During World War II, Australian forces - "the Rats of Tobruk" played a major role in the defeat of the Axis armies under Rommel in North Africa. Subsequently, Australian infantry forces were returned to the Australian home front to meet the Japanese advance. However, individual Australian Officers were posted with the British Forces, and took part in the freeing of Europe from the Nazis.
Alan Moore, an official Australian War Artist, served with the British Army, and recorded the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp,on April 15, 1945. He started to draw and paint the horrors that he saw, and then, to give concrete evidence, also took photographs on 35 mm film to augment the record.

Another Australian Army Officer, Muriel Knox Doherty, was appointed Chief Nurse and Principal Matron to Bergen-Belsen from 11th July, 1945.