Australian Soldiers, Memorials and Military History

In Memory of Sir Eric Neal AC CVO & John Baker AM ESM

The Virtual War Memorial Australia (VWMA) has recently lost two of its most valued leaders and supporters.

We honour the life and legacy of Sir Eric Neal AC CVO, Patron Emeritus of the VWMA, whose dedication to service and unwavering support for remembrance inspired us all. We also pay tribute to John Baker AM ESM, our respected Deputy Chairman, whose leadership and commitment to preserving the stories of Australian service men and women strengthened the work of the VWMA.

In recognition of their tireless contributions, we invite you to make a donation to the Virtual War Memorial Australia. Your gift will help us continue the mission they both so passionately championed — to record, preserve, and share the service and sacrifice of Australians across all conflicts, ensuring their memory lives on.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can honour the vision and service of Sir Eric Neal and John Baker by continuing the work they held so close to their hearts.

Please consider making a donation today in their memory.

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Today's Honour Roll

September

Today's Honour Roll recognizes 270 Australians who fell on this day in history.

See Full List

Name	Date of Death	Conflict
BURNS, James Drummond	18 Sep 1915	World War 1
HINES, Hubert Thomas	18 Sep 1918	World War 1
ROSTRON, Allan Ernest (MM)	18 Sep 1918	World War 1
BUTLER, Brian Nairn	18 Sep 1918	World War 1
BARNES, Edwin William	18 Sep 1918	World War 1

50th Anniversary of Independence in Papua New Guinea

On the 16th of September 1975, this day 50 years ago, Papua New Guinea became independent of Australia. Parts of PNG had been under Australian rule since 1902, with what had been a German colony in the north being taken over during the First World War.

During World War Two, the Australian territory faced a Japanese invasion and subsequent brutal fighting along the Kokoda Track. In total, the New Guinea campaign resulted in the deaths of approximately 216,000 Japanese, Australian, and U.S. servicepeople on both the mainland and offshore islands.

We honour the shared history of Australia and Papua New Guinea during the world wars and celebrate this 50th anniversary of independence!