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

Young men in uniform holding rifles under supervision

National service in Australia

Australia had 4 military service schemes between 1911 and 1972. The schemes were all part of national service.

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.

Six men in military shirts or shirtless stand at the railing of a boat looking at two barges loaded with Army trucks and vehicles.

Withdrawal of Australian personnel from Vietnam

The withdrawal began in 1971 and was largely complete by early 1973. All Australian troops had returned home by 30 June 1973.

Find out more

Calendar for 2026

We can post you a free copy of DVA's 2026 wall calendar, which commemorates Australian national service between 1951 and 1972. Email your details to education@dva.gov.au or fill in our webform.

Veteran stories

Listen to oral histories

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

Barry Davis's story

After school, Barry joined the RAN in January 1966 as an apprentice with the Marine Engineering Branch at HMAS Nirimba in Sydney.

Alan Ward's story

Alan worked in a butcher shop before joining the Australian Imperial Force in 1941. He supplied troops on the Kokoda Track.

Alexander Kerr's story

Alex flew with No 115 Squadron RAF in World War II. His plane was hit flying over Hamburg. He jumped and awoke in a German hospital.

Biography

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A woman walks down a busy street with other people in the background

Grace Cossington Smith

Grace created well-known artworks during World War I and World War II depicting events on the home front and abroad.

Short film

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Lone Pine: For evermore

This film describes the work of Commonwealth military personnel finding and burying war dead at Gallipoli after World War I.

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.

Origins of war: First World War workbook

Australian Women and War

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

National Service: In Their Own Words cover

National Service – Vietnam: In Their Own Words