This inspiring free exhibition explores what it means to be Australian by examining the relationship between sport and war - two key factors in our culture and national identity. Drawing on the rich collections of the Australian War Memorial, Sport and War tells remarkable stories of courage and achievement, revealing the importance of sport to Australians serving overseas, as well as the wartime experiences of some of our most-loved sporting stars.
The display includes evocative relics from wartime sporting history, such as:
- a 'Melbourne Cup' made by prisoners of war in Borneo
- a 'Brownlow' medal presented in Changi POW camp
- a well-worn footy jersey from the muddy playing-fields of the Western Front
- the little-known wartime medals of cricketing legend Donald Bradman.
Other exhibits include original documents, photographs, artworks and audiovisual displays.
Sport and War tells the stories of famous sporting personalities whose lives and careers were affected (and sometimes ended) by war - from Keith Miller’s career-boosting performances in the 1945 Victory Tests to the tragic loss of Aussie Rules star Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott and others. Test cricketer Bert Oldfield, boxer Les Darcy and footballer Ron Barassi Snr are among the other champions featured.
The exhibition reflects on the shared ideals of sport and war - teamwork, physical prowess, loyalty and leadership. It shows how high-level sport was disrupted by the world wars, and how sport became part of our victory celebrations. Above all, it pays tribute to the struggles and triumphs of many Australians, both well-known and ordinary, on our nation’s battlefields and sporting fields over the past century.
You can find out more about this exhibition at the Australian War Memorial [external link].
Program of events
The exhibition is complemented by a program of talks, tours and activities at the Library.
Sponsors
Sport and War is supported by a range of sponsors.
Illustration
Harry J. Weston (B.1874 ), “U” are wanted in the Sport’s Unit, Printed in Sydney in 1917, Issued by the State Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, Colour photolithograph on paper, Presented by the Department of Information in 1946, Courtesy of the Australian War Memorial ARTV05666 | 
