ill (plates) (b/w)non-fictionAn anthology of true life stories from many wars, told by Australians who served in New Zealand, the Sudan, South Arica, China, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, Palestine, France, North Africa, Crete, Malaya and New Guinea.australia - military history, australia - military - personal narratives

Index, ill (plates col, b/w), maps, p.364.non-fiction"What happens to the elite, close-knit soldiers of the SAS after they leave the tight world of the military? For some, there are highly paid jobs as trigger men with security companies in the worlds war zones and trouble spots. But for many, unexpected adventures unfold. Some go on to establish and lead major corporations or to advise multinational companies about risk where the commercial stakes are high. Some join foreign defence forces, training new elite special forces in unusual places. For others, life takes a different twist. They become top government advisers and even hardened criminals. Most sinister of all is the shadowy world of black ops - risky, rewarding and adrenaline-driven jobs that governments always deny. But wherever they are, the former elite soldiers are never far from each other, bound in an exclusive global network of brothers-in-arms."-soldiers - retirement, australian army - special air regiment

Ill, p.109.On 19th February 1942, Australia came under air attack for the first time when Japanese forces mounted two air raids on Darwin. On that day, 242 Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin in an attempt to prevent the Allies from using it as a base. 235 people were killed in the two raids, and more than 400 were wounded, 30 aircraft were destroyed, nine ships were sunk in Darwin harbour and two outside, and many civil and military facilities in Darwin were damaged. This book provides a visual record of that time through photographs, some depicting the devastation of war brought to Northern Australia, while others capture how life was for so many during this time.world war 1939-1945 - darwin - history, darwin - bombimg - 1942

Bib, ill, p.429.Haunting and poignant, this collection of portraits from renowned Melbourne artist, George Petrou portrays a spirit like no other — the Anzac spirit. Australians from all walks of life have served our great nation with gallantry and sacrifice — ordinary people who displayed mateship, resilience and devotion to duty. The Art of Sacrifice captures the spirit of service in a fitting tribute to all Anzacs of every generation. Using images of the past and the stories of today, the artist travels Australia and overseas to connect the past and the present in a unique, powerful and evocative collection of outstanding portraits. The Art of Sacrifice is a stunning contribution to the understanding and commemoration of all those who have served our great country.australia - military - personal narratives, soldiers - australia - pictorial works

Index, bib, notes, ill, p.427.non-fictionBy far the deadliest battle for Australian forces in Vietnam, the Battle of Long Tan has a proud place in the annals of Australian military history - and every ANZAC who fought there could hold his head high. Peter FitzSimons, Australia's greatest storyteller, tells the real story of this classic battle. He reveals the horror, the bravery, the wins and the losses that faced our soldiers. He brings to life the personal stories of the men who fought, the events leading up to that memorable battle and the long war that followed, and the political decisions made in the halls of power that sealed their fates. The Battle of Long Tan is an engrossing and powerful history that shows the costs of war never end.vietnam conflict - australian involvement, vietnam war - 1961-1975 - politics and government - australia

Ill, maps, p.336.non-fictionOn the afternoon of 18 August 1966, just five kilometres from the main Australian Task Force base at Nui Dat, a group of Viet Cong soldiers walked into the right flank of Delta Company, 6 RAR. Under a blanket of mist and heavy monsoon rain, amid the mud and shattered rubber trees, a dispersed Company of 108 men held its ground with courage and grim determination against a three-sided attack from a force of 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops. When the battle subsided, 18 Australian soldiers lay dead and 24 had been wounded. Battlefield clearance revealed 245 enemy bodies with captured documents later confirming the count at over 500 enemy killed and 800 wounded. These men were led by a gruff and gusty perfectionist, Major Harry Smith. Now, some 47 years after the battle, Harry tells his story for the first time. But Long Tan is more than just an account of a historic battle. Harry Smith takes his readers on an extraordinary journey - one that ultimately reveals a remarkable cover-up at the highest military and political echelons. Long Tan is also Harry's life story and portrays his many personal battles, from failed marriages to commando-style killing; from a horrific parachute accident through to his modern-day struggles with bureaucracy for recognition for his soldiers. Harry's battles are tempered by his love of sailing, where he has at last found some peace. Long Tan portrays the wrenching, visceral experience of a man who has fought lifelong battles, in a story that he is only now able to tell. Harry can still hear the gunfire and smell the blood spilt at Long Tan. For him, the fight continues. Collapse summary vietnam conflict - australian involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 – battles – long tan

Bib, ill, maps, p.243.non-fictionAustralia's Submariners are a group with an extremely strong sense of identity that goes well beyond occupational comradeship or the esprit de corps of military life in peace or war. Since 1914, the unique skills, attitudes, values and demands of the work they do and the environment in which they do it have forged unparalleled camaraderie. A camaraderie that extends beyond nationality, embracing submariners past and present of every other nation. No one but submariners understand the experience of diving deep beneath the waves in technology filled tubes of steel, each submariner totally dependent on the other for a safe return to the surface. The ethos of Australia's submariners is based upon these factors and remains strong even when they leave the sea and take up other occupations. Australia's future submarines will certainly present challenges in terms of sophistication, technology and capability however the characteristics of our submariners evolved over previous generations will remain much the same; trained and equipped to meet the challenges; just as they have been met and surmounted so many times, in silence, over a century of service.royal australian navy - submarine forces, submarine warfare

Ill, p.380.non-fictionBased on his diaries, this is a frank account of how Mason came first in French Foreign Legion basic training, trained other Legionnaires, went to Africa, did sniper, commando and medic's training and took part in two operations, both in the Republic of Djibouti, where a civil war nearly crippled the nation. It tells of his daily life in the Legion, in the training regiment, in Africa and with the Legion's Parachute Regiment. But more than this, David's gripping account reveals his disillusionment, frustration and disappointments, and how the Legion today is not what it seems.soldiers - australia - biography, france - military history

The photographer, Ann Gervasoni, was in Frommelles for the reburial ceremony for 5 previously unidentified Australian soldiers. "AFTER almost 94 years, Ballarat soldier Private Frederick Rawlings, and a long-standing family mystery, can finally be laid to rest. Private Rawlings was one of 5533 Australian soldiers killed in the bloodiest conflict in Australian history, the World War I Battle of Fromelles, France. He was one of 250 men buried in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood after the battle of July 19 and 20 in 1916. In the past two years, a joint Australian and British project has aimed to positively identify the remains of those soldiers buried at the site. This week, the Federal Government announced Private Rawlings was one of 75 men who had been identified by name. Also on the list were Corporal Leslie Hart, born in Clunes, and Lance Corporal Allan Bennett, born in Ballarat, both of whom joined the army in Western Australia. All but one of the 75 soldiers have now been re-buried, with full military honours, at a specially constructed cemetery near the battle site. Private Rawlings' grand-niece, Maureen Holding, of Mannibadar, got a call to confirm the news on Tuesday night. 'It's just quite incredible after all these years and huge loss of life, they've actually identified him,' Mrs Holding said yesterday. Last year, Mrs Holding and her brother, Leo Rawlings, gave DNA samples to the Australian Army to help with the identification process. But until seeing a newspaper article more than 20 years ago, they did not know Private Rawlings or his younger brother, Corporal Sydney Rawlings, had even been in the war. On Anzac Day 1988, The Courier published a photo of Cpl Sydney Rawlings and excerpts from a letter from an army chaplain that informed Ballarat family members of Cpl Rawlings' death in Northern France in 1918. 'About two years later, my husband, Malcolm, found in a tin of rusty nails and shoe buckles belonging to my late dad, a set of war medals,' Mrs Holding said. They were inscribed with Sydney's Rawlings' name, and checks of family records and The Courier story confirmed the connection. In 1991, this newspaper published a list of soldiers who had memorial trees in Ballarat's Avenue of Honour. Next to Sydney's name was that of Frederick Rawlings.(http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/543125/remains-of-ballarat-soldier-killed-in-france-during-wwi-identified/, accessed 16/04/2014.)A number of colour digital images showing the grave of Frederick Rawlings of Ballarat in the Pheasant Wood Cemetery, Frommelles, France.world war one, fromelles, pheasant wood, frederick rawlings, allan bennett, leslie hart

Serving the nation in uniform is a career choice. But have you ever wondered about the life of a partner of these brave men andwomen?military spouses -- australia -- biography, families of military personnel -- australia -- biography

This is the gripping true story of life and death in the jungle, and an enemy up close and personal.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - campaigns, special military operations, aattv, australian army training team vietnam (aattv)

It involves strategies, operation, and technology, but it affects individuals, families, communities , and nations and brings out many emotions in those caught up in it. war and society - australia, australia - armed forces - social life and customs, sociology, military - australia

At the end of August 1940 the Hired Military Transport Dunera, a boat carrying around 2,500 European male internees, the majority of which were Jewish, arrived on Australian shores after two arduous months at sea. Although many had made England their home, their German or Austrian background caused these men to be classified as ‘enemy aliens’ by the British Government and sent to Australia without their families. The ‘Dunera Boys’ were interned in camps at Tatura and Hay. Although some internees were released after two years because they possessed specific industry skills which would aid the nation, others were interned for the entire duration of the war. This collection brings together objects, personal effects and documents relating to the journey, internment and subsequent military service in the 8th regiment experienced by the ‘Dunera Boys’. Also included are artworks and poems created by the internees during their interment, which express the thoughts and feelings of the men and document the daily life in the camps. Velvet, silk, silk embroidery thread, cotton thread, silk cord, leather, cotton and wood

Diary kept during Prof. Rainer Radok's internment in Australia, following his arrival by ship on the HMT Dunera.At the end of August 1940 the Hired Military Transport Dunera, a boat carrying around 2,500 European male internees, the majority of which were Jewish, arrived on Australian shores after two arduous months at sea. Although many had made England their home, their German or Austrian background caused these men to be classified as ‘enemy aliens’ by the British Government and sent to Australia without their families. The ‘Dunera Boys’ were interned in camps at Tatura and Hay. Although some internees were released after two years because they possessed specific industry skills which would aid the nation, others were interned for the entire duration of the war. This collection brings together objects, personal effects and documents relating to the journey, internment and subsequent military service in the 8th regiment experienced by the ‘Dunera Boys’. Also included are artworks and poems created by the internees during their interment, which express the thoughts and feelings of the men and document the daily life in the camps.This is an A5 size notebook of 90 pages, all handwritten in German. Pages are numbered on the upper corners and each entry is dated. Back cover is titled: "Arithmetical Tables" and "Multiplication Table". The blue cover is attached with yellow adhesive tape and is very loose from the inner pages. There are a few drawings throughout.Handwritten in ink on the front cover is the inscription "Radok 1940-1941." Written below in pencil is the address "16 Grove St. Passaie N.J."

Corporal Hugh Terence O'Reilly VX108560 was born in Temora, NSW on 25 September 1916. He later lived in Hampshire Road, Sunshine, Victoria, and enlisted at Sunshine with the Australian Army on 29 July 1942. He served in New Guinea, and at the time of discharge on 8 November 1945 was posted with the 22 Australian Infantry Battalion. Additional service number recorded is V37790. In civilian life Hugh Terence O'Reilly was employed in the manufacture of fibrous plaster boards.The significance is that the Shire of Braybrook, and perhaps other councils, recognised their citizens who served in the Australian Armed Forces during World War 2, by presenting them with Certificates in appreciation of their military service.Yellowish background. Grey scale diagrammatic image of warships, tank, and aeroplanes at the top. Vertical posts with swords and wreaths along the sides. At the bottom a diagrammatic image containing in colour the Union Jack and the Australian flag, the Shire of Braybrook Coat of Arms, the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces insignia, and a red coloured circular seal.Presented to Hugh T. O'Reilly. The President, Councillors and Ratepayers of the Shire of Braybrook desire you to accept this Certificate in appreciation of your services with the Australian Armed Forces, and extend to you the grateful thanks of this Municipality for your noble effort for King and Country. Given under the Seal of President, Councillors and Ratepayers of the Shire of Braybrook, this second day of August, 1946. J. R. Parsons - President, 'illegible' - Shire Secretary

As this photograph and certificate were received by the Museum with a collection relating to the Rutherglen Timber Mill, it is believed that he was probably an employee there before his military service.Black and white portrait photograph of a young man in military uniform, and a memorial certificateText of memorial certificate: "This scroll commemorates Flight Sergeant G.W. Addinsall Royal Australian Air Force held in honour as one who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died."industry, timber, timber mill, geoffrey william addinsall, world war 2, ww2, william addinsall, daisy addinsall, daisy bautovitch

This jam tube is part of an Australian ration pack, possibly from 2002. Ration packs are provided to soldiers and contain daily necessities such as food, matches and tobacco. These items were found together in a showcase at Dandenong RSL, suggesting that they came from a single ration pack.Ration packs are significant as they represent the daily life of military personnel.Dark green metal tube of apricot jam. Part of an Australian ration pack. Tube has a black plastic lid. Apricot Jam / UNEX International (Australia) / VIc. Australia E 2002jam, ration, australia, military, food

These matches are part of an Australian ration pack, possibly from 1940s. Ration packs are provided to soldiers and contain daily necessities such as food, matches and tobacco. These items were found together in a showcase at Dandenong RSL, suggesting that they came from a single ration pack.Ration packs are significant as they represent the daily life of military personnel.Box of matches with green label. Label has army symbol of kangaroo and crossed yellow swords in yellow. Australian Made Brymay Matches E2994 / Contents 47matches, ration, military, australia

This gum is part of an Australian ration pack, possibly from 2002. Ration packs are provided to soldiers and contain daily necessities such as food, matches and tobacco. These items were found together in a showcase at Dandenong RSL, suggesting that they came from a single ration pack.Ration packs are significant as they represent the daily life of military personnel.Small yellow and red packet of PK chewing gum. Wrigley's / P.K / Chewing Gum

These lollies are part of an Australian ration pack, possibly from 2002. Ration packs are provided to soldiers and contain daily necessities such as food, matches and tobacco. These items were found together in a showcase at Dandenong RSL, suggesting that they came from a single ration pack.Ration packs are significant as they represent the daily life of military personnel.Clear plastic packet containing nine individually wrapped hard caramel lollies.

This vehicle is a Chevrolet but was fitted out as an ambulance at Fisherman's Bend, near Melbourne, Victoria by General Motors Holden. It was used by the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. Purchased by Metropolitan Ambulance Service in 1989 from a Military Museum. This vehicle appeared in the filming of the movie "The White Mouse" (the story of Nancy Wake, French Resistance worker in the second World War). It also appeared in the film "Blonde" (the life of Marilyn Monroe). Four-wheeled vehicle used as ambulance. Body painted grey and cream, chrome radiator and bumpers.Vehicle registration number 15170-Hchevrolet, general motors holden, fisherman's bend, ambulance, motor vehicle, raaf (royal australian air force), second world war

HMAS Una was a Royal Australian Navy sloop that began its life as the German motor launch Komet. The ship and her 57 crew was captured by an infantry detachment of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force led by John Paton on 9 October 1914, with no loss of life. Komet was then sailed to Sydney as a prize. During the time in which the Una was in service under Australia, the sloop was used as a Patrol and General Purpose Vessel. The sloop was used to patrol the areas of New Guinea, New Britain, New Hebrides and Malayan waters. In December 1918, Una was sent to Darwin to protect Administrator John Gilruth, following the Darwin Rebellion. She arrived on Christmas Eve anchoring beneath the Government House cliffs until HMAS Encounter arrived in early 1919. After World War I, Una was decommissioned and taken to Port Phillip Bay, renamed Akuna and used as a pilot vessel. She was finally broken up in Melbourne in 1955.Anchor from ex German Yacht KOMET built in Hamburg in 1911, captured in New Guinea 1914. Acquired by PPPS 1925 renamed UNA then AKUNA. In service 1925 - 1954 Made of Cast Ironanchor, komet, una, akuna, pilot vessel

The remarkable story when 74 soldiers fought in vain to save the lives of their mates off Portsea as 3 soldiers died. Tragically, Privates Roger Wood and Edward Meyer, and Warrant Officer George "Taffy" Drakopoulos, died. Please Note: "The Rip" is also known as "The Heads", which is a dangerous stretch of water connecting Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. This is the only entrance for all shipping into Port Phillip Bay and to and from the Port of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.Kayak of a similar type as those used during the ill-fated army exercise with loss of life in the rip.rip disaster, commandos, kayak, military history - army

HMAS Una was a Royal Australian Navy sloop that began its life as the German motor launch Komet. The ship, and her 57 crew, was captured by an infantry detachment of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force 9 October 1914, with no loss of life. Komet was then sailed to Sydney as a prize. During the time in which the Una was in service under Australia, the sloop was used as a Patrol and General Purpose Vessel. The sloop was used to patrol the areas of New Guinea, New Britain, New Hebrides and Malayan waters. After World War I, Una was decommissioned and taken to Port Phillip Bay, renamed Akuna and used as a pilot vessel. She was finally broken up in Melbourne in 1955.After World War I, HMAS Una was decommissioned and taken to Port Phillip Bay, renamed Akuna and used as a pilot vessel. She was finally broken up in Melbourne in 1955.A sclae drawing showing side view of the double screw passenger steam boat 'Komet' which was captuered by the RAN in WWI Doppelschrauben Passagierdampfer Aussen Haut [Double Screws, Passenger Steam Boat, Outside Hight]akuna, ppps, port phillip, hmas una, ran

The small French village of Vignacourt was always behind the front lines. For much of the First World War it was a staging point, casualty clearing station and recreation area for troops of all nationalities moving up to and then back from the battlefields on the Somme. Remember me: the lost diggers of Vignacourt tells the story of how one enterprising photographer took the opportunity of this passing traffic to establish a business taking portrait photographs. Captured on glass, printed into postcards and posted home, the photographs made by the Thuillier family enabled Australian soldiers to maintain a fragile link with loved ones in Australia. The Thuillier collection covers many of the significant aspects of Australian involvement on the Western Front, from military life to the friendships and bonds formed between the soldiers and civilians. The exhibition showcases a selection of the photographs as handmade traditional darkroom prints and draws on the Memorial's own collections to tell the story of these men in their own voicesapprox 4000 images were discovered in the attic of a barn Vignacourt, of soldiers and other life in WW1.An exciting story about the discovery of the plates of Vignacourt

This slouch hat was worn at the 75th Anniversary of Beersheba parade at the Australian War Memorial, 31 October 1992. VMR Squadron 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse provided the Honour Guard under the command of Captain Kelvin Robertson. It was the first occasion on which slouch hats and plumes were worn by the regiment. In 1992, all Corps in the Australian Army were ordered to wear slouch hats. This was a reaction to the high incidence of skin cancer in soldiers. Berets were thought to offer inadequate sun protection. Slouch hats were not practical in AFVs. Not all crewmen had access to helmets, so berets continued to be worn in vehicles. Slouch hats were worn for parade ground and general barracks work. RAAC acknowledged its Light Horse ancestry by wearing the emu plumes. Life continued in this way till 2010 when the wearing of berets was banned. Special Forces were exempt because it was argued they had a special relationship with the beret. Armoured Corps was outraged. Their relationship with the ‘black hat’ went back nearly a century. Submissions and argument ensued until the current workable arrangement was reached where a CO can authorize the wearing of berets but recognising that the slouch hat is the formal Australian Army head dress. Slouch hat with emu plumes and silver Victorian Mounted Rifles badge over and red backing on turned up side.military, hat, plumes, vmr, robertson