Australia under Attack 1942-1943

Australian National Maritime Museum
Darling Harbour
17 March - 11 June 2006

A gripping new exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum explores the reality of life in Australia during the Second World War when many experienced the terror of air and sea attacks.

Australia under Attack 1942-1943, an Australian War Memorial travelling exhibition, brings together a fascinating collection of artefacts, photographs, paintings and posters from a time when many Australians believed their country was in imminent danger of invasion.

From a baby gas helmet and Japanese 'invasion money' to bomb fragments and an aircraft spotters chair, the exhibition evokes the fear and the impact of the Japanese raids on Darwin, Broome, Townsville and Sydney in 1942 and 1943.

The exhibition also explores how the country mobilised behind the leadership of Prime Minister John Curtin following the attacks, coming together to confront the perceived threat.

Photographs, posters and everyday items show the nature of life in wartime Australia and how people coped as food, clothing and fuel became scarce and rationing was introduced... Australians were encouraged to conserve, reuse and recycle.

The Australian War Memorial has brought together many relics never before seen by the public for the exhibition. One of the key relics on show is an original Anderson air raid shelter uneathered in the backyard of a Sydney home. The shelter has been meticulously restored and shows the type of precautions Australians were taking to protect themselves.

The period from 1942-43 was a significant time in Australian history. In 1942 Singapore and the Netherlands East Indies fell to the Japanese. Shortly after, Darwin was bombed with heavy loss of life. Other attacks followed leading many to think their country would be invaded.

While some people still recall the harrowing sights and sounds of the attacks, the exhibition seeks to put the raids and the national war effort into a context that younger Australians can understand.

Australia under Attack 1942-1943 will be on show at the Australian National Maritime Museum until 11 June 2006, when it will travel to Adelaide, Perth and Geraldton.

The Australian War Memorial Travelling Exhibitions program is funded by Saluting Their Service, the Federal Government's commemorations program, honouring the contribution of Australia's servicemen and women.

Entry to the museum's exhibitions, including Australia under Attack 1942-1943, is free.

The Australian National Maritime Museum, at Darling Harbour, is open daily 9.30 am to 5 pm. All inquiries (02) 9298 3777