The Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park has opened a new online exhibition, revealing the struggles and triumphs of men and women during and after the Second World War.
Acting Minister for Veterans, Geoff Lee said the Memorial’s 1945: From Hot War to Cold War would fascinate and educate everyone who went to see it.
“This exhibition does an incredible job of taking us back in time and helping us understand what the Second World War meant for Australians at war, on the front line and back at home,” Mr Lee said
“It gives our current generation the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Second World War and remember the sacrifices made in all aspects of life,” he said.
“We look forward to having people visit the exhibition in person but while the current restrictions on public gatherings remain, it’s fantastic to have this exhibition online.”
Mr Lee said that this year commemorated 75 years since the end of the Second World War.
“Among the many images and artefacts on display is a photo of NSW Governor Margaret Beazley’s mother, Lorna, celebrating the announcement of Japan’s surrender in August 1945,” he said.
“She was captured in a group by Gordon Short, the official war photographer for the Department of Information.”
He said a cricket bat used in one of the ‘Victoria Tests’, donated by the Air Force Association was also on display.
“There were five unofficial test matches played in 1945 in England, between a British national team and an Australian team of veterans,” he said.
Mr Lee said the exhibition was on display in the Assembly Hall of the Anzac Memorial and online for one year.
