Virtual Tour of the Memorial

Post–1945 Conflicts Gallery

During the Cold War of the 1950s and 1960s, Australians fought against communist and communist-backed forces in Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. Since the late 1940s, Australians have been also involved in peacekeeping operations. These galleries tell the story of Australia's place in a changing world.

The exhibition consists of six main areas:

  • Korean War 1950–53
  • Malayan Emergency 1948–60
  • Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation 1963–66
  • Vietnam War 1962–73
  • Gulf War 1990–91
  • Peacekeeping 1947–present

Vietnam Gallery
360° Panorama
Low resolution (249 Kb, Java)
High resolution (1.48 Mb, QuickTime™ VR)

Jungle Patrol, Malaya "The Beast" - fire support vehicle Helicopters in Vietnam Wounded Mate, by Alan Sommerville Jungle patrol, Malaya HMAS Sydney anti-aircraft gun
click to enlarge

Peacekeepers 1947–present

Since 1947 some 25,000 Australian servicemen and women have contributed to over 40 peacekeeping operations, mainly in Asia and Africa. The Peacekeeping Gallery deals with Australia's response to an unstable and changing world, highlighting the stories of those Australians who risk their lives in the cause of peace.

Vietnam War 1962–73

Jungle Patrol, Malaya

A scene in a rubber plantation has been constructed to show the platoon signaller sending a message prepared by the platoon commander. The message is being sent in morse code, which was used extensively in the jungle because tropical atmospheric conditions restricted the use of voice communications

"The Beast" – fire support vehicle

The fire support vehicle on display is one of fifteen M113A 1 armoured personnel carriers ( APCs) converted into "fire support vehicles" (FSVs) by the Australian Army at Bandiana, Victoria in 1970.

Helicopters in Vietnam

On 21 February 1967 an Australian armoured personnel carrier was destroyed in a minefield and among the casualties were several seriously wounded soldiers. At great personal risk Captain Campbell flew a medical officer to the scene in this Bell 47G Sioux helicopter. He then repeatedly landed in the minefield to evacuate the wounded to a safe area where they awaited transport to hospital. For this action he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Post 1945 galleryKorean War 1950–53

HMAS Sydney anti-aircraft gun

The power-operated 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun was used on several of the RAN vessels that saw action during the Korean War. Only once has an Australian aircraft carrier seen action in war – when HMAS Sydney went to Korea. The Bofors anti-aircraft gun, on display with crew rugged up against the penetrating chill of the Korean winter, represents the naval contribution to the Korean War.

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