Calendar of Events

One of the AIF‚Äôs iconic battles at the Western Front was Polygon Wood, where Australian soldiers turned looming defeat into stunning success. Yet perceptions of the operation have been flawed for decades. Come along and hear Ross McMullin explain why on the centenary of the battle. Royal United Services Institute of Victoria Lunchtime Address Thursday […]

Since the response to the influenza epidemic that ravaged the Pacific in 1918‚Äì19, the Australian military has provided overseas emergency relief after natural disasters. Join Australian War Memorial historian Steven Bullard as he explores a century of Australia‚Äôs efforts to help our neighbours. Presenter: Steven Bullard Date: Thursday 14 September, 6pm Cost: $5.00 (non-refundable if […]

The battle of Polygon Wood has often been depicted as a relatively straightforward victory: the Australian infantry advanced behind an irresistible barrage that resembled a Gippsland bushfire, and there were inevitable casualties but no major hiccups. Dr Ross McMullin will explain why he thinks this interpretation is fundamentally flawed.  

Music has provided an evocative soundtrack to all major conflicts in the form of patriotic, emotional or protest songs to bugle calls and hymns in commemorative services. Since the First World War, classical compositions by Australian veterans have been rare. Join Vietnam veteran and classical composer Lachlan Wilson as he explores the history of music […]

Gordan Traill is the Veteran Peer Support Coordinator for Grief Work Uniting (GWU) and curator of ‚ÄòComing Home‚Äô ‚Äì an exhibition of art and photography by veterans.   ‚ÄòComing Home‚Äô 18‚Äì26 November 2017 Armadale Uniting Church 86A Kooyong Road, Armadale Vic 3143 Weekdays 11 am ‚Äì 3 pm Weekends 1 ‚Äì 4 pm

A historical exploration of the naval battles in the Pacific during the Second World War. Discover the struggles and glory of the Allied forces against Japan's powerful navy and the role that the Royal Australian Navy played from December 1941 to September 1945 in securing the ultimate Allied Victory. The war in the Pacific was […]

In early 1917 Australian soldiers fought two battles at Bullecourt in France. So ferocious were they that Australian soldiers renamed the town ‚ÄòThe blood tub.‚Äô The first action fought on 11 April was a complete disaster, the second (3 ‚Äì 17 May) a hollow victory at best. German General Eric Ludendorff later wrote of the […]

James Stuart Archbold 3790920 was conscripted into the Army from the 1st Feb 1967. After basic training at Puckapunyal he was assigned to the Military Police and performed Corps duties at Abbotsford, completed an NCO‚ÄôS course at South Head. In late February 1968 was posted to Vietnam as a Military Policeman. Jim was flown to […]

While Australian infantry served in the grim trenches of the Western Front, their comrades in the Australian Light Horse were fighting dynamic campaign of manoeuvre against the Ottoman Turks in the desert wastes of Sinai, Palestine and Syria. This exhibition tells the story of the Sinai-Palestine campaign and explores how it has captured the imagination […]

Join Dr David Holloway OAM, historian of the 4th Light Horse, as he reflects one hundred years later on their legendary attack on Beersheba in October 1917. Discover more about this remarkable regiment‚ÄîAustralia‚Äôs only unit to fight on all three fronts during the First World War. Presenter: Dr David Holloway OAM Date: Wednesday 18 October, […]

Navy Defence Seminar Presenters: Prof Damien Kinsgbury Lcdr Peter Horobin MBE RAN Rtd Cmdr Doug Stevens RANR Vadm Tim Barrett AO CSC RAN   Email: naval.commemoration.committee@gmail.com Post. 316 Nicholson St, Fitzroy Vic 3065 (please include a phone number)

The President and Committee cordially invite you to join with friends and associates for this popular annual event. At The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Presidents Room 1st Floor 501 Bourke St MELBOURNE At 12.00 PM for I2.30 PM Great company, outstanding menu and minimum formality guaranteed. Dress: Lounge suit / Jacket and Tie Ladies: […]