WWII – CONTACT magazine

The crew of HMAS Diamantina salute during a wreath-laying ceremony honouring those lost aboard HMAS Canberra I during World War II near Honiara, the Solomon Islands. Story by Captain Jacob Joseph.

Powerful reminder of service and sacrifice

09/07/202609/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 91 Views 0 Comments Australian Defence Vessel Reliant, HMAS Canberra (I), HMAS Diamantina, Operation Render Safe, Solomon Islands, WWII

Able Seaman P.D. Mackintosh was at his aircraft defence post when he saw two torpedoes streak past the port side

Explosive ordnance technicians from the Australian Army, PNG Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces prepare to remotely move explosive ordnance during Operation Render Safe in East New Britain, PNG. Story by Captain Annie Richardson. Photo by Sergeant Andrew Sleeman.

Australian Army News Pacific

Operation renders East New Britain safer

02/07/202602/07/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 533 Views 0 Comments Operation Render Safe, PNGDF, WWII

More than 2200 munitions were disposed of across East New Britain during Operation Render Safe 2026. CAPTION: Explosive ordnance technicians

Air Vice-Marshal John Haly gives an address during the Bomber Command ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Story by Flying Officer Alexandra DeValentin. Photos by Sergeant David Said.

History Lest We Forget News Royal Australian Air Force

Ceremony honours Bomber Command service

19/06/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 600 Views 0 Comments AWM, Bomber Command, WWII

The 10,000 Royal Australian Air Force aircrew, ground staff and members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force who served in

An all‑female Federation Guard catafalque party reflects on Lieutenant Irene Singleton's legacy and the broader contributions of women in military service. Story and photos by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Remembering nurse’s contribution to military history

24/04/202624/04/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 359 Views 0 Comments ANZAC Day, WWII

An Australian Army nurse killed in World War II was honoured by an all‑female catafalque party during a Last Post

ADF personnel from 12 Squadron and 5th Aviation Regiment stand for a group photo during the historical call sign handover ceremony at RAAF Base Townsville. Story by Flight Lieutenant Holly Ryan. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Halley Van essen.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force

Buffalo is back

17/04/202617/04/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 802 Views 0 Comments 5th Aviation Regiment, No. 12 Squadron, P-8A Poseidon, RAAF Edinburgh, RAAF Townsville, WWII

More than 80 years after its formation, the Buffalo call sign has returned home to 12 Squadron at RAAF Base

Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus Captain Ben Esler presents Navy veteran Ron Stannus with a copy of a drawing of HMAS Warramunga, at the Heritage and Learning Centre, HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. Sub-Lieutenant Andrew Murphy. Photos by Petty Officer Bradley Darvill.

ADF People History Royal Australian Navy

Passing the Navy baton with wise words

15/04/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 485 Views 0 Comments HMAS Cerberus, WWII

As he approaches his 100th birthday, Navy veteran Frederick Ronald Stannus returned to HMAS Cerberus, the place his Navy story began

Flight Lieutenant Lee Maieron chats with RAAF World War II veteran, Len Mills, at his 104th birthday celebration. Story by Flight Lieutenant Owen Zupp and Monte Wilson. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Mikaela Fernlund.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

104 years, 34 missions, one remarkable life

09/04/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 396 Views 0 Comments Aussie Hero Quilts, WWII

Second World War aviator, Flying Officer Leonard ‘Len’ Mills, celebrated his 104th birthday in December last year, with 37 Squadron

Lieutenant Clinton Shiell in his full-time role as a pilot of Qantas A380 aircraft. Photos by Major Jesse Robilliard.

ADF People Australian Army

Army career veered off on a different flight path

25/03/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 323 Views 0 Comments 11th Engineer Regiment, Army Reserve, WWI, WWII

When Lieutenant Colonel Clinton Shiell joined the Royal Australian Artillery, flying a Qantas A380 wasn’t on his radar. CAPTION: Lieutenant

From left, Wing Commander Peter Croce, Anne Burton and Margaret Hilton with the medals awarded to the late Warrant Officer William Kinloch. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Nell Bradbury.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

Routine search solves 81-year family mystery

20/03/202620/03/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 431 Views 0 Comments Air Force History and Heritage, Aussie Hero Quilts, Commendation for Gallantry, No. 464 Squadron, WWII

An 81-year mystery has been solved and a family united with an Air Force war hero’s medals thanks to a

The image used on the front cover of the ANZAC Strike Wing book by John Quaife. Story by Flying Officer Casie Scott.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

ANZAC Strike Wing’s daring hunt remembered

13/03/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 679 Views 0 Comments WWII

Flying at wave-top height in all weather and under heavy fire, the crews of 455 (RAAF) Squadron and 489 (RNZAF)

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matt Buckley and Leading Seaman Elodie Miles visit former WRANS writer Merle Hare, centre, for her 106th birthday, with, former Leading Navy Radar Plotter Pauline Gribble, far left, and former Navy member Judith Rowe. Story by Lieutenant Felicity de Fombelle.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing Lest We Forget

Love, loss and loyal service

27/02/202627/02/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 417 Views 0 Comments WWII

In 1943, country girl Merle Hare was relishing her swish role in the salaries office at the prestigious Myer Emporium

Exercise Kanga Return 2025 participants begin the hike through the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Story by Flight Lieutenant Ambarose. Photos by Corporal Johnny Huang.

ADF People Australian Army History Lest We Forget News Pacific Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Walking in the muddy footsteps of Kokoda’s fallen

13/02/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 713 Views 0 Comments Exercise Kanga Return, Kokoda Trail, PNG, WWII

Twenty junior Australian Defence Force leaders took part in Exercise Kanga Return late last year, following in the footsteps of

Commanding Officer 460 Squadron Wing Commander Karri Roberts lays a wreath for the late RAAF World War II veteran, Flying Officer Peter Birt, during a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Story by Flying Officer Michael Thomas. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

A family’s legacy in service

13/02/202613/02/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 482 Views 0 Comments AWM, Last Post, No. 100 Squadron, No. 460 Squadron, WWII

The courageous service of an Australian World War II aviator was celebrated on both sides of the country at a special Last

Australian, New Zealand and Fijian Multinational Force and Observers contingent members with the Australian Ambassador to Egypt Dr Axel Wabenhorst and New Zealand Ambassador to Egypt Louise Searle at the El Alamein Cemetery. Story and photos by Captain Lucas Benjamin.

Australian Army History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Multinational forces remember Battle of El Alamein

04/02/202604/02/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 800 Views 0 Comments Battle of El Alamein, MFO, Operation Mazurka, WWII

In a moving tribute to history and heroism, Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula under Operation Mazurka

World War 2 veteran Valerie Ireland joins Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Chris Smith for a tour of Fleet Base East and the RAN Heritage Centre. Story by Lieutenant Hinako Shiraishi.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Navy

Veteran’s reunion after 80 years

18/12/202518/12/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1524 Views 0 Comments Fleet Base East, Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre, WWII

Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Christopher Smith recently welcomed 100-year-old World War 2 veteran Valerie Ireland, née Blackett, back to Fleet

Clive Wawn Junior holding the ‘short snorter’ with Squadron Leader Andrew Chadwick at the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre. Story and photos by Flying Officer Casie Scott.

ADF People History Lest We Forget Royal Australian Air Force

A ‘short snorter’ with a powerful story

18/12/202518/12/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1536 Views 0 Comments RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre (RTAHC), WWII

An extraordinary piece of wartime history is now on display at the RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre: a 10-shilling ‘short

Commanding Officer 100 Squadron Wing Commander Richard Brougham presents a 100 Squadron challenge coin to James Birt. Story and photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Connecting then and now

21/11/202521/11/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1682 Views 0 Comments No. 100 Squadron, WWII

It’s been more than 80 years since James Birt was defending our nation in World War 2, yet he can

Then-Able Seaman Ross Gourlay, centre, heads towards HMAS Martindale anchored at Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea, 1944. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

Honouring 100 years on the 11th hour

11/11/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 837 Views 0 Comments Remembrance Day, WWII

Kamikaze planes from the land of the rising sun came silhouetted against the setting sun. CAPTION: Then-Able Seaman Ross Gourlay,

Seaman Angus Norbury and Able Seaman Christopher Diviak lay a wreath on board HMAS Ballarat during a service commemorating the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Story by Sub-Lieutenant Jake Badior. Photos by Leading Seaman Connor Morrison.

History Lest We Forget News Overseas Royal Australian Navy

Honouring our fallen

07/11/202507/11/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 2645 Views 0 Comments HMAS Ballarat, WWII

HMAS Ballarat paused at sea to honour those who fought and fell in the Battle of Leyte Gulf – one of the

Then-president of 30 Squadron Beaufighter Association, Bruce Robertson, during his 105th birthday celebration at Castle Hill RSL Club, NSW. Story by Corporal Jacob Joseph. Photos by Aircraftwoman Mikaela Fernlund.

ADF People History Lest We Forget

A long life of loyal service

04/11/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 879 Views 0 Comments WWII

On October 14, Bruce Robertson, a 105-year-old Air Force World War 2 veteran – who was the first to detect

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