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HMAS Diamantina pulling into the wharf

A quiet victory

HMAS Diamantina’s role in the surrenders of Nauru and Ocean Island in 1945.

By Michael Kelly

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
An Australian officer and a group of the 1st Papuan Infantry Battalion

Skin in the Game

Australia’s long defence relationship with Papua New Guinea is based in shared history.

By Tristan Moss

Second World War 1939 - 1945
Australian soldier crouches on the ground with a Bren light machine gun

Down the Buin Road

Sweat, mud, fatigue, stress, fear and constant patrolling in Bougainville, 1945.

By Dr Karl James

Second World War 1939 - 1945
Second Lieutenant Nakanishi formerly Commandant of the Notogawa prisoner of war (POW) camp surrenders his sword (and command) to Lt Goddard who was captured at Singapore on 15 February 1942

The Spirit of the Samurai

At surrender ceremonies in 1945, Japanese leaders were made to do the unthinkable.

By Haruki Yoshida

Second World War 1939 - 1945
General Douglas MacArthur and Prime Minister John Curtin, 1943

The Final Campaigns

Australian forces were more engaged in 1945 than in any other year of the Second World War.

By Dr Karl James

Second World War 1939 - 1945
Roy Hodgkinson, 14 Australian Anti-aircraft Battery (Militia) Fixed Defences, Darwin (1942) AWM ART22719

Bombing Darwin 1942

A successful Japanese raid caught the Allied forces unprepared.

By Dr Thomas Rogers

Second World War 1939 - 1945