Michael Kelly

Historian, Military History

Michael Kelly, a historian at the Australian War Memorial since 2004, is an expert in post-1945 conflicts and served as a rifleman with the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Over two decades at the Memorial, Michael has curated major exhibitions, led battlefield tours, and manages WM magazine.

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
Corporal Alexander MacNeil c1915

A VC on any other day

The brave exploits of Lieutenant Alexander MacNeil at Bullecourt.

By Michael Kelly

First World War 1914 - 1918
Brave Days by Jeff Hatwell

Brave Days

By Michael Kelly

First World War 1914 - 1918
29 October 1950, near Chongju. The men of 3RAR’s Medium Machine Gun (MMG) Platoon

Hard Road to Pakchon

In their first duty, the Australians of 3RAR proved their mettle alongside their British comrade

By Michael Kelly

Korean War 1950 - 1953