The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
No. 10 Squadron, RAAF, was the first Australian unit to be deployed and the only unit to serve continuously for the duration of the Second World War. Formed in 1939, they joined the RAF Coastal Command the following year and were quick to see action. The Sunderland dominates the foreground of this painting, with the sinking U26 in the middle distance and the sloop HMS Rochester fast approaching to rescue survivors. The phrase 'in the bag' was slang meaning that a situation was well in hand and that the outcome was conclusive. This was the first of six German U-boats to be sunk by No. 10 Squadron during the course of the war.
George Browning was attached to the Military History Section during the Second World War. Initially, he was employed to contribute to the Army's Christmas book. Once this was completed, he was to be s
Scene in an underground casualty clearing station at Mersa Matruh. The clearing station was filled with wounded from forward areas mostly from two Australian battalions, with a few from British units.
At a desert advanced landing ground close to the dividing wire, between Egypt and Libya, riggers of 3 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, prepare to install a new engine in a Tomahawk. A mobile cra
Depicts a group of Allied prisoners of war gathered around the stove in a hut, some sitting on boxes and beds warming themselves around a pot belly stove. Many Australians had never before experienced
During the movement of some 58,000 troops from North Africa to Greece, an Italian fleet ventured to strike at the convoy route. Pre-warned, three British and an Australian cruiser (HMAS Perth) of the
After being shot down in August 1942 over the Gulf of Taranto, Italy, Flight Lieutenant Albert Henry Comber was taken prisoner, eventually an intern of Stalag Luft III. The camp was evacuated in Janua
Two-line illustrations of routine activities to be observed on any Australian corvette or destroyer. Both drawn on HMAS "Cairns" the top drawing "In the galley" depicts a messman receiving the dinner
Canvas bag containing six cane poles with metal sockets at one end of each. Two of the poles have clamps and small "D" shackles, presumably for the attachment of the guy-ropes from the poles to the fi
From Beattie's 'Definition of peace' series (1976) this work relates to the artist's feelings as he was waiting for the telephone call that would tell him when he had to leave for Vietnam. The title r
Handmade knitting bag in the shape of a soldier's shirt. The bag is made from khaki drill cotton fabric with a placket front opening and mother of pearl buttons secured to the collar points. The sleev
Faded olive green tubular kit bag made from 100% cotton. A faded white tag on the inside of the kit bag is damaged and illegible. A small rounded edged square flap is attached to the inner top of the
This British Second World War poster was created by His Majesty's Stationary Office on behalf of the Ministry of Information. The poster depicts Allied soldiers and gliders going in to battle in Europ