ARMY MUSEUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA                      

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  peacekeeping operations such as East Timor.  The role of women's services in all 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.

Items of Significance:
Click here to view a list of Significant Items.

Last updated on: 2/10/08