What's On - 30 June 2019

'Resistance’ and ‘Underground’ are names used to describe the various secret organisations that arose in European states under enemy occupation during the Second World War. Many Australian servicemen and women gave aid to the Resistance, other Australians owed their freedom and lives to it. Discover the stories of some of these individuals who, through accident or design, found themselves battling the enemy using unconventional means.

Visitors are advised that this gallery contains graphic images of violence.

Over 18,000 Australians fought in the Korean War (1950–53) a conflict which claimed three million lives, including those of 339 Australians. The clash between North and South Korea remains unresolved to this day.

This exhibition explains the war’s origins, why Australia became involved, why neither side could win, and why the war still matters today.

The original HMAS Waterhen was a V Class Destroyer built in England in 1918 and transferred to the RAN in 1933. Along with her sister ships, Waterhen formed the famous “Scrap Iron Flotilla” during the Second World War, serving in an anti-submarine role. Following a dive-bomber attack on 30 June 1941 She was holed and immobilised with no casualties, and after being taken in tow by HMS Defender for a short period She was then lost at sea on 30 June, becoming the first RAN ship to be lost by enemy action during the War.

The present HMAS Waterhen is a shore establishment located on the shores of Sydney Harbour at Waverton, home to six Huon class Mine Hunter Coastal Vessels and support craft including a Diving Tender, a Torpedo recovery vessel, and two Mine Sweeper Auxiliaries.