Victory in the Pacific Day at the Australian War Memorial

This Saturday marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – Victory in the Pacific. To commemorate this defining moment in Australia’s history there will be a number of actives onsite at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

Saturday 15 August, 9 am – Installation Ha-go light tank

Who:

Dr Karl James, Senior Historian, Australian War Memorial

What:

The Ha-go was the Japanese tank most commonly encountered by allied forces during the Second World War.  This example was one of two Type 95s that attacked Australian infantry positions at Milne Bay in August 1942. The tank was abandoned by the Japanese and taken back to Australia for detailed scientific examination. The tank was obsolescent by 1942, and completely outclassed allied tanks later in the War.

Where:

Top of the parade ground, Australian War Memorial 

Note: Media should register for this event media@awm.gov.au and are advised to park in the underground car park.

Saturday 15 August, 10.15 am – Victory in the Pacific: War and Art symposium

Session 1:

The Creative response to the Second World War in Australia  

Dr Brendan Nelson and keynote speaker, Scott Bevan

Session 2:

Australia and the Pacific in the Second World War

Dr Peter Dean, Senior Fellow Strategic and Defence Studies Centre ANU and Professor Catherine Speck (University of Adelaide)

Dr Karl James, Senior Historian and Dr Lachlan Grant, Historian Australian War Memorial  

Note: Media should register for this event media@awm.gov.au and are advised to park in the executive car park and enter via the rear security entrance

Saturday 15 August, 12 noon – Victory in the Pacific Day, Wreath Laying Ceremony

Who:

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO CSC; Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell DSC AM;  Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies AO CSC; and Dr Brendan Nelson  

Where:

Western Courtyard, Australian War Memorial

Note: Media should register for this event media@awm.gov.au and are advised to park in the executive car park

Saturday 15 August, 4.45 pm – Last Post Ceremony, 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Pacific

Who:

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC and Dr Brendan Nelson

What:

Last Post Ceremony will feature the story of Flight Lieutenant William Ellis Newton whose name is on the Roll of Honour

Where:  

Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial

Note: Media are advised to park in the underground car park