Almost a million Australians, both men and women, served in the Second World War. Many of those who came home chose not to talk about their experiences.

The Great Search uncovered a previously unknown story about Australian airmen who, when they ran out of bombs, decided to drop bottles on the enemy. To the distracted foe, the bottles sounded just like shells.

Another story begins with a photo of an Aussie Beaufort Bomber, minutes after being shot down over the Pacific and turns into one of the most remarkable stories of survival behind enemy lines you are ever likely to read.

THE SKIRL OF THE PIPES KEPT TROOPS ENTERTAINED

NAME:  The Highland Trio

DATE: 1939 - 1945

UNIT: Civilians

LOCATION: New South Wales

The skirl of the bagpipes and the beating of the drum have been the inspiration for many a Scots unit during various wars. But when the pipes and drums were played by three attractive young ladies during World War II, it was to entertain the troops rather than lead them into battle.
 

SECRET FLIGHT ENDS IN THE SEA

NAME: Bob  Tregenza

DATE: 1942 - 1945

UNIT: 109 Squadron

LOCATION: German POW camp, Stalag IVB

Flight Sergeant Bob Tregenza had to keep a secret for the three and a half years he spent as a prisoner of war.
 

A FLIGHT TO REMEMBER

NAME: Tony Tubbenhauer

DATE: 1941 - 1945

UNIT: 203 Squadron RAF

LOCATION: Middle East

Tony Tubbenhauer proved to be a versatile pilot during World War II. He learned to fly on Tiger Moths in Australia, then moved on to Ansons and during the war flew 17 different types of aircraft.
 

GREAT FRIENDSHIPS FORMED IN HEAT OF BATTLE

NAME: John Virgo

DATE: 1942

UNIT: 2/10 Battalion AIF

LOCATION: New Guinea

Many great and lasting friendships were formed amongst the men and women who served in Australia's armed forces over the years. Sadly, many such friendships ended suddenly with the death of one or more of the individuals in battle.
 

SAVED BY A PILOT WHO DIDN'T PRESS THE TRIGGER

NAME: Eric  Watts

DATE: 1941

UNIT: 2/12th Australian Field Unit

LOCATION: Middle East

When World War II broke out there was just not enough equipment to go round so it was hardly surprising that a great deal was recycled from former campaigns.
 

COOKING FOR THE RATS OF TOBRUK

NAME: Stanley Gordon  Waugh

DATE: 1941

UNIT: 9th Division AIF

LOCATION: Tobruk

Keeping the troops fed is never easy but when you have to dodge falling bombs and machine gun raids by enemy fighter planes, not to mention overcoming the shortage of water and food, then it is doubly difficult.
 

IT'S JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG

NAME: Terence Whatman

DATE: 1941

UNIT: 2nd/8th Battalion AIF

LOCATION: Greece

Terry Whatman decided at an early age that he was going to be in the Army. He joined the Militia as a 16-year-old and served for three years with the 59th Hume Regiment before answering the call to enlist.
 

DREAMING OF HOME KEPT HIM GOING ON RAILWAY OF DEATH

NAME: Clarence Williams

DATE: 1941 - 1945

UNIT: 2/10th Battalion RAE

LOCATION: Malaya

Dreaming of home and the wonderful things he would do when he got there was what kept Sapper Clarrie Williams going while he slaved away on the Burma-Thailand Railway.
 

KNITTING GARMENTS FOR MEN AT WAR

NAME:  Women of Australia

DATE: 1939 - 1945

UNIT:

LOCATION: Australia

Many a mother, sister, aunt or girl friend spent hours during World War II knitting woollen clothes for their menfolk who were away at war.