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An American soldier inspects German loot, found at the Schlosskirche in the south German town Ellingen, 24 April 1945. Courtesy: The U.S National Archives and Records Administration, RG 111-SC-204899

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Second World War 1939 - 1945 X

A VIEW OF THE RAILWAY STATION AT TEL ELEISA, SCENE OF SOME OF THE MOST INTENSIVE FIGHTING EXPERIENCED BY OUR FORCES AT PRESENT ENGAGED IN THE WESTERN DESERT. TEL EL EISA IS THE ARABIC FOR "HILL OF JESUS". (NEGATIVE BY HURLEY).

First Alamein: Ruin Ridge

Unexpected losses and operational failures on the final line of defence in Egypt 1942.

By Nicole Townsend

Second World War 1939 - 1945

New Guinea Infantry Battalion troops on their way to attack the village of Gisananbu 1945

Fuzzy Wuzzies and Green Shadows

During the Second World War, Papua New Guineans played a crucial part in the fight against Japan

By Tristan Moss

Second World War 1939 - 1945

Some of the first 22 WRANS on parade at HMAS Harman, August 1941.

The First WRANS

Women trained as wireless telegraphists to free men for war, leading to the WRANS formation.

By Jennifer Selby

Second World War 1939 - 1945

Premium

V2 Rocket on the move: Journey to Anzac Hall

The final video in a new series about the V2 rocket.

Second World War 1939 - 1945

A Face to Remember: The story of Astrid Wagstaff

Letters to a model reveal wartime longing, connection and a life cut tragically short.

By Alix Heraid

Second World War 1939 - 1945

Japanese soldier points gun during military training video

Captured Japanese Film

Reels of Japanese film, captured by Australian forces post WWII

By Daniel Eisenberg

Second World War 1939 - 1945

The clearing in the centre of the islet is the airfield. Photo credit NH 95704 US Naval History and Heritage Command Collection

Visiting battle grounds: Tarawa

A remote atoll in the Pacific was taken in 1943 at immense cost.

By Emily Hyles

Second World War 1939 - 1945

Colin Douglas Simper and his wife Irene on their wedding day

Wartime love story: Colin and Irene Simper

Letters reveal Colin and Irene Simper’s wartime love story.

By Alix Heraid

Second World War 1939 - 1945

John’s niece, Rae Maree Curtis, studies a photograph of her uncle.

Dear John: Letters from home

A moving collection of letters written to an Australian prisoner of war

Second World War 1939 - 1945

LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND. 1943-09-09. CORPORAL W. E. DAWSON OF ALBERTON, SA, RIDING ON A "COOKIE" (4000LB BOMB) TO BE LOADED ONTO "A2" AUSSIE, A LANCASTER AIRCRAFT OF NO 460 SQUADRON RAAF BASED AT RAF STATION BINBROOK. THE NOSE ART ON THE AIRCRAFT IS THE AUSTRALIAN COAT OF ARMS. AWM UK0487

More than just paint

RAAF Nose Art in Europe

By Garth O'Connell

Second World War 1939 - 1945

Papua New Guinean experiences of the Pacific War

Australian war artists captured striking portraits of Papua New Guineans who served in WWII.

By Dr Sylvia Cockburn

Second World War 1939 - 1945

The Beer They Never Shared

One of Australia’s oldest unopened bottles of beer has been donated to the National Collection.

Second World War 1939 - 1945