RAAHC’s Firepower: Lessons from WWII – Melbourne Event

The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company presents:

Firepower: From Lavarack to the Levant to the Littoral Lessons from World War II

Download the event flyer here to share with your Friends, Colleagues and Associations.

History Seminar 1: Australia’s ‘Road to War’

Preparedness and Mobilisation c. 1936-1941

Wednesday 19th March, 2026 – 5.00pm-9.00pm

Caulfield RSL, 4 St Georges Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185

This is a catered event with a tailored beverage package and hors d’oeuvres included.

Register @ Firepower:Lessons from WWII Seminar Series

Seminar Event: Australia’s ‘Road to War’ (5-7pm)

Road to War

Presenter 1 Dr Mark Bailey Strategic Context in the lead up to WWII. 

• How well postured industrially was Australia at the War’s outbreak in Sep 1939?
• What war materiel manufacturing capability had Australia developed in the War’s lead-up?
• How well had the Commonwealth Government managed its strategic narrative for War before 1939?

Presenter 2 Dr Peter Layton Campaign consequences

• What were Australia’s military preparedness and force expansion actions during the lead-up to War?
• What developments in Australia’s firepower capability and force structure commenced pre-War?
• How did Australia’s performance in national mobilisation affect its military firepower capability?

Panel Discussion: What the lessons might be for today’s military and political decision-makers

Networking Event: Australia’s ‘Road to War’ (7.30-9pm)

Keynote Address: Hon Angus Taylor MP, Leader of the Opposition and Federal Member for Hume