Showing 52 items
matching 21st battalion
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Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Painting Roy Longmore, RoyLongmore
... 21. Private (Pte) Roy Longmore, 3rd Reinforcements, 21st... 21. Private (Pte) Roy Longmore, 3rd Reinforcements, 21st ...Longmore set aside his life as a farm-hand in Geelong, Victoria, when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at age 21. Private (Pte) Roy Longmore, 3rd Reinforcements, 21st Battalion, of Bannockburn, Victoria enlisted on 13 July 1915; and he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Anchises on 26 August 1915.[2] After training in Egypt, was sent to the Battle of Gallipoli where he was a tunnel digger with the 2nd Division, burrowing underneath the Turkish positions and laying mines. After evacuation from Turkey, he fought at Pozières, Armentières, and Villers-Bretonneux.[1] He was wounded three times in France and was momentarily given up for dead when he was shot as the Armistice in November 1918, approached. He later recalled, "We were patrolling in a gully when suddenly half a dozen Germans appeared over a hill armed with machine guns and opened fire. Jerry riddled me, knocking me flat on my back, and the last I heard was 'Longy's had it, they got him.'" Fortunately, his fellow soldiers saw him move and rescued him.[3] Lance Sergeant (LSgt) and returned to Australia on 16 March 1919 as a member of the 2nd Pioneer Battalion.[2] Civilian life[edit] After returning to Australia in 1919, his injuries made returning to farm work impossible, so he drove a taxi in Melbourne. Another change caused by the war was more telling. Before, he had hunted rabbits; but he later explained that when he returned home, he no longer had an appetite for firing at anything alive.[3] Longmore married and had one son, Eric.[1] The one-time LSgt Longmore died peacefully in his sleep at a Burwood Nursing Home aged 107 on 21 June 2001. He was the second last Anzac to die.[2] At his death, Australia honored him one final time with a state funeral.[3] Australian "legend"[edit] In 2000, Longmore was recognized as one of the "Australian Legends." His name and photograph were honored as part of an annual series of commemorative postage stamps issued by Australia Post since 1997. The stamps commemorate living Australians "who have made lifetime contributions to the development of Australia's national identity and character".[4] Longmore lived to fully enjoy this honor.[3] Longmore's 45-cent Legend stamp displays the soldier's portrait as a young man, photographed just prior to his departure for Gallipoli. Formal photographs of the other two ANZAC centenarians complete this stamp set. In addition, a fourth stamp features the 1914-15 star medal which was presented to all those who fought in campaigns during those war years.[5] These stamps, designed by Cathleen Cram of the Australia Post Design Studio, commemorate the story of events and people shaping contemporary Australia.[6] The Longmore stamp honors him as an individual and as a representative of all 68,000 soldiers at Gallipoli whose actions affected Australia's evolving self-image.[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_LongmoreFramed painting of Roy Longmore wooden frame glass fronted -
Melbourne Legacy
Medal, Australian Service Medal and Pacific Star Medal, 1949
... Arthur N Comden of the 2/21st Australian Infantry Battalion, who... of the 2/21st Australian Infantry Battalion, who died on Hainan ...The Australian Service Medal and Pacific Star Medal that were awarded to Private Arthur Norman Comben VX26251 for his war service in World War Two. From the AWM website Private Arthur N Comden of the 2/21st Australian Infantry Battalion, who died on Hainan Island, China, on 27 June 1945. The DVA records show he was born 6 April 1907 in Yarraville and enlisted on 17 June 1940 whilst residing in Coopers Creek Victoria. His next of kin was shown as H Dilks. Also that he had been a prisoner of war. His connection with Legacy is not known, he may have been a junior legatee though there's no record of his father Arthur John Louis Comben serving for Australia in WW1. More research is needed to check, it is possible the medals were donated to Legacy as no family members wanted them. Additional information provided by a distant relative - Arthur's mother (Mary Eleanor Norman) remarried twice after his fathers death in 1911. His stepfather Horace Dilks served in World War 1 with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion.These are examples of World War 2 medals awarded to a serviceman who participated in the conflict in the Pacific region. Many returned servicemen joined Legacy after World War 2 and would have had similar medals.Silver circular medal and bronze star shaped medal from World War 2 mounted on ribbons initially together by a safety pin. 01700.1 The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945’. The normal ribbon is missing and it is on the ribbon meant for the UK War Medal which is of red, white and blue to represent the colours of the Union Flag. 01700.2 The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Pacific Star’. The ribbon has central yellow and green stripes that represent the forests and the beaches of the Pacific, flanked dark blue, light blue and red stripes that represent the service of the Naval Forces and Merchant Navy, the Air Forces and the Armies.Both engraved with 'VX26251 A. N. Comben'.medals, world war two, arthur comden -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Honour Board, Peechelba School 1914-1918, 1919
... Embarked 9/7/1915 Unit 21st Battalion Wounded 11/6/1918 -Gassed... Embarked 9/7/1915 Unit 21st Battalion Wounded 11/6/1918 -Gassed ...Peechelba School Roll of Honour 1914-1918 - list of students who served during the First World War as follows:- Christopher George EVERITT 5582 Born Bremen/Wangaratta Enlisted 20/7/1915 Aged 20 years 7 months Died of Wounds 26/4/1918 at Villiers Brettoneux France James Samuel EVERITT 3319 Born Rutherglen Enlisted 30/7/1915 Served with the 23/57/58 Battalions Killed In Action 18/7/1916 France William John RHODES 917 Born Wangaratta Enlisted 29/6/1915 Aged 20 years 8 months Unit 29th Battalion Wounded twice GSW left knee Discharged 30/5/1918 Henry RHODES 2779 Born St James Enlisted 6/7/1916 Aged 19 years 6 months Unit 58th Battaliion Wounded GSW Head right leg and hand Discharged 10/8/1918 Thomas Lewis RHODES Reserve Born Benalla Enlisted 15/7/1915 Aged 22 years 4 months Discharged 29/4/1916 medically unfit due to meningitis and lumbago - Later drowned aged 25 years in June 1917 at Wangaratta during the disastrous floods in which six people lost their lives. Robert Ernest PAYNE 5215 Born Killawarra Enlisted 29/1/1916 Aged 20 years 9 months Unit 28th Battalion 2 Pioneer Battalion Killed in Action 15/4/1918 in France James Joseph KELLOW 6836 Born Peechelba Enlisted 16/7/1917 Aged 18 years 7 months Unit 20/22 Reinforcements Embarked 21/11/1917 Discharged 12/2/1920 George PRESSLEY 3017/a Born Wangaratta Enlisted Cairns Aged 29 years Unit 52nd Battalion Embarked 27/10/1916 from Brisbane. William Hawden PRESSLEY 3016 Born Wangaratta Enlisted Cairns Aged 32 years Unit 52nd Battalion Embarked 27/10/1916 from Brisbane Killed in Action 20/9/1917 in Belgium Leslie PRESSLEY 5446 Born Wangaratta Enlisted Cairns Aged 26 years Unit 12th Battalion Embarked 20/4/1916 from Sydney Killed in Action 25/8/1918 Villers-Brettoneux Charles Reginald Walter CRAWFORD 2211 Born Wangaratta Aged 23 years Unit 24th Ballatlion Embarked 17/1/1917 Gassed and GSW R Forearm Discharged 3/5/1919 Charles BROOKER aka BROWN 1619 Born Benalla Enlisted Wagga Aged 28 years Unit 55th Battalion Embarked 14/4/1916 - Deserted on Active Service - Declared Illegal Absentee from 8/5/1917 Still Absent on 2/1/1920 and Discharged from AIF on 1/4/1920. In 1924 sought to receive war medals and informed Not Eligible. Thomas Erlsford HAYES 1337 Born Peechelba Enlisted Wangaratta Aged 19 years Unit 37/38th Battalion Embarked 3/6/1916 Discharged 30/4/1919 Charles John JACKSON 418/2nd Lieut. Born Rutherglen Joined 23/8/1915 Aged 22 years 8 months Unit 1st Div Signals MID Returned to Australia Discharged 30/3/1920 Walter Herbert JACKSON 2645 Born Wangaratta Joined 13/7/1916 Aged 32 years Unit 2nd Pioneers Returned to Australia 5/9/1919 Discharged 28/12/1919 Edward Francis KELLOW 3825/6837A Born Gippsland Enlisted Melbourne 9/8/1915 Aged 21 years Unit 59 Battalion Returned to Australia 10/6/1916 for Hernia Operation Discharged 11/12/1916 - ReEnlisted Wangaratta 16/7/1917 Embarked 21/11/1917 22nd Battalion Wounded GSW Returned to Australia 24/8/1918 Jep Frances KENNY 3041 Born Thoona Enlisted Yarrawonga Joined 16/7/1915 Aged 18 years 5 months 57/58 Battalion Died of Wounds 17/7/1916 James NIKLAUS 3881 Born 20/11/1892 Peechelba Joined 7/8/1915 Aged 22 years 9 months Enlisted Yarrawonga Embarked 23/11/1915 1st Machine Gun Coy/8th Battalion Discharged 4/1/1918 due to Trachoma Benjamin SARGENT 56 Born Peechelba Joined 18/1/1915 Enlisted Wangaratta Aged 22 years 3 months Embarked 9/7/1915 Unit 21st Battalion Wounded 11/6/1918 -Gassed Returned to Australia 9/3/1919 Frederick SARGENT 439 Born Peechelba Joined 4/2/1915 Enlisted Yarrawonga Aged 22 years 5 months Unit 23rd Battalion Killed in Action 2/9/1915 Greece Samuel Cook SARGEANT 2874 Born Thoona Joined 9/11/1916 Enlisted Bendigo Aged 24 years 6 months Embarked 16/12/1916 Unit 38th Battalion Wounded 13/10/1917 GSW left hand. 16/12/1917 Returned to Australia due to Injury Discharged 6/8/1918 Herbert WILLETT 2413 Born Yarrawonga Joined/Enlisted 24/7/1916 Melbourne Aged 21 years 8 months Embarked 20/10/1916 Unit 8th Battalion Wounded x 3 times Returned to Australia due to Injury Discharged 21/6/1919 H. TOOHEY ? Phillip James McINTYRE - School Teacher - 3207 Born Snake Gully Joined 29/9/1916 Aged 28 years 3 months Embarked 16/12/1916 Unit 37th Battalion - WoundedA primary school was opened in Peechelba in 1880 and closed in 1903 after a new school opened in Peechelba township in 1891 which was closed in 1970. This timber honour board was made as a tribute to honour and remember the Peechelba School students and their teacher who enlisted and served during the First World War. Wooden honour board with three columns of names, the centre being an "In Memoriam" listPeechelba School Roll of Honour 1914-1918wangaratta, world war 1, honour board, peechelba school -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - CENTENARY of EAGLEHAWK ANZACS, FRAMED, Eaglehawk Heritage Society, JOHN T TAYLOR/ALFRED A PRIEST, c2014
Private JOHN THOMAS TAYLOR, no 2067, 24TH Battalion, Killed in Action on 21st August 1916, France. Lance Corporal ALFRED ALEXANDER PRIEST, No 5162, 6th Battalion, died of wounds in France, May 27, 1918.Memorabilia - framed story of two soldiers, in colour, using memorabilia of the soldiers and their lives. Printed on paper. Frame - black extruded plastic, glass front, cardboard backing.JOHN T. TAYLOR/ ALFRED A. PRIESTframed items, anzacs, eaglehawk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, FRAMED, 1998
SGT JOHN HNERY LOCKETT, 38th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Enlisted on 24th March 1916 in Mildura. Arrived France 22nd November 1916. Returned to Australia 5th August 1919.Photographs - collection of 5 photographs in a frame, black & white and colour. L - R , Left; a) a full portrait of Sgt. John Henry Lockett. b) 3 medals and ribbons. c) PM John Howard and JH Lockett, d) French Ambassador with Legion of Honour. e) Presentation Ceremony group. Black print on card - two information below photographs. Frame - brown stain timber frame with decorative moulding, dark green cardboard mount with dark red inner edge and 2nd mount, glass front.Black print on white card - 1. "SGT JOHN HENRY LOCKETT" -WITH SERVICE INFORMATION. 2. "Presentation of Legion of Honour to Mr J. Lockett at RSL Memorial Hall on 21st July 1998". with further ceremony information.photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history-army -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CERTIFICATE WW1, J Jenkin, Buxton & Co / Rialto, c.1915
For King and Country certificate - Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Enlisted / sailed / served the Empire in the Australian Imperial Forces / Company / Battalion / Brigade. God Save The King. Verse by CHC Montrose.Cardboard rectangle with map of Australia in gold print, 2 red, blue, white flags. Oval cutouts with block & white photographs of 2 individual soldiers in uniform inserted, black print verse. Rising Sun badge depicted in gold print.“1st Nov 1916 / 16th Dec 1916 / W A Reid / 14th / 4th”, handwritten in red ink. “5th June 1915 / 8th Nov 1915 / W Robinson / 21st & 59th”, handwritten in blue ink.documents - certificates, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - FEMALE RELATIVE BADGE, 1940-45
... . He was discharged from the 2/14 Australian Infantry Battalion.... He was discharged from the 2/14 Australian Infantry Battalion ...The badges were first issued in 1940 to the nearest female relative of a soldier on Active Service. Each star on the bar represents one person. This badge was issued to Billy Birds Mother. William (Billy) Bird No VX113169 2/14 Batt AIF. Refer 1601. William Bird was born on the 15th of April 1924, enlisted in the AIF on the 19th of October 1942 when he was 18 years of age. He was discharged from the 2/14 Australian Infantry Battalion on the 21st of August 1946. Female Relative Badge. The Badge has a Map of Australia in the centre surrounded by two sets of laurel leaves.It is topped by a Crown. The Bar is suspended beneath the medallion by rings with one five pointed star on the bar."To the Women of Australia" The rear of the Badge has "Issued By Commonwealth of Australia A182120" numismatics-badges, female relative -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - MOVEMENT ORDER, 26.10.1918
The movement order was issued to Frederick Arthur William Hutson No 3539. He enlisted in the 8th reinforcements 21st Batt AIF on 28.7.15 age 23 years 2 months. Embarked for Egypt 29.12.15, transfers to 60th Batt 26.2.16 then to 57th batt on 15.3 16, embark for France 17.6.16, promoted L/Cpl 20.9.16, hospital 31.10.16 with Bronchitis, return to duty 9.11.16, hospital 20.1.17 dental, return to duty following day, promoted to Cpl 1.6.18, discharged from the AIF 31.8.19. Note paper ruled vertically and horizontally with a brief note in ink to report to HQ 5th Australian Division. Stamped in red ink with date.57th Battalion AIF 26 Oct 18documents-military, movement order -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - MILITARY PHOTOGRAPH, 1939-42
Leonard Jordan TRIPP No VX25096 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 11.6.1940. Posted to 2/21st Bn on 15.7.1940, hospital 23.1.1941 with Fractured Tibula, rejoin unit 29.4.1941, embark for the Middle East 28.6.1941, disembark 25.7.1941, posted to 2/24th Bn 23.8.1941, DOW’s 24.10.1942. His records offer nothing else re wounding or death. He is buried at El Alamein Box Cemetery grave No 8, plot 4, row A, map reference 1/50000- 88602946. Refer also Cat No 2336.8PPhotograph of Len Tripp VX25096 2/24 Battalion A.I.F. in uniform. Slouch hat. Frame is simple wooden design with gold rim.photography-photographs, portraits, military history -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
History of Colin Quin, Late 20th Century
Colin Quin was a National Serviceman in the 1958 intake upon completion of National Service Colin Quin joined the Regular Army. Colin served with the 21st Construction Engineers the unit went to Wewak, Borneo. After Military Service Colin worked as a refrigeration mechanic and has the interesting hobby of making model aeorplanes from beer cans. Colin Quin is also a distant relative to Ned Kelly.This is the original story of Colin Quin.A detailed A4 paper discription of Colin Quin a National Serviceman in 1958 and commenced training in the 20 National Service Battalion. Colin Quinn and joined the Regular Army after completion of National Service. -
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
Administrative record - Certificate of Discharge, WWI, Certificate of Discharge, Private David Lee, 1 August 1919
Discharge notice from WWIAustralian Imperial Expeditionary Force Certificate of Discharge, double sided card with notes regarding Private David Lee 46th Battalion A.I.F.Service No 4527 Private David Lee 46th Battalion; Town of Digby; State of Victoria; Attested at Casterton; 21st July 1915 at age 18. Termination of enlistment after 1473 days. Service abroad 1229. Signed by Capt E W Wright in Melbourne 1st August 1919. Private Lee aged 22 years.wwi, discharge, a.i.f., casterton, digby, 46th battalion -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Mess kit, 1939 (exact)
... battalion b company 21st august 1941 finchaven wandecla cairns ...This is part of a collection donated by Mrs Margaret McKenzie that belonged to her husband and was issued to him during the Second World War, the mess tins were marked with names of places, ships and battle locations. Other items include a postcard sent home in August 1941 and a photo of Australian troops on parade at Wewak in August 1945Aluminium Mess tin set, 2 rectangular tins one smaller to fit into larger. Inscriptions engraved on 4 sides containing locations of training, ships and battle areas. Additional markings include year of manufacture and company along with Department of Defence broad arrow. Item is stamped metal with wire handle on the large tin. Wire carry handle missing on smaller tin. "Inscription on base of mess tin large. 'DARLEY ALBANY/ SYDNEY/ PERTH/ TRINCOMALEE:CEYLON/ PORT TUFIC/ SUEZ CANAL/ EL CANTARA/ GAZA/ JERUSALEM/ HIFA TELAVIV/ BETHALEM/ BAYROUTA/ JUDEDES FIAKE/darwin, world war two, pan set messing, mess tins, aluminium, 2nd aif, 8th battalion, vx52576, pte, mckenzie, c mckenzie, 1939, c b ltd, 1941 1945, 19th australian infantry training battalion, b company, 21st august 1941, finchaven, wandecla, cairns, brisbane -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Letter, Letter from 815 Cpl William Carroll to his Aunt, 31/12/1916 (exact)
This is part of a collection belonging to Sgt, William E. CarrollThis is a copy of a letter written by 815 Cpl William Carroll to his Aunt while he was hospitalised in Cairo. It is written on YMCA letterhead.Top Left hand Corner: Patron/ YMCA National Council/ H.M. The King/ Patron /Military Camp Dept./ H.R.H. Duke of Connaught. Centre top: For God, For King & For Country/ YMCA Logo/ with the/ Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. (written through the logo)/ Right hand top corner: Committee/ for Egypt/and/the Near East./ Chairman/ H.E. Sir Henry McMahon Lower down page: Reply to No. 815 Coy D Bat 21st/ Dec 31st '16/ Stationed at/ Dear Aunt,/ I am at present a patient in the (??)/ General Hospital, Egypt, back again at Cairo. I/have a slight abcess on my lip and my neck was a/ bit swollen, but both are almost right now./ It's quite a relief to be away from the shot &/ shell, for a spell & to enjoy comfort and sunshine/ again after four months hardships in the trenches./ During the latter part of my stay at ANZAC, it/ was intensely cold, snow & ice galore & freezing/ cold winds. It's five days since I left the pen/insular; we were taken off in a small steamer/ to Lemnos & put aboard a fine hospital ship./ We arrived at Alexandria yesterday morning/ & came on here last night. My lip has been/ lanced & the swelling is disappearing fast./ I had many miraculuous escapes in the trench./ Once whilst observing over the sandbags a barage/ ventilated my hat. On another occasion when/ I was stiring the porridge a piece of shrapnel/ knocked over our breakfast into the fire. So I have/ a lot to be thankful for to be sure./Many of my comrades have gone and are buried in the/ churchyard in Shrapnell gully & more are away sick/ and wounded. I intended to cable to you for some money but I think I'll be able to make do/ of it, & we have all our wants attended to here./ Do you remembr Willy O'Leary of Mansfield?- He/ was killed near us in an attack some time ago./ Young Sgt. Roberts, my chum of Dookie & Broadmeadows/ was also sniped a few days before I left./ The war doesn't appear to be going too well, but/ I am sure time will tell, & we will eventually/ give the Germans a good belting. Just address/ my letters as usual, as I don't think I'll be here/ for long & if I am my mates will send them/ on. I gave them permission to keep any parcel/ you might forward on whilst I am away. It was/ awfully good of you to send the other thing along./ Hoping all are quite well./ I am/ Your Affectionate Nephew/ William E. Carroll. Cpl/ww1, battalion, aif, 815, sgt, carroll, e, 21st, 6th, brigade, 1st, dcm, wiiliam -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Pay Book, Australian Imperial Force. Soldiers Pay Book, Circa 1914
Was with first landing at Gallipoli.Brown Cover Soldiers Pay Book. Australian Imperial Forces. Dated 21st October 1914 to 21st February 1919. Photograph and Postcard included.Inscribed H. Adams Private 57th Battalion. #57575 . -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Medals WW2 Australian, C1950
Private Stanley Cameron was killed in action in the attack on Tobruk, North Africa on 21st Jan.1941. He was serving with the 2/8th Battalion 2nd AIF. Age 33. He came from Hamilton in the Western District of Victoria.Group of 4 WW2 Service Medals mounted on a bar for wear. Full size. 00374.1 Rising Sun Hat Badge 00374.2 Rising Sun Lapel Badge1939 - 45 Star, Africa Star, War Medal, Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. Inscribed S.J.Cameron -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Major H J Archer 2/8 AR
Henri John ARCHER was born in Brunswick Victoria, Australia, on 27th May 1907, to parents William Thomas and Hetta (née LAWSON) ARCHER. In 1934, Henri married Stella Florence COLLER, and they had 3 children. Living in Balwyn, Victoria, and employed as an Insurance Superintendent, Henri commenced full-time duty as an officer in the Citizen Military Forces from 7th July 1940, until 20th February 1941 (number V7097). His appointment in the rank of Major with the 7th Infantry Battalion was due to him having served part time as an officer in the CMF since 1927. On 21st February 1941, Henri joined the Australian Imperial Force and was appointed as a Major, with the number VX39872. Following the completion of various armoured corps training courses at Puckapunyal, he was taken on strength with the 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment. On 17th April 1943, Henri embarked for service in New Guinea, for a period of 2 months. He again embarked on 3rd September 1943, for service in Rabaul, returning to Australia on 6th February 1944. Following the end of the War, on 8th May 1946, Henri was appointed as a member of the War Crimes Courts with HQ 8MD, and embarked for duty with the War Crimes Trials in Rabaul two days later. Henri returned to Australia on 15th August 1946, and was subsequently transferred to the Reserve of Officers (Armoured Corps) list for the 3rd Military District (Victoria) on 27th November 1946. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration, as well as the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australia Service Medal. He was also issued Returned from Active Service Badge number A343705. Henri died in Melbourne on 27th July 1971, aged 64, and his ashes are interred in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Banksia Wall ZJ, Niche 01. (Compiled by Karan CAMPBELL-DAVIS from historical records kept by Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, the National Archives of Australia, and Find A Grave website. )Photograph mounted with timber frame. Some manuscript inscriptions of reverse.HENRI JOHN ARCHER / VX39872 / B 27 MAY 1907 / ENL 7 JULY 1940 / DISCH 26 NOV 1946 / OC A SQN 2/8 AAR [and] PURCHASED FROM EBAY / MAY 2024 [followed by signature undecipherable]wwii, armour, 2/8 armourned regiment, war crimes, rabaul, cmf -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Photograph
John Alexander Spence was born in Fremantle 2nd July 1893. In 1912 he joined the Australian Navy as a Stoker and was posted to H.M.A.S. Australia. He was on this ship when it sailed at the head of the convoy into Sydney Harbour in 1913. At the outbreak of WW1, his ship was sent to German New Guinea where he saw conflict with the enemy and received a gunshot wound to his hand. This required him to be returned to Australia and the Naval doctors considered him unfit for further Naval service. When his hand healed Spence joined the AIF on the 2 August 1915 and was posted to the 52nd Battalion and embarked on the “Benalla” on the 1 November 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 1 June 1916 on 9 September was promoted to Corporal and the next day to Sergeant. At Messines Ridge he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. At Dernancourt, a village near Villers he was awarded the Military Medal on 6 April 1918. Subsequently he was badly injured. He had captured four German soldiers and one Officer. While marching them back to the Allied lines the Officer grabbed one of the patrol member’s gun and fired three shots at Sergeant Spence which smashed his hip. Despite his injuries Spence managed to bring the Officer down with a revolver shot. On the 30th April he was repatriated to England and admitted to the Alexandria Hospital at Cosham. He did not return to the western front as his injuries were too severe. He returned to Australia on board the Somalia arriving home on the 21st December 1919. Before joining the forces he was a prominent amateur boxer, a pupil of the renowned heavyweight Bill Doherty. During WW1 he won the Army lightweight championship, competing against professionals as well as amateurs. He defended the title successfully for three successive years. On his discharge from the Army he fought under the name of Sonny Kidson. He also turned to coaching and had remarkable success having coached the Army and Navy boxing teams. John Spence died on the 20 November 1962 at Hollywood Repatriation Hospital aged 69. Post card sized photo of 3400 Sergeant John Alexander Spence DCM, MM, 52 Battalion AIF. Photo shows medal ribbons of Distinguished Conduct Medal (awarded June 1917) and Military Medal (awarded April 1918), 2 wound stripes, 5 service stripes, 52 Battalion AIF colour patch and soft style forage cap.spence, 52 battalion, aif, dcm, mm -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Certificate - Freedom of Entry to the City of Hawthorn certificate
The original certificate of the Freedom of Entry to the City of Hawthorn on 21st November 1989, it was signed by all the key members of the Council -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Menu, 2/14th Infantry Battalion Reunion Dinner, 1967
Menu for the 2/14th Battalion reunion dinner at Caulfield Town Hall on 24 April 1967. The front cover shows the Battalion's colour patch and battle honours. The Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army that served during World War II. Part of the 21st Brigade, 7th Division, the battalion was raised in 1940 from Second Australian Imperial Force volunteers drawn mainly from the state of VictoriaFolded card printed in multiple colours on the front and blue on the back and inside2/14th army battalion, 2/14th army battalion association -
St Kilda Historical Society
Document - Booklet, 2/14th Infantry Battalion, 1975
The front cover shows the Battalion's colour patch and battle honours. The booklet contains a list of current office holders and past presidents of the 2/14 Battalion Association and the names and addresses of members. The Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army that served during World War II. Part of the 21st Brigade, 7th Division, the battalion was raised in 1940 from Second Australian Imperial Force volunteers drawn mainly from the state of VictoriaMulti-page booklet with a cover of folded card printed in multiple colours on the front. Pages printed in black2/14th army battalion, 2/14th army battalion association -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Card - Card and invitation, Unknown
9th Australian Division Cavalry Regiment Christmas Card from Middle East December 1942. 57/60 Battalion AIF Invitation to "Welcome Home Dance" St Kilda Town Hall. Tuesday 21st May 1946. -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Book, Brown Prior & Co, In the Dawning of the Day
... . In Memoriam of J. D. Burns - Late Corporal 21st Battalion 6th Brigade ...In Memoriam of J. D. Burns - Late Corporal 21st Battalion 6th Brigade A.I.F. - Born 18th June 1895, Killed i Action 18th September 1915.BookIn Memoriam of J. D. Burns - Late Corporal 21st Battalion 6th Brigade A.I.F. - Born 18th June 1895, Killed i Action 18th September 1915. eulogies, extractable correspondence, editorials, poems.