Content on World War II 1939-1945

This page lists content tagged with "World War II 1939-1945"

The angry sky (Audio)

A reading of the poem written by Paul H. Scott. The poem relates to an airman of 78 Squadron, RAF, who lost his life on 14 February 1945

The Art of Remembrance short film (Video)

Explores the role of paintings and sketches that represent the experiences of Australia's service personnel and how visual art can help us learn more about Australia's military history. Rated PG (…

The Australians

The largest group were Australians, 56,000 of whom were at one time or another either in Papua or involved in air and sea operations there.

The Battle for Wau (Video)

The dedication and commemoration service at the Australian War Cemetery, Balikpapan, 2 December 1945 (Video)

The dedication and commemoration service at the Australian War Cemetery, Balikpapan, 2 December 1945.The service was attended by representatives of all units of the 7th Australian Division. [AWM…

The dedication ceremony at the Labuan War Cemetery (Video)

The drive on Beirut (Video)

An official film taken by war photographer and cinematographer Frank Hurley showing the drive on Beirut by the Australian 7th Division during the Syrian campaign in 1941.

THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS (1943) newsclip (Image)

This article tells us about the results of a federal election during the war.

The floating of Dunlop's ashes down the Kwae Noi (Video)

The floating of Dunlop's ashes down the Kwae Noi was the first such ceremony at Home Phu Toey, Thailand. When the ex-POW Keith Flanagan, a close colleague of Dunlop who had founded the Burma Thailand…

The half-penny slouch hat

Since time immemorial soldiers have filled in idle moments with an astonishing variety of activities, ranging from playing board games to making handcrafts using whatever material was readily…

The Japanese guard takes a ride: Expressions - Commemoration through Art (Online lesson), (Student activity), (Educational)

A printable activity sheet to help develop students' understanding of wartime artworks. Australian printmaker and painter Vaughan Murray Griffin created this artwork in 1945. In World War II, Griffin…

The Many Days of Anzac short film (Video)

A history of Anzac commemoration in Australia. This documentary film dives into the ABC archives of Anzac Day coverage to tell the story of how Australians created Anzac traditions and rituals by…

The Markham and Ramu Valleys 1943-1944 (Book)

This commemorative publication is a part of the series; Australians in the Pacific War. It encourages Australians to learn more about the difficult campaigns waged in Papua New Guinea between 1943…

The New Front Line (Video)

The New Front Line - a video produced by the Department of Home Security. [AWM F01763]

The New Guineans

The great majority of the 18,000 New Guineans who participated in the campaign did so as carriers of supplies for the Allies, though 800 men from the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the Royal Pap

The Royal Australian Navy (excerpt) (Video)

The Royal Australian Navy (excerpt) [AWM F00322]

The sinking of HMAS Canberra

Francis Pickup was a signaller on board HMAS Canberra in August 1942 when the ship, along with HMAS Australia and HMAS Hobart (light cruiser 6 inch guns) plus a large American Amphibian Force of…

The sinking of the Kuttabul (Video)

Australian newsreel footage of sunken ferry HMAS Kuttabul in 1942.

The sinking of the Wollongbar II

A one-sided secret sea-battle raged in the New South Wales north coast waters during one fortnight in mid 1943. Much wreckage and Australian blood washed on to beaches during this battle. Because of…

The skirl of the pipes kept troops entertained

The skirl of the bagpipes and the beating of the drum have been the inspiration for many a Scots unit during various wars. But when the pipes and drums were played by three attractive young ladies…

The V.D.C. on Parade! (Video)

The Voice of Australia (1939) newsreel (Video)

Prime Minister Robert Menzies had the 'melancholy duty' to announce Australia’s entry into the Second World War. In this newsreel footage, he spoke of the struggle that lay ahead. This film would…

The War in Libya Bardia (1941) newsreel (Video)

On 3 January 1941, the 6th Australian Division attacked and broke through the Italian defences at Bardia in Libya. Fighting lasted until the morning of 5 January. The attack cost the 6th Division 130…

The Weary Dunlop Park Video (Video)

Kanit Wanachote speaking about his reasons for creating a memorial park for 'Weary' Dunlop.

Their recovery (Video)

They can't beat the boys of this old brigade

Despite being only 15 years old, Tom Murphy was so keen to go to war that he borrowed his older brother's birth certificate and put up his age. His big problem was that he only looked 15 and he was…

This place they call Tobruk

War has produced some memorable poetry over the years with the name Paterson among the best.

Thomas Currie Derrick

Early life Thomas 'Tom' Derrick was the eldest child of David and Ada Derrick. He had 1 brother and 5 sisters. His father emigrated to South Australia from Dublin, Ireland.

Thomas Leslie Axford

Early life Thomas Leslie Axford was born in 1894 at Carrieton in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia.

Those at home also suffered from lack of news

Much of the focus during any war is on the family members who have gone away to serve their country. Service men and women tell of their longing to receive mail from home and how excited they are…

THREE FEDERAL MINISTERS KILLED (1940) newsclip (Image)

This article is about a Canberra plane crash during the Second World War.

Tobruk: In Their Own Words (Online lesson), (Video), (Student activity), (Educational)

Hear from Australian veterans about their experiences of the Siege of Tobruk during the Second World War.

Tokyo Bay (1945) newsreel (Video)

Newsreel footage of Allied naval ships heading to Tokyo Bay. Among them were 10 Royal Australian Navy ships. The formal Japanese surrender took place in Tokyo Bay, and Allied prisoners of war (POWs)…

Tom Kirkham - World War II veteran (Oral history)

Tom Kirkham - World War II veteran (Video)

In 1941, at 15 years of age, Tom Kirkham joined the Merchant Navy.

Tom Sheridan - World War II veteran (Oral history)

Tom Sheridan - World War II veteran (Video)

Mustered as a fitter armourer in Brisbane in March 1940, Tom Sheridan was sent to serve with No 10 Squadron, Roy

Tom Tyne - World War II veteran (Oral history)

Tom Tyne - World War II veteran (Video)

Thomas 'Tom' Tyne enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Sydney on 13 April 1943.

Tom Uren (Oral history)

Tom Uren speaks here of his mate, Bill Halliday, on the Burma-Thailand railway, and how mateship changed them both.

Trial of Sergeant Major Sugino, Labuan (Video)

The trial of Japanese Sergeant Major Sugino was held at HQ 9th Australian Division on 3 December 1945. He was charged with 'having caused to be killed 46 Australian, British and Indian POWs at Miri…

Troops getting down from lorries (Image)

Two working men, Konyu River Camp: Expressions - Commemoration through Art (Online lesson), (Student activity), (Educational)

A printable activity sheet to help develop students' understanding of wartime artworks. British soldier and artist Jack Bridger Chalker created this drawing in 1942. In World War II, Chalker was…

United Kingdom (Book)

This commemorative publication is a part of the series; Australians in World War II. This resource focuses on Australians who served Britain, or operated from British airports and ports, during the…

Using Primary and Secondary Sources: Handy History Hints (Video), (Educational)

Hear from DVA's historian Emma Campbell about the difference between primary and secondary historical sources, when she finds them most helpful, and some credible Australian sources for military…

Vaughan Murray Griffin

Early life Murray Griffin was born in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern in 1903.

VDC - Civilian Army (Video)

VE Day service (Video)

A thanksgiving service to commemorate the end of the war in Europe was held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 9 May 1945. The service was attended by the Governor-General of Australia,…

Vernon Hansen - World War II veteran (Oral history)

Vernon Hansen - World War II veteran (Video)

Vernon Hansen was a trooper in the 14th Light Horse (Militia) in Queensland when war broke out.
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