Beyond Allied Histories: Dayak Memories of World War II in Borneo

Western histories of wars involving Europeans focus overwhelmingly on the experiences of European participants. This project explores World War II in Borneo, a highly significant but little-known Australian wartime site, by focusing instead on the marginalised memories of the islands indigenous Dayak peoples. By juxtaposing Dayak memories of the war with those of Australian soldiers and prisoners-of-war, the project will both advance scholarly understanding of Dayak codes of otherness and relatedness, and cast new light on the war itself. Expected outcomes include a scholarly monograph and articles, a PhD thesis, and a major public exhibition at the Australian War Memorial.