Permanent
Level 2
Almost a million Australians, both men and women, served in the Second World War. This war affected Australians more directly than the First World War, and caused immense social change. More than 42,000 Australian died.
The Second World War Galleries show how Australians fought in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa; and against Japan in south-east Asia.
The galleries also cover the experience of those on the home front, for it was during this war that the Australian mainland came under direct attack for the first time.
The main areas of the galleries are:
- 1939: war is declared
- 1940–41: victory and defeat
- 1942: turning point
- 1942–44: the middle years
- 1943–44: New Guinea offensive
- 1944–45: final campaigns
The Second World War Galleries are located on level 2 in the east wing of the Memorial.
Highlights
