veterans who served in North Africa in World War II and survived the Siege of Tobruk in 1941.

Resources

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We've produced over 100 free resources on Australia's military and service history. Many are designed for teachers and students.

Australian Women in War: Service, Courage and Care

Indigenous Service School Resources

Loyalty: Stories of the Australian Army

1918—Amiens to Hindenburg Line