The Aircraft and ANZAC Halls at the Australian War Memorial are especially built additions to the main War Memorial building to house the Memorial’s larger exhibits. Continue reading “Aircraft and ANZAC Halls – Australian War Memorial”
World War II at the Australian War Memorial
“Fellow Australians, it is my melancholy duty to inform you officially, that in consequence of a persistence by Germany in her invasion of Poland, Great Britain has declared war upon her and that, as a result, Australia is also at war. No harder task can fall to the lot of a democratic leader than to make such an announcement.” Continue reading “World War II at the Australian War Memorial”
Mephisto – The Devil’s Chariot
‘Mephisto’ has now left the Australian War Memorial and been returned to the Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, where it has been for nearly 100 years. The tank is still worthy a review lest you visit Queensland too. Continue reading “Mephisto – The Devil’s Chariot”
Menin Gate at Midnight
With such an amazing collection of war relics, artwork and other memorabilia the majority of which evoke, in the visitor, sad and dark memories from wars and conflicts (though many simultaneously create a sense of hope) it is hard to single out a favourite item at the Australian War Memorial. If I were forced to do so, this painting may indeed be it. Continue reading “Menin Gate at Midnight”
Menin Gate Lions
It is rare that one finds medieval art or sculptures in Australia and probably the last place on would expect to encounter such would be in the Australian War Memorial, built in 1936 to commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war (essentially since the mid 1800s). Continue reading “Menin Gate Lions”
World War One Dioramas
For me, the Australian War Memorial’s WWI dioramas are one of the highlights of a visit to the Memorial and, indeed, so successful have they been with visitors that the Memorial has commissioned additional dioramas on other campaigns including two on the Korean War. Continue reading “World War One Dioramas”
Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier
Pride of place in the Australian War Memorial’s beautiful and tranquil Hall of Memory goes to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
The idea to entomb an unknown soldier in Australia was first put forward in the 1920s after Britain had interred its unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey and the French had done likewise at the Arc de Triomphe. The idea did not come to fruition until 1993 when the remains of an unknown Australian solder were brought home to this, his final resting place. Continue reading “Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier”
World War I at the Australian War Memorial
On 4 August 1914, the British Empire declared war on Germany and her allies and with that an enthusiastic Australia was at war. Within days white Australians were enlisting. Aboriginals were specifically barred from joining the newly federated Australia’s military forces though around 1,000 including Charles Blackman (picture 2) did mange to enlist. Continue reading “World War I at the Australian War Memorial”
Hall of Memory
The centrepiece of the Australian War Memorial is the absolutely stunning and evocative Hall of Memory, containing the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. It is located at the far end of the commemorative courtyard, past the Pool of Reflection. Walk straight ahead when you enter the War Memorial. Continue reading “Hall of Memory”
Commemorative Courtyard and Roll of Honour
As you enter the Australian War Memorial, passing between two medieval stone lions that once stood at the gateway of the Menin road at Ypres, now Ieper, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the copper clad dome of the Hall of Memory wherein lies the Tomb of Australia’s Unknown Soldier. Continue reading “Commemorative Courtyard and Roll of Honour”
The Rambling Wombat 