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.
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: National Press Club, Canberra
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)
Seminar 2 (Brisbane)
Dr Garth Pratten
Seminar 3 (Adelaide)
Dr Dayton McCarthy
Seminar 4 (Canberra)
Keynote Speakers
For each event will include influential figures such as:
Angus Taylor
Melbourne Seminar Papers
The two papers to be delivered at the seminar will address:
Paper 1: Strategic Context
- How well postured industrially was Australia by the time of 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?
Paper 2: Military Application
- How well postured industrially was Australia by the time of 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?
Expert Panel: The Panel will be moderated and comprise three other panellists. Specific questions posed to the panel will be
- What lessons for today’s military and political decision-makers can be drawn from Australia’s WW2 challenges in defending the nation and its global support network?
- What Australian experiences then are not applicable for Australia today?
- What strategic policy and/or military capability decisions might be considered to best prepare Australia’s firepower today, for employment tomorrow?
Networking Event: The Keynote speaker at the subsequent Networking Event will address the following topic:
- Validating Corbett in the Indo-Pacific: Maritime Strategy and the Island Nation
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