By 1942, Melburnians and all Victorians were consumed by the war effort. While thousands of servicemen and servicewomen were fighting overseas, those who remained were actively involved in production, surveillance, disaster preparation and keeping the city operating.

The death of loved ones was a daily fear. In some cases only the service medals returned.

To view the coins and medals from this period, click on the links to the left. To return to the front (home) page, click on the coins and medals banner at the top of the page.

RAAF soldiers outside the Exhibition Building during World War Two.
Source – Museum Victoria.