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Australia under attack: The Z men

  • Introduction
  • Under attack
  • Mobilisation
  • The End in sight

 

Australian specialist military units were formed in Australia to undertake sabotage operations behind enemy lines and assist resistance groups in occupied territories. In June 1942 Z Special Unit was formed from volunteers from the RAN, the AIF, the RAAF, and Allied service personnel. These commandos were used for covert operations deep into enemy territory launched from bases in Australia. They trained in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.

Their most remembered mission was Operation Jaywick. This secret raid aboard the MV Krait would prove to be the longest commando raid of the war. Conducted from 1 September to 19 October 1943, it involved a clandestine attack by a small group of Allied operatives against Japanese shipping at Singapore.

Collection Item C43323

Accession Number: 045424

Jaywick veterans

Collection Item C324228

Accession Number: REL25432

Knuckle knife

Mobilisation

  • Mobilising the nation
  • Air Raid Precautions
    • Identification labels
    • The Anderson air raid shelter
    • “When the air raid siren sounds …”
  • Scanning the skies
  • The man who killed Santa Claus
    • Austerity
    • Suits and home-made toys
    • Investing in victory
  • Inventors and industry
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    • Feeding the men
  • Recruitment
  • The Australian Military Forces
    • Lines of communication
    • Militia training
    • Australia’s home guard
    • The Nackeroos
    • The RAAF at war
    • The Z men

Last updated: 26 November 2019

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The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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Fairbairn Avenue
Campbell ACT 2612
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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