[Editor: This article by Prime Minister John Curtin was published in The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 December 1941. It was written during the Second World War (1939-1945), almost three weeks after Japan entered the war against the Allies, with its attacks on Pearl Harbour, Hong … [Read more...] about The task ahead [by John Curtin, 27 December 1941]
World War Two (1939-1945)
External Affairs Minister defines Australia’s place in new Pacific: Must be “World” Atlantic Charter [19 December 1942]
[Editor: This article, about Australia’s relationship with the countries of the Asia-Pacific, was published in Pix (Sydney, NSW), 19 December 1942.] External Affairs Minister defines Australia’s place in new Pacific Must be “World” Atlantic Charter Australia, now … [Read more...] about External Affairs Minister defines Australia’s place in new Pacific: Must be “World” Atlantic Charter [19 December 1942]
Australian sailor, portrait photo [Second World War (1939-1945)]
[Editor: This photo, of an Australian sailor, is believed to be from the era of the Second World War (1939-1945). The photo is undated.] Australian sailor [A sailor of the Royal Australian Navy, wearing a sailor’s cap with the initials “H.M.A.S.”] Source: Original … [Read more...] about Australian sailor, portrait photo [Second World War (1939-1945)]
Certificate of Discharge, for Henry Dayrell Herdson, 1943 [Second World War military document]
[Editor: This Certificate of Discharge, for Henry Dayrell Herdson (1898-1978), is dated 3 March 1943, during the Second World War (1939-1945). In order to enlist in the Australian Army in the Second World War, Herdson understated his age (he was born in 1898, but claimed to have … [Read more...] about Certificate of Discharge, for Henry Dayrell Herdson, 1943 [Second World War military document]
Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, 1942 [Second World War military document]
[Editor: This Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, is dated 5 June 1942, during the Second World War (1939-1945).] Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, 1942 [Front of certificate] [Handwritten and stamped text, in … [Read more...] about Certificate of Discharge, for Frederick Raymond Stewart, 1942 [Second World War military document]
HMAS Canberra, Christmas card [circa 1929-1941]
[Editor: This Christmas card, with a photo of HMAS Canberra, and bearing the HMAS Canberra badge, includes the British flag (Union Jack) and the Australian flag (blue ensign). The card is undated, but was presumably printed between 1929-1941.] [HMAS Canberra, Christmas … [Read more...] about HMAS Canberra, Christmas card [circa 1929-1941]
Surrender souvenir leaflet [9 September 1945, Second World War]
[Editor: This single-sided leaflet was distributed to Allied military personnel to commemorate the surrender of the Second Japanese Army on 9 September 1945, during the Second World War (1939-1945).] [Surrender souvenir leaflet] Commander in Chief Australian Military … [Read more...] about Surrender souvenir leaflet [9 September 1945, Second World War]
Light Horseman [Second World War photo, of an Australian soldier]
[Editor: This photo, of an Australian Light Horseman, is from the era of the Second World War (1939-1945). The photo is undated.] Light Horseman [Portrait photo of an Australian Light Horseman.] [The manufacturer’s details are written in the bottom right corner of … [Read more...] about Light Horseman [Second World War photo, of an Australian soldier]
Lots of love [photo of a female member of the Australian military, Second World War]
[Editor: This photo, of a female member of the Australian military, is from the era of the Second World War (1939-1945). The photo is undated.] Lots of love [Front of photo] [Photo of a female member of the Australian military.] [Handwritten text] To … [Read more...] about Lots of love [photo of a female member of the Australian military, Second World War]
Desert Madness [poem by F. H. Legg, 12 September 1942]
[Editor: This poem by F. H. Legg was published in The ABC Weekly (Sydney, NSW), 12 September 1942 (during the Second World War).] Desert Madness A skit on the various pronunciation of Libyan place-names. The writer, a sergeant in the A.I.F., is well-known to listeners as … [Read more...] about Desert Madness [poem by F. H. Legg, 12 September 1942]
Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Following are some excerpts from The Rommel Papers (1953), which reproduces some letters from Rommel to his wife, in three of which he mentions Australian soldiers. Erwin Rommel was the German field marshal who led the German and Italian forces in North Africa during the Second … [Read more...] about Rommel’s comments on Australian soldiers [1941-1942]
Rats of Tobruk: Remembrance Day Service [7 April 1949]
[Editor: An article about the Australian and British defenders of Tobruk (Libya) during the Second World War. Published in The Townsville Daily Bulletin, 7 April 1949.] Rats of Tobruk Remembrance Day Service (Contributed) A day truly of remembrance is Sunday, April … [Read more...] about Rats of Tobruk: Remembrance Day Service [7 April 1949]
No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest [poem by Mary Gilmore, 29 June 1940]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Gilmore was published in The Australian Women’s Weekly, 29 June 1940, during the Second World War (1939-1945).] No foe shall gather our harvest Sons of the mountains of Scotland, Clansmen from correi and kyle, Bred of the moors of … [Read more...] about No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest [poem by Mary Gilmore, 29 June 1940]
Anzac Day
Articles, letters, and poems regarding Anzac Day, the Anzacs, the Gallipoli landings, and the Dardanelles campaign. Heroes of the Dardanelles [6 June 1915] Extracts of letters from several Australian soldiers. Australians at work: Brisk battles fought: Heavy losses … [Read more...] about Anzac Day
The late Cpl. Roberts: Poem to his children [article and poem, 25 November 1941]
[Editor: Published in The Braidwood Review and District Advocate, 25 November 1941.] The late Cpl. Roberts Poem to his children Details contained in a letter from Vic Young to his parents in Braidwood describe how the late “Barney” Roberts died in the fighting at … [Read more...] about The late Cpl. Roberts: Poem to his children [article and poem, 25 November 1941]
50 Jap dead for each captive [27 March 1945]
[Editor: An article outlining the problems the Allies faced with the Japanese military’s “No Surrender” creed during World War Two. Published in The Argus, Tuesday 27 March 1945.] 50 Jap dead for each captive From J. B. Davies, Special Correspondent of The Argus in New … [Read more...] about 50 Jap dead for each captive [27 March 1945]
Worse than infantry [15 November 1945]
[Editor: A medical orderly tells of his experiences in New Guinea during World War Two. Published in The Western Mail, 15 November 1945.] You can always find some blighter worse off than yourself Worse than infantry by A.M. Beck You hear that you’re to “go in” again … [Read more...] about Worse than infantry [15 November 1945]
Nationality [poem by Mary Gilmore, 12 May 1942]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Gilmore was published in Australian Poetry 1942 (1942), during the Second World War (1939-1945).] Nationality I have grown past hate and bitterness, I see the world as one; Yet, though I can no longer hate, My son is still my … [Read more...] about Nationality [poem by Mary Gilmore, 12 May 1942]
Ned Kelly was a Gentleman [poem, 1940s]
[Editor: A poem regarding Ned Kelly. Believed to have been written during the Second World War, when Australia was at war with the Japanese (1941-1945); possibly composed around the time of the battle of Milne Bay (August-September 1942).] Ned Kelly was a Gentleman Ned … [Read more...] about Ned Kelly was a Gentleman [poem, 1940s]
Fallen heroes: Love of country: Dr Prendiville’s Tribute [10 May 1945]
Fallen heroes. Love of country. Dr Prendiville’s Tribute. In St Mary’s Cathedral yesterday during his address at the V-E Day thanksgiving service the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth (Dr Prendiville) paid a tribute to the dead. “This is indeed a day of joy,” he … [Read more...] about Fallen heroes: Love of country: Dr Prendiville’s Tribute [10 May 1945]
Australians capture Sattelberg [27 November 1943]
Australians capture Sattelberg From a “Mail” War Correspondent Somewhere in Australia. — Australian troops yesterday fought their way up the final slopes of a 2,500-ft. ridge, and captured Sattelberg, the main Japanese base in the Cape Huon Peninsula area of New … [Read more...] about Australians capture Sattelberg [27 November 1943]
MacArthur’s report [27 November 1943]
[Editor: A report from General Douglas MacArthur, who held the position of Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, overseeing US, Australian, and other Allied forces.] MacArthur’s report The communique today says: — NORTH-EAST SECTOR NEW … [Read more...] about MacArthur’s report [27 November 1943]
[John Curtin: Men and women of Australia, we are at war with Japan] [8 December 1941]
[Editor: This is the text of a radio speech made by Prime Minister John Curtin on 8 December 1941 – the day after the Japanese attacked the USA’s naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, thereby entering the Second World War against the USA and its allies, including … [Read more...] about [John Curtin: Men and women of Australia, we are at war with Japan] [8 December 1941]