Memorial Articles
The Memorial boasts a staff of subject specialists in all aspects of military history and museum practice.
Our articles and our Encyclopedia allow subject specialists to share their knowledge on Australian military history.
They also provide a way for us to take a closer look at the people and the stories behind the history and our museum collection.
'It’s important to ... ensure he’s not forgotten'
Stafford Kenny James “Len” Lenoy served in New Guinea during the Second World War, and then with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) in Japan, but was killed in Korea in April 1951 during the battle of Kapyong.
British Rifles for the Collection
Take a look at the gunners in this photo, and you may notice something unusual. They are wearing Australian uniforms, but instead of standard Australian Steyr rifles, they are holding British SA80 rifles.
'He wanted to serve his country, but it ultimately cost him his life'
Edward “Toby” Hazel was killed in Korea just days after he wrote his final letter to his family.
'We didn’t know what our future would be'
Ken Colbung was a “strong man with a big heart”. He became a prominent Aboriginal activist and respected Noongar Elder of the Bibbulmun people, but he never forgot his service in Korea.
'Treated like an outcast'
In late 1952, Desmond Parfitt attempted to order some sandwiches from a shop in the West Australian town of Williams. Despite the fact that he was wearing his uniform and service medals, he was refused service and “treated like an outcast”.
'I know that I am fighting for a new world in which my people will get a better deal'
When Charles Mene returned to Australia at the end of the Second World War, he realised that, for him, the war wasn’t really over. Despite facing discrimination when he came home, Mene would also go on to serve in Korea.
Awaiting Armistice: A Prisoner of War’s Return from Korea
The Korean Armistice Agreement, signed 70 years ago on 27 July 1953 by military commanders from the United Nations Command, the Korean People’s Army and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, ended three years of intense conflict.
The Battle of the Samichon River - the Hook 24 - 26 July 1953
Read about the final push by Chinese People’s Volunteer Army before the signing of the Armistice in the Korean War
Remembering Thomas Samuels
Thomas Samuels wanted nothing more than to serve his country. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 3 October 1917, was allotted to the No. 1 Depot Company on the 12th, and discharged that same day. The reason: Thomas Samuels was Indigenous.