Information sheets
Local information sources about Australians at war
Local public library service
Local RSL
Local historical and genealogical societies
Local newspapers office
Local memorials
National Archives of Australia
Local public library service
The librarians there will be able to advise on available material and obtaining material for you on inter-library loan. If you have a bibliography or reading list, you can check with them for holdings. They may be able to access Libraries Australia for material held by major Australian libraries, including the Australian War Memorial, on your topic.
Other database services may be available, such as APAIS (indexing Australian periodicals, newspapers, books, conference proceedings, in the field of social science) or MIHILIST (indexing Australian military history in books, journals, conference proceedings and newspapers). Many libraries now have CD ROM services which access these databases and others. In capital cities, the Australian collections of the state libraries will also have relevant information.
Local RSL
Some RSLs have collections of material which they may make available. All RSLs should be able to put you in touch with ex-servicemen and women who would be willing to talk about their experiences.
The RSL can also advise you about ex-service associations. Many associations have published a unit history. These associations may also assist with contacting former members of an individual's unit or allow relatives to attend reunions.
Local historical and genealogical societies
Most local historical or genealogical societies will have information about the people listed on local war memorials: some have libraries and collections of other historical material they would be willing to make available.
Local newspapers office
Many local newspaper offices retain back files of their newspapers which may be made available. Newspapers are good sources of biographical information about service personnel. Newspaper research, however, is very time consuming. It is advisable to start with known dates of service.
Local memorials
Most towns and cities will have a war memorial, usually occupying a prominent place. Those will often have a list of individuals who served from that locality. Honour boards and plaques can also be found in schools, local government offices, major employers, clubs and churches.
National Archives of Australia
There are regional offices of National Archives of Australia in each state, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. These offices hold records of Commonwealth government departments and agencies. Particularly relevant are those of the departments of Defence, Army, Navy, Air, Transport, Supply, External (or Foreign) Affairs, Labour and National Service, and Attorney-General. The RecordSearch database lists the details of official records held by the Australian War Memorial and National Archives of Australia offices.
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