The Collection

Scope of the Collection

The collection encompasses material from the pre-Federation period through to the present day, covering both peace-time Army units as well as the involvement of West Australians in all major conflicts and operations that Australia was engaged in throughout this period. These include the South African War, World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War, South Vietnam and the more recent operations such as East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. The role of women's services in many of these major conflicts and operations is also integrated with the museum's displays covering these.

The pre-Federation period highlights the role of British Army garrison units stationed in Western Australia during the early years of the Colony and the formation of local Volunteer forces in the latter part of this period. A number of these Volunteer units became the forerunners of later Militia units that were formed as part of the Commonwealth Military Forces.

The most significant part of the collection is from the World War 1 period when units were generally formed and recruited on a regional basis. The military actions of units recruited in Western Australia have become a part of Western Australia's history, as well as Army history. World War 1 was the conflict which has had the most marked impact on Australian society and the development of the national character.

It is expected that as time passes the collection of items from Post World War 2 conflicts and the various peacekeeping operations will grow and become more significant.

Click here to view a list of Significant Items.

Collection Display

The items from the collection that are on display are grouped into a series of galleries corresponding to the various periods and themes as described above. These are located within the main museum building. There is also a substantial collection of vehicles and other military hardware located around the perimeter of the parade ground outside the main museum building.

In addition to these items the collection also includes a substantial amount of archival material in the way of documents, letters and diaries, as well as photographs and art work. The museum also includes a reference library These can be accessed only by special arrangement with the Curator and the Keeper of these respective collection areas.

To view images of an area within the museum please select one of the links below:

Last updated on: 19/10/09