10th May 2025, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This one-day conference will explore the numerous ways Australia was attacked during the Second World War.

Between 1939 and 1945, over 1,800 enemy air raids targeted northern Australia, while the nation’s coastal waters were patrolled by raiders, sea mines, and submarines. People of various backgrounds—friends, foes, and families—were interned in heavily guarded camps for the duration of the war. A Japanese prisoner-of-war breakout resulted in fatalities and widespread panic. These stories, and many more, will be examined. What happened? Who was involved? How did the nation cope with the “menace at home” while simultaneously fighting a war on multiple fronts overseas?

Attack on Broome, 3rd March 1942, taken from a Japanese ‘Babs’ reconnaissance aircraft. Mervyn Prime.

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor David Horner. Presentations will also be given by Dr. Catie Gilchrist, John Gribben, Dr Tom Lewis, Dr. Brad Manera, Jason McGregor, David Mitchelhill-Green, Ian W. Shaw, Tim Whitford and other experts. The conference will also feature Major-General Jim Barry (Ret.), Lieutenant Colonel Michael Buckridge (Ret.), Lieutenant Colonel Murray Duckworth, CSM, Colonel Marcus Fielding (Ret.), and David Phillipson. This conference is organised by Military History & Heritage Victoria (MHHV).

This one-day conference will be held at the Caulfield RSL on Saturday, 10 May 2025, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Caulfield R.S.L. 4 St Georges Rd Elsternwick Victoria. Free all-day parking available at the shopping centre on Glen Huntly Road. Elsternwick Train station and Tram stops within 250m (5 min walk).

Ticket Prices (Tea, Coffee and lunch included):

MHHV Members $75.00
Non-Members $95.00
Concessions/Students $85.00

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