War Memorial ‘acknowledges gravity’ of Ben Robert-Smith murder finding

The Australian War Memorial is ‘carefully considering’ the future display of Ben Roberts-Smith’s medals and uniforms after the finding that he murdered unarmed detainees in Afghanistan.

Ben Roberts-Smith with then-director of the Australian War Memorial Brendan Nelson in 2013. Picture: Gary Ramage

The Australian War Memorial has quietly added a notice to its displays honouring Ben ­Roberts-Smith “acknowledging the gravity” of the finding in his failed defamation case that he murdered unarmed detainees in Afghanistan.

The AWM has previously stated it would leave displays featuring Mr Roberts-Smith in place, despite calls for the collections to be removed from display or contextualised with information about defamation court findings.

The notices have been installed next to collections featuring the Victoria Cross recipient’s uniforms and portrait, bearing a statement from AWM chairman Kim Beazley AC, on behalf of the war memorial’s council.

Mr Roberts-Smith examines a portrait of himself at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Picture: AAP

“The memorial assists in remembering, interpreting and understanding Australia’s experience of war and its enduring impact. This includes the causes, conduct and consequences of war,” the notice reads.

“The memorial acknowledges the gravity of the decision in the Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG defamation case and its broader impact on all involved in the Australian community.”

The wording of the notices reflect a statement issued by Mr Beazley soon after judge Anthony Besanko handed down his findings almost two months ago that several allegations of war crimes against Mr Roberts-Smith by newspapers he was suing were substantially true.

Mr Beazley noted “this is the outcome of a civil legal case, and one step in a longer process”.

“We are considering carefully the additional content and context to be included in these displays. The memorial acknow­ledges Afghanistan veterans and their families who may be affected at this time.”

Five-year-old Max Taylor looks at the uniform worn by 2-metre tall Corporal Ben Roberts- Smith in Afghanistan.

Greens senator David Shoebridge has called for these items to be removed from display immediately, while former principal AWM historian Peter Stanley has suggested “we might pause before effacing him from our national war museum”.

“Removing his portrait and uniform might satisfy a modish desire to obliterate the memory of his actions but by “cancelling” him, we would lose the chance to tell the truth; to explain how the trial’s evidence contradicts the heroic story that the memorial, among others, cultivated,” Professor Stanley said.

The War Memorial holds Mr Roberts-Smith’s VC and other medals. The memorial galleries also display two portraits of him by artist Michael Zavros, one in formal uniform, the other in a combat stance holding a pistol.

Zavros is quoted in AWM collection material stating: “I like the idea that we see him momentarily isolated, at one with himself, potentially in a moment of reflection. Less the brave war hero, rather a man, singled out and celebrated. It is an honour that sits well on him at the same time that it sits heavily.”

Former AWM director Brendan Nelson was a notable supporter of Mr Roberts-Smith during the trial, and the case was largely bankrolled by billionaire Kerry Stokes, a former chair of the memorial’s council. Both provided character references for the soldier.

Dr Nelson awarded the former soldier greater prominence at the memorial than many other VC recipients, extolling his courage and commitment.