The colour patch of
54 Bn/Inf Bn.
Our image library of colour patches, badges, emblems, flags will be come back online over the coming weeks
Army Research Grants Scheme
GRANTS
The 2010/11 Army History Research Grants Scheme is now closed.Submitted applications are undergoing assessment. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in due course.
For further information on Grants please visit the link below
CONFERENCE PAPERS ONLINE
The Boer War: Army, Nation and Empire
contains all the papers presented at the Chief of Army's history conference in 1999.
The entire series of papers from the CA's history conferences that are out of print are now available online. Visit:
Conference papers
PRIMARY MATERIALS
AAHU's online database of the extensive primary materials it holds is expanding. Recent additions to this collection include the:
- Report on the Directorate of POWs and Internees 1939-1951;
- 'Jess Report' on the activities of the AMF 1929-1939; and
- an extensive collection of Australian Intelligence Corps historical documents.
FROMELLES PROJECT UPDATE
The Australian Fromelles Project Group has been established within Army to manage the Fromelles project on behalf of the Australian Government.
The Group consists of four people: one part-time Major General who has three permanent staff allocated to the project. The Group works to the Fromelles Management Board, which has been established with representation from:
- The Australian Department of Defence,
- The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, and
- The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
For further information and the latest news please visit the Fromelles project website below
www.defence.gov.au/fromelles
FAQs
How can I obtain obsolete defence equipment/memorabilia to display in our museum/RSL club?
The answer to this and other frequently asked questions can be found at: FAQs
THE WESTERN DESERT CAMPAIGN
1940-41
(2nd Edition 2009)
Australian Army Campaign Series
While the North African campaign has been studied in detail over the years, much of this study has been dedicated to the battles between the British 8th Army and Rommel's Afrika Korps. There has been little serious study of Wavell's campaign against Italian forces in 1940-41, nor of the role played by the Australian 6th Division in the eventual Italian defeat. Part of this can be attributed to wartime propaganda that labelled the Italian Army dilettantes and mocked their courage. The truth is much different. Many Italian units showed incredible bravery, and the Australian assaults on fortress towns such as Bardia were far from a walkover. Today's aspiring military commanders need look no further than the early Western Desert campaign for historical examples of brilliant leadership, detailed planning, deception, surprise, manoeuvre warfare and relentless pursuit, all against overwhelming odds.
The Western Desert Campaign 1940-41 (2nd ed) is the latest addition to the Australian Army Campaign Series. Find out more about the series at: Australian Army Campaign Series
About AAHU
Protecting Army heritage. Promoting Army history.
The Australian Army History Unit's mission: to serve the Australian Army by assisting it to meet its goals by promoting the study and understanding of Army's history and traditions within Army and also by utilising Army's rich heritage to foster continued good standing with the community.
Latest News, Items or Events
- We have recently added two new books to the Campaign series on our website. See here
for further information.
- Our Primary materials
pages are taking shape and we are adding more materials online every month.
- The frequently asked questions have also been updated, please visit them and if there is a question you feel should be there please let us know.
Books
AAHU helps publish authoritative studies into aspects of the Australian Army's history and its contribution to Australia's development. Along with numerous biographies, there are books on many issues.
Browse the AAHU booklistChief of Army's history conference
The Chief of Army hosts an annual history conference, organised by AAHU. This year's topic is Victory or Defeat? Armies in the Aftermath of Conflict. The conference will be held at the National Convention Centre, Canberra on 30 Sep - 1 October 2010.
Information on the CA's history conferenceConference papers
Many of the papers delivered at the Chief of Army's history conferences since 1994 are available online. Topics include the Boer, Korean and Vietnam Wars, land/air operations, amphibious operations in the south-west Pacific and strategic planning in peace and war.
Read past history conference papers onlineContacts
Need to know who's who and how to reach them at AAHU?
Find titles and contact details here.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at AAHU. They may be all you need to steer you on your way with your research.
Answers to FAQsFamily history
If you're researching the history of your relative's time in the Australian Army, look through this page of useful information and pointers from AAHU historians.
Guidance on researching your family member's service historyGrants
Applications for the 2010/2011 Army History Research Grants Scheme have now closed. More information to follow. Information on the grants scheme and past recipients
History & battles
Start your research into Australian Army history with this overview of Australia's military history and the various battles the Army has been involved in in its over 100 year history.
Read about Army history and battlesImage library
The AAHU image library was one area that suffered data loss. We will be working on returning our collection to the website in the near future
Museums
AAHU is responsible for managing Army's rich collection of heritage objects. They are to be found in the network of Army museums located at sites across the country. Where they are, when they're open and what's contained in their collection is listed here.
Check the Army Museum directoryNewsletter
The AAHU newsletter, Despatches, is packed with stories and information about current and forthcoming happenings and issues within the Unit. Korea, 58 Years On and The Missing of Fromelles are two feature stories from the December 2008 issue, online now.
Read all about it in the AHU newsletterOn this day
On this day will be returning in a new format as a PDF document where specific Australian Army events for an entire month will be captured
Primary materials
AAHU holds a wide range of official and unofficial documents, both published and unpublished, that are progressively being made available online.
Research primary materials onlinePrizes
The annual C.E.W. Bean Prize for Military History is awarded to the best honours or postgraduate thesis submitted in any Australian university focusing on the Australian Army's experience of war.
Information on prize applications and recipients