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Australian War Records Section

AWRS

May 1917 – 1919

Section of the Australian Imperial Force that collected official records, photographs, relics and art of the Australian forces in the First World War for preservation in Australia.

How it came into existence

Formed in London in May 1917 within AIF Headquarters, at the urging of official war correspondent C. E. W. Bean, with Captain John Treloar in charge; it was a new function rather than one taken from an existing body.

How it ended

Wound down after the war in 1919, its collections being shipped to Australia to form the Australian War Museum.

Main functions

  • collection of AIF unit records and war diaries
  • collection of war relics and trophies
  • official war photography
  • commissioning of official war art

Where it sits

Last in the portfolio of Department of Defence.

Lineage

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Sources

Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.