Schools will receive two books: Decision: Stories of leadership in the services about the influence of Australian leaders during wartime and A Bitter Fate: Australians in Malaya and Singapore, December 1941 – February 1942.

The two posters – Centenary of the Sinai-Palestine campaign 2017 – and – Centenary of the Flanders Offensive 2017, commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of these significant battles the Anzacs took part in.

It is important that every generation understands the costs and impacts of war, both on the battlefield and at home.

The books explore the stories of individuals who made decisions that saved lives and influenced the outcomes of battles and wars.

The posters will encourage reflection and discussion of two very different but important events - the third Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Beersheba.

As we commemorate the Anzac Centenary 2014–2018, these materials will help our school-aged children develop an appreciation of the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in defence of our nation, not only during the two World Wars but in all conflicts in the past 100 years, including those who where servicemen and women continue to serve today.

Schools across Australia will receive the education resources by the end of March. The learning activities are available for free download from the Anzac portal http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au.

The posters will also be distributed to libraries, ex-service organisations, aged care facilities, hospitals, local councils, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade overseas missions. They are supported by an online Wartime Snapshot.

High resolution versions of both posters and the Wartime Snapshot can be accessed from the Anzac portal.