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Theme: Patriotic Duty Artist: Ivor HELE Birth/Death: 1912–1993 Title: Battlefield burial of three NCOs Credit Line: Australian War Memorial, Canberra During the Second World War, South Australian artist Ivor Hele earned the reputation of being the 'soldiers' artist'. He served for almost the entire duration of the war, covering the Australian campaigns in both the Middle East and New Guinea. Hele arrived in New Guinea in June 1943. In late July Hele witnessed the burial of three young soldiers who had been killed the previous day. He made numerous sketches of the bodies awaiting burial - even though, due to wartime censorship, this was a 'taboo' subject. On his return to Australia, in August 1944, Hele painted Battlefield burial of three NCOs based on his sketches. His painting records the harsh reality and despair of war. More details Click image to enlarge