australian army

5 articles

Mar27

2000What is the significance of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial?

The Hall of Memory sits at the heart of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, serving as a powerful tribute to more than 100,000 Australians who lost their lives in wartime. Designed as a quiet sanctuary for reflection, the Hall combines stunning mosaics, soaring stained glass windows, and symbolic architecture to honor the qualities and sacrifices of those who served. One of its most poignant features is the tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, interred beneath the dome on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1993, after being repatriated from France. The Hall’s unique design—featuring four pillars for the elements and a dazzling mosaic dome—creates a space that both commemorates loss and inspires awe.

Aug15

1942What is the significance of the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia to the Australians and British?

Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia stands on the site where over 2,700 Australian and British prisoners of war were held by Japanese forces during World War II. The park marks the site of the infamous Sandakan Death Marches, in which almost all of the POWs died from starvation, disease, or execution during forced treks through the jungle in 1945. Of the thousands brought to Sandakan, only six survived these brutal marches, a fact that underscores the scale of suffering commemorated by the memorial established in 2011. Today, visitors can pause for reflection in the peaceful park, where the black commemorative stele stands as a solemn reminder of these atrocities and the enduring bond between nations forged in sacrifice.

Aug4

1916Why is the soil in Pozières, France so important to the Australians?

The ridge at Pozières, France, is hallowed ground for Australians, marking the site of the windmill where some of the fiercest fighting of World War I’s Somme campaign took place. Between July and August 1916, Australian troops captured this crucial position from well-entrenched German forces in a battle that cost over 23,000 Australian casualties, with more than 6,700 killed or dying of wounds. The ground here was fought over so relentlessly that Charles Bean, Australia’s official historian, called it “a ridge more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth.” In a lasting tribute, soil from Pozières was mixed into the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier in Canberra in 1993, connecting the sacrifice on this distant battlefield to the heart of the nation.

Jul19

1916What does the term Cobber represent to Australian troops?

The 'Cobbers' Memorial stands at the Australian Memorial Park in Fromelles, France, a poignant site that honours the Australian soldiers who fought and died during the catastrophic Battle of Fromelles in 1916. This memorial is significant for symbolising the unwavering camaraderie and bravery of Australian troops, encapsulated in the term “cobber”—meaning mate—especially as they risked their lives to rescue wounded comrades from No Man’s Land. Unveiled in July 1998 for the 80th anniversary of World War I’s end, the bronze statue immortalises the heroism of Sergeant Simon Fraser, who famously returned under fire to save fellow soldiers after hearing a call for help: “Don’t forget me, cobber.” Each year, on July 19, Australians reflect on the over 5,500 casualties suffered in a single night, a toll nearly equal to the combined losses in the Boer, Korean, and Vietnam Wars.

Apr25

1915What commemorative day is considered one of the most important public holidays for Australians and New Zealanders?

Anzac Day, observed annually on 25 April in Australia and New Zealand, stands as one of the most significant public holidays for both nations, commemorating their troops' first major military engagement at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915. This day not only honors the 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealanders who died in war but also recognizes the enduring camaraderie and sacrifice shared between the two countries. One striking symbol of this relationship is The New Zealand Memorial on Canberra’s Anzac Parade, where two bronze flax basket handles—each designed with unique indigenous motifs—meet as a tribute to unity and resilience. Marking milestones like the 110th anniversary of Gallipoli and the 24th anniversary of the memorial’s unveiling in 2025, Anzac Day continues to deepen the legacy of bravery, friendship, and remembrance across generations.