Panel talk: His Majesty’s Most Loyal Internees

Join us for a compelling panel discussion tracing the remarkable journeys of the internees transported to Australia aboard the Dunera and Queen Mary during the Second World War.

In a memorable turn of phrase, poet Oswald Volkmann described the 'Dunera boys' as “His Majesty’s Most Loyal Internees”—a description equally fitting for the Queen Mary internees. Deported to Australia during the Second World War as enemy aliens and imprisoned in regional camps, they were indeed loyal and posed no threat to Britain or Australia. After the war, many chose to remain in Australia, making remarkable contributions to the nation’s cultural and academic life.

In this thought-provoking conversation, leading historians join internees and their descendants to explore the challenges they faced as wartime refugees, the enduring legacy of their internment, and the ways their stories continue to resonate across generations.

After the discussion, enjoy a light afternoon tea and explore works of art from Duldig Studio on display at the Shrine before gathering on the Forecourt for a special Last Post Service(opens in a new window) marking 85 years since the Dunera and Queen Mary arrived in Australia.

This program is presented in partnership with the Duldig Studio and Dunera and Queen Mary Association.

Event image: Compound 3D Tatura, 1941, Slawa, Eva and Karl Duldig. Photograph Nurse Sister Burns. Image courtesy Duldig Studio