Memorial Articles

It was at 11 o'clock on the morning of Monday 11th November 1918 that that day finally came. Soldiers, from both sides, had hung on by clinging to the promise of that day.

An army marches on its stomach, or so the saying goes. Certainly the supply of food, equipment and weapons was such an important aspect of the First World War that it was targeted by both sides

The Western Front was epitomised by the brute force of men against machine and each other. Tens of thousands were lost in the maelstrom of war. In the horror, friendships were forged that endured even through death. This is the story of one such friendship.

The Australian War Memorial is currently undertaking a project to create a comprehensive digital archive of the ANZACs and their deeds, and of the wider Australian experience of war.

As an archivist, finding connections between records and bringing that information together in a way that allows someone, somewhere, someday, to experience their own "Eureka" moment is something that I do every day. But I never thought that what I consider ongoing daily work would lead me on my own personal journey of serendipity within the world of family history

Luck can sometimes be a researcher’s most valuable asset. This is certainly the case for one item held by the Memorial that has fascinated many of the staff in my section – an artificial right leg worn by a German aviator during the First World War.

Locating families of found medals and other personal items.

During times of conflict, sport found its place equally on the battlefield and the home front. Cricket, Rugby, Aussie Rules, Rowing, Surf Lifesaving carnivals – all were familiar remnants of home, potent and poignant reminders of familiar activities and the fun, mateship and joy of more carefree days.

Learn about various types of weaponary used by Australian Forces