Andrew John BALSILLIE MBE, JP. Jack as he was known enlisted in the Australian Army near the end of WWII No 31224 age 16 years. He then served in Malaya 1959 - 1961then Vietnam with the rank of Captain with 1st Aust Task Force HQ Light Aid Detachment (LAD) 7.5.1969 - 7.11.1969, HQ Aust Force Vietnam Army component 8.11.1969 - 7.5.1970. He retired with the rank of Major in 1985 after 40 years plus. He was awarded an MBE in 1969 for his services to the Australian War Memorial. Elected to Committee Bendigo RSL 1988 - 1993 with Snr Vice President 1989 - 1993, re-elected 1999 - 2000. Re-elected again in 2002 as Snr Vice President. He was elected to Bendigo City Council 1990 - 1993 serving as Mayor in 1993. .1) Bush hat, floppy, khaki canvas, belonged to Major J BALSILLIE. .2) - .4) Gauze wound dressing in brown cotton pack, 2 rolls per pack. .5) Neck cloth, green cotton..1) Inside hat: Maj J Balsillie. .2) - .4) Labelled: First Field Dressings.headwear, medical dressings

This file contains six items pertaining to the Caulfield Central RSL: 1/A page to which is attached a black-and-white photograph (date, source and photographer unspecified) of the Caulfield Central RSL, outlying garden and Australian flag. Some writing on the rear identifies the subject. 2/A typewritten letter, (1 page) dated 1946 (no date more specific than that specified), from the Chairman & Honorary Treasurer of the Caulfield Central RSL Appeal Committee (name unspecified) to the Mayor of Caulfield (name also unspecified), imploring the latter for a donation of $20,000 dollars for purposes of constructing a Memorial Hall to eulogize servicemen killed during WWII. Some rough working notes on rear side. 3/A flyer, undated (although presumably published in 1950), printed by Peter Isaacson Pty. Ltd., advertising a concert presented by the Ugly Ugly Man (Frank M. Beard) and the Malvern Tramways’ Harmonica Band to be held at Caulfield Town Hall on 06/06/1950 to assist the Welfare Funds of the Caulfield Central RSL and the Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Mothers’ Association. Also contains an advertisement for a drapery business called Tallents. 4/The annual report of the Caulfield Central RSL, for the period 1952 – 1953. Contains announcements of the annual general meeting and annual elections, the President’s report (in which he principally discusses the club’s charity work and sporting activities), the subcommittee staff roster, the sportsmen’s honour roll, the annual accounts (e.g. balance sheet, income & expenditure statement) and the roster of nominees for office in the committee of management election. 5/A typewritten letter, (1 page) dated 26/11/1982, from Max Brian Blair, Treasurer of the Caulfield Central RSL, to Mr. R. Ballantyne, Secretary of the Caulfield Historical Society, thanking him for his donation to the RSL. 6/A photocopy of an article titled ‘RSL pays $30,000 to buy off objector’ (from the Sunday Herald, by Mary-Anne Toy, dated 16/09/1990), about the Caulfield Central RSL paying local resident Mr. Chris White to withdraw his objection to the RSL’s intention to re-allocate its clubrooms, and the consequent response of the relevant authorities.caulfield, caulfield central returned servicemen league (rsl), ex-service organisations, clubs and associations, returned servicepeople, armed forces, soldiers, aged people, senior citizens centres, mayors, city of caulfield, war memorials, blamey thomas general sir, white t. w. group capt., gullett h. b. major, beaurepaire frank sir m.l.c., kennedy j. a. m.l.c., warner a. g. m.l.c., michaelis archie m.l.a., dennett a. h. lt.-col. m.l.a., don john capt. m.l.a., reid h. squire m.l.a., brooks w. r. cr., packer j. t. cr., parton e. m. cr., prior p. l. cr., morris t. w. cr., sinclair a. j. g. cr., sims h. e. cr., smith h. c. h. cr., smith james e. cr., tyers s. w. cr., webster harold cr., yorston j. s. cr., briggs r. jas., disney j. s., donath h., llewellyn evans, goddard s. a. padre, lynch p. j., nilsen oliver j. cr., pidd padre a. t., robinson norman, reece harold j., wootton harold s., wallace gordon w., nelson harold g., halls, concerts, musical events and activities, fundraising events, bands, musical ensembles, sailors soldiers and airmen’s mothers’ association, ‘the ugly ugly man’, beard frank m., malvern tramways harmonica band the, caulfield town hall, tallents, drapers, glenhuntly road, glen huntly road, elsternwick, peter isaacson pty. ltd melbourne, annual reports, financial documents, fisher s. w., finch f., williams f., salmon j. e., mallyon v. k., woods w., mayne t. v., lanyon r. j., rowney w. p., williams j. d., pepper e., bathurst t., patterson r., nuzum e. j., phillips e. v., turner g., hawthorn road, byrne l. j., eva a. r., bunny c. l., hoy c. a., orken a., hiam s. f., rawson n. l., coleman g. h., cohen a. s., mason j., goode l. p., nelson h. g., crosbie m. r., mcsweeney t., westley g. de v., greeves c. g., festivals and celebrations, community services, social services, service clubs, ladies auxiliary, returned servicewomen’s section, blamey house, social sub-committee, sport, sporting clubs, tennis, golf, billiards, table tennis, lawn bowls, thompson peter, cricket, children’s health bureau, family welfare bureau, buley doug mr., tomlins m. i., lang a. r., kendall h. i., ford c., munro w., gordon h., rowe s., green j. h., o’brien j., ring t., anderson g. j., croft r. m., jones p. j., la cerf g., roper i., lawrence f., eustace r. c., hanley a., moore a., strachan w. d., gilbert w. f., blair m. r., scriven e. g., miller j. l., hosking b. e., cheeseman r. n., summers s., croy l. w., mclatchie s., williams stan, hattersly cliff, day alf, rawson noel, johnson alby, banham bill, kersey b., williams s., jones a., witten f., waters r., dash r., meldrum i., grant j., haggar l., nightingale n., hallett r., somers r., young g., rawson n., croft r., barton m., o’grady w., cooper p., manton j., sutcliffe a., maver a., challender d., hunt a., parrott e., leicester j., westwood a., rae alex, smith harry, forbes jimmy, johnson jack, higgins w., fink s., hall s., ross m., anderson h., fleming j., bottoms a., peek e., stark j., mathews e., gursansky l., morres r., alenson j., holland i., wallace p., craig h., lucas j., smith h., bretel l., berryman p., reid a., swann j., tully f., henderson g., fields w., johnson j., gloster p., tennat j., boyd a., butterworth k., chapman k., curran j., elkington a. b., evans w., mckenzie d. a., nicol a. b., thompson w., wanliss t. w., watson g. j., williams g., yeomans p., mcgowan h., o’connor k., atherton r., batson s. s., bull e., fletcher a., gorman s. c., hall w., jellett l., lesar h., mather r., nelson n., ratford d., rowe p., turner w. j., wehsack f., williams s. c., wilson a., carter w., forbes i., purvis l., datson r., jackson e., wolstencroft w., smith c., mitchell r., harward j., gillespie ray, hill wally, parkinson w. g., greeves colin mr., water stan mr., selleck f. p., luckins l., andrews f., young v. l., king e. j., mccutcheon j. o., grenfell d. j., hurley c., shand a. r., yeates l., hogue h., mather j., wardrop j., lyons a. m., ross a. r., bradley t., walker r. n., cox f. c., mornane j. s., fletcher a. e., mcneil j. g., rose n., lyons l. j., trevorrow g., wright d. e., walker r., maxwell j., hutchinson j. c., mclean r., caulfield historical society, ballantyne r. mr., blair max brian, toy mary-anne, ruxton bruce mr., administrative appeals tribunal, caulfield city council, white chris mr., northcote avenue, independent church of australia, marsden ian mr., mccutcheon mr

The photos are the presentation by Alan Holmes President of Bendigo RSL to Cliff Clohesy in February 1997. Clifford Clohesy served on the Committee Bendigo RSL 1989 to 1991, 1993 to 1996, he was President the years 1993 to 1996. Cliff was a hard worker in the two RSL Appeals each year. One of his achievements was the building of 22 Single person units in Kangaroo Flat finished in 1997. Alan William Holmes served on the Committee 1993 to 2001. He was President the years 1997 to 2001. Two of the later years was the change over from Bendigo RSL to Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc. He was the Organizer of events for the "Australia Remembers" 50 years after the end of WW2 in Bendigo. It was Alans proposal to turn the SMI into a Museum in 1996 with the first Museum Sub Committee being formed in May 1997 and the opening in February 1998. Now the Bendigo Military Museum. He stayed heavily involved until 2003. He was the organizer and conducted the Sandakan Memorial Service from 1999 to 2012. From there as much as possible Alan visited veterans in Nursing homes and a Wing of "BUPA" was named "Holmes Wing". In 2003 Alan was awarded a "Centenary Medal for his Voluntary Service to Veterans.Two colour photographs. .1) Shows two men standing, one has a certificate in his hand. .2) Shows the other man with the Certificate he has been awarded.brsl, smirsl, certificate, state

This scrap book has been divided into 4 parts with different Cat No's to give better coverage of the articles & photos. There are 3 photos in the book that were loose in other material as well and are covered in Cat No's 8094, 8148.2P, 8149P. some pages have been cropped to give a better view. Page 1. The article covers the award of a Life Membership to Samuel John Ryan for his years and work in Committee, Executive, Welfare and State Council. Sam as known served on the Committee of the Bendigo RSL from 1963 - 1968, 1970 - 1973, President 1964 - 1967, Snr Vice President 1973. He was made a Life member in 1968, awarded the BEM (British Empire medal) in 1973 for his untiring RSL Volunteer work. Page 2a. Shows people in attendance at a Remembrance Day Service 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month in Bendigo, year unknown. The man on own with the Cross is Sam Ryan President Bendigo RSL Page 2b. Shows two unknown men with and ANZAC Appeal poster. Page 3a. The Winston Churchill Memorial Appeal from the Bendigo angle, from the left Sam Ryan Bendigo RSL President, The Mayor Cr N.J. Oliver and Mr R.. Shelmerdine National Deputy President and Victorian Chairman of the Appeal. Page 3b. On the left is Mrs H. Morey President of the Bendigo RSL Ladies Auxiliary, centre is Mrs W. Waters being presented with a Life Membership of the Auxiliary by the President of the Bendigo RSL Jack Plant. the year was 1969. Page 4a. Poppy Appeal shows Mr H. McDougall Committee Bendigo RSL selling Poppies pre Remembrance Day to Mrs S. Reilly and Mrs J. Johnson. Mr Ernie Jackman Appeals Officer states he is very happy with the results. Mr McDougall served on Committee Bendigo RSL from 1964 - 1969. For Ernie Jackman refer Cat No 8133.2P. Page 4b. A brief service "Battle of Britain" service held at the Soldiers memorial Institute, Mr Ray Rood (Foreground) read a message from Lord Tedder Marshall of the RAF. The men left to right are: Mr R.R. Anderson, Mr F Wright, Mr R.V. Brock, Mr A. Ramage and Mr G. Baker. Page 5a. Article re Bendigo RSL Appeals re nearly 500 collectors set to start tomorrow morning. On the right Mr Sam Ryan President Bendigo RSL handing out Authorisation sheets and Receipts to area captains. From the left, Messrs E.J. Bass (Air Force Association), R Patterson (Bendigo Jaycees) Aenior Constable A Booth (Police)and Mr J. Hall (YM Vikings) Page 5b. Presentation of two "Easy Chairs" to the Repatriation Centre Bendigo Base Hospital, From the left E. Jackman (Appeals Officer) J.T. Sullivan Snr Vice President, A.l. Nelson (Welfare Officer) J.K. Barnes (Secretary) S.J. Ryan (President) and Cr Alec Craig (President of the Hospital Management Committee). Patients trying out the new Easy Chairs are Mr V. Steinhauser and Mr R. Pearson. Page 6a. Presentation of Life Membership to H.A.W. Morey (Bert) by the State President of the RSL Brigadier W.H. Hall at the Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner in 1967, to the left of Bert Morey is Sam Ryan President of Bendigo RSL. Bert Morey joined the RSL back in 1921, became a member of Bendigo RSL in 1923, served on the Committee from 1938 - 1960, Snr Vice President 1958 - 1960. Page 6b. Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner 6.7.1968. The New President Mr W.B. Nicholls was unable to attend, the Snr Vice President C.J. Plant deputised for him. From the left front row, J.K. Barnes Secretary, S.J. Ryan Immediate Past President, C.J. Plant, The Mayor Cr R.W. Cambridge, D.J. Osborn Jnr Vice President. Back Row, J. King Treasurer, John Osborne & D. Mattiske representing the State President and Mr T.M. Stephens Deputy Commissioner Repatriation Department.Spiroflex sketch book with blank white pages used as a scrapbook with newspaper cuttings and photos relating to the Bendigo RSL, all are pasted in except one with stick tape, all photos are B & W, newspaper cuttings have turned a brownish colour. Page 1 inside cover, article re the award of a Life membership. Page 2. Article with two pictures and text re Remembrance Day, picture re poster for the Anzac Appeal. Page 3. Two articles with pictures re the Churchill Appeal and a Life Membership. Page 4. Articles with pictures re Anzac Appeal and Battle of Britain. Page 5. Two articles with pictures re Appeals and Welfare. Page 6. Two articles with pictures re Life Membership and RSL Annual Dinner.On Page 6 top article in blue pen, "67", on bottom article in red pen, "6.7.68"brsl, smirsl, scrap book

These minutes cover the period 20.6.1949 through to 7.12.1953. This Minute Book and others were scanned and printed into A4 size in new leather bound volumes. Refer Cat No 8122.5Minute book, hard cover with soft leather light brown binding, on the book end in red & black “Minute Book”, all entries are typed in red & black, hand written signatures are in pen. The entries cover monthly general meetings, committee meetings, executive meetings, special meetings plus receipt & expenditure lists..brsl, smirsl, minute

On the spine in gold on all "Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch", on three, "Committee Minutes, on one "Annual reports" and last, "Annual General Minutes". The years to each specific volume. When the History of the Bendigo RSL was being compiled by Murray Poustie the original foolscap documents were put together and then reprinted in these volumes in A4 size. Refer Cat No 8093 re the history Bendigo RSL Sub Branch..1 - .3) Three leather bound volumes with brown spine and corner covers, front and back face green, on the spine is text in gold. These are the minutes of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch from 1960 - 2000 being 1960 - 74, 1975 - 91 and 1992 - 2000. .4) Same leather volume these being the Annual Reports of the Sub Branch from 1964 - 2000. .5) Same leather volume these being the Annual General meetings from 1949 - 2014. Each has a black book mark ribbon. As well each is slightly different in thickness size.brsl, smirsl, volumes

Members of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch 1988. From left to right. John Edward Widdison - Fay (Jack) Served on Committee 1958 to 1960, 1963 to 1996, 1998 too 2000, Treasurer for the year 1963. Museum Sub Committee member 1997 to 2015/16 and Museum guide, conducted RSL funerals for many years, served on the Servicemen’s Co - Operative Society for many years until 2000, involved in fund raising, made Life Member in 2015. He was also heavily involved n the RAAF Association with terms as President and Secretary. Culmer John Plant (Jack). Served on Committee 1965 to 1971, 1974 to 1975, 1977 to 1982, 1984 to 1992, President for the years 1969 to 1971, 1974 to 1975, 1980 to 1982, Delegate to the 27 District Board of the RSL, Honorary Organiser of the Bendigo RSL Diggers Day Bowls for 4 years, made a Life Member 1974. Ronald Barton. Served on Committee 1983 to 1992. Refer Cat No 8130P. William James Norman Smart (Norm). Refer Cat No 8131.2P John Kerr Barnes (Jack). Refer Cat No 8040 Henry Maxwell Frances O’Haloran (Max), Served on Committee for the years 1961, 1963, 1971, 1982 to 1992, President for the years 1961, 1963, 1983 to 1992, served as RSL Country Vice President, made Life Member 1990, Served as President of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club 1981 to 1992, awarded an MBE in 1982 for his Community involvement. Photograph colour showing 6 members of the Bendigo RSL standing out the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo, gardens behind and in the background is the Myers Building.Stamped on the back, “17 MAR 1988”smirsl, brsl

Presentation of Life Membership to William James Norman Smart (Norm) at the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Annual Dinner in 1998. Norm served on the Committee of the Sub Branch from 1985 to 2003, he was Treasurer from 1989 to 2003. He also served on the Welfare and Charitable Sub Committee, as a delegate to the 27/27A District Board of the RSL, an Office Bearer of the RSL Flats in Kangaroo Flat from 1987 to 2002, as a museum guide in the RSL Museum SMI from 1998 to 2015. With Appeals Norm raised some $250,000.00 in the Anzac & Poppy Appeals. The men seated are Bert Pollard, Harold Trahair Eaglehawk RSL, Ivan Hutchison, Hugh Connolly Kangaroo Flat RSL.Two photographs colour an award being presented. .1) Shows a man in a suit and tie, microphone in one hand and a certificate n the other. .2) Shows same man standing n front of a table with men seated. Text in red pen on rear off.“Presentation N. Smart Life Membership Annual Dinner”brsl, smirsl, life memberrship, 1998

The photos are of one of the last Annual Bendigo RSL Dinners held in the SMI, this is most likely 1998/2000. The Dinners moved to the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc at Havilah Road about 2001. There are a number of easily identifiable members in the photos. .1) Centre Table, Fred Addlem, Kevin Purdon, Kell Howard, Peter Ball. .2) LH table, Joe Boulton, Ernie Jackman, Jack Fay. Fred Addlem, Refer Cat No 8128P for Committee history, he was also a dedicated Museum guide from 1998 to 2003. Kevin Purdon, has been a Museum Guide since 2009 to current, Appeals for many years and delivery to and pick up from schools. Laurie schilling committee member 1992 to 2000, museum guide from 1998 tp 2015. Kell Howard committee member 1976 to 1981, 1985 to 1990. Peter Ball, refer Cat No 8071.3 Joe Boulton, committee member 1999 to 2000, Appeals Officer with his wife Lyn from 2004 to 2012. Ernie Jackman, committee member 1961 to 1962, 1973, Welfare Sub Committee 15 years, Welfare Officer 1997 to 1978, Appeals Officer 1960 to 1994, organised the distribution of parcels to homes and hospitals at Xmas, made a Life Member 1986. Jack Fay, refer Cat No 8129PTwo Colour photographs re Bendigo RSL Annual Dinners taken from different angles showing 3 lines of tables set up. These photos are one of the last Annual Dinners held in the Soldiers Memorial Institute. The photos show the Museum memorabilia around the walls.brsl, smirsl, annual dinner

The Life Membership relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his work and fund raising for the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee involvement with Bendigo Sub Branch and his WW1 service history. The Unit Social Clubs listed in an RSL Bendigo Annual report 1946 appear to be 6th, 38th, 57th Bn Associations, Railways Sub Section, Catholic War Veterans Association, POW Association (new member 1947).Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing for the certificate is maroon colour, certificate has ornate blue edging, RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the certificate, all print in black, signed and dated.Main points; “Inter Units Social Club - Life Members Certificate - Presented to Mr W.J. Turner for services rendered to the above club” “R C. Kuryke President” “H Skinner Secretary” Dated 28.3.1960”brsl, smirsl, certificate.

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his fund raising and work with the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details on his Committee history and WW1 service.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon colour, certificate is a cream colour with ornate edging around the details, at the top is the RSL Logo followed by “Returned Servicemen’s League Bendigo Sub Branch” Details of the award follow, signed and dated, all print in blue and black.Main points; “Presented to Mr W.J.Turner - Winner of the Mr Bendigo Competition in aid of the League’s Patriotic fund 1945 - Amount raised £666” “Geo V Lansell President” “W R Porter Secretary”brsl, smirsl, certificate

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of this specific award and his other RSL fundraising and work. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee details and WW1 service record.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate is light fawn colour with ornate columns each side with the words, “Charity, Hope, Faith, Patience”, at the top is “Bendigo and Northern District Base Hospital Inc - Life Govenor” followed by details of the award, at the bottom are the words “Semper Fidelis”Main points; “This is to certify that Mr William.J. Turner was duly elected a Life Govenor of this Institution on the 15th Day of December 1953”. “E.H. D..............President” “.........Cook Vice President” “J.H. Stanistreet Treasurer” “....................... Secretary” At Base of the certificate; “The No 27 District Board of the Returned Servicemen’s League consisting of twenty Sub Branches had pleasure in recommending to the Hospital Board of Management that this award should be conferred”brsl, smirsl, life govenor, certificate

This certificate and others to the Sub - Committees of the Bendigo Sub Branch and to a number of individuals was internally generated by the Sub - Branch in recognition of the award. The award is a yearly one from the Victorian RSL Licensed Sub- Branch Association.Framed certificate, frame is timber brown colour, certificate has RSL logo at top LH corner with a maroon section to it’s right followed by “Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Certificate of appreciation awarded to Museum committee”. Below that are the details of the award and signed. At the bottom is the Sub - Branch Commercial Logo.Main points; “In gratitude for your hard work and dedication in the furtherance of the Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc” “Your professionalism and support are a valuable asset to the organization and played a pivotal role in the RSL being awarded the “2006 Licensed Sub Branch of the year” “Mr Cliff Richards. President. Mr Erik Wynveen General Manager” brsl, smirsl, certificate, licensed sub branch

The letters are all related to William John Turner being recommended for a "Life Membership" of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. .1) Appears to be a final one although not officially signed. .2) .3) These are possibly earlier versions of .1) Cat No 8029 is a framed copy. Cat No 8030 is TURNERS Life Membership and his volunteer/committee work with the Sub Branch as well as his WW1 service history..1) Letter, paper with the letter head of the "Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman's Imperial League of Australia" Bendigo Sub Branch, all type/print in black signed in blue pen. .2) Letter paper typed in black and dated. .3) Letter paper typed in black and dated..1) "Bendigo Sub Branch 13th May 1954" - "Re: TURNER W.J" .2) "Memorial Hall Pall Mall Bendigo May 1954" .3) Same as .2)brsl, smirsl, letter, recommendation

The letter is to William John Turner in appreciation of him conducting the Ritual (ODE) on numerous occasions. Turner is a Life Member of the Bendigo Sub Branch. Refer Cat No's 8029 & 8030 for details of his volunteer/committee work, Life Membership and his WW1 service records.Letter off white colour, letter head of the "Returned Services League of Australia" - Bendigo Sub Branch, all type in black, signed in blue pen. The letter is to "Mr W. Turner" of 121 Barnard St Bendigo."Bendigo 18th June 1969" "President C.J. Plant" "Secretary J.K. Barnes" "Mr W. Turner"brsl, smirsl, letter

John Kerr Barnes. This award is "Life Membership with Gold Badge" a nomination by the Sate President of the RSL (Vic) Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch plus his WW2 service.Certificate of Life Membership framed, frame is brown timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow colour with gold RSL Logo at the top with "Life Member" under followed by details of the award to "John K Barnes". All print in black, signed in black with a red seal at RH side bottom. A small card insert is at the base coloured with "Presented by"."Life Membership awarded to John K Barnes by the National Executive of the RSL of Australia" Dated "Canberra this sixth day of July 1988" Signed "W Keys" National President. Signed "J.J. Gollings" National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member, gold badge

John Kerr Barnes. This is the highest award in the RSL for 25 years outstanding service. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch.Certificate framed, frame is timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow with an ornate edgeing, gold RSL Logo at the top followed by the wording "The Meritorious Medal" to "John Kerr Barnes", all print in black with red seal bottom RH corner, signed and dated."Meritorious Medal - awarded to - John Kerr Barnes by the National Congress in appreciation of 25 years outstanding service" Dated "Canberra this 2nd day of March 1989" Signed "................." National President Signed ".... Gollings" National Secretary. brsl, smirsl, meritorious

John Kerr Barnes. The items relate to "Jack" as he was known. The photo is Jack in uniform, the central Medal/Ribbon is the "Meritorious Service Medal", see Cat No 8042, The RSL Badge is a Life Members Badge. You have to be a Life Member to be awarded the "Meritorious Service Medal". Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch.Framed Memorabilia, frame is brown timber, item backing green with 4 insets, top is a photo, under is a gold medallion, medal with ribbon, RSL badge.On Medal, "For Merit", On Medallion, "World War11 - Service to Australia", On RSL badge, "Life Member"brsl, smirsl, meritorious,

John Kerr Barnes (Jack) Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch receiving his award of OAM Australia Day 1995, refer Cat No 8044 (Certificate). Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Sub Branch and his WW2 service.Photograph colour framed, frame is timber, photo backing is green, photo shows the award of an OAM. At the bottom is a small section attached with text."John Kerr Barnes: Order of Australia awarded by Honorable Richard McGarvie Government House Australia Day 1995".brsl, smirsl, oam

John Kerr Barnes OAM. This award is a yearly one by the Victorian Licensed Sub Branches Association for 10 years exemplary service. Licensed Sub - Branches can nominate members for this award. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Sub - Branch and his WW2 service.Award, framed, frame is timber/plastic brown & black colours, there are two insets in a black backing. Top has a ribbon red white and blue with a medallion goldish colour with black text with central part is the RSL Logo, bottom has text re the award to.On medallion, "RSL Licensed Sub Branches Association Victoria" On bottom inset, "Hall of Fame Inductee2002 presented to Jack Barnes Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch INC"smirsl, hall of fame., brsl

John Kerr Barnes OAM. Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch plus his WW2 service details.Certificate framed, frame is brown timber colour, certificate yellow colour with ornate edgeing, RSL logo at the top followed by in red "Returned and Services League of Australia", in blue "Victorian Branch Inc", text of award follows, signed and with red seal at RH bottom corner."Awarded to Jack Barnes as a token of Appreciation and in grateful recognition of services rendered to the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch as Secretary over 43 years".brsl, smirsl, appreciation

In this report pages 1 - 2 covers all aspects of the Sub Branch, Membership, ANZAC Day, Hospital visiting, 27th District Board, Unit Social Clubs, Building Fund, Welfare relief by the President and Secretary. Page 3 covers the General Account and Club Building fund re income expenditure. Page 4 covers Relief Patriotic Fund, Building & Improvements Fund, Carnival Account re income expenditure.Report and Balance sheet for the year ending 31st December 1946, yellowed paper 4 pages folding, all type in black covering all aspects of the Sub Branch activities. At the top is "Returned Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia Bendigo Sub Branch" followed by "Report and Balance Sheet" in large lettering. Under that is a list of Office Bearers and Committee members.Main points: "To be presented at the Annual Meeting to be held at the Memorial Hall 30th January 1947 at 8.00pm". "President Col G.V. Lansell C.M.G, V.D, M.L.C"brsl, smirsl, report, balance

.1) Balance sheet, pages 1 & 2 report by the President cover Membership, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Hospital & Benevolent Home, Govenor's visit, Unit Clubs, 27th District Board, Carnival, Finance, Relief Fund, Building Improvements Fund, Club Building fund, Donations, Appreciations, Obituary, Committee, Pilgrimage to Cross (Mt Macedon), Pages 3 & 4 are detailed Income Expenditure of the 5 Accounts of the Sub Branch. The report also mentions the first Life Membership of the sub Branch to Dr Harold Catford. .3) Letter addressed to B.J. Bubb. This is Bruce John Bubb VX108474 2nd AIF..1) Report and Balance sheet Bendigo Sub Branch for the year 1947, all type in black re the finance and activities of this Sub Branch of the "Returned Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, 4 pages folding in total. .2) Letter re yearly membership subscription reminder of the Bendigo Branch that membership is due on the 1st January each year. .3) Envelope, light brown, has green stamp, Sub Branch details and addressed to underlined in red.Main Points, .1) "To be presented at the Annual Meeting of Members to be held at the Memorial Hall on Friday 13th February 1948 at 8pm" .3) "Mr B.J.Bubb White Hills"brsl, smi, rsl, report, balance

In 1960 the President of the Sub Branch was John William Swatton, served on Committee 1941 - 1960, Snr Vice President 1949 - 1957, President 1958 - 1960, made Life Member 1962. Refer cat No 6719.2P for his service records. Secretary G.F. Osborne, Served as Secretary 1954 - 1960. Treasurer John Edward Widdison - Fay, served on Committee 1958 - 2000, made Life Member 2015. Refer Cat No 8129P for Jack Fay’s RSL involvement.Booklet paper 32 pages, front cover has headline "Bendigo RSL News" with a large colour central RSL Logo depiction, inside covers Committee, reviews, administration, notes from Auxiliaries and Service clubs, Repatriation, War Service homes,, all internal print in red & black. Approx half the booklet is advertising by local Bendigo Business."Official Organ of Bendigo Sub - Branch R.S.L" "Volume 1, Sept - Oct - Nov, 1960 Number 2"brsl, smirsl, booklet

When the SMI was opened in Nov 1921 the Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch had occupancy from that day on. The Building became a Museum opened to the public in 1998 by the RSL. The origins of this project goes back to 2011 with a letter to the City of Greater Bendigo of the possibility of an upgrade to the SMI from the Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc. Some renovations had already taken place and some structural work. After initial talks a sub - committee of 3 persons from the RSL was elected to work with the Council along with other bodies who would be involved. Plans eventuated by 2015 and were put to the RSL for approval. From there the fund raising began from the State/Federal Govt's, RSL, the Public and Council itself. This was achieved and finally in Sept 2016 the SMI/Museum was packed up completely and the Renovations began in 2017. Souvenir program, card yellow colour folding, front page is in gold and black writing with an image of the Dome on the SMI followed by in gold, "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project" then in gold, "Souvenir Program", in the centre has details re time, date, place. At the bottom are the logo's of the Federal & State Governments, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo Page 2 is titled "About the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute" with a photo showing the "Hustlers Royal Reserve Mine No 2" which was on the site where the SMI now stands. Page 3 has details of the program, music, Official welcome, speakers, ribbon cutting, the ODE, Last Post, National Anthem, close of formalities and light refreshments. Page 4 has a photo of the original souvenir pamphlet used at the original opening on November 15th 1921, 97 years to the day. at the bottom, "Thankyou section to all those involved in the project""Official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday November 15, 2018, Lansell gardens, Pall, Mall Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, program

Card folding, front when folded is in gold writing with "Bendigo Sub Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A at the top followed by the RSL logo then "ANNUAL RSL BALL", at the bottom "City Hall Bendigo - sixth July 1957". Inside has 3 columns, first two are the "Dance Program 1 - 28", 3rd space for Autographs (unsigned). Rear has 2 columns, one for "Debutante's names" and one for "Partners names". Both have the Chaperones and Committee/Organizers names.brsl, smirsl, annual, ball 1957

Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. This card would have been used pre year 2000. It would be signed by the member of the Welfare Committee and President at the Time.Card, white with all print in black, rear is blank, front has space for names & signatures, this one is unsigned.brsl, smirsl, card, welfare

The card relates to The Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club as distinct from the Bendigo & District RSL Club Inc. The Servicemen's Club was owned by a Co Operative of the 3 Bendigo RSL's being Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat & Eaglehawk Sub Branches'. The Co Operative Society remained until the year 2000 when the facility became the "Bendigo & District RSL Club Inc". The membership re David Patterson 1978. He was a Bendigo RSL delegate for the Co Operative Society for its entire time until closure in 2000. He was one of the first Vietnam Veterans to serve on the Committee of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch from 1976 - 78, he was Jnr Vice President for 1977 - 78. Refer Cat No 5825.Card yellow covers folding all text in black, inside is white with black text, signed by member in blue, rear is blank, card is for membership 1978.Inside, "This is the signature of the member of the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club whose name appears below. This card must be presented at the door when attending the Club - Mr D Patterson 8 Station Street Kangaroo Flat - Secretary A. Harridge - No 054"brsl, smirsl, bdsc, membership

The Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club was a Co Operative of the 3 Bendigo RSL Sub Branches. Roy Leslie Thurlow was a tireless worker for the Servicemen's Club, he was President 1984 - 85, 1988 - 89, he was made a life Member of in 1986. With the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch he served on the Committee from 1980 - 93, he was Jnr Vice President 3 years and 4 years as Snr Vice President. Refer Cat No 4688PBadge metal, colours are red, blue and gold. The top section is rectangular shape with the wording "Bendigo and District Servicemen's Club, centre of has 3 figures as per the RSL Logo, a membership pin for the year "1987" is attached. Rear has details and maker. Attached to the badge section via rings has the wording "LIFE MEMBER".On rear, "R.L. Thurlow" - 0004 - 1986"brsl, smirsl, bdsc, life member

BDSC - Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club. The Servicemen's Club 73 - 75 Havilah Rd was a Co - Operative of the 3 Bendigo RSL's being Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat & Eaglehawk Sub Branches. In 1977 the Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat RSL Co operative Society Ltd was formed with Mr Des Paterson as Chairman and Mr Jack Barnes as Secretary. The Co op owned the facility and the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club was formed to operate the facility. It was built in 1978 and a liquor license was finally granted in August 1979 and opened. It was officially opened on December 19th 1979 by the Hon R.J. Hamer premier of Victoria. In the year 2000 the premises became the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc. Des Paterson was also on the of the BDSC Committee until 1984. He was heavily involved in the establishment of the BDSC. With the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch he was elected to Committee in 1973, Jnr Vice President 1974, Snr Vice President 1975, President 1976. Jack Barnes first Secretary refer Cat No 8040. Photograph BDSC. Roy Tayor was Bar Manager, refer Cat No 5687, Arthur Harridge Secretary 1979, Bill Nichols (William Bona) was President from 1978 - 80, he was made a Life member of in 1981. He was acknowledged as the driving force behind the establishment of the Club. With the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch he was elected to Committee 1961, 1966 - 68, 1970 - 72, 1974 - 81 (14 years) He was President 1968, 1972, 1979, 0ne year as Jnr Vice and 4 as Snr Vice President. Refer Cat No 149.Photograph B & W framed brown timber, photo shows 3 x men in suits with beer in hand, they are standing behind a bar, rear has hand written notes on.On rear, " BDSC - Roy Taylor Bar Manager - Arthur Harridge Secretary (79) - Bill Nichols Liquor Licence - formed 77 (Co op) built 78, licence 79 - 8621" brsl, smirsl, bdsc, servicemen's club