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  1. Collections & Research
  2. Anzac and WWII
  3. Chinese Australian in WWII

Chinese Australians in WWII

When Australia was called to arms in the Second World War, the Chinese Australian community again enlisted to join in the defence of Australia. Enlistments were made to all service branches; the Second Australian Imperial Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Women’s Auxiliary Services. Around 47% of age-eligible men and 4% of age-eligible women from the Chinese Australian community served, highlighting their degree of loyalty and commitment to Australia.  

In total, over a thousand enlistments were from Australians with Chinese heritage. Beyond this, more than 550 non-Australian Chinese, made up of refugees and merchant seamen, enlisted for the 7th Army Employment Company, also called the Chinese Labour Corps, to support the war effort as non-combatants.   

The museum will continue adding information on this page as more information about Chinese-Australian soldiers in WWII come to light or more photos and objects are donated into the museum’s collections. 

If you have family members who are Chinese Anzac or Chinese-Australian WWII soldiers, we would like to hear from you and add their names to our growing list of soldiers. Click here to fill out the information submission form. 

WWII Chinese-Australians Soldiers Honour Roll

WWII Chinese-Australians Soldiers Honour Roll

A growing list of Chinese-Australian soldiers in WWII. Read more

Published: 1st July, 2021

Updated: 9th September, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Samuel John Tongway

Samuel John Tongway

Samuel John Tongway joined the Australian Army Medical Corps in 1917. Read more

Published: 2nd July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Goon Family

Goon Family

Frank and Ada Goon had eight children, from which six served in WWII. Read more

Published: 2nd July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Maurice Maxim Gooey

Maurice Maxim Gooey

Maurice joined the Citizen Military Force after Japan joined the war. Read more

Published: 1st July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Cyril Kim

Cyril Kim

Cyril Kim is one of four Kim family members who enlisted in WWII Read more

Published: 1st July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Hamilton Chan

Hamilton Chan

Hamilton Chan was enlisted to join in the Australian Army in 1942. Read more

Published: 1st July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Eunice Chinn (md. Leong)

Eunice Chinn (md. Leong)

Eunice enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service in 1942 and served as a telegraphist. Read more

Published: 1st July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

Phyllis Anguey

Phyllis Anguey

Phyllis Anguey served with the RAAF Nursing Service from 1940 to 1945. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2021

Updated: 22nd July, 2021

Author: Xing Jun Seah

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  • LOCATION & OPENING HOURS

    LOCATION & OPENING HOURS

    We are temporarily closed due to the snap 5 day lock down. We can't wait to re-open again, 10am-4pm, everyday, except public holidays. Located at 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne, VIC Australia 3000.

  • EMPLOYMENT

    Current employment opportunities at the Chinese Museum

  • OUR TEAM

    OUR TEAM

  • VOLUNTEER

    We highly value the contribution of our volunteers and endeavor to support volunteers to contribute to the community in a fulfilling and meaningful way. Please subscribe to hear about volunteer opportunities or check out this page to see current volunteer opportunities.

  • OUR ORGANISATION

    OUR ORGANISATION

    The Chinese Museum’s building, located in the heart of Chinatown, was built by the Cohen Bros. in 1890 and used originally as a furniture warehouse. It was acquired in 1984 by the Victorian State Government to enable the establishment of a Museum to provide the heritage and cultural foundation for Melbourne’s Chinatown.

  • OUR BOARD

  • Mid-Autumn Festival Schools Program

    Mid-Autumn Festival Schools Program

    The Mid-Autumn Festival is a 3000-year-old tradition that occurs when the full moon appears largest in the sky. Celebrating family re-union, this festival program explores moon legends and traditional practices such as lantern making, riddle guessing, moon cake making and the Chinese tea ceremony.

  • ADULT GROUP TOURS

    ADULT GROUP TOURS

    Guided Museum Tours for Adult Groups. Combine with a tour of Melbourne's Chinatown or a Yum Cha lunch.

  • VENUE HIRE

    VENUE HIRE

    The Chinese Museum has multiple galleries / space for hire, suitable for exhibitions, parties, dinners, talks and many other functions. All proceeds from venue hires go towards furthering our mission of communicating the Chinese-Australian story and promoting multiculturalism

  • STAY CONNECTED

    Programs, exhibitions and special events for schools are announced throughout the year. Subscribe to our Education E-News for up-to-date information.

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Museum of Chinese Australian History acknowledges Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging. 
Find us

Museum of Chinese Australian History
22 Cohen Place, Melbourne
VIC 3000
Australia Ph: +61 3 9662 2888
Email: [email protected]



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