Australian War Memorial, Canberra

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This memorial, located at the southern most end of Anzac Parade at the intersection of ANZAC Parade and Constitution Avenue, is in two parts – two bronze "basket handles" one on each side of the Parade.

The two kete or basket handles express the historic shared effort between Australia and New Zealand to achieve common goals in both peace and war, and to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of service men and women who served shoulder-to-shoulder (the ANZAC spirit forged on the beaches and hills of Gallipoli) on foreign soil.

The words from a Maori proverb inscribed on both parts of the memorial, ‘Each of us at a handle of the basket’ (Mau tena kiwai
o te kete, maku tenei), express this unique co-operative relationship between the two countries, especially in wartime.


The pavement (in reds and browns of the Australian landscape) on the Australian side (west) of the Memorial was designed by the Indigenous artist Daisy Nadjundanga from Maningrida Arts and Crafts, Arnhem Land, in association with Sydney-based Urban Art Projects while that on the New Zealand side (in green, black and white, the colours of the New Zealand landscape – stones actually from New Zealand) was designed by artists Allen Wihongi and Toi Te Rito Maihi.

At the centre of the paving on each side is buried soil from Gallipoli, Turkey. the birthplace of the ANZAC tradition as soldiers fought together in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in 1915.

While not generally known for my love of poetry I do like the poem by Jenny Bornholdt which is inscribed on a bronze 'boulder' under the arch on each side.

This sea we cross over
and over. Tides turning on
gold and sheep. On rain. On sand.
On earth the fallen lie
beneath. On geography. On
women standing. On peoples of
gardens and movement.
On trade and union.
This sea a bridge
of faith. This sea we are
contained and
moved by.

The memorial was dedicated on 24 April 2001 by the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, John Howard and Helen Clark.

Click here to return the my Anzac Parade summary tip which provides some detail on the Parade itself and includes links to reviews of all the other memorials on Anzac Parade.

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One of the veteran quotations on this memorial reads:

WHAT WE DID ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN THE MORNING WAS ON OUR LIVING ROOM TV SCREENS THAT NIGHT

This is the first war in history that had round the clock, shot by shot media coverage. War literally was in everyone’s living room every night. Was it worse than any other war that had gone before? I don't know but I suspect not, the difference is that civilians thousands of miles away saw it and they didn’t like it. I won’t continue in this vain.

The purpose of this tip (as with all my tips on the ANZAC Parade memorials) is to present the official facts, describe the memorials and let readers contemplate and reach there own conclusions. The bottom line is that people died and were wounded (often horrifically). It is fair to presume that no one joined the forces expecting to, or hoping to die, but die they did and we remember them. Those conscripted had no choice.

Whether or not Australia should have been in Vietnam (or any other war) is a subject for debate. Elected politicians in Australia decide – not the military.

This Memorial is dedicated to all those Australians who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1973. In this period 50,000 Australians served in South Vietnam as part of a composite, predominantly American, force.

A design completion won by architect Peter Tonkin and sculptor Ken Unsworth sought a memorial which expressed 'the link between the Australian Vietnam Forces and the original ANZAC Force' and also represented 'the controversy at home'. As in the USA, this was not a “popular “ war on the home front.

Suspended from three stelae and forming the centrepiece of the memorial is a granite ring or halo symbolising the spirits of the dead being lifted from the earth. Sealed within one of the stones of the ring is a scroll bearing the names of the 508 Australians who died in the conflict. Surrounding the memorial are six seats dedicated to the memory of the six Australian servicemen missing in action.

On the inner face of the western stelae is a larger than life representation of members of the 7th Royal Australian Regiment being airlifted by U.S. helicopters from the fishing village of Lang Phuoc Hai – a typical image from the war. On the northern stelae is a series of veteran quotations (one of which I have used above) in stainless steel lettering - slang of the war. The inner wall of the southern stelae is unadorned concrete and functions as a site for personal contemplation.

Surrounding the whole site and forming a frame-like canopy are numerous blue gums. Light is filtered through this canopy so that there is a continuous display of shimmering, flickering light and shadow on the external walls of the memorial.

The Memorial was dedicated on 3 October 1992, the fifth anniversary of the Welcome Home Parade for Vietnam Veterans. Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day is celebrated each year on 18 August, the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in which Australia suffered 17 casualties from 108 combatants. This was thought to be a humiliating defeat until the next day when it become clear that the 108 Australian D Company troops had confronted some 2500 enemy troops of which 245 were killed. D Company became only the second Army unit in Australian military history to be awarded a United States Presidential Unit Citation.

Click here to return the my Anzac Parade summary tip which provides some detail on the Parade itself and includes links to reviews of all the other memorials on Anzac Parade.

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A plaque within the memorial provides a brief history of the Korean War and Australia’s involvement there-in. I reproduce that in full here for the interest of readers of this page.

The Korean War was the first occasion that members of the United Nations acted collectively to repel aggression. Australian units served in combat from 1950 to 1953 and continued in Korea from the armistice to 1957 as part of the United Nations Command to preserve the independence of the
Republic of Korea.

From September 1950, and following the amphibious landing at Inchon and the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, the multinational force cleared South Korea and advanced into North Korea towards the border with China. In November 1950 after the Chinese entry to the war, the UN ground forces
faced Chinese offences which forced them to retreat in appalling winter conditions to positions
south of the 38th parallel.

With a continuous front from sea to sea, the dramatic advances and withdrawals of the first six
months came to an end. After early 1951 offensives and counter offensives the war entered a phase of contesting heavily defended emplacements along the front which eventually became the cease fire line. Despite the first initiatives in 1951 to end the war it dragged on until 27 July 1953 when an
armistice was signed.

From 29 June 1950 to 27 July 1953, some 17000 Australian sailors, soldiers and airmen served in the Korean War. Australian casualties were 339 killed, 1216 wounded and 29 prisoners of war. Twenty
other countries contributed combat and medical units to the United Nations command in Korea.

Australian sailors, soldiers and airmen won world respect for their courage, endurance and combat
skills. The service of a small group of Australians in the years 1950 to 1953, and the sacrifice of those who did not return are not forgotten.

This memorial commemorates the 339 Australians
 who died and honours those who served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

The boulder forming the focal point of the memorial is from a Korean battlefield and the word in Korean script translates as ‘Peace and Independence’. Those who died and have no known grave are commemorated by the obelisk while the two fields of poles symbolise those Australians who died with the three figures representing sailors, soldiers and airmen who served in Korea. The use of white and gray and granite and gravel and cold steel recall the harsh climate and terrain of Korea.

Sculptor, Les Kossatz and the architectural firm, Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd. designed the
memorial to a statement of requirements by the Australian National Korean War Memorial
Committee.

The Memorial was dedicated on 18th April 2000 in the presence of Governor General, Sir William Deane and Prime Minister John Howard. His Excellency Kim Dae-Jung, President of the Republic of Korea attended a ground breaking ceremony in 1999.

I find this monument a very poignant reminder of a war that at least legally continues to this day - the 1953 armistice has never been converted to a declaration to end the war.

Click here to return the my Anzac Parade summary tip which provides some detail on the Parade itself and includes links to reviews of all the other memorials on Anzac Parade.

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This memorial is dedicated to the all the ‘Diggers’ - the Australian Army
 - who have fought on numerous fronts since the unified Australian Army was formed in 1901. The Australian Army has taken part in two World Wars, the Korean conflict, the Malayan Emergency, confrontation in Malaysia and Borneo, and in Vietnam seeing service in the African Veldt, the trenches of France, Gallipoli, the Western Desert and in the jungles of the Pacific and South East Asia. Since Vietnam they have participated in various international peacekeeping operations.

The term "Digger" was first used to describe Australian troops in the trenches in World War I.

As the Army is about people – son’s, brothers, fathers and husbands and more lately their female counterparts - the memorial is aptly entitled ‘Every Mother’s Son.’

The two bronze figures (Aussie Mates) of sculptors Charles and Joan Smith monument represent Australian soldiers facing east towards the rising sun. The solders are standing on a podium paved in a radial pattern in the style of the Army Insignia. The seven cylindrical pillars represent the seven major conflicts in which the Australian Army has been involved in the twentieth century with the water in which they stand reminding us of the long sea journeys involved in all seven campaigns. Thirty six panels on the curving wall behind the figures outline the major events in the history of the Army.

The memorial was dedicated by Governor General, Bill Hayden in November 1989.

Click here to return the my Anzac Parade summary tip which provides some detail on the Parade itself and includes links to reviews of all the other memorials on Anzac Parade.

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This memorial primarily commemorates the dead of two WWII campaigns but is also dedicated to those who died on Greek soil in WWI.

Firstly, the 6 April 1941 advance of Allied forces (which included the 6th Australian Division) against a German advance in mainland Greece. This campaign was a fighting withdrawal with Allied troops greatly outnumbered.

A significant number of Australian Troops were evacuated to Crete where they later joined Greek, British and New Zealand troops in the second commemorated campaign, another ill fated campaign against German troops.

Over 5000 Australians were taken prisoner or war in these campaigns.

This marble memorial, designed by Ancher, Mortlock and Woolley Pty Ltd, resembles the shape of an amphitheatre amidst an olive grove. The doric column symbolises the birth of civilisation and is embossed with the cross of the Greek Orthodox Church, representing a soldier's grave. The column stands on a mosaic pavement which represents the rugged coastline and terrain of the battlefields. The damaged steel fragment reflects the futility and destruction of war. The heavy symbolism of this monument is better explained on the dedication plaque on the back entry to the monument - see picture 3 attached.

The memorial was dedicated in May 1988 by Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke and Greek Deputy Prime Minister, Yannis Haralambopoulos.

Unlike all the other memorials along Anzac Parade this memorial is best approached from the rear.

Click here to return the my Anzac Parade summary tip which provides some detail on the Parade itself and includes links to reviews of all the other memorials on Anzac Parade.

Having taken note of the ancient lions at the entrance to the A.W.M please do not leave without finding the painting Menin Gate at Midnight located in a small space at the back of the Gallipoli galleries. Read the description offered. In part:
"Will Longstaff's painting, Menin Gate at Midnight captured and expressed the widespread need to remember the war's dead. Longstaff painted it after attending the opening of the Menin Gate memorial in 1927. Unable to sleep, he walked to the gate, imagining the dead rising from the fields about the town. His painting was exhibited in Australia in 1928, drawing large crowds, in whom it touched a chord. Thousands of copies were sold and hung in private homes, a popular expression of a real need to come to terms with grief."
Eighty years later it certainly "touched a chord" within me.
I have shed a tear subsequently to my War Memorial visit whenever I see the painting often displayed in RSL clubs throughout Australia.

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Basically, it is a war museum. This museum is large and well organised. The architectural of the whole compound are well done. The landscape continues with the Anzac Parade. It showcases the few memories like Vietnam War Memorial & Korean War Memorial. This is a must visit place in Canberra.

Open daily 10am-5pm.

Please check our their official website more detail information...

For foreigners the most interesting thing at the Australian War Memorial is to learn in how surprisingly many wars Australia has been involved and that for this reason it is no wonder that more than 100,000 Australian soldiers have been killed.

I am not very interested in warbirds, tanks and all the technology, so I did not study those highly praised exhibits in much detail. But I know that the Memorial is a great site for guys with more interest in this special field.

When I was there at the end of 2005 they had a special exhibition about Art & War, with lots of paintings about Austrealia, Britain and Canada in the Second World War. This was absolutely fascinating, and I spent hours there.

The Memorial uses film, sound, light and modern technology to depict the Australian experience of war. In the rather new ANZAC Hall you can find relics of the three Japanese midget submarines that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942 as well as Lancaster Bomber G for George. The Bradbury Aircraft Hall tells the story of Australians at war in the Pacific from 1941 to 1945 by using so-called object-theatre.

Open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 5pm.

Free guided tours (about 90 mins) available - but you can walk around at your pace and leisure as you please. If you have questions you can ask the friendly guides who are positioned in all halls and rooms.

They also have a research centre. This is open from 10am to 4.50pm on weekdays and 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays.

The Discovery Room is specially designed for children of all ages, open daily from 11am to 4.30pm.

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL................
It would be a shame if you missed out on the “Hall of Memory.”
This magnificent building can be found at the end of the “Pool of Reflection.”

Inside on the walls are beautiful Mosaics and the Stained glassed windows are beautiful. These were designed by an Australian artist, Napier Walter.

The Mosaics were completed in 1958, and consist of over 6 million tesserae imported from Italy. There is a symbolic meaning attached to each element of the design.
The stunning mosaic in the dome, is divided into 7 segments, representing Australia’s 7 pointed federal star.

The open hands symbolize the earth giving up the souls of the dead, who rise in the form of winged sarcopahagi towards the sun, the symbol of eternal life. The circular cornice incorporates such Australian motifs as wattle leaves and black swans, and an unbroken gold chain, symbolizing continuity.

The stained glass windows have meaning too. Each of the 15 panels in the three stained glass windows portrays an Australian in the uniform and equipment of WW1.

The south window depicts PERSONAL QUALITIES

The west window depicts SOCIAL QUALITIES

The east window depicts FIGHTING QUALITIES

This hall is magnificent, a place to stand and admire, and to reflect.

Please remember to be quiet, and to keep children under control. You are allowed to take photos.

ANZAC HALL, another fantastic exhibition showcasing large objects from the war years and using sound and light to tell compelling stories of Australia’s servicemen and women.
A lot is a permanent exhibition..... showcasing the Great war in the air, the stories of military flight and aerial combat during the First World War.

There is a stunning re-creation of a night operation over Berlin in 1943, featuring the famous Lancaster bomber "G for George". This exhibition, called "Striking by night," tells of the exploits and experiences of the people, from both sides, who lived through the bombing offensive.

Of particular interest is the famous midget submarine, assembled from sections of two of the three submarines that raided Sydney in 1942, this area also had an excellent sound and light show.

Just a little bit about the Sub................and how lucky Sydney and Australia was..............there could have been a very different outcome.

The remains were only discovered in 2006, by some divers off Sydney's northern beaches.

On the night of 31 May 1942 three Japanese midget submarines entered Sydney harbour. One became entangled in the boom net across the harbour, and her occupants blew her up. A second entered the harbour and fired torpedoes at the cruiser USS Chicago. They missed the Chicago but one hit the barracks ship HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21.
This midget submarine disappeared, its fate a complete mystery.
A third midget submarine also entered the harbour but was destroyed by depth-charges before it had fired any torpedoes.

The submarine in the Memorial's collection is a composite of two that entered the harbour.

A MUST VISIT IN THE WAR MEMORIAL

ENTRY to the War Memorial is FREE, but please give a donation to keep it running,

IT IS A WORLD CLASS MUSEUM

Open 10 -5 pm Daily