A Nation Mourns

THE PRIME MINISTER IS DEAD

At 4 a.m. on 5 July 1945, Labor Prime Minister John Curtin died from a heart attack.

For four years he had led Australia through the darkest hours of World War II. His death only six weeks before the end of the Pacific War stunned the nation.

The bugle played the Last Post as Curtin's body lay in state

Memorial service for Curtin in Kings Hall
Parliament House, 6 July 1945

Mourners gather at Parliament House
for Curtin's memorial service

AUSTRALIA MOURNS

Politicians and dignitaries crowded Kings Hall in Canberra's Parliament House for a moving memorial service.

Telegram from US General Douglas MacArthur
to Elsie Curtin

Elsie Curtin and her son John arrive at
Parliament House for the memorial service

Twelve fighter planes escorted the aircraft which flew Curtin's body back to his home in Perth.

As his funeral procession slowly made its way to Karrakatta Cemetery, thousands lined the streets to pay their respects.

ALP Federal and State Members of Parliament
march through the streets of Perth in
Curtin's funeral procession

Curtin's funeral at Karrakatta Cemetery,
Perth, 8 July 1945

The nation mourned Curtin as a casualty of war, a man who gave his life for his country.