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

A soldier's arm in an army combat uniform waving from a vehicle as it drives along a dirt road and passes 4 smiling children who wave back.

Peacekeepers in Solomon Islands

Australia led 2 peace missions in 2000 and from 2003 to 2013 at the request of the Solomon Islands Government.

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.

A male soldier sitting in the snow and admiring the view with a gun in hand.

Out in the Cold: Australians in the Korean War

This commemorative publication explores Australian's involvement in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Australian personnel were in Korea within days of the outbreak of war.

Learn about the war

Community grants

Saluting Their Service major and community grants from DVA. Batch 1 applications close on 29 July 2026 at 9 pm (Canberra time).

Apply for a grant

Veteran stories

Listen to oral histories

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

Phil Orchard's story

Phil was a radio operator in the Merchant Navy during the war. He recalled supplying troops in the Pacific and threats to shipping.

Stan Starcevich's story

Stanley served 2 tours in Korea with 3RAR in 1951 and 1952. With 2 fellow veterans, he discussed serving in the Korean War.

Rachel Rayner's story

Rachel joined the Women's Australian Auxiliary Airforce at 18. She recalled visiting Hiroshima after the war. Watch Rachel's story.

Biography

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Lines of men in uniform with rifles on their shoulders are inspected on parade.

George Roy Irwin

George was a talented artist whose life was cut short at Gallipoli. His death sparked a 12-year search by his parents.

Short film

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Nancy Wake: Stories of Service

Nancy's story as a New Zealand-born Australian who was in France when the war began. She spied for the French Resistance.

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 media and the Vietnam War: Great Debates

Operation Overlord, Vietnam: Expressions - Commemoration through Art

Candour: Stories in the words of those who served 1914-18

Kokoda: In Their Own Words