This object relates to John Henry LAVARS. He was born on 1/10/1897 in Ballarat, VIC. John Henry served in the AIF (928) enlisting on, 21/03/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 8th BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Lance Sergeant (L-SGT) on 16/08/1919. John Henry LAVARS was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is John LAVARS (Father). John Lavars was awarded the British War Medal.Engraved Plaque - " In Memory of Sgt John Henry Lavars No 928 (Standing on Left) 1914-1918 War Photo 8th Battalion Taken in England"photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to John Henry LAVARS. He was born on 1/10/1897 in Ballarat, VIC. John Henry served in the AIF (928) enlisting on, 21/03/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 8th BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Lance Sergeant (L-SGT) on 16/08/1919. John Henry LAVARS was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is John LAVARS (Father). John Lavars was awarded the British War Medal.Engraved plate - "Souvenir 1914-1918 War Amiens La Cathedrale Sgt J H Lavars No 928"photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to John Henry LAVARS. He was born on 1/10/1897 in Ballarat, VIC. John Henry served in the AIF (928) enlisting on, 21/03/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 8th BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Lance Sergeant (L-SGT) on 16/08/1919. John Henry LAVARS was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is John LAVARS (Father). John Lavars was awarded the British War Medal.Engraved plate - "Souvenir 1914-1918 Amiens La Cathedrale Sgt J H LAVARS No 928"photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Charles Walter MURRAY. He was born on 1/01/1881 in Ballarat, VIC. Charles Walter served in the Army - 16th Reinf's 8th Battalion (5165) enlisting on, 24/01/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 16th REINF'S 8th BATT as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 28/11/1917. Charles Walter MURRAY was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Fanny Bertha MURRAY (wife). Charles Murray was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Postcard sent from the French theatre of war during World War One by Harry Holmes. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) White postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery includes 5 flags (England, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia), a blue horseshoe, a green sprig rosemary and the words 'United We Stand".Verso: With best love from Harry 13/5/16chatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one.

Georg Chodziesner made this chanukiah in Hay Camp in 1940. It was made to celebrate the Jewish festival of Chanukah. Georg was born in 1900 in Berlin to a prominent Jewish advocate Justizrat, Ludwig and wife Elise. Fearing arrest at the outbreak of war, Georg fled Germany to the United Kingdom. His wife, Dorothea, and son, Wolfgang Benno, emigrated to Chile. Like many German Jewish men, Georg found himself on board the HMT Dunera, bound for interment at Tatura. On release, Georg joined the Australian Army 8th Employment Company in which he served for the remainder of the war. Georg sought permission for his son to join him in Australia, and the pair were reunited in Melbourne in May 1945. Dorothea had passed away from illness in 1943. After settling in Australia, Georg worked as a Patent Attorney and remained working at the same firm until his death in 1981.This Chanukiah was cut from a kerosene tin using nail scissors and mounted on a wood block base. Medium: Wood, tin and ink The Chanukiah is embossed with a Magen David, the Star of David, and the wooden base has a poker work inscription: "Hay 5701 / 1940".dunera, wwii, internment, jewish history & people

Soldier Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria sent this postcard to his family while serving in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) in France. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) White Postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery features green ivy leaves and red berries, and the words "Happy Christmas".Verso "All good wishes to all the dear ones at home for a happy Xmas and a bright New Year from Harry 11/11/16."chatham - holmes family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war one, world war i, france, christmas

Australian World War One Soldier memento. This postcard was possibly sent home from France during World War One, most probably from Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot and Tourello lads and district connections: neighbours (including a Wrigley boy), Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) Postcard with embroidered detail on white silk, with top flap. The central embroidery depicts two small soldiers dressed in brown outside a gate leading to house in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees. Below is a blue embroidered "Best Compliments" and red embroidered garland of red flowers.chatham family collection, chatham, world, war, world war one, world war 1, world war i, france, harry holmes, holmes, embroidery, postcard

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. [Research by a granddaughter of Henry Smerdon Holmes, Jane Dyer (nee Chatham) 2024] Ray Blight and Gordon Les Sim were former students of the Ballarat School of Mines. Les Sim was associated with Sim and Co. hardware and wood merchants). Eight soldiers of the AIF. They are the tent mates of Harry Holmes a Driver with the 5th D.A.C. The names of the soldiers are John Raymond (Ray) Blight, Joseph Fawcett, John Joseph (Jack) Nase, Gordon Spittle, Harry Holmes, Harold Joseph Reid, James Leslie (Les) Sim, Leslie John Walters. handwritten in pen on verso "This is a snap of our tent mates. Reading left to right. Back row, Jack Nase, Joe Fawcett, H. Reid. Middle - Les Walters, Ray Blight, Gordon Les Sim, (Sim and Co wood merchants) and Harryworld war 1, chatham, jack nase, chatham family archive, joe fawcett, h. reid, blight, sim, les walters, ray blight, gordon les sim, pickford, world war, gordon spittle, harry holmes, les sim, horace pickford, world war one, aif, armed services

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51448 He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C.https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51219 According to his Soldier's Pay Books (Cat. No. 20112) Holmes Registration number was 7983. He was Catholic and enlisted in the Third Military District on 17 September 1915, and embarked on 8 November 1915. Holmes was in the 18th AASC Unit with the rank of Driver at that time. On 15 November 1918 Holmes was promoted to Lance Corporal. He received leave on: * 3 August 1917 - London (10 days) * 19 February 1918 - Paris (10 days) * 27 August 1918 - London (14 days) In 1922 Harry married Edith Pickford of 'Yeovil', Clunes, and they lived at 'Sauchieburn' with Henry's brother Willie. In 1933 Harry and Edith built a new timber home 'Launchley' (Ascot) on the rise east of 'Sauchieburn' on the Ballarat - Maryborough Road. The home was built by Con Zilles to the designs of Clegg and Morrow. In 1938 Harry and Edith purchased a property at Derrinallum, Victoria and called it 'Launchley Park' on their first son's return from World War 2. In 1953 Harry purchased William and Charlotte's portion of 'Sauchieburn' for his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law Margaret. [Source: Unpublished notes by Jane Dyer ( nee Chatham)]Sepia photographic postcard of a World War 1 Australian soldier in uniform, Henry Smerdon Holmes from Ascot Victoria.Verso in pen "The boys say this isn't to (sic) bad so it will show you any changes. Heaps of love to all. Harrychatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, smerdon, world war, world war 1, world war i, uniform

This photograph is of the square-rigged schooner "Alma Doepel". Details added to the back of the photograph incorrectly describe the vessel as "Amy Doepel / ketch / Amy Doepel". The rigging on the vessel dates the photograph to sometime between 1931-1933. The location is yet to be determined. Frederick Doepel was a shipping agent in Bellinger Valley, NSW. He employed an experienced shipwright to build Alma Doepel, which was made from local timber. He named the ship “Alma Doepel” after his baby daughter Alma. The ship was registered in Sydney and launched 19th October 1903, and her first sea voyage was in December. She traded in timber Port Macquarie/Bellinger River and New Zealand. “Alma Doepel” was purchased by Henry Jones & Co., Hobart jam makers, in partnership with Harry Heather, her new captain, in 1916. The ship was then registered in Hobart. She carried jam and timber to the mainland, particularly Melbourne, and brought back cargo for Tasmania. She even carried the piles for the building of Portland Harbour. When Harry Heather passed away in 1937 he was succeeded by Eric Droscoll. Before the square-rigged "Alma Doepel" left for Tasmania on March 8th 1937 she was fitted with a new set of sails, becoming a fore-and-aft rigged schooner. She had been the last 'top sail' schooner in Bass Strait trade! "Alma Doepel" continued her coastal trading until 1942, when she was requisitioned by the Army. In January 1943 she was left in Melbourne by her crew and the Army took her over, taking her to Sydney in February, 1943. She was relaunched by the Army in 1944 minus two of her masts and her small 1936 engine, and was fitted with three large bus engines. In March 1945 she headed for the war zone, delivering cargo up and down the coast of New Guinea, at one time carrying over 400 troops. In 1946 she returned to Hobart where the Army re-converted her back for Bass Strait trading and returned her. In January 1947 Eric Driscoll took “Alma Doepel” to the eastern Tasmanian coastal port of St. Helens, trading cargo of local mountain ash timber to Melbourne on the mainland until 1959. She was then stripped down to her hull with only a single mast and two engines, and fitted with wooden bins on rails in her hold. From 1961 to 1975 she carried limestone to a factory to make carbide. Michael Wood and David Boykett, two of the governors of "Sail and Adventure", then bought her for the price of her two Gardiner engines and in 1976 they brought her to Melbourne. An Alma Doepel Supporters Club was formed to support the ship’s major restoration to a topsail schooner. In 1987 she was overhauled in Adelaide, with the support of Elders IXL and she returned to Sydney to lead the Parade of Sail on Bicentenary Day, 25th January 1988. She returned to Melbourne in February and began sail training voyages in Port Phillip Bay, operating from an office on Station Pier. The Alma Doepel Voyagers Club was started. Trainees joined the crew in sailing the ship over nine or ten days of instruction in sailing and seamanship. These trips plus chartered trips and fund raisers continued until early 1999, when she was no longer in a condition to operate; she needed a lot of attention. She lay idle in Victoria Dock for quite some time. In April 2001 “Alma Doepel” was taken to Port Macquarie’s Lady Nelson Wharf where she became a museum ship maintained by volunteers. In 2008 she had time in dry-dock and after sea-trials headed off to Victoria Harbour, Docklands, in Melbourne, where she is currently being restored with the help of The Supporters.This phot graph is significant for its connection with the Bass Strait trade, being the last top-sail schooner to brade across the strait. The photograph is also significant in its representation of the the sailing ships that traded around Australia in the 1930s.Photograph of "Alma Doepel " a wooden, 3 masted, square rigged sailing schooner built in Sydney, launched in 10/10/1903. Photograph is sepia coloured, mounted on card, inscription on the back. Information also provided with photograph. Photograph (marked incorrectly on back) "Amy Doepel / ketch / Amy Doepel". Sticker with "91" in pencil. Information provided (dated incorrectly) "1943, Sydney, New South Wales"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, maritime museum, maritime village, photograph, alma doepel, frederick doepel, henry jones and co, harry heather, eric droscoll, alma doepel supporters club, elders ixl, parade of sail, bicentenary day, alma doepel voyagers club, last top sail schooner in bass strait trade, square-rigged, fore-and-aft rigged

Photograph - black and white photograph of three men at a presentation ceremony. Two Army personnel and one civilian with a certificate. Mount - Mid grey colour cardboard. Frame - timber with brown colour varnish and gold colour paint trim. Decorative moulding. Glass front, timber and paper backing. metal plaque - gold colour - on lower edge of frame with etched information.Information on plaque - etched black on gold. "PRESENTED TO/ BOBDUBI BARRACKS/ AFTER RESTORATION/ 3rd MAY 1989/ BY/ COMMANDING OFFICER/ LT. COL. DOUGLAS BALL/ 8TH/7TH BATTALION RVR"framed accessories, photographs, army, 8/7 rvr

Examination papers range in date from 25 July 1956 to 8th July 1973. Examinations were for either promotion to Captain or promotion to Major. Part of the "Kevin John Herdman" collection No. 397661. See catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service.A collection of 24 examination papers on a range of coloured paper - pink, cream, blue and yellow. 5. 14. are photocopies of originals. All text in black type.On front of 22. handwritten in pencil: "45 min/ques, 306 words to page"examination papers, major, captain, army, kevin john herdman, citizen military forces

This is a set of eight photographs of Defence Force Service Medal presentations by LTCOL Peter Eddy, the Commanding Officer of the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo on the 8th of November 1982. On this occasion the Defence Force Service Medal was presented to LT Keys (ARES), SGT Alan Timcke (ARES), SSGT L. Davidson and WO2 Kevin MacQuire for 15 years of efficient remunerated service in the Australian Army. LTCOL Peter Eddy was the CO of the Army Svy Rgt from 1981 to 1982. The photos were taken next to the flagpole in Fortuna Villa’s front garden.This is a set of eight photographs of Defence Force Service Medal presentations by the Commanding Officer of the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Defence Force Service Medal Bendigo on the 8th of November 1982. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. They were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) & .2) - Photo, black and white, 1982. L to R: CO LTCOL Peter Eddy presents the Defence Force Service Medal to LT Keys (ARES). .3) & 4) - Photo, black and white, 1982. L to R: CO LTCOL Peter Eddy presents the Defence Force Service Medal to SGT Alan Timcke (ARES). .5) & .6) - Photo, black and white, 1982. L to R: CO LTCOL Peter Eddy presents the Defence Force Service Medal to SSGT L. Davidson. .7) & .8) - Photo, black and white, 1982. L to R: CO LTCOL Peter Eddy presents the Defence Force Service Medal to WO2 Kevin MacQuire. .1P to .14P – no annotationsroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr

Items in the "Swatton" collection. .1) Jack Swatton, 2nd from left front row. .2) front row 5th from the left. John (Jack) William Swatton. His first connection with the Australian Military is with the Universal Conscription scheme pre WW1. On 1.7.1913 he is alloted to D Coy 67th Bn (Bendigo) Regt No 671 as part of quota 1895 (Year of his birth) He then enlists in the AIF on 10.7.1915 No 4905 age 19 years in 15th Reinforcements 7th Bn AIF. Embark for Eygpt 7.3.1916, embark for France 2.6.1916, Transfer to 48th Bty 12 F.A.B 17.4.1916, transfer to 24th F.A.B 15.6.1916, Transfers to 43rd Bty 11th F.A.B 25.1.1917, detached to Ordnance Works Viviers Hill 15.2.1917, Promoted Bombadier 10.12.1917, attends 2nd Army Artillery School, promoted Corporal 16.3.1918, promoted Sgt 17.6.1918, promoted Bty Sgt Major 15.12.1918, awarded MID 31.12.1918, embark for Australia 11.5.1919, discharged from the AIF. Post WW1 he enlists in the 38th Bn (CMF Bendigo) in 1921, he is Commissioned as an Officer in Sept 1929, from that date till 1940 he is the CO of the BN. The same year he transfers to the 8th Bn CMF. Besides his Mention in Despatches (WW1) he is also awarded the Long Service and Efficiency decorations. On 25.4.1942 he enlists in VDC age 46 years No V362516 in the 15th BN Volunteer Defence Corp for part time duty with the rank of Lt Col, His appointment is terminated on 19.12.1945. In 1941 he is elected to the Committee of the Bendigo RSL, serves as Snr Vice President 1949 - 57 then President 1958 - 60. In 1962 he is made a life member of the RSL..1) Photograph B & W showing 21 Officers of the 38th BN standing outside a building. .2) Photograph sepia tone showing 20 Officers of the 38th Bn in three rows in front of a tent.photographs, 38th bn, post ww1, passchendaele barracks trust.

The 8th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised in 1914 for the First Australian Imperial Force during the First World War the battalion was completely recruited from Victoria and formed part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division. During the war it fought at Gallipoli and in France and Belgium on the Western Front. It was disbanded in 1919, before being re-raised as a Militia battalion in 1921. During the Second World War the 8th Battalion was used primarily as a garrison unit before taking part in the Bougainville campaign late in the war. It was disbanded again in 1946 during the demobilisation process, although it was reformed again in 1948 when it was amalgamated with the 7th Battalion. Today, its honours and traditions are perpetuated by the 8th/7th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment.Rectangular shaped black and white photograph.THE AUSTRALIAN, May 3, 1941. THE 8TH BATTALION IN CAMP AT ELCHO FARM, GELONG IN 1934. 8th battalion, ww1, australian infantry, lara r.s.l.

The Returned Serviceman's Gala Day was held on the Lara main oval on Saturday 8th November 1919. Each returned serviceman was presented with a medallion with their name on it. Copies of the badge are held at the Lara RSL Sub Branch. Lt General Smith is presenting a badge to a serviceman in one photo. The other photo is the serviceman's race of 100 yardsRectangular shaped photographs ( 2 of )Returned service men WW1.ww1, returned service men, australian army, lara r.s.l.world war one.

The 8th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised in 1914 for the First Australian Imperial Force during the First World War the battalion was completely recruited from Victoria and formed part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division. During the war it fought at Gallipoli and in France and Belgium on the Western Front. It was disbanded in 1919, before being re-raised as a Militia battalion in 1921.Rectangular Black and White Photograph mounted on Grey CardboardFront H. WaL? George Crawford Elcho Farm Lara 1936-1937elcho farm lara 1936 1937 photo george crawford

Part of the Leo Reoch Cohn Collection. Leo Reoch Cohn served in both World War 0ne and World War Two. He enlisted in the 1st AIF on 23.9. on 6.5.1915, initially in the 22nd battalion (No. 1039), aged 18. Shortly after, on 11.9.1915, he transferred to the 8th LHR and embarked for Egypt on 23.9.1915, serving in both Egypt and Palestine. During that period of service, he transferred to the 1st Australian Light Car Patrol on 8.9.1917. This unit later became the 1st Australian Armoured Car Section. Leo began his return journey to Australia on 16.5.1919. Shortly after his RTA, he was discharged. While on active service overseas, he was hospitalized on a number of occasions due to illness. During World War Two, Leo enlisted in the 21st Battalion VDC (No. V360272) on 18.5.1942 at the age of 44. He was appointed Lieutenant on 25.6.1942. Leo's VDC service was terminated on 31.10. 1945 following the end of World War Two. .1) Tailored khaki woollen officer's dress jacket with silk like fabric lining. Two button-down breast pockets and two button down-side pockets. All buttons are military issue. Unit colour patch on each shoulder (8th ALH). Above the left breast pocket is a World War One trio of medal ribbons. An attached fabric belt has a metal buckle. .2) Light brown cotton drill jodhpurs with button fly. Knee reinforcement pad sewn on the inside of each leg. Button down hip pocket and two side pockets. Belt loops and buttons for braces on the waist band..2) On manufacturer's label: 'Pytchley, MADE IN ENGLAND'. Handwritten in black ink on waistband: 'COHN'.uniform, 8th light horse regiment, leo reoch cohn

Military surveying in New Guinea began in in WWII with the formation of the New Guinea Force Field Survey Section which later became 8th Australian Field Survey Section and later 2 Field Survey Section of 6th Army Topographical Survey Section. This history was written by LT Jack Viccars and member of the Unit.A4 Booklet, Black and white, 43 Pages, 4 Annexes, Map Indexes, Gloss Paper Cover, Bound by staplesForward by Brigadier D. Macdonald (Retd) AM, Royal Australian Survey Corps 1936-1967, Preface by LT Jack J.S. Viccarsroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, asr

.1) Badge metal 6 sided crown at top, centre has Coat of Arms, one lug on the rear and numbered. .2) Badge pressed brass squarish shape scroll at top and bottom, centre has a figure "8", two lugs on rear. .3) Badge pressed metal gold colour crown at top, centre has letters "ER" surrounded by circles and a wreath, two lugs on rear. .4) Badge pressed metal blackened with Rising Sun depiction crown at top. .5) Badge round silver colour, one side is map of Australia with person over, rear has map depiction of the world..1) On front, "Reserve Occupation", on rear, "A17936", "Issued by the Commonwealth Govt". .2) On front, "8th Aust Inf Regt, cede Nullis". .3) On front, "Royal Australian Army Service Corp". .4) "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces". .5) On one side, "1945", on other, "Victory Medal".badges, uniform, headwear

Glasses given by the 2/8th ARM RGT ASSN. The 2/8th Armoured Regiment was an armoured regiment of the Australian Army. It was raised for service during WW2, being formed in July 1941. it deployed to New Guinea in 1943 but did not see any action before being disbanded in February 1944.Two clear wine glasses with stems. Engraved writing and picture of a tank.2/8th Arm Rgt Assn.souvenirs, glasses, 2/8 arm rgt assn

These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2

The notebook contains a list of KIA, WIA, Missing, & POW's during April 1941. Book belonged to Allan Frederick LEACH VX13568 2/8th Batt AIF. He enlisted on 2.3.1940 & taken POW on Crete. He was discharged from the 2nd AIF on 31.8.1945. He also held two other Regt No's, 373749 and VX504180..1) Cardboard case covered in leatherette cloth. .2) Army Field notebook insert..2) No 153.documents, military, notebooks

Books issued to Ronald James Ware TX1539, 2/8th Field Regt 2nd AIF. Refer 77, 76.3. .1) Paper book, grey cover, 32 pages. Titled: Handbook of English - Arabic & Hebrew .2) Paper book, faded front cover, green back cover, 20 pages. Titled: Army Rehabilitation..1) Military Board, Army Headquarters, Melbourne. 28th April 1940 .2) Army Rehabilitation, A.A. Book 1944books - dictionaries, foreign languages, military

Australian Army Driving Licence issued to Ronald James WARE TX1539, enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 22.5.1940. On discharge from the Army in 15.11.1944 he was a Lance Bombardier in 16 Field Bty 2/8th Field Regt. Refer Reg No's 76.3 & 78.2. Army driving licence, brown buckram covered, stiff folded covers re R J WARETop left: No 212048 Centre: Australian Military Forces Army Driving Licence Left: Army No TX1539 Rank: L/Bdr Centre: Name (in full): WARE, Ronald James Centre: Date: 26.2.44documents - licences, personal effects, identification, military history - army