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

Two men in military uniform wearing berets kneel next to a white Iroquois helicopter painted with the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) insignia and the RAAF roundel of a red kangaroo

Peacekeepers' Day 14 September

On the anniversary of the day when 4 Australians became the world's first peacekeepers to deploy into the field, we remember all those who have served Australia in peace operations.

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.

4 soldiers pose with a bomb shell laying on beach sand

North Africa and Syria: Australians in World War II

World War II started on 3 September, 85 years ago. One of the first places Australian troops served was North Africa. Follow the story of diggers in the Western Desert.

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Timor-Leste national service

DVA is holding a commemorative service to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. The service in Canberra on Friday 20 September 2024 will be broadcast nationally. Register to attend in person.

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Veteran stories

Listen to oral histories

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

Rachel Milsom's veteran story

Rachel joined the RAAF in 1993 while at uni. She served in East Timor with UNTAET and in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

John Cummins's story

John became a merchant mariner at 16. He recalled the fear of attacks in World War II when Australia depended on shipping.

Biography

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A painting depicting soldiers fighting each other in an outdoor eating area

Roy Cecil Hodgkinson, veteran and official war artist

Roy lived with troops in northern Australia and New Guinea while painting the Battle for Australia during World War II.

Short film

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First on the Ground peacekeeping film

In the field every year since 1947, Australian peacekeepers aim to contribute to lasting peace. Sir Peter Cosgrove narrates.

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.

Tobruk: In Their Own Words

Devotion: Stories of Australia's wartime nurses

Sydney and the Midget Submarines 1942: Australia Under Attack

World Wide Effort: Australia's Peacekeepers