Australians are being encouraged to learn more about the stories of our Second World War veterans as the 75th anniversary of the end of the war on August 15 approaches. 

A number of online research services are being made available for free, to help Australians conduct their research, including http://www.ancestry.com.au

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said our community has a rich Second World War history, from residents who served to veterans, widows and family members who now call the region home.

“Each story is unique, and is just as important as the next,” Mr Hogan said.

“As a community we have a job to do –to ensure these stories live on and that we never forgot the role of all Australians who served overseas or on the home front in the Second World War.”

The National Archives of Australia has been digitising all of its Second World War service records and the Australian War Memorial also has a wide range of useful information just a click away.”

“I encourage each of us to start by looking into our own family’s military service history, and from there, extend our research to the Second World War more broadly and learn more about the six years that forever changed Australia’s history,” Mr Hogan said. 

“All that Australians need to do is ‘Just Ask’ the question – whether that is about a family member who served, or just wanting to learn more about the war.

“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has brought together all of its nominal rolls, including the Second World War nominal roll, into one website to make it easier to search and find information on those Australians who served in this war.”

“DVA’s Anzac Portal also has a range of historical educational resources free for download – showcasing the war from an Australian point of view.”

The Researching Australians at War page on the Anzac Portal is also a great resource to learn more about the Second World War and to access educational resources: http://www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au

Ancestry.com.au is helping Australians pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the Second World War by providing free online access to all Australian and New Zealand military records on the site from August 13–16.