PORT PIRIE RSL MUSEUM

Image: Port Pirie RSL Museum exhibit on Australia in the Vietnam War

The Port Pirie RSL Museum holds exhibits on Military History ranging from the Boer War to the War in Afghanistan. It also includes exhibits on Australian peacekeeping missions. Each exhibit features individual stories, general items, as well as priceless belongings of military personnel and artifacts from the conflicts in which they served. The museum has two multimedia information points that allow visitors easy access to film, slides, photos and audio from the different wars - often from the soldier’s viewpoint.

Forever United Museum Mural

Unique displays include the kit bag owned by the soldier given the first regimental number in the Australian Imperial Force, a dead Man’s Penny sent to the relatives of fallen soldiers, a rare and unusual German Woven Paper Work Coat, a metal photo frame made from a dixie by a Japanese prisoner of war, POW engravings made by a nail sharpened on a piece of concrete, diaries and personal relics from “Rats of Tobruk” soldiers, postcards and native garments from Somalia, limited edition statue and story of Horrie the Wog Dog - a four legged War Hero - medals, badges, trench art and original uniforms are always on display.

To honour and remembrance of those who serve their country and in many instances paid the ultimate sacrifice, individually engraved bronze plaques with messages from can be purchased and displayed on the Wall of Memory located within the museum.

An important part of the museum and Port Pirie’s History is the exhibit detailing the history of Number 2 Bombing and Gunnery School RAAF located in Port Pirie during  the Second World War. No 2 B.A.G. was opened in June 1941 and by November 1943 it had trained 3,500 airmen. Many of the RAAF crews who flew from Britain across Europe in Lancaster and Mosquito aircraft trained in Port Pirie.

Of particular interest to visitors is the fully restored to working condition the Wiles Junior Mobile Cooker. Mobile cookers like this “junior” are credited for having been an innovative and reliable piece of equipment that played a significant role in the Great War 1914-1918.

Another unique feature of the Museum is is the twelve panel history exhibit that outlines Australia’s military history from the First Fleet to present. There is also an amazing painting titled "Forever United" which pays tribute to all our forces. The images have been chosen to reflect the range of everyday situations and emotions experienced by the troops.

Located on the external wall of the Museum the LEST WE FORGET mural is illuminated at night, it mainly uses red for remembrance, with two soldiers in the “arms reverse” position holding their heads bowed.

As individual displays change regularly, return visits to the Museum is recommended as the Museum’s goal of becoming an educative facility is realised.

Soldier’s Quick Five:
294 The Terrace, Port Pirie, South Australia
Monday – Saturday, 11am-4pm
Sundays, 11am-2pm
Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday
Website: Port-Pirie-RSL-Museum