World War II
From the Archives, 1942: Ration books issued
After months of panic buying in the face of wartime shortages, a coupon system of clothes rationing was introduced by the Commonwealth Government.
- by Staff reporter
Latest
From the Archives, 1942: Victorians issued with ration books
During World War II to manage shortages and to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing Australians were issued with ration books. 80 years ago, the first stage of rationing - clothing - came into effect.
- by Staff Writers
Polish president says calls with Putin ‘like speaking to Hitler’
Polish President Andrzej Duda has slammed the leaders of France and Germany over their phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- by Rachel More
From the Archives, 1942: Sea raiders shell Sydney and Newcastle
A week after a surprise Japanese attack on Sydney Harbour, residents of the eastern suburbs were woken by the “scream of shells passing overhead.”
- by Staff reporter
From the Archives, 1942: ‘Revolutionary’ wartime tax reform
80 years ago, the Curtin government used wartime powers to enact ‘far-reaching, even revolutionary’ uniform taxation reforms, despite vehement opposition from the states.
- by Staff Writers
From the Archives, 1942: Enemy submarines enter Sydney Harbour
80 years ago, three Japanese midget submarines crept into Sydney Harbour and launched an attack.
- by Staff reporter
Perspective
Australia votes
‘I love the boy’: The gift our PM received from a bamboo prison
Tom Uren, titan of the Labor Party, taught Anthony Albanese a lesson about protecting the vulnerable - one he had learned in the harshest way imaginable.
- by Tony Wright
From the Archives, 1951: Australia mourns military genius, Thomas Blamey
In May 1951, Sir Thomas Blamey died in Melbourne, aged 67. He was one of Australia’s greatest military leaders, serving in both world wars, and was the first Australian soldier to be appointed a Field Marshal. Upon his death, he received many tributes in Australia and from around the world.
- by Staff Writers
Exclusive
City life
Schoolgirl accidentally met Japanese pilot who took part in Sydney attack
Marie Dyer lived in Bondi when the Japanese launched an aerial attack on Sydney’s eastern suburbs. After the war she visited Japan and bumped into the pilot who flew reconnaissance missions over the city.
- by Tim Barlass
Last survivor of notorious Sandakan POW death camp dies of COVID complications
Historian Lynette Silver said Billy Young was “irrepressible, even in captivity. His will to survive carried him through torture and interrogation, enabling him to endure months of solitary confinement.”
- by Tim Barlass
