AUSTRALIAN COMMANDO ASSN (NSW) INC.

Commando History and Research Centre
Strides Ahead
Since the official opening of
the Commando History and
Research Centre in mid 2013,
developments have continued
apace. The original concept of a
museum, coupled with a
research library has proved
successful and it is open to
visitors by appointment through
Barry Grant.
The museum focusses on
telling the story of Australia’s
commandos from creation
during the Second World War
through to today. Currently, the
galleries describe a timeline and
are divided into eras that
describe the various important
stages of commando history.
Much work has gone into
developing the WW2 displays and the collection
boasts several commando fighting knives, Japanese
swords and other artefacts that illustrate the tough
pacific campaign of 1942-45. Indeed, the collection
may already have the best display of Australian
WW2 commando items on public display anywhere.
Other eras include the post war resurrection of
the capability, which rightly pays tribute to the late
Brig Mac Grant OAM RFD as the father of modern
commandos, and a display revealing the little
known stories of those commandos who served in
the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.
Some of the other treasures held by the museum
are the original artwork for the design of the
distinctive commando wings, and the casing of the
first Javelin missile fired by
commandos from 2 Commando
Regiment in Afghanistan.
But it’s not all about the
museum, the Research Centre
has a rapidly growing library of
books about Commando and
Special Forces operations and
computers that hold video and
image libraries for the use of
researchers.
An area dedicated for
special exhibitions has also
been set aside which is
currently hosting a revealing
exhibition on the life of the late
Honorary Colonel of 2
Commando Regiment Hans
Fleer OAM, DCM.
The History Centre itself
operates almost entirely on donations and
volunteer support alone, and without the help of
the Australian Commando Association it would not
be able to function. In particular, a recent grant
application by the ACA (NSW Branch) has secured a
large chunk of funding which will be of
incomparable assistance in the near future.
So for those who have already helped out we say
“cheers mate”! And for those who wish to help out
please contact Barry Grant, and remember that as
the Centre develops into the future more help will
be required over time.
Captain R
Acting Manager
CHRC
Opening ~ Afghan
Opening ~ WW2
COMMANDO NEWS ~ Edition 1 I December 2013 19