State Library of Queensland has been collecting wartime diaries, letters, photographs, and historically significant items since opening its doors in 1934. Through uncovering our past, we invite future generations to understand, share, and learn about the Queensland experiences of war, and ensure those who made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.
We've searched through State Library's extensive military collection to bring you a selection of stories that best illustrate the courage, resilience, sacrifice, and duty of Queenslanders who served on the home front and the warfront, and immortalise the Anzac Spirit.
Sharing Stories of Service
Jack Flynn WWII
Jack Flynn stepped forward in July 1940 and volunteered to join the Army where he flourished. A keen athlete, he was selected to attend a specialist Physical Training Instructors course in Victoria but, after injuring himself, earned himself an early discharge.
Constance Keys
Constance was one of the first four Queensland nurses to embark for Egypt in September 1914 and she has left an enduring legacy and a moving account of her service during this most terrible of conflicts.
Curtis McGrath OAM
Curtis McGrath OAM was born in New Zealand and grew up spending a very active outdoors childhood in both New Zealand and Australia. When he was just 18 years old, he enlisted in the Australian Army. His immediate focus was on becoming a combat engineer.
Group Captain Alan Groom DSO, RAF
Alan Groom's passion for aircraft took him to the other side of the world when he was only 22.
David Kelly, Vietnam War
David Kelly was one of many young Australians who was conscripted through National Service to serve during the Vietnam War.
Major Dorathea Jane Skov
After the Second World War, Major Dorathea Jane Skov founded the Ex-Service Women’s Association of Queensland.
David and Marion Winifred (Winnie) Croll
As one of the few husband and wife couples to serve in WW1, David and Winnie Croll have a unique story.
Ernest Duncan
Ernest Duncan served in the army, the navy and the air force, and worked for the United Nations.
Francis Leofric Armstrong
While great stories are told of the Evacuation of Gallipoli, it is timely to remember those who were not destined to return.
Robert Salisbury WWI
When Robert Salisbury, from South Brisbane, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in October 1916 he was the sole breadwinner
Reverend Green
George Green was born in London and educated at Oxford University before becoming an Anglican minister in 1910.
George Bostock
George Bostock is a Bundjalung man from Grafton, NSW, who grew up in Brisbane and Sydney.
Stanton Mellick
John 'Stanton' Davis Mellick, attended Brisbane Grammar School in the 1930s, and later studied accountancy
Annie Wheeler OBE
Annie Margaret Wheeler, who had some prior training in nursing, came to be known as the 'Mother of Queenslanders'
Victor Owen Williams
In 1917, 18-year-old Victor Owen Williams enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force with permission provided by his parents.
James Lingwoodock and John Geary
James Lingwoodock and John Geary were two of more than 20 Aboriginal men comprising part of the 20th Reinforcements for the 11th Light Horse Regiment
Charles Fry
In May 1939, Flight Lieutenant Charles ‘Digger’ Fry was posted to Egypt. In May 1941, Charles was flying on operations over Crete when his Hurricane fighter aircraft was shot down.
Captain Andrew Craig OAM, RAN (Rtd)
Andrew Craig, a former naval officer and helicopter pilot, served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1958-1988, retiring with the rank of Captain..