This diorama is the focal point the Prisoner of War Gallery. It was originally designed and installed by a collaborative group of artists and craftsmen, all themselves former Prisoners of War in 1995. Bamboo for the display and replica prosthetics was sourced from Thailand. The mannequins are artistic interpretations of identified POW surgical staff and doctors. The original display was moved and reassembled during the Gallery redevelopment process in 2015.

All items presented within the diorama are based on POW recorded drawings and diaries of experiences in the Thai Burma Railway POW camps.

1:1 scale diorama showing operating theatre in POW camp on Burma Thai Railway together with reproductions of prothesis and improvised equipment

thai burma railway;

Stuart (Honey) Light Tank

Centurion Tank Mark V

SIGNALWOMEN An appreciation by an instructor (Sgt J.F. Larkins). Presented to Signalwoman Ruth Franklin after training in Melbourne 1942. After training, Ruth served on Rottnest Island as a communicator in the Plotting Room, Oliver Hill “Join the Corps of Signals”, the clarion call went forth, “Volunteer for the A.W.A.S. and let another man go north.” So you came into the Signals, in Australia’s hour of need, And let a thousand men go up the line, to meet the yellow breed. Where the lazy Yarra flows, through the green Victorian glade, They formed a school of Signals, to teach you in our trade, And the Old Ones, they were cynical, their tones were full of Jeers, “Women in the Signals! What rot!” But their moans have turned to cheers. You were tossed into the melting pot, that is an Australian Army camp. There weren’t many comforts, there were no electric lamps, There weren’t many blankets, it was cold in those tin huts, But the A.W.A.S. came up smiling; you had good Australian GUTS. The hours were long and wearisome, you were given lots of work, But we didn’t find a loafer, we knew not one to shirk. We made the pace a hard one, sometimes there were tears, But you lasses learned as much in months, as we men absorbed in years. You’re in the ARMY now; you all wear the Rising Sun, Sometimes you’ll be unhappy, but stick till the job is done. Time there will be, when the nerves are frayed, and all you do is bungle, Just feel the badge on your tunic, and remember your mates in the jungle. We wish you luck, and God-speed you on your way, And wherever war may scatter us, we’ll look forward to the day, When the final battle’s over and you’ve sent your last G.B., And the DIGGERS and the A.W.A.S. march in the parade of VICTORY. GB (Golf Bravo) is the sign off God Bless [G] DAH DAH DIT [B] DAH DI DI DIT

Transcription of poem by Signals instructor Sgt JF Larkins presented to Signal Woman Ruth Franklin during Training in 1943. Read during 75th anniversary commemoration of proofing of Oliver Hill Battery, Rottnest Island. Computer printed on A4 bond paper.

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 1 Gallery - 1918 experience. The figure shows details of the Lewis gun and webbing including the documented but irregular positioning of the entrenching tool.

The diorama text discusses the transition from manpower to firepower with the restructure of infantry battalions to incorporate more light machine guns and to give the platoon an all round versus specialist capability. The increase in firepower and the reduction to three from four battalions in an infantry regiment in part offset the decline in voluntary recruitment. The offensive capabilities of an infantry battalion was therefore generally maintained but with 700 men instead of 1100 when fully manned .

1:1 scale diorama showing a Lewis gunner of 44th Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Division, Australian Imperial Force in May 1918

amiens, last 100 days, lewis gun, spring offensive

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 2 Gallery - New Guinea and Islands area. A private soldier is shown in mixture of green and khaki uniforms, US style long leggings, long trousers with Thompson and Owen guns.

The diorama shows the gradual introduction of green uniform elements and recognition of passive anti malaria measures (long sleeve and long pants)

1:1 scale diorama showing soldier of Australian soldier of the 7th Division at the time of the advance into the Markham and Ramu Valleys, September 1943

ramu, markham, shaggy ridge, 7th division, 9th division

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 2 Gallery - South West Pacific area. A private soldier is shown cautiously advancing down a jungle track outflanking Allied defensive positions

1:1 scale diorama showing soldier of Imperial Japanese Army advancing through jungle in Malaya January 1942

fall of singapore, 8th australian division

This diorama is the central feature in the World War 1 Gallery - Middle East Campaigns sequence and shows typical uniforms and accoutrements of the Australian Light Horse and Ottoman infantry.

This diorama attempts to convey the conditions experienced and the country traversed during "The Great Ride"

1:1 scale diorama showing mounted trooper of 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment in Palestine 1918 and dismounted Ottoman soldier

gaza, beersheba, light horse