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Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Orient Line Dinner Menu, Orient Line Dinner Menu Thursday, 18th July, 1940, 1940
This menu would have been printed to distribute to guests attending dinner on the Orient Line, which embarked for the Middle East in 1940. The dinner was held on Thursday 18th July of the same year. Signatures on the reverse of this document were signed by Ken Williams, RW Sterrett, MR Campbell, J.H. Christie, JH McKinnon and F Finch. This item relates closely to a photograph of the 3rd Squadron, in RAAF uniform, boarding the Orient Line.This menu is an item of ephemera dating to the World War Two era. Items such as this are ordinarily lost over the passage of time. As the item contains signatures it is possible that further research and interpretation could be done regarding the men it relates to. The item is therefore of historic and social significance and has good interpretive capacity.Card with printed lettering centrally spaced and folded along horizontal centreline. There are hand written inscription on the front and reverse in pen ink.On the front, top: 3 Sqn RAAF boarding for the Middle East. On the front, lower left there are markings under and to the right of the printed word 'tourist'. The is a thick line under the word, two arrows pointing to it from beneath and a question mark to the right. On the reverse, upper left corner: Ken Williams, RW Sterrett MR Campbell JH Christie JH McKinnon F Finchdinner menu, orient line, raaf, royal australian air force, ken williams, r w sterrett, m r campbell, j h mckinnon, f finch, j h christie, 3 squadron -
Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub-Branch
Memorabilia - Medallions, 18/8/2016
The presentation case was produced as a Welfare Fundraising item and could be displayed on shelf or the like; the medallions are a simple but meaningful depiction of the Australian Armed Services engaged in the Vietnam war. A simple but meaningful presentation of six elements of Australian Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.Set of six medallions with a picture of each of six elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam and commemorating 50 years since the Vietnam War: Navy, Air Force, Armour, Artillery, Infantry, Signals. Medallions are in a presentation case with inside cover a depiction of various Australian Services. A Certificate of Authenticity is inside the presentation box and is described thus: a 'shield' with motto Courage.Service.Mateship with a "50 Vietnam" over a similarity of the the Rising Sun design and wing date ribbons of 1962 and 2012; included is a Limited Edition Number: 00139 of 1000. Below all of that are the Vietnam Service Colours. Limited Edition Number: 000139 of 1000. vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Photo, Launch of Legacy Week - 3rd September 1990 - Aviation art exhibition, 1990
Launch of Legacy Week in 1990 included an exhibition of Aviation Art at Legacy House. Paintings were by Frank Harding of Renmark, South Australia. A newspaper article published on 23 August 1990, mentions that Frank Harding had painted over 50 paintings of aircraft flown by Australians and published a book of the images. It was called 'They flew for the King'. Each painting had been extensively researched to capture a specific moment in the World War 2 combat career of various pilots, flight officers or bomb-aimers. His aim was to honour the fine efforts of these great individuals. Guests included Bud Tingwell, who flew for the RAAF in World War 2 and other RAAF personnel. It appears to have included a heritage display from the Royal Australian Air Force Museum at the same time. Unfortunately the artist died a few weeks after the exhibition and launch of his book. The article is at 01522 also see media release at 01521, more photos of the paintings and guests are in 01523. In 1990 the slogan was "Lest YOU forget" with an image of the statue of Simpson and his donkey rather than a personality. The main time of year for fundraising is September when Legacy holds 'Badge Week'. Often there is a celebrity who gives his or her time as 'Personality of the Year'. Was in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1987 to 1991.An example of an art exhibition being held at Legacy House to promote Legacy during Legacy week in 1990.Colour photo x 9 of an art exhibition for Legacy Week in 1990.legacy week, painting, promotion, planes, warplanes -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, William and May Palstra with Margaret and Jocelyn at 60 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills, 1920s, 1926
Date is approximate. William and May Palstra were married in 1920; 60 Guildford Road was their first and only home. William was with the university when he joined the Australian Flying Corps in WW1. He went back to university on his return from the war but in 1926 when the RAAF was formed he joined it as he had enjoyed flying. He took his family to England while he did 2 years training at the Imperial College in London under Air Vice-Marshall Jones. He was chosen as the Australian representative on a special flight of an experimental airship designed to fly over long distances. The test flight was destined for India, then on to Australia. Its passengers were high level British officials including the UK Secretary of State. It struck bad weather after crossing the Channel, clipped a hill and crashed in France. Some of the crew survived but William Palstra was killed. Mrs Palstra did not receive any compensation; only a small allowance, then cut during the Depression. She was given some support from the Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's association. Donor, Margaret Thornton was a daughter of William and May Palstra; one of her daughters, Julia Thornton still lives in the house in 2009. Donation form signed by Julia Thornton. Margaret and Jocelyn had a brother, also William. The house remains in 2009 with extensions to the rear and side.Black and white photo of William and May Palstra and 2 of their children in the garden of their home. William is in the uniform of the RAAF. He is holding Margaret's hand; Jocelyn is in her mother's arms.guildford road, raaf, australian flying corps, uniforms, william palstra, may palstra, margaret palstra, margaret thornton, jocelyn palstra, julia thornton -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Australia's second Air Mail. The aviation Career of Basil Watson 1893-1917, 2017
This booklet relates the life of Basil Watson. It tells in detail his early life, background, his home built aeroplane, his display flights and his tragic death and the story since. This year marks 100 years since one of Australia’s pioneering aviators, Basil Watson arrived in Warrnambool and delivered the first airmail to the town. Basil Watson was born in Bendigo in 1894. His interest in aviation which began at a young age, took him to England at the commencement of WW1 where he worked at Brookland in aviation workshops and as a test pilot. Despite crashing and suffering injuries he was not deterred. He returned to Australia and by 1916 Basil had built his own plane. He soon took to the air performing tricks and barnstorming to the delight of onlookers. His connection to Warrnambool lies with his delivery of the first airmail to the town, an event which was filled with much excitement. Basil Watson, pioneer aviator landed his 50hp home built aeroplane on the racecourse on Saturday January 27th 1917, after a flight from Point Cook. The trip of 166 miles took just under two hours, and set a record non-stop cross country flight for Australia. Watson was heartily welcomed by the Mayor, to whom he delivered three letters, the first aerial post to Warrnambool. One of the letters, from the Mayor of Melbourne Sir David Hennessy to the Mayor of Warrnambool is now in the W&DHS collection: I have much pleasure in sending you greetings by aeroplane piloted by my friend, Mr Basil Watson. I hope when the cruel war is over and victory crowns our efforts, we, over the Commonwealth, will be able to fly from one State to the other. With best wishes for the New Year. Yours truly, DV Hennessy. Basil Watson was unfortunately killed two months after his historic visit to Warrnambool. While participating in an air show at Point Cook, the plane he way flying that day crashed into the sea. This booklet tells the story of an interesting part of Warrnambool and Australia's aviation history. It has special significance as it enlightens two significant items in our local collection, namely the letter which he delivered and the seat from his aircraft.A small 29 page booklet with blue and white photograph of Basil Watson in his aeroplane. It contains a number of black and white and some colour photographs. Introduction from the author, "This small booklet recognises the short career of Basil Watson. He came to my attention when researching the French aviator Maurice Guillaux who carried the first official air mail in Australia, Melbourne to Sydney in two and a half days 16/18 July 1914..... Tom Lockley 1 June 2017. Handwritten inside front cover,"These items may be of interest to add to your material about Basil Watson. Its a pity that the 100 year anniversary of his flight was not more widely recognised but thank you for mounting some of his records. Tom Hockley."warrnambool, basil watson, first airmail flight, aviation career of basil watson -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Certificate - World War II Volunteer Air Observers Corps Certificate of Appreciation, Royal Australian Air Force, 1945
The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - Framed photo, Unknown
WWII Historical significance with some information of the Dandenong area.Black and white framed photo of 408537 Sgt R.R.E. Swords 23 Sep 1912 - 21 Jan 1943. This photograph is a tribute to the late Robert Richard Falkiner Swords. 'Bob' as he was known to his friends and most townsfolk of Dandenong and it's people. His older brother James, served in the First World War and later was a founding member of the Dandenong RSL Sub-Branch, formed in 1919, was its second President and also served a term as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. James was the Editor of Dandenong's first newspaper, the Dandenong Advertiser. 'Bob' Swords was also a member of the Dandenong Advertiser newspaper and was a driving force in Dandenong getting it's own Hospital. For many years his photo hung over the entrance to the old building, which was demolished some years back. Regrettably this photo was lost. Bob enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force to train as a pilot on 26 April 1941 and after initial training embarked to Southern Rhodesia. After completion of initial flight training he then moved to England for advanced training, prior to postings onto an OTU. He was tragically killed during this phase of training on 21 January 1943. The gentleman with in this photo is believed to be his South African Flying Instructor 'Panda' Watkins. His grave in England has a lovely headstone and the inscription: 'Service Above Self'. (As advised by Robert Richard Kudyba OAM).Brass plaque stating 4085537 Sgt R.R.F. Swords 23 Sept 1912 - 21 Jan 1943. -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Print - Framed print, Catalina Flying Boat
Watercolour painting of Catalina Flying Boat - Attached to rear of frame is a short history of the Catalina Flying Boat together with the service history of Owen and and his younger brother Roy MORTIMER who both served in the Royal Australian Air Force in the South West Pacific area during WW2 Developed as a naval patrol aircraft, the Consolidated PBY Catalina was a widely exported flying boat during World War II. Over the course of the conflict it served with a number of different nations in a variety of roles. In the Royal Australian Air Force, PBYs and PB2Bs (a variant built by Boeing in Canada) served as multi role bombers and scouts, the type eventually earning great renown among Australian aircrews. The motto of the Catalina squadrons was "The First and Furthest." Gold painted embossed metal frame with cream coloured mount containing watercolour painting of plane on waterCatalina Flying Boat Royal Australian Air Force catalina flying boat, raaf, mortimer, ww2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - Framed photograph, N.E. Framing Studio, Aircrew Training
DH Tiger Moth Aircraft were used by the RAAF as elementary trainers in the empire air training scheme of 1940-44 during which time Australia trained 27,387 aircrew members. Although primarily employed as trainers, a few Tiger Moths were camouflaged and used operationally with army co-operation units in New Guinea. The Tiger Moth remained in RAAF service for almost 17 years, and several Tiger Moths were also transferred to the RAN after World War II. Eventually, on 9 January 1957, the last 10 RAAF Tiger Moths were flown from Point Cook to Tocumwal for disposal.The de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft is a 1930's biplane which was a primary trainer aircraft used to train over 27,000 aircrew in Australia during the Second World War.Black frame with gold insert and cream mounting containing black and white photo of several planes in the background and numerous aircrew members in the foreground. Front: Aircrew Training. DH Tiger Moth Aircraft were used by the RAAF as elementary trainers in the empire air training scheme of 1940-44 during which time Australia trained 27,387 aircrew members. Royal Australian Air Force No.11 in a series of 25. raaf, aircrew, training, world war 2, tiger moth -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Coulthard-Clark, Chris, Hit my smoke: Targeting the enemy in Vietnam, 1997
At the height of the Vietnam War, allied tactical fighter aircraft flew over 700 missions every day against ground targets across the southern republic.At the height of the Vietnam War, allied tactical fighter aircraft flew over 700 missions every day against ground targets across the southern republic.vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - aerial operations - american, air pilots ., military - australia - personal narratives., fac, forward air controllers, bird dog, cessna -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Work on paper - Envelope Art
One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of full moon over water and palm trees - to the left of this outline in blue of map of Australia with red shield in centreTop left - AIR MAIL above The Salvation Army Red Shield War Services Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Bottom left - " A Merry Christmas to you all" Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Pelorus Publications, Seagulls, cruisers and catapults : Australian naval aviation, 1913-1944, 1989
In 'Seagulls, Cruisers and Catapults' Ray Jones has written an authoritative account of the technical, operational and political aspects of Australian naval aviation from Admiral Creswell's 1913 plan for naval aviation until the last aircraft catapult was removed from an Australian cruiser in 1944.The Navy's role as catalyst in the formation of the Air Force is outlined for the first time and details of the sometimes acrimonius struggle between Navy and Air Force over naval aviation are provided. No serious work of RAN history can deal with the mid-war years without taking account of advice from London and the Admiralty's influence on RAN aviation planning is made clear. Operation of aircraft, such as the Seagull III and Seagull V amphibians, from Australian warships are described and the rationale of cruiser aircraft operations are illustrated by the number shot down or damaged performing their essential task in wartime. The vital role of aircraft operating from cruisers searching for raiders and taking part in fleet operations defending Australia in 1942 is stressed. Extensive archival research in Melbourne, Canberra and London, combined with hours of interviews with the men who flew aircraft from cruisers and carrier, has ensured a balanced and well-rounded narrative which is an essential addition to the library of any naval or aviation history enthusiast.Index, notes, Appendices, ill, p.134.In 'Seagulls, Cruisers and Catapults' Ray Jones has written an authoritative account of the technical, operational and political aspects of Australian naval aviation from Admiral Creswell's 1913 plan for naval aviation until the last aircraft catapult was removed from an Australian cruiser in 1944.The Navy's role as catalyst in the formation of the Air Force is outlined for the first time and details of the sometimes acrimonius struggle between Navy and Air Force over naval aviation are provided. No serious work of RAN history can deal with the mid-war years without taking account of advice from London and the Admiralty's influence on RAN aviation planning is made clear. Operation of aircraft, such as the Seagull III and Seagull V amphibians, from Australian warships are described and the rationale of cruiser aircraft operations are illustrated by the number shot down or damaged performing their essential task in wartime. The vital role of aircraft operating from cruisers searching for raiders and taking part in fleet operations defending Australia in 1942 is stressed. Extensive archival research in Melbourne, Canberra and London, combined with hours of interviews with the men who flew aircraft from cruisers and carrier, has ensured a balanced and well-rounded narrative which is an essential addition to the library of any naval or aviation history enthusiast.airplanes - military - australia, world war 1939-1945 - naval operations - australia -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CITIZENS OF BENDIGO, Bendigo City Council, C. 1945 onwards
Often after a Service person returning from War, the Local Council would present them with a Certificate of Appreciation for their sacrifice's. In this case was to "Thomas Potter" after WW2. This is possibly 54610 Potter - Thomas RAAF, enlisted 27.4.1942 age 44. Discharged 22.3.1946 with the rank of Cpl in Air Defence HQ Townsville.Large Certificate on cream colour paper. Gold frame edges drawn inside of paper edge. Pictures of series of different service people standing over British & Australian flag and emblem of "City of Bendigo". Message of thanks and the name of returned soldier, followed by a poem and signature of Mayor and Town Clerk and stamp of Council. All overlaid over an image of Bendigo CBD.Signed by Mayor and Town Clerk. Says " The Citizens of Bendigo express deep Thankfulness to T. Potter"bendigo city council, certificate, thomas potter -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Planning Discussion
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Lt Colin Scott DFC,shows Capt Dick Niemela an American Forward Air Controller, the area coordinates, of a large NVA/VietCong force. Scott had flown over the emeny, under heavy fire until he had almost run out of fuel. Also in the group is Lt Mike Meehan 161 (Indep) Recce Flt.photograph, lt colin scott, capt dick niemela, lt mike meehan, 161 recon flt, gibbons collection catalogue, american forward air controller, nva/vietcong, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, F/Lt Nick Watling
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of The pilot of this particular 005 mission, F/Lt Nick Watling at the controls of the No.35 Squadron Caribou over the Mekong Delta, talks with ground control at the next airbase where is is due to land. The type of "cargo" waiting for pickup would be ascertained at this time.photograph, caribou, 35 squadron, raaf, mekong delta, gibbons collection catalogue, f/lt nick walting, 005 mission, royal australian aor force, denis gibbons, air pilots -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australian War Memorial, Air power over Europe, 1944-1945, 1963
This volume concludes the story of Australian airmen who served in the air war against GermanyIndex, ill, maps, p.539.non-fictionThis volume concludes the story of Australian airmen who served in the air war against Germanyworld war ii - air warfare, world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - germany