Maurice Miles served in the Australian Army in World War Two and was present at Cowra when the Japanese POW breakout occurred. He joined Citizien Military Forces in 1965, serving with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles till 1985. He was a keen rifle shot and this shield was a way of fostering the skill within the regiment.Representative of community efforts to foster military skills in citizen soldiers.Wooden shield with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles badge at centre and plaques arranged around edges recording winners of competition.Donated by / S Sgt Maurie Miles / & Family / upon his retirement / 8/13 VMR / 1965-1985cowra, cmf, vmr, military, world war two, marksmanship

Tankard to commemorate conflicts in which the Australian Army has been involved since and including World War I. From the Returned Services League, Mitcham Sub-Branch, 26 McDowall Street, Mitcham, cnr Harrison Street when it closed early 2014.Australian Army Tankard with Australian rising sun badge on front. Tankard is made of pewter with a glass base. On the tankard all the conflicts that the Australian fought in are commemorated from World War I to Vietnam.The Australian Army Tankard, World War I, World War I, Mesopotamia, Flanders, German New Guinea, Gallipoli, France, Palestine, World War II, North Africa, Crete, Malaya, S.W. Pacific, Timor, New Guinea, Java, Bougainville, Borneo, Greece, Syria, Singapore, South Africa, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam.military history, army, metalcraft, pewterware

Postcard size photograph of three Australian Army servicemen taken during World War 1. There is a note on the rear of the postcard "George Laidlaw left William Knight centre and A Kettlewell Original 15 Battalion Queensland 1914 to 1918 War". The rear of this postcard has the photographers name, "P MATHEWSON & SONS PETRIE BIGHT BRISBANE" and the handwritten note "George Laidlaw left William Knight centre and A Kettlewell Original 15 Battalion Queensland 1914 to 1918 War".ww1, world war 1, 15th battalion, 15th btn, queensland, australia, australian, army

These detachable collars are most likely Australian Army issue from the World War Two era (1939-1945). They are made to be used with a khaki shirt. These collars have no known local provenance but are retained as examples of the detachable collars used by Australian Army personnel in the early to mid 20th century. These three men’s collars are made of cotton and are khaki in colour. They have three button holes on the straight neck edge, one at each end and one in the middle. australian army uniforms, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

Two Lara District locals, Sister Sarah McIntosh and Sister Catherine McNaughton are cousins who served as nurses in WWI.Two photographs (reproductions) within a single frame. The frame is black lacquer with a gold trim (inset). Three pieces of paper with typed lettering have also been added to the mat board, the title piece is oriented top-centre, and two name pieces are centred just beneath the associated photograph. Title piece: AUSTRALIAN ARMY NURSING SERVICE / WORLD WAR I Name piece (left): SISTER SARAH (SADIE) / McINTOSH / 1885 - 1970 Name piece (right): SISTER CATHERINE (KIT) / McNAUGHTON R.R.C. / 1884 - 1953world war one, wwi

Poster displaying WW1 Distinguishing badges colours and patches of the AIF. These colour patches identified units and formations of the Australian Army which fought during World War 1Poster is a tribute to the soldiers of WW1Carved timber framed poster with rising sun crest with flags and columns of coloured symbols and shaped badges.The Great War 1914-1918 Colours & Patches Distinguishing Badges of the Australian Imperial Forcesww1, great war, aif, colours & patches, distinguishing badges, 1914-1918

Photographs of Australian Army soldiers taken during World War 1, possibly somewhere in Europe. The first photograph has the note "taken at Lockoff Farm in Feb 1918 Officers of our Coy" and shows twenty three officers with two Vickers Machine Guns in the foreground. The second photograph is of the same scene with a approximately 140 soldiers (presumably a Company) with the two Vickers Machine Guns in the foreground.

Australian Army Cessna used during Vietnam War - Logbook contains service history between 1/5/1978 to 28/1/2011 when propeller was removed from aircraft. Contained inside sleeve attached to inside rear cover is cardboard record detailing service history between 17/7/1967 and 6/8/1974Grey cardboard book with spine bound in blue fabricSymbol containing Department of Transport Australia Propeller Log Book Serial No 61209 Log Book No Onelogbook, australian army cessna, vietnam war

The 40 mm Bofors Mk4 cartridge is used in a variety of modern armoured fighting vehicles and ships. This cartridge has been used by the Royal Australian Navy as a ship armament since the Second World War. It is also compatible with the ground mounted Bofors L60 Anti aircraft guns which were used by the Australian Army since the Second World War.Chrome plated brass cartridge cases.Inscribed 40 mm Mk4 Lot 888 ECC 1955. Inscribed 40 mm Mk4 Lot 248 ECC AN 1955. Inscribed 40 mm Mk4 Lot 418 MF AAN 1955.

The kit bag was used by James Thomas Alfred Ralph, who was born in South Australia on 25 September 1897. He enlisted for service in the First World War on 17 May 1918 in Adelaide with the Australian Medical Corps General Reinforcements. He was allocated the service number 20568 and embarked from Adelaide on the HMT Gaika on 6 August 1918. He arrived in London, England on the 13 October 1918 and allocated to the Australian Army Medical Corps Training Depot. He transferred as a medical officer to the 1st Australian Hospital (Hayfield?) on 2 December 1918, and was attached to the 1st Australian Army Hospital (Sutton Vale?) in January 1919. He returned to Australia in Febuary 1920 on the Cape Verde as nursing staff. He was discharged from service in Adelaide on 17th March 1920.Tan coloured canvas kit bag used by a member of the Australian Army Medical Corps during World War 1. The tubular kit bag has 12 brass eyelets placed around its opening, and is reinforced with a second layer of canvas at its base. The kit bag has a side stitched seam, stiching around the base and top opening. A circular lightweight tan canvas flap is stitched to the top opening at the side seam.On the side if the kit bag is a red cross on a white background, surrounded by a circular yellow line. It also has the numbers 20568, with the words JAS.T. A. RALPH, A.A.M.C, A.I.F., AND 4.M.D. The base of the kit bag has a map of Australia in black ink, with 4.M.D printed in black ink above the map. "Sth. Aus." and numbers "20568" are printed in black ink over the map of Australia. The marking 'broad arrow' is printed in black ink on the inside of the top opening.world war one, kit bag

All colour photographs - Borneo (Sandakan) .1) Black metal boiler. .2) 4 Flags on flag poles. .3) Pool under pergola & collonade. .4) Pool under pergola & collonade. .5) Pool under pergola & collonade. .6) Wreaths at base of memorial. .7) Pebble map of Australia encircled with plants & Australian flags in lawn area. .8) Granite war memorial & military person. .9) Australian Army soldiers standing around war memorial. .10) War memorial. .11) View of countryside adjacent to war memorial. .12) 2 Women standing at base of memorial holding a framed photo of male servicemen.photography-photographs, military history, sandakan

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

This collection of 23 photos was most likely taken in Lithographic Squadron, Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, in 1988. In photos .1P and .2P the technician is preparing a Chromalin map proof for supporting information that would be printed on the reverse side of a topographic map. This map was commonly referred to as a ‘snack’ map, with photos of edible indigenous plants and descriptions endemic to that region printed on the reverse side to assist soldiers living off the land in survival situations. The authoritative information was provided by Major Leslie James (Les) Hiddins aka ‘the Bush Tucker Man’ He is a retired Australian Army soldier and war veteran, who is best known for his love and knowledge of the Australian bush. See item 6190.6P for more information on the Chomalin proof production process. In the remaining photos, Print Troop’s technicians were most likely operating the Komoni, Planeta or Ultra-MAN-III offset printing presses, as well as working in the map despatch dock. Although these photos are not annotated most personnel are positively identified. This is a set of 23 photographs of Print Troop personnel and equipment from Lithographic Squadron at the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, 1988. The photographs were on 35mm negative film and were scanned at 96 dpi. They are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. .1) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Chromalin Proof laminating, Terry King. .2) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Chromalin Proof laminating, Terry King. .3) to .6) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Press, Colin Yeats. .7) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Press, L to R: Greg Rowe, SPR Mark ‘Dogs’ Doherty. .8) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Press, SPR Mark ‘Dogs’ Doherty. .9) to .10) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Press, John Bateman. .11) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Press. .12) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Map laminator? L to R: SGT Dale Hudson, SGT Gary Kerr. .13) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Newkoni Komori Printing Press, Peter Hamilton. .14) to .17) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Original Heidelberg Printing Press, Peter Hamilton. .18) to .19) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Map Despatch area, SPR Steve Wright. .20) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Map Despatch area, L to R: unidentified, SGT Gary Kerr. .21) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Printing Presses - foreground: Ultra-MAN-III (x2), centre: Newkoni Komori and background: Planeta Polygraph. .22) - Photo, black & white, 1988, Ultra-MAN-III Printing Presses (x2). .23) - Photo, black & white, 1988, L to R: Daryl South, Mark McCulloch.No personnel are identifiedroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr, litho, printing

According to the Australian War Memorial, these types of water bottles were used by the Australian Army during the Korean War, Malayan Confrontation and during the early to mid period of the Vietnam War. The metal lids were often replaced with a much quieter rubber lid, as combat experience proved that the metal ones were too loud when opening or closing. This bottle is recorded as being a United States-issued item so may have been collected during the interactions between Australian and American troops in Vietnam. It is also noted as being of Second World War era, which predates the AWM suggestion of Korea.Thin stainless steel water bottle, oval in shape with flat base. Around neck of bottle there is a brown cotton string and khaki woven cord with the press stud at end which would insert into the top of the lid. Bottle has twist-on lid with a hole in the top. Bottle dinted throughout. Canvas carry case is cylindrical in shape with oval-shaped flat base. Pieces topstitched with khaki thread. Back of case is woven khaki with a long pin threaded through the top, bent into inward facing hook shapes at end. Bottle is fastened into case via press studs. There is a subtle pocket in the interior of the case.Press studs read "LIFT/THE DOT"water bottle, equipment, united states, korea, malayan confrontation, vietnam war, 1960s

A cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee John Creighton Dean (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1984). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. In World War 2 John served with Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 2nd AIF in New Guinea and Borneo. He remained in the Australian regular Army after the war retiring in the rank of Brigadier in 1975. He joined Melbourne Legacy in 1975. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee John Dean a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.An article with a black and white photo of Legatee J C Dean - President 1984.past presidents, john dean

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

Vegemite hit the market in 1923 but failed to sell. In 1928 the company renamed its spread Parwill to compete against the top-selling British import, Marmite but Parwill flopped too. In 1922 the Fred Walker Company hired a chemist, Percy Callister, to develop a useful food from vitamin-rich used yeast being dumped by breweries. Using enzymes to split open the yeast cells, Callister extracted the contents and blended them with vegetables and salt into a sticky black paste with a sharp taste. They tried the Vegemite name again and gave the product away with Walker cheese products and a couple of cars as prizes before Australians finally fell for it. In 1939 Vegemite was officially endorsed by the British Medical Association as a good source of Vitamin B and was included in Australian Army rations during World War II. Buyers were now assured of the nutritional value of Vegemite, which has been a market leader ever since. The Fred Walker Company became the Kraft Walker Cheese Co. Pty Ltd in 1926 and Kraft Foods Limited in 1950. (from Powerhouse Museum) This type of jar was used to package Vegemite between 1935 and 1945. Vegemite has been an 'Australian icon' since World War II when it was recognised as one of the world's highest food sources of vitamin B. It was sent to war with the troops and rationed at home. The marketing strategy that put Vegemite in 9 out of every 10 Australian homes in the 1940s, 50s and 60s emphasised the value of Vegemite to children's health. A cylindrical Vegemite jar made of white opal glass. It has a threaded rim and two mould seams. On the base - AGM Vegemite V879

This tie pin belonged to Mirth Marfell who was a student at Warrnambool High School from 1929 to 1930 and from 1935 to 1936. Warrnambool High School was established as an Agricultural High School in 1907 and, after a merger with Warrnambool North Technical School, it is known today as Warrnamboool College. Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell, was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing. This tie pin is of interest, firstly as a memento of Warrnambool High School from the 1920s and 30s and secondly because it belonged to Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career.Circular metal and enamel tie pin with silver shield and royal blue text on green background and a royal blue scroll with text underneath. There is a long, sharp pointed pin on the reverse.On shield WhS on scroll NIL SINE LABOREmirth marfell, warrnambool north technical school, warrnambool co-operative milling company, warrnambool base hospital, history of warrnambool

This badge belonged to Mirth Marfell who was a student at Warrnambool High School from 1929 to 1930 and from 1935 to 1936. Warrnambool High School was established as an Agricultural High School in 1907 and, after a merger with Warrnambool North Technical School, it is known today as Warrnamboool College. Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell, was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing. This badge is of interest, firstly as a memento of Warrnambool High School from the 1920s and 30s and secondly because it belonged to Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career.Shield shaped metal and enamel badge with scroll attached to lower edge. The shield area is silver coloured with raised royal blue text centrally and a turquoise narrow rounded bar with golden coloured text under it. There is a thin wire across the upper area . The scroll is royal blue with golden coloured text . A pin clip is on the reverse.W h S NIL SINE LABORE WARRNAMBOOLmirth marfell, warrnambool high school, agricultural high school, warrnambool north technical school, warrnambool co-operative milling company, australian army nursing service, history of warrnambool

This medallion was awarded to Mirth Marfell for swimming. The award was given to students in Victorian schools for advanced prowess in swimming and lifesaving. Mirth Marfell was a student at Warrnambool High School in 1935 when she received the medallion. Warrnambool High School was established as an Agricultural High School in 1907 and, after a merger with Warrnambool North Technical School, it is known today as Warrnamboool College. Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell, was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing. This medallion is of interest, firstly as an example of the medallion given to students for swimming achievements in the 1930s in Victorian schools and secondly because it was awarded to Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career.Circular metal medallion . Obverse features raised semi naked figure holding a cloth across the lower torso with one hand and a palm like branch in the other hand, an oval shield with text and decorative sprays of leaves. The reverse features the back of a naked female figure with long hair and a trident holding the hand of a child half immersed in the sea, another child"s head is raised above the sea. A lighthouse is featured on the distant shore. MIRTH MARFELL 1933. 34 on rim EDUCATION DEPARTMENT VICTORIA SWIMMING AND LIFE SAVINGmirth marfell, warrnambool co-operative milling company, australian army nursing service, history of warrnambool

This is a Warrnambool Technical School badge of the 1920s and 30s. Warrnambool Technical School was established in Timor Street in 1913. The senior section was later called Warrnambool Technical College and then Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education. The latter institute moved to Sherwood Park, Warrnambool and became the present-day Warrnambool campus of Deakin University. Warrnambool Technical School moved to Caramut Road, Warrnambool and is today known as Brauer College. The badge was donated by Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell. She was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing. This badge is of interest, firstly as a memento of Warrnambool Technical School from the 1920s and 30s and secondly because it came from Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career..1 Shield shaped metal and enamel badge with green border including text enclosing a silver area featuring raised images of a torch, scales, compass, hammer, nails, artist's palette, brushes , a bar and the numbers 192. A pin clip is on the reverse .2 Circular metal and enamel badge with a golden edged green border surrounding a bronze coloured centre with a stylised golden edged scarlet torch and three horizontal bars of varied length. A pin clip is on the reverse..1 WARRNAMBOOL TECn SCHOOL LABOR TO EFFICIENCY .2 WARRNAMBOOL TECHNICAL SCHOOLwarrnambool institute of advanced education, warrnambool technical school, brauer college, warrnambool co-operative milling company, victorian royal college of nursing, history of warrnambool

This black and white mage depicts large group of men dressed in military uniform of the Light Horse - with most wearing leather leggings, bandolier and slouch hat with emu plumes. "More Majorum" is engraved on the attached plaque which means "after the custom (or manner) of our ancestors" The 8th Light Horse Regiment was a mounted rifles regiment of the Australian Army during the First World War. The regiment was raised in September 1914, and assigned to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought against the forces of the Ottoman Empire, in Egypt, at Gallipoli, on the Sinai Peninsula, and in Palestine and Jordan. After the armistice the regiment eventually returned to Australia in March 1919. For its role in the war the regiment was awarded fifteen battle honours. During the inter-war years, the 8th Light Horse was re-raised as a part-time unit based in the Indi region of northern Victoria. It was later converted to a divisional cavalry regiment during the Second World War but was disbanded in 1944 without having been deployed overseas.During WWI three light horse regiments were raised in Victoria for the AIF, the 4th ALH, the 8th ALH and the 13th ALH. These regiments served with distinction at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the Western Front.Wide and narrow rectangle shaped black and white reproduction photograph mounted on plyboard. A small metal plaque is attached in the centre of lower edge.Plaque -8th Indi Light Horse "More Majorum"8th indi light horse, victoria

This is a badge from Warrnambool Technical College in the 1930s. Warrnambool Technical School was established in Timor Street in 1913. The senior section was later called Warrnambool Technical College and then Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education. The latter institute moved to Sherwood Park, Warrnambool and became the present-day Warrnambool campus of Deakin University. Warrnambool Technical School moved to Caramut Road, Warrnambool and is today known as Brauer College. The badge came from Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell. She was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing. The badge has also belonged at one stage to W Goodall a member of a well known Warrnambool family.This badge is of interest, firstly as a memento of Warrnambool Technical School from the 1920s and 30s and secondly because it came from Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career.A circular metal and enamelled badge featuring a crimson torch and text on a bronze background surrounded by a dark green golden edged border with text. The reverse has a pin clip and text.WARRNAMBOOL. TECHNICAL..SCHOOL STOKES W GOODALLwarrnambool technical school, history of warrnambool, warrnambool institute of advanced education, deakin university campus, brauer college, mirth marfell, victorian royal college of nursing

Maker unknown. This blanket was part of the standard army issue kit and belonged to Lois Denshams father, who served at Gallipoli during the first world war. Before donating the blanket to the Running stitch collection, it was kept by Lois' Aunty Nita. Lois remembers that it was kept in her fathers original kit bag and kept at her aunts place because of sad memories about the war which her mother found difficult. The humble army blanket had many uses during war times. Issued with two blankets, it was all a soldier had as a bed to keep warm or without a tent, all they had to provide shelter from the sun, rain or wind. (They were supplemented with a woollen army 'great coat', but soldiers still had to huddle together as keeping warm and dry was a desperate game.) The Lighthorsemen used them under their standard leather saddles for extra padding and in the hospitals they were sometimes the only bedding for the wounded. This blanket belonged to Lois Denshams' father who served in the Australian Army in the First World War, landing at Gallipoli. Since the war, army blankets have come to be regarded as the basic type of blanket -no frills. This blanket was used in the Densham family since that time for camping trips.Grey woollen army blanket with stripes near either ends.world war i, running stitch group, running stitch collection

This amber satin evening outfit was worn by Mrs. Isabella Mitchell (nee Russell, 1840 – 1929) at the wedding of her brother Alexander (c.1846–1938) and Eliza (nee Moore c.1854–1939). The jacket and skirt attach to each other at the waist by joining the metal rings that are around the base of the jacket and to the metal hooks that are on the waistband of the skirt. The outfit was donated with its own mannequin and fits it perfectly. In the colonial days, outer clothing was rarely, if ever, washed, due to the expense of fabrics and difficulty in careful laundering. Clever methods were employed to reduce the occurrence of soiling. The mannequin included with the donation would also help keep the outfit in good shape as well as being used for ensuring a flattering fit. FAMILIES’ HISTORY The families connected with this wedding for which this outfit was worn are from Warrnambool’s colonial days. Isabella and Alexander’s parents, Robert Russell and Elizabeth (nee Mitchell) were both born in 1808 and married about 1830. They were from farming families in Northern Ireland where they raised their seven children there before migrating to Australia in the early colonial days, around 1857. Their graves are in the Tower Hill cemetery. Alexander’s wife Eliza (nee Moore, born in 1854) was also from Northern Ireland and migrated to Australia in 1858 with her parents, Thomas and Nancy Moore, in the last voyage of the sailing ship “Chance”. Isabella (Bella) talked with her grand-daughter Ruby Akers about her memories of Alexander and Eliza’s wedding and other events in her life. Ruby recorded these memories in a letter. She says “They were married in the Warrnambool Congregational Church by a pioneer minister, the Reverend Uriah Coombs. The bride wore a pale blue silk wedding gown which was made by herself. Bella was Matron of Honora and Ian McCasker was best man. In those days the transport to the church was usually a carriage – similar to a cab – and a pair of white ponies. They would have the reception at home and then go for a drive afterwards and at night there would be a dance. They did all the catering themselves … Eliza carried on farming in the Dennington, Yarpturk and Purnim districts until they moved to Camperdown around 1905…” Ruby’s letter later mentions “[Isabella] could recall seeing a blackfellows’ corroboree being performed near where the Dennington Bridge now stands. It was rather a terrifying experience, they seemed in a warlike mood and one never knew what they would do next. One lubra came running to granny crying, Hide me, bad man kill me. She was bleeding from a wound in the head. Probably the result of a blow from a waddy. My mother [Margaret Jane McLaughlan nee Mitchell], coming home from school, often met blackfellows walking ahead with spears and boomerang, the two lubras – he usually had two – following in the rear, carrying the children or any burdens they had.“ Margaret would probably have been in primary school in the 1800s when she saw these things. Alexander and Eliza had ten children. One of their daughters, Margaret Jane, was born in Warrnambool in 1879. She married William McCullagh and they had eleven children. Margaret made headlines in the Warrnambool newspapers for celebrating her 100th birthday. She had lived in the district for 60 years before moving to Melbourne. Alexander passed away at the age of 92, and Eliza passed away six months later aged 85. Their graves are in the Colac cemetery. Isabella married Ralph Mitchell and their daughter Margaret Jane married John McLauchlan in 1891. Margaret and John’s daughter, Ruby Elizabeth, Jane married Fredrick Akers in 1938. Fredrick was born in England and was a Boer War veteran and served in the British Army. He migrated to Queensland, Australia, in 1913 and he joined the Australian Army to fight in World War I. In 1935 he moved to Warrnambool where he served in the Volunteer Defence Corps 1938-1945. Both Ruby and Fredrick are buried in the Tower Hill Cemetery.Together, the evening outfit and the mannequin are examples of female fashion of the mid to late 1900s. They are also significant for their association with the colonial pioneer families of Australia, Victoria and Warrnambool. The outfit and mannequin are significant for their connection with a wedding uniting two colonial families from Northern Ireland who immigrated to Australia in the mid-1850s. The families had a significant role in the history of Warrnambool and district. The evening outfit and its mannequin are significant for its connection with colonial families and their contact with the indigenous culture of the district and the contact between the native and European people. This ladies’ evening outfit is made from amber coloured satin fabric. It comprises a short-waisted, long-sleeved jacket and long skirt and it has its own neck-to-floor wooden mannequin on a pedestal. The outfit was worn by Mrs. Isabella Mitchell (nee Russell) as the Matron of Honour at the wedding of her brother Alexander Russell and his fiancé Eliza Moore in Warrnambool, 29th April 1874. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, evening outfit, wedding outfit, bridesmaid’ outfit, matron of honour outfit, clothing female, clothing late 19th century, clothing wedding late 19th century, clothing bridesmaid late 19th century, clothing antique, clothing ladies, women’s clothing, women’s fashion, alexander russell, eliza russell, eliza moore, isabella mitchell, bella mitchell, bella russell, isabella russell, ralph russell, ian mccusker, ruby akers, fredrick william akers, ruby mclauchlan, margaret jane mclaughlan nee mitchell, margaret jane mclaughlan centenarian, william mclaughlan, robert russell, elizabeth russell nee mitchell, irish immigrants, warrnambool volunteer defence corps 1938-1945, antique satin outfit, warrnambool wedding 1874, congregational church warrnambool, reverend uriah coombs, dennington farmer, yarpturk farmer, purnim district farmer, camperdown resident 1905, dennington bridge, indigenous corroboree in dennington, corroboree in warrnambool, 1880s corroboree in warrnambool, lubra and baby, indigenous corroboree in warrnambool

This hat was worn by Joan Cahill during her service in the AWAS, where she served in the Signals Branch and rose to the rank of Corporal. The AWAS was formed in 1941, and its main objective was to support the Australian army in various ways. Over 24,000 women served in the AWAS, performing critical support roles such as clerical work, vehicle maintenance, and communications. The Signals Branch, which Joan Cahill served in, was responsible for providing reliable and secure communication services between the Australian army and Allied forces.Khaki women's army hat with grosgrain band wrapped around the circumference with a small metal rising sun attached.burke museum, beechworth, army service, army uniform, joan cahill, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two

This badge was awarded to Joan Cahill in 1948 for serving full-term in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women’s Army Service. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service were she rose to the rank of Corporal.Gold metal badge with wing, rising sun and anchor design, crown at top.OBVERSE: 'SERVICE / AUSTRALIA', REVERSE: '1948 / ISSUED BY C'WLTH GOVT / A307351 / AMOR / SYDNEYburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two, joan cahill

An Australia Service Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL / 1939-1945 / BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VI /burke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

An Army Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a light blue, dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: 1939 / 1945 BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VIburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two