ARMY MUSEUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The collection encompasses material from the pre-Federation period through to the present day, covering both peacetime army units and the involvement of West Australians in all major conflicts and operations that Australia was engaged in throughout this period. These include the Boer War, Great War, Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam and the more recent operations in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The pre-Federation or Colonial period highlights the role of British Army garrison units stationed in Western Australia during the early years of the Swan River Colony and the formation of local Volunteer forces in the latter part of this period. A number of these Volunteer units became the forerunners of later Militia units that were formed as part of the Commonwealth Military Forces.

The most significant part of the collection is from the Great War 1914-1918 when units were generally formed and recruited on a regional basis. The military actions of units recruited in Western Australia have become a part of Australia’s history, as well as Army history. The Great War was the conflict which has had the most marked impact on Australian society and the development of the nation's character.

It is expected that as time passes the collection of items from post-Second World War conflicts and the various peacekeeping operations will grow and become more significant.