Australian War Memorial [& Museum], Canberra

[Liz]

As its name suggests, the Australian War Memorial does include a memorial. But it also has a lot more to see and do, as you may have gathered from other posts on the forum. This is just a summary of the key info posted so far, with some other observations about the AWM's displays and archives.

The colonial gallery is somewhat tucked away, so grab a map when you go past the main entrance desk. While you're there, check out the display wall opposite - you'll see some original colonial uniforms including an absolutely tiny red coat that apparently belonged to a 15 year old.

The colonial gallery includes displays on HMCS Protector and the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 - you can preview a small part of the gallery online here http://www.awm.gov.au/virtualtour/colonial.asp.

There are also quite a few colonial era items sprinkled throughout other galleries, the most obvious being the barrel of a naval gun that was damaged and subsequently left at Gallipoli. There are also many items on display or shown in pictures, such as Bell tents, whose design dates back to the Victoria era.

There is almost certainly more Colonial stuff in storage (ie. not on display) but the AWM does open its storage warehouses to the public a couple of days each year. If you're interested you'll find the dates on its website http://www.awm.gov.au.

The AWM website is also well worth a visit in its own right, as the AWM is progressively digitising its archives and (photos of) its collection. The AWM also offers research services and, having sent them one or two queries online, I can say I have found them very responsive.

Liz

PS. I do NOT work for the AWM but I have taken quite a few visitors there over the years... they usually walk out somewhat bug-eyed and muttering things like "I never realised Australia had been in so many wars".

[jersey]

Have had the opportunity to visit the AWM's other centre on a couple of occasions. It is called the Treloar centre and mainly comprises collected war memoribilia awaiting refurbishment. On my last visit there were several WW2 aeroplanes in various stages of assembly, many, many field and long range guns, aero engines - both WW1 and 2.

In another part of the building there are many WW2 trucks, half-tracks, heavy recovery vehicles, a couple of Bushmasters (Australian built troop carrier which is currently used (I think) in Afghanistan.

To be honest I did not see any pre 1900 equipment at all, not that there may be none but we must realize that generally war material of this area was a lot smaller and personal. But for the military buff it is worth a visit on the occasions that the centre is open.

David

[Banker]

Hi All, I was in Canberra for the week and whilst there I spent a day at the Australian War Memorial.

Here are some pictures form their Colonial Gallery

Regards Steve

[Banker]

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[Rural53]

Slightly off topic. I visited the Australian War Memorial a few years ago. My recommendation is get there soon after opening and take the "one hour" guided tour, then have a second look for yourself. I used inverted commers around one hour because the tour I went on was nearly three hours and we didn't get to the Vietnam section. I spent the whole day there. It is well worth the visit.