Firepower:
Lessons from WWII Seminar Series
This seminar series examines the decisive role of artillery and joint fires in World War II, highlighting how coordinated firepower shaped the outcomes of major campaigns. Drawing on historical case studies and expert analysis, the sessions will connect these lessons to contemporary military strategy and operational planning.
Seminar followed by a catered networking event with refreshments.
Defending the Island Nation: Lessons from 1942 for Australia Today
Australia has been attacked before — and the lessons of 1942 remain unfinished business. In this Firepower Seminar highlights presentation, Dr Mark Bailey, Dr Tom Lewis OAM and General Greg Bilton examine sea supply as Australia’s defining vulnerability, the command and control failures exposed by the attacks on Darwin, Broome and Sydney Harbour, and whether Australia is prepared for state-on-state conflict before 2035.
About the Firepower Seminar Series
The Firepower: Lessons from WWII seminar series, hosted by the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC), explores the importance of artillery and joint fires during WWII, drawing lessons for contemporary military decision-making.
This series of four events will be held across Australia, featuring presentations from leading experts and moderated panel discussions. The seminars are designed for military personnel, defence professionals, and history enthusiasts to gain insight into Australia’s military past and its relevance today, followed by a networking event with a keynote address.
Seminar Schedule
The series consists of four scheduled events across Australia in 2026, each focusing on a distinct theme. Seminar followed by a catered networking event with refreshments.
Melbourne
The Road to War: Preparedness and Mobilisation (1936-1941)
Date: Thu 19 Mar 2026
Location: Caulfield RSL, Melbourne
Brisbane
Date: Thu 21 May 2026
Location: Pullman Hotel, Brisbane
Adelaide
Campaign Theatre Adaptation: WWII Lessons for the Pacific Theatre (1941-1944)
Date: Thu 06 Aug 2026
Location: Naval Military and Airforce Club, Adelaide
Canberra
Joint Fires in the Littoral: Modern Lethal Effects in Australia’s Military Approaches (1943-1945)
Date: Wed 14 Oct 2026
Location: Adams Auditorium, Campbell, ACT
Meet Our Expert Speakers
The seminars will feature a host of expert speakers, including:
Dr Mark Bailey and Dr Peter Layton
Seminar 1 (Melbourne)
LTGEN Greg Bilton (retd); Dr Mark Bailey; Dr Tom Lewis; Mr Joel Packer; BRIG Don Roach (retd); BRIG Corey Shillabeer
Seminar 2 (Brisbane)
Senator Leah Blyth; Dr Garth Pratten; Mr Mark Johnston; BRIG Corey Shillabeer; LTGEN (retd) Rick Burr; Bernard White
Seminar 3 (Adelaide)
Prof Peter Dean; Jen Parker; Dr Malcolm Davis; Dr Albert Palazzo; Mr Phillip Thompson OAM, MP [TBC]; Prof Craig Stockings
Seminar 4 (Canberra)
Keynote Speakers
For each event will include influential figures such as:
Seminar 1 : Dr. Mark Bailey
Seminar 2 : LTGEN Greg Bilton
Seminar 3 : SEN Leah Blyth
Seminar 4 : Prof David Kilcullen
Register for the Seminar Series
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend these pivotal discussions on military history and its modern-day relevance. Register today for any or all of the events!
About the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC)
The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of artillery and firepower in Australia. Through events like the Firepower Seminar Series, the RAAHC works to engage military professionals, history buffs, and the wider community in conversations about Australia’s military past and its relevance for future conflicts.
Get in Touch
For inquiries or more information, contact us at:
Imagery: Defence Image Gallery and the Australian War Memorial