Augustus (Gus) Victor Balcke (serial no. 3130) was one of the 1st men to enlist in the 1st AIF. He served in France with the 5th Battalion and was wounded at Pozieres. Gus Balcke was Secretary of the Wangaratta Sub Branch from 1934-1945 and again in 1955 and was President in 1946 and 1947. He was Secretary of the 34th District Board a position he held for over 30 years. He was the Sub Branch's chief welfare officer and did outstanding work for many years. Awarded Life membership in 1943.Gus Balcke was Secretary of the Wangaratta Sub Branch from 1934-1945 and again in 1955 and was President in 1946 and 1947. He was Secretary of the 34th District Board a position he held for over 30 years. He was the Sub Branch's chief welfare officer and did outstanding work for many years. Awarded Life membership in 1943. Following more than 30 years of meetings held in Council Chambers, Hotels, rear of a grocery store and even outdoors, the Wangaratta RSL purchased in 1951 a 12 room old mansion in Victoria Parade. It was named BALCKE HOUSE and officially opened on 19 July 1952.Timber framed photograph of male in suit.The Late AUGUSTUS VICTOR BALCKE (GUS) aged 75 yrs. (Life Member of the R.S.L.)gus balcke, wwi, 1st aif, 5th battalion, life member, wangaratta rsl

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France was sent to his wife at home, 1917.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered pink flower and green foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "From your husband" (embroidered) Back: "Write soon / Best Love / to West / do not forget to / send that / France / Jan 23/1/1917 / My Dear Alice / Just a P.C. to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same Best love / to all from Will xxxxxxxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, paris depose, fabrication francaise

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. These postcards, photographs and clippings were sent to William's family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. 3. "Soldier's diary / The touch of a vanished hand" refers to the diary of Private Percival SHERRIFF 3405 5th Battalion born at Ballarat and was killed in action on 20/8/1916 in France. Newspaper cuttings.1."Diggers at ANZAC house reunion" 2. "Song of the Wattle Bloom" 3. "Soldier's diary / The touch of a vanished hand" 4. "A parody on 'Blighty'"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi

Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow 1120 born in Georgetown Sth Australia enlisted on the 19th September 1914 at Melbourne and posted to the 5th Battalion AIF. He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 20th September 1917 and died of his wounds on 22nd September 1917 Private Sandow's family received of a memorial plaque which is inscribed - He Died for Freedom and Honour. Brown wooden frame containing round metal disc and four metal medals with ribbons mounted on red velvet.Bronze Plaque Service Number 1120 Pte. Roy L. Sandow MM 5th Battalion AIF Enlisted 19th September 19th September 1914 Awarded Military Medal 20.9.1917 Polygon Wood Belguim Died of Wounds 22.9.1917military medal, death penny, private roy l sandow, 5th battalion, memorial plaque

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a colour design including two sailors holding flags, an outline of Australia with two magpies within, a ship at sea and two hands clasping.Front "hands across the sea"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, ship, sea, hands across the sea, holding hands, hand, magpie, currawong, sailor, ocean

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a colour illustration of a bulldog carrying a brown sausage dog in its mouthFront "got him!"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, dog, sausage dog, bulldog

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a black and white photograph of a cottage in a garden settingFront "the Queen's cottage, Kew"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, photograph, kew, the queen's cottage

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Mini postcard with a blue grey design.Front "situation shortly vacant / with good prospects of a rise"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, bomb, missile

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with pink and blue bordering an oval black and white photograph of a little girl and teddy bearalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, girl, teddy, teddy bear

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a cartoon of a dog and rabbit chasing a boy"The rabbit: "what a nervous little boy! Aint he scared of me!!"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, boy, dog, rabbit, running, chasing

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a illustration of two pink and purple flowers, gold text and white background."Good / Luck"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, boy, flower, gold, horseshoe, good luck

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with gold font and foliate border, bouquet of blue flowers and white backgroundalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, flower, gold, remembrance

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This postcard, addressed to soldier William West, was written by his wife on behalf of their young daughter. The final line reads, 'When are you coming home Daddy dear?' This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Cheaper and more efficient than traditional letters, postcards were an enormously popular means of communication between families and those at the front. Postcard with white background and cut out of a green gum leaf"wishing you a speedy and safe return" "A gum leaf from Australia"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, remembrance, gum leaf, gumleaf, australia

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a vase of wattle flowers in the centre"Merry Xmas"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, wattle flower, wattle, australia, flowers, merry xmas, christmas

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Mini postcard - two separate black and white images both featuring the moonPrinted on front " The same old moon" Hand written on rear.. To Enid From Dad I just got a letter from you 22 July Best Love xxxalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, wattle flower, wattle, australia, flowers, merry xmas, christmas

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with rising sun and two flags above attached cutout in the shape of a gum leaf.To My Dear Daddie at the Front A Gum Leaf from Australiaalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, gumleaf, gum leaf

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. coloured postcard with image of a waterfall Greetings from 'Australiaalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, flag, union jack, australia

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Plastic postcard with paper backingsalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, flag, plastic, horseshoe, good luck

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Colour postcard of ship at sea, flags and two lyrebirds within shape of AustraliaGreetings to My Soldier Boyalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, flag, lyre bird, union jack, bird, australia, soldier

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard depicting image of armed soldiers marching in streetNew Zealand Contingent passing the law courts Londonalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, flag, soldier, march, marching

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. Old Cataract Aswan Hotel is in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island.The majestic hotel sits on a pink granite cliff overlooking the world's longest river. Postcard depicting image of large rectangular building and palm treeAssouan Cataracte Hotelalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, assouan, hotel

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This postcard was written by William West to his wife, Alice. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcards from the First World War often reveal the enduring devotion and passion of troops and their loved ones at home. A collection of his correspondence with home is held by the Wangaratta RSL, offering insight into this family's personal experience of long-term separation. Postcard depicting flowers and poem with male and female embracing contained in a circle.MIZPAHalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with attached booklet embossed with flowers, hearts and horseshoesPrinted on front - In Friendship's Name- Greetings and Best Wishes Handwritten on rear - To Will, wishing you many happy returns of 16th April, from Alice xxxalbum, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi

Letter lists the service history of Sgt A R WILLS VX 5275 2/5 Infantry Battalion. He enlisted in 1939 embarked on HMT 'Ettrick" on 14/4/1940 after basic training at Puckapunyal. Disembarked in Egypt on 18/5/1940 and saw action at Bardia, Greece and Syria. Spent time in Lebanon and Ceylon before returning to Australia on 4/8/1942. On 13/10/42 disembarked at Milne Bay New Guinea and took part in the battle for Wau securing the airstrip and surrounding area after heavy fighting. Between 6-9 Feb 2/5 Bn C and D companies supported by A company spearheaded the attack engaged and defeated the enemy thus ending the battle of Wau Sgt WILLS was one of 28 men killed in action in the Crystal Creek area on 7/2/1943 and is buried at Lae War Cemetery.Letter consisting of letterhead above black typing on white paperAt top 2/5 Australian Infantry Battalion Association 1939-1945 Dated 27 April 2000 At bottom "Sans regret"a r wills, 2/5th aust. inf. bn, lae, new guinea, battle for wau, kia, crystal creek

Private James Eric WHITE 513 - Draughtsman/clerk from Camberwell Victoria. Enlisted on the 17/8/1914 with the 5th Battalion F Company and embarked on the Orvieto on 21/10/1914. He was killed in action on 25/7/1916 and is buried at Villers-Brettonneux. Upon his death his family received a Memorial Plaque also known as "Dead Man's Penny" or"Death Penny"Round plaque with image of Britannia holding a trident and a lion"He Died for Freedom and Honour" James Eric WHITEjames eric white, 5th battalion ww1

Original Military Medal issued to Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow, born at Georgetown South Australia who enlisted in Melbourne on the 19th September 1914 and served with the 5th Battalion AIF. He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 20th September 1917 and died of his wounds on 22nd September 1917. His citation reads:- During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. While in the performance of his duty his leg was shot away. He however completed his task. It was largely due to this man's effort that good communication was maintained. Private Sandow died of wounds on 22 September 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Round silver metal disc medals with blue red and white striped ribbon 1120 Pte. R L. Sandow 5 / AUST INF, military medal, private roy l sandow, 5th battalion, ww1, polygon wood

Five dog tags, one brass, one homemade silver metal, one silver metal and two brown leather belonging to Private William West 1268 5th Pioneer Battalion who served during WW1. He enlisted in 1915 was wounded in 1917 and returned to Australlia in 1918One gold and two silver metal and two brown leather identification tags Brass wrist tag: W. West 1268 5th Pioneers Batt. A.I.F. Homemade silver metal wrist tag: W. West 5th Poineer BTN AIF Silver metal tag: Front; Next of Kin Mrs A.M West VIC Nt Creswick Aust. Back; 1268 W. West D 29 AI CE Brown leather tag: West. W 1268 5 PNRS AIF CE Brown leather tag on neck string: West. W 1268 5 PNRS AIF CEdog tags, wwi, world war 1, 5th battalion, aif

Unknown WW1 soldier ................. 22/11/2018 ..........due to its poor condition the photograph was removed from its timber frame revealing below the photograph the handwritten words "Jack Ambrose married a girl Chick"..... identified as Ethel Maud CHICK Soldier identified as John AMBROSE MM 1132 Labourer of Carboor who served on the western front in France during the First World War. Joined 19/2/1916 aged 23 years and 4 months Born and enlisted at Wangaratta Embarked on 3/6/1916 on HMAT Persic. Served with 5/37Battalions. Wounded on 3 occasions, returning to Australia on 27/7/1919. Next of Kin - Edward Henry PAYNE (Cousin) of Carboor. Jack and Edward were both cousins to Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop.By identifying this originally unknown soldier to be John "Jack" AMBROSE has revealed links to the children of Edward Samuel PAYNE and his wife Catherine Marie nee WALPOLE. Jack's mother Ida Elizabeth AMBROSE nee PAYNE is the elder sister of Alice Emily Maud DUNLOP nee PAYNE mother of Sir Ernest Edward "Weary" DUNLOP, twin sisters Lily May and Violet Minnie PAYNE who both served as Nurses during the First World War along with youngest brother Alfred Ernest PAYNE 1256. The latter three together with Jack AMBROSE are listed on the Wangaratta and District Victory Roll. Colonel Sir Ernest Edward "Weary" Dunlop, AC, CMG, OBE was born at Wangaratta (12 July 1907 – 2 July 1993) and an Australian Surgeon renowned for his leadership while being held prisoner by the Japanese during the Second World War.Unframed timber mounted photograph of unknown WW1 Soldier - now identified to be John AMBROSE MM 1132 of CarboorBelow photograph handwritten "Jack Ambrose married a girl Chick" Rear Miss S Wright Farm Hill Carboor East via Wangarattajohn ambrose, 5th battalion ww1, carboor, wangaratta, weary dunlop

Hand drawn Coat of Arms for the soldiers known as the Rats of Tobruk with signatures of those involved in the engagement between 5th April to the 22nd of October 1941 The drawing is signed by artist John DOWIE AM, SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion Signatories are: VX42389 Eric Hamilton, 2/32 Battalion; VX30189 F.Baldwin, 2/23 Battalion; VX34544, F.J.Mc.Intosh 2/24 Battalion; VX34554 W.Harrison, 2/24 Battalion; WX7281 P.Bone 2/25 Battalion; VX33719 Duke Goldsmith, 2/24 Battalion; VX41179 Harry Frazer, 2/24 Battalion; VX29652 A.R.Stribley, 2/24 Battalion; SX6367 Jack Foley, 2/43 Battalion; VX48340 Harry Jones, 2/23 Battalion; VX42317 Aub Jarrott, 2/24Battalion; VX28869 Rod Deering 2/24Battalion; VX15719 Ian F. Joss 7th Division AASC; VX19723 Len Dauria, 2/12 Field Regiment; NX35852 R.E (Snowy) Cornelius 2/13 Battalion; VX32559 Jim Gray, 2/24Battalion - James Cyril GRAY Born 6/1/1916 in Orroroo South Australia. Enlisted 28/5/1940 at Mildura. Awarded Military Medal for remarkable coolness, bravery and leadership at Tobruk on 24/4 and 1/5/1941. He was promoted to Sergeant on 14/8/1941, Lieutenant in November 1942 then Captain on 9/4/1945. He was wounded in action on 11/9/1943 and discharged on 20/12/1945. He married and had three children. He died on 10/4/1992 aged 76 and buried at Wangaratta Cemetery.This original drawing is by John DOWIE SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion during the second world war and is signed by the artist and soldiers from the 2/24th Battalion known as "Wangaratta's Own". John Stuart Dowie AM (15 January 1915 – 19 March 2008) was an Australian painter, sculptor and teacher. He was born in the suburb of Prospect in Adelaide, South Australia, and studied architecture at the University of Adelaide. During World War II, Dowie worked in the Military History Unit of the Australian Imperial Force, and as an assistant to Australia's official war sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell. As a soldier, he was one of the Rats of Tobruk. After studying art in London and Florence, Dowie returned to Australia. His work includes over 50 public sculpture commissions, including the "Three Rivers" fountain in Victoria Square, "Alice" in Rymill Park, the "Victor Richardson Gates" at Adelaide Oval and the "Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial" at Adelaide Airport. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 in recognition of service to the arts as a sculptor and painter. Dowie died on 19 March 2008, aged 93. There is a similiar version of the drawing on page 32 of the book Desert Sand and Jungle Green by Geoffrey Boss-Walker which is an illustrated history of the 2/43rd Battalion.Timber frame containing hand drawn Coat of Arms consisting of "rats" as shield supporters, crest with a swastika in the centre and motto surrounded by signatures.Signatures of artist John Dowie and soldiers engaged at Tobruk. The crest depicts a latrine and the motto reads NON FASCES SED FAECES (Latin translation - "Do not move but the dregs") rats of tobruk, coat of arms, 1941, john dowie

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered beige, brown and yellow flower and foliate decoration on front. Handwritten message on the back.Front: "From a loving heart" (embroidered) Back: "To my dear Alice / Best love from Will xxxxxx / xxxxxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, paris depose, fabrication francaise