As time passes, fewer and fewer Australians have experienced war, with all its horrors and loss. Or the sense of fellowship and achievement during military operations. We gather stories of those who have served so we can recognise their service and sacrifice and remember those who have died.
Australia's experience of war
Australia's involvement with war began in the Colonial period:
- maintaining civil order, as in the Castle Hill and Eureka rebellions
- suppressing the resistance of First Nations people to British settlement
- serving in New Zealand, the Sudan, the South African (Second Boer) War and China (Boxer Rebellion).
After federation of the colonies in 1901, Australia's experience of war helped shape our national identity. As a community with a distinct culture and way of life. Praise for Australian service personnel during World War I helped Australia to gain international recognition as an independent nation.
We help new generations to understand, investigate and value these wartime experiences. Sharing the stories of veterans helps us to recognise and remember those who served and suffered for our nation.
Find out about
- World War I 1914 to 1918
- World War II 1939 to 1945
- Korean War 1950 to 1953
- Malayan Emergency 1948 to 1960
- Indonesian Confrontation 1963 to 1966
- Vietnam War 1962 to 1975
- Peacekeeping since 1947
- Gulf War 1990 to 1991
- War in Afghanistan 2001 to 2021
- Iraq War 2003 to 2013
Glossary
- British
- veteran