Michael McKernan, historian behind Tomb of Unknown Soldier, dies
Michael McKernan, principal historian at the Australian War Memorial, led the 1993 repatriation of an unknown soldier and died.
Michael McKernan was one of Australia's most distinguished historians. McKernan led the team that identified and brought home an unknown Australian soldier's remains.
The team placed them in the Tomb at the Australian War Memorial. In 1993, he directed the project to dig up the soldier from a Commonwealth War Graves site.
He also fought disputes over the tomb's inscription. He insisted on the word "soldier" rather than "warrior".
McKernan wrote 19 books on subjects ranging from sport to military history. He was principal historian and deputy director of the War Memorial.
After graduating from the Australian National University in 1972, he taught at the University of New South Wales. He became a popular public speaker.
Colleagues remembered him as a careful researcher and generous mentor. He was warm-hearted and shaped two generations of historians.
- 19
- Books authored
- 1993
- Repatriation year
- Australian National University, 1972
- University graduation
- November 11 annually
- Team reunion day
Why it mattersMcKernan shaped how the nation honours its fallen through his work at the War Memorial. His scholarship also shaped Australian historical study.
AustraliaAustralians visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the War Memorial walk through the legacy of his historical research and curatorial vision.
