Calendar of Events

Eminent military historian Lieutenant-Colonel Rowan Tracey LLB BA (retd) will speak on the life of Irish-born Frederick Whirlpool, including his actions in the face of enemy fire at the Battle of Jhansi (1858) during the Indian Mutiny that led belatedly to his Victoria Cross for extreme gallantry and saving the lives of colleagues. Whirlpool was […]

Welcome to the 13th Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference, held in conjunction with the biennial Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition. Together these events underpin the largest maritime event of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere. They are an opportunity for industry, government, defence and academia to come together to showcase the outstanding […]

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Luncheon at Angliss Restaurant, 550 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, at 12-00pm for 12-30pm. Monday 13th November, 2023 Dress: Lounge Suit/Jacket and Tie (no medals or decorations) Ladies: Day Dress The cost of this function is $45 per person and includes pre-lunch drinks and table wines Book early […]

TAKE NOTICE that a General Meeting of the Association will be held online at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 14th of November 2023. AGENDA Attendance Apologies Minutes of previous meeting President’s Report – LTCOL M Buckridge Secretary’s Report – SBLT S Lake Treasurer’s Report – SBLT S Lake Resolutions Elections: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Committee (3) Other Appointments: Accountant Auditor […]

An event with Ross McMullin is always much anticipated. Ross is an award-winning historian and biographer, a renowned storyteller, an entertaining speaker, and a longstanding RHSV member. His multi-biography Farewell, Dear People was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History, and in his new sequel Life So Full of Promise, Ross has again combined […]

11 August 2023 to July 2024 From cherished toy soldiers and adventure comics to immersive cadet training and captivating computer games, children have long engaged in war-like activities that ignite their imagination and spirit.   Through these games, stories, and activities, they navigate a world that can often seem senseless, finding meaning and understanding within […]

'We used our knees and our rifle butts and our blades. For a while we stopped being ordinary blokes and became blood-lusted creatures.' March, 1941: 40,000 Australian and New Zealand troops are rushed to Greece in a desperate attempt to stop the Wehrmacht overrunning the country. Most of them overseas for the first time in […]

The Wednesday 6 December event has been cancelled & will be re-scheduled in the New Year. Format: HardbackISBN: 978-1-922669-52-0Released: March 2023Price: $49.95 Their recruitment, training and war service is detailed and was as diverse as it was dangerous. They served in the Atlantic and Arctic convoys, Combined Operations which included the amphibious landings, covert operations […]

11 August 2023 to July 2024 From cherished toy soldiers and adventure comics to immersive cadet training and captivating computer games, children have long engaged in war-like activities that ignite their imagination and spirit.   Through these games, stories, and activities, they navigate a world that can often seem senseless, finding meaning and understanding within […]

11 August 2023 to July 2024 From cherished toy soldiers and adventure comics to immersive cadet training and captivating computer games, children have long engaged in war-like activities that ignite their imagination and spirit.   Through these games, stories, and activities, they navigate a world that can often seem senseless, finding meaning and understanding within […]

The legendary William McKenzie’s tireless work as a Salvation Army Chaplain among the Anzacs in World War I earned him the nickname 'Fighting Mac'. On the outbreak of war McKenzie applied for a chaplaincy immediately and joined the AIF, attached to the 4th Battalion. He was one of the first chaplains ashore at Gallipoli. He […]

How much do you know about 'The Defence of Rorke’s Drift' – a vivid and evocative painting depicting one of the most famous battles of the Zulu War?   Purchased by the Art Gallery of NSW in 1882, this dramatic artwork by Alphonse de Neuville is still prominently displayed in the Gallery’s South Building. Join […]

Learn about the incredible animal mascots of the First World War in this webinar hosted by the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation President and author of Anzac Mascots, Nigel Allsopp. From cats and dogs to birds and donkeys, many Australian units adopted animal mascots during the First World War to keep soldiers’ spirits high and […]

Take part in a very special Last Post Service commemorating the invaluable contributions of animals in war. From transport, messengers, protectors, mascots and support animals to cherished pets, animals have played a vital role in every Australian conflict. A variety of service animals and their handlers will be in attendance to mark War Animal Day, […]

The Army – Post Force Structure Review. Major General Jason Blain, DSC, AM, CSC Head, Land Systems , Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group Topic: The Army – Post Force Structure Review. Major General Jason Blain was born in Mossman, north Queensland, and completed his schooling in Ingham. After attaining a Bachelor of Arts, he attended […]

11 August 2023 to July 2024 From cherished toy soldiers and adventure comics to immersive cadet training and captivating computer games, children have long engaged in war-like activities that ignite their imagination and spirit.   Through these games, stories, and activities, they navigate a world that can often seem senseless, finding meaning and understanding within […]

A Public Lecture by Major (retd) Paul Handel, RFD In May 1945 the Australian Army launched three major amphibious assaults in Borneo. The operations were collectively known as “Oboe” and comprised the individual landings on Tarakan, Brunei and Balikpapan. These operations were considered to be the most efficient and well planned conducted by the Australian […]

To commemorate International Women’s Day, one of Australia’s leading women-in-war historians, Dr Kirsty Harris, will give a presentation on the history behind Violet Town’s new impressive Women in War mural. The talk will occur from 11.30 am on Saturday, March 2 at the Community Complex in Cowslip St, Violet Town. Morning tea will be served […]