Message from the Minister

In Australia's relatively brief but distinguished history of service in wartime, no alliance has been as strong or as enduring as that with Great Britain.

In wars, conflicts and peace operations over more than a century, Australians and Britons have served together many times in the cause of the freedoms and democracy that we value so highly. However, the two world wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45 stand out as defining moments.

More than 415,000 Australians enlisted during World War I, a deployment that was very much a young nation's answer to the Empire's call. On the seas, in the skies and across the battlefields of Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front, Australians forged a reputation and a tradition that has become one of the foundations of our national identity.

Two decades later, some one million Australians enlisted to serve during World War II. Australia again pledged its support to Britain, in recognition of mutual interests and shared responsibilities.

Australians served alongside Britons in the desperate defence of Greece, the Siege of Tobruk and the battles of the Middle East and North Africa. Our prisoners of war suffered with their British comrades in the German prisoner of war camps and infamous Japanese camps like Changi, Sandakan and the Thai-Burma Railway. Australian aircrews flew in the defence of Britain and with the Royal Air Force in aerial combat over Europe and South-East Asia. Ships of the Royal Australian Navy served alongside British warships in every ocean of the world. Other Australians served with distinction in British units.

More than 101,000 Australians paid the ultimate price for their service during the two world wars and many of them are buried or commemorated in Great Britain.

The Australian Government is proud that the magnificent Australian War Memorial brings to life a long-held vision of a memorial in the heart of London, honouring Australia's place alongside Britain, and all Australians who served and gave their lives at some of the darkest times of our shared history.

DANNA VALE MP