Through Their Eyes

Australian War Memorial
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In every conflict, there are countless stories. Some preserved in objects, some buried in archives, and many quietly carried in the memories of those who lived through it. This podcast brings them to light. Listen closely as historians, veterans, families, experts, curators and eyewitnesses share perspectives and details often missing from the headlines. From battlefield artefacts to fragile letters, museum collections and recorded histories, we follow the threads that connect individual lives to larger moments around the world. Through honest conversations and carefully researched storytelling, we discover how war shapes people. And how people, in turn, shape the stories we remember. An Australian War Memorial Official podcast. This series is brought to you by Leidos Australia.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    09: Unarmed and under fire

    What would you do if saving someone else meant risking your own life? These are the stories of people who chose to run towards the danger. Meet the ordinary Australians who made impossible choices in extraordinary circumstances: carrying strangers to safety under fire, treating the wounded as bombs fell, surviving a massacre, and continuing to care for others while imprisoned. Some became famous. Others were almost forgotten. None knew how their story would end. So, what makes an ordinary person do something extraordinary? And in the moment that it matters, could any of us be a hero? Stories: 00:00-00:43 – Content warning 00:43-02:09 – Risking their lives to save others 02:09-10:53 – Simpson and his donkey: the making of a legend 10:53-21:20 – Snowy Atherton: carrying the wounded under fire 21:20 – 31:39 – Ernie Corey: four medals for saving lives 31:39-48:20 – Alice Ross-King: nursing as the bombs fell 48:20-58:46 – Vivian Bullwinkel: massacre, captivity and survival 58:46-1:05:15 – What makes someone run toward danger? Show notes: Want to explore more? Discover the stories, articles, collection items and personal records featured in this episode at https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/medics If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au  Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au  Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

  2. Sep 10

    08: The settling dust of Afghanistan

    Twenty-five years after 9/11, what has been the lasting impact of Australia's involvement in Afghanistan? Hear from Australian soldiers patrolling the valleys of Afghanistan, a veteran who lost his leg and his mate to an IED explosion, a diplomat who returned as the Taliban took control of Kabul, and an Afghan-Australian woman reflecting on what changed for her country. Together, their stories reveal the human impact of Australia's longest war, and how its effects are still being felt today. Stories: 00:00–00:49 – Content warning 00:49–04:25 – Australia's war in Afghanistan 04:25–17:29 – Patrolling the valley with OMLT-3 17:29–26:42 – Fred Smith: diplomacy, music and life in Afghanistan 26:42–29:53 – Dust of Uruzgan: the story of Paul Warren and Ben Ranaudo 29:53–39:49 – Paul Warren: an IED, the loss of a mate and life after Afghanistan 39:49–48:21 – Fred Smith: leaving Afghanistan and the fall of Kabul 48:21–57:12 – Farkhondeh Akbari: Afghanistan before and after the Taliban's return 57:19–1:05:21 – Garth Callender: coming home and the lasting impact of service Stories: Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people and histories behind these accounts, including collection items and personal records from the AWM by exploring the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/afghanistan  Attend the National Commemorative Service marking 25 years of Australian service in Afghanistan: https://www.awm.gov.au/commemorate/afghan25 Listen to Fred Smith's album and explore his two memoirs about Afghanistan: www.fredsmith.com.au Visit the War in Afghanistan gallery: https://www.awm.gov.au/visit/galleries/anzac-hall Support veterans through Bravery Trek's Dusk till Dawn challenge: https://braverytrek.com.au/dusktilldawn If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    08: The settling dust of Afghanistan

  3. Sep 3

    07: Serving Country

    What does it mean to fight for a country that doesn't yet recognise you as an equal? Across generations and conflicts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians fought, flew, led and broke barriers, building a remarkable legacy of service. Hear the stories of Reg Saunders, Len Waters, John Burns and Aunty Lorraine Hatton OAM as they and their families reflect on courage, identity and belonging in uniform. Discover the barriers they overcame, the opportunities service created, and how their legacy paved the way for generations to follow. Stories: 00:00-00:43 – Content warning 00:43-03:02 – Why answer the call? 03:02-08:49 – Fighting to serve: Michael Bell 08:49-23:47 – Len Waters: a dream of flying 23:47-32:41 – Reg Saunders: serving Country 32:41-45:14 – John Burns: equality in uniform 45:14-55:15 – Lorraine Hatton: carrying the legacy forward 55:15-56:35 – A legacy of service Show notes: Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people, voices and histories behind these stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military service, including oral histories, personal records and collection material from the AWM: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/serving-country If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    07: Serving Country

  4. Aug 26

    06: The Frontier Wars

    Australia's Frontier Wars were fought across the continent over land, sovereignty and survival. Their legacy remains deeply personal, raising difficult questions about how we understand our past and what it means for Australia today. Hear former Prime Minister the Hon. Tony Abbott, historian Professor Henry Reynolds and filmmaker Rachel Perkins bring different perspectives to this complex history. What made these conflicts a war? How should they be remembered? And what can understanding this complicated past mean for our shared future? Stories: 00.00-00:45 – Content warning 00:45-03:55 – Australia's Frontier Wars and the questions at the heart of the conversation 03:55-12:11 – Garth O'Connell: identity, family history and truth-telling as a Gomeroi man and veteran 12:11-57:16 – Rachel Perkins, Tony Abbott and Henry Reynolds discuss the Frontier Wars 57-16-59.15 – The Frontier Wars at the Australian War Memorial 59.15-01:01:22 – Coming next: Serving Country Want to go deeper into the history and ideas explored in this episode? Attend the conference: Imperialism and Resistance Read Professor Henry Reynolds' The Other Side of the Frontier. Read Professor Henry Reynolds' Whispering in Our Hearts. Read Henry Reynolds and Nicholas Clements' Tongerlongeter: First Nations Leader and Tasmanian War Hero. Watch Rachel Perkin's The Australian Wars Read the Hon. Tony Abbott's Australia: A History. Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/frontier-wars

    06: The Frontier Wars

  5. Aug 13

    05: Unsung heroes

    Some acts of courage are remembered for generations. Others quietly fade from history. This episode explores the stories of Australia's unsung heroes. From the brutal fighting at Buna-Gona to a desperate charge against a First World War machine-gun post, and a daughter's search to uncover her father's hidden wartime service, discover the remarkable people whose courage never became part of our national story. Featuring historians, family members and oral histories from the Australian War Memorial's collection, this episode explores why some heroes become legends while others are almost forgotten. Stories: 00:00-00:46 – Content warning 00:46-03:05 – Hugh Dalby: the brutal reality of Gona 03:05- 07:09 – Arthur Matthews: courage lost to history 07:09-12:06 – Gideon Grieve: bravery against the odds 12:06- 22:33 – Hugh Dalby: fighting at Buna-Gona and Sanananda 22:33-27:39 – Norman Marshall: an overlooked decorated commander 27:39-38:36 – Donald Graham Healey: discovering a father's service  Show notes: Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people, objects, voices and histories behind these accounts, including collection items and personal records from the Australian War Memorial. Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/unsung-heroes If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    05: Unsung heroes

  6. Jul 26

    04: Beside us

    Animals have served alongside Australians in every major conflict. They carried soldiers into battle, delivered life-saving messages, detected hidden dangers and offered comfort when it was needed most. But beyond their service lies an extraordinary story of trust, loyalty and companionship. From the Australian Light Horse to military working dogs and even an assistance cat helping a veteran recover from trauma, discover the remarkable bonds between humans and the animals that served alongside them. Featuring military working dog handler and founder of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, Nigel Allsopp, this episode explores more than a century of conflict. And it uncovers the enduring relationships between people and the animals who served beside us. Show notes: Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people, objects, voices and histories behind these accounts, including collection items and personal records from the Australian War Memorial, and the work of the Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation (AWAMO). Stories: 00:00–00:47 – Content warning 00:47–02:44 – Christopher O'Neil: Australia's first tracker dogs 02:44–13:32 – Nigel Allsopp: Animals in service 13:32–23:25 – The Australian Light Horse with Laurie Watts 23:25–29:55 – The tracker dogs of Vietnam 29:55–43:09 – Manic: A modern military hero with Jason Price 43:09–55:57 – Bandit and Boat: An unexpected partnership 55:57–01:02:18 – The legacy of animals in war Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/beside-us or visit the AWAMO's website: https://awamo.org.au/  If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    04: Beside us

  7. Jul 14

    03: Life in the Shadows

    Some of the Second World War's greatest victories began with a secret. Join us as we uncover the hidden world of espionage during the Second World War. From occupied France to the jungles of the Pacific, discover the resistance fighters, spies, Coastwatchers and codebreakers whose courage, deception and intelligence helped shape the course of the war. Featuring Nancy Wake, Major Sei Hashida, Michael Veitch's Coastwatchers, and the remarkable women who kept Allied secrets in wartime Canberra, these are the people who fought the war from the shadows. Stories: 00.00-00:51 – Content warning 00:51-03:53 – Nancy Wake: The secret war begins 03:53-09:23 – John Fahey: Australia's first intelligence 09:23-22:45 – The Coastwatchers with Michael Veitch 22:45-41:24 – Nancy Wake, The White Mouse with Ali Sharman 41:24 -48:54 – ULTRA intelligence with Craig Tibbitts 48:54-59:21 – The Cable Girls with Sita Sargeant 59:21-1:12:51 – Major Hashida's Notebook with Craig Collie 1:12:51-1:14:13 – The legacy of espionage in the Second World War Show notes: Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people, objects, voices and histories behind these accounts, including collection items and personal records from the Australian War Memorial, and books by our guest authors. Read John Fahey's Australia's First Spies: The Remarkable Story of Australia's Intelligence Operations, 1901–45 Read Craig Collie's  Major Hashida's Notebook. Read Michael Veitch's Australia's Secret Army. Read Ali Sharman's Gestapo's Most Wanted: The White Mouse Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/life-shadows  If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    03: Life in the Shadows

  8. Jul 2

    02: She went to war

    Ever wondered what it's actually like to work inside a flying hospital? Or be responsible for some of a warship's most critical systems? Through archival recordings and firsthand accounts, this episode takes you inside more than a century of Australian women's military service. You'll hear stories of split-second decisions, technical challenges, unexpected humour, and life in environments most of us will never experience. From ambulance drivers in the First World War and Australia's first female official war artist, to Vietnam evacuation flights, Navy deployments and helicopter operations in Afghanistan. These are stories of responsibility, resilience and determination in environments few of us will ever experience. Discover what service felt like through the eyes of the women who lived it. This episode is brought to you by Leidos Australia. Timecodes: 00:00-00:53 – Content warning 00:55-03:13 - Vietnam medevac: Nurses in the air 03:13-03:40 – Introduction to women in service 03:40-07:52 – Olive May King: Driving towards the front 07:53-14:34 – Nora Heysen: Painting the war 14:34-32:12 – Felicity Petrie: Life at sea 32:12-40:48 – Patricia Furbank: Bringing the wounded home 40:48-1:01:20- Naomi Shephard: Flying Chinooks in Afghanistan 1:01:20-1:03:17 – Reflections: Over a century of service Show notes: Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people, objects, voices and histories behind these accounts, including collection items, photographs and personal records from the Australian War Memorial. Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/podcast/she-went-war View the RAAF C-130E Hercules aeromedical evacuation aircraft. If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: ·       Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au ·       Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au ·       Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au ·       Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    02: She went to war

  9. Jun 18

    01: Captured

    What would you hold onto if everything was taken from you? In this episode, step inside the lives of Australian prisoners of war and experience captivity through the eyes of those who lived it. From the brutal conditions of the Death Railway to hidden diaries, daring escapes and moments of defiance, these are stories that go far beyond survival. You'll hear how men and women endured hunger, disease and uncertainty, and how they found ways to resist, support each other and stay human in the harshest conditions imaginable. This is not just a story about war. It is about resilience, courage and the choices people make when pushed to their limits. Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode? Discover the people, objects, voices and histories behind these accounts, including collection items, photographs and personal records from the Australian War Memorial. Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/listen/ If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available: Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au   Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

    01: Captured

  10. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Through Their Eyes

    Behind every object, photograph and record in the Australian War Memorial's collection is a human story. Some are well known. Others have remained hidden in diaries, letters, personal accounts, and memories. Through Their Eyes brings these stories to life through conversations with historians, veterans, families, curators and subject matter experts, revealing the people behind the events that shaped our nation. An official Australian War Memorial podcast. This series is proudly brought to you by Leidos Australia.

    Welcome to Through Their Eyes
  • 1 Trailer
    9 Episodes

Trailer

About

In every conflict, there are countless stories. Some preserved in objects, some buried in archives, and many quietly carried in the memories of those who lived through it. This podcast brings them to light. Listen closely as historians, veterans, families, experts, curators and eyewitnesses share perspectives and details often missing from the headlines. From battlefield artefacts to fragile letters, museum collections and recorded histories, we follow the threads that connect individual lives to larger moments around the world. Through honest conversations and carefully researched storytelling, we discover how war shapes people. And how people, in turn, shape the stories we remember. An Australian War Memorial Official podcast. This series is brought to you by Leidos Australia.

Information

  • Creator
    Australian War Memorial
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Through Their Eyes

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