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

A group of muddy male soldiers standing on a deck.

Liberating Borneo

The 80th anniversary of Australians landing at Labuan on 10 June 1945, part of the Allies' Operation Oboe

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.

Crewmen gather around a table looking at sheets of paper.

Bomber Command

Australians served in the air war against Germany and Italy in the British Bomber, Coastal and Fighter commands. Some were involved in the D-Day operations of June 1944.

Read about Bomber Command

National service 25 June

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War. Event starts 10 am AEST Wed 25 June in Canberra. Broadcast live on ABC.

Veteran stories

Listen to oral histories

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

Fred Sharon's story

Fred joined the RAAF in 1944. He recalled all the services working together at Tarakan in ‘one big mess’.

Brian Winchcombe's story

Brian joined the Army in 1944. He served with 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion at both Tarakan and Balikpapan.

Ross Pearson's story

Ross joined the RAAF in 1942. He served with No 102 Squadron RAF in Bomber Command.

Biography

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Formal portrait of indigenous man in army uniform sitting on a chair with hands on his lap

Private Harold Reginald Davis

Harold joined the Army in 1941. He served with 2/32nd Battalion in the Middle East. He was captured in 1942 and held in Italy.

Short film

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Jim Martin: Stories of Service

Jim enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force to serve in the war overseas when he was 14. He died in the Gallipoli Campaign.

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.

Gallipoli: The first day short film

Indigenous Women Second World War workbook

National Service: In Their Own Words cover

National Service – Vietnam: In Their Own Words

Primary Source Investigation: Australian soldier's experience in war