Anzac Portal homepage

A painting depicting soldiers carrying goods a distance from coastline

Origins of the Anzac legend

The legend began with Australia's servicemen in Gallipoli, but the story has evolved over the years to become more inclusive. We continue to debate its relevance as our history and notions of national identity change.

World War I 1914 to 1918

Soldiers standing near a gun with some loading and operating the gun.

World War II 1939 to 1945

Korean War 1950 to 1953

Photograph of 3RAR on the deck of a US troopship

Vietnam War 1962 to 1975

A male soldier standing in front of a tank.

Close up of young man dressed in Army slouch felt hat with a Rising Sun badge, with lines of soldiers waiting in the background

Conscription and the birthday ballot

When regular Army recruiting was too low, the National Service Act 1964 required most 20-year-old Australian men to register for national service between 1965 and 1972.

Learn more about ballot

Anzac Day Schools' Awards

This year's theme is 'Discover the stories of veterans in your local community'. Entries close 31 May 2024.

Find out how to enter

Veteran stories

Listen to oral histories

We gather stories of ordinary Australians who've had extraordinary experiences serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations.

Clive Conrad Gesling: his story

Clive was an 18-year-old cashier when he joined the RAAF. He served as an air gunner and flying officer with No 576 Squadron RAF.

Bob Semple: his story

Bob joined the Army in 1940. He served in northern Africa and Borneo. He felt proud to be one of the 'Rats of Tobruk'.

Biography

See all biographies

Smiling man in army uniform and felt slouch hat posing in front of a large tin shed and an army truck loaded with soldiers.

Vincent John Cosgrove OAM

Vincent's life changed when his birthdate was selected in the national service ballot. Since then, he's led a life of service.

Short film

See more films

Nancy Wake: Stories of Service

Nancy Wake, a New Zealand-born Australian woman, was in France when the war began. She served as a spy with the French Resistance.

Resources

See all resources

We've produced over 100 resources on Australia's military and service history. Many are for teachers and students. Some have won national awards.

Veterans' Stories Vietnam

Australian Women and War

Shifting Tides: Australia and the Pacific in the Second World War

Australia's Home Defence 1939-1945