Certificate issued by "California Gully Mechanics Institute/10th June 1946/ From the Citizens of California Gully.Photograph - colour photograph, half portrait of a soldier in uniform. Certificate beside photograph - in colour at top Australian Coat of Arms with two flags. print in Navy blue and brown ink. Three service badges illustrated. Frame - timber with marble effect paint finish, gold trim. Mount - Cardboard, dark green colour. Glass front. Backing - Cardboard.Handwritten in black ink on Certificate "Craftsman W. G.Wrights".framed items, certificates, ww2

From Title Page - "The/Avenue of Honour/ Ballarat/ A Living Monument to all Loyal Citizens/ of Ballarat who volunteered for Active Service/ Abroad.".Soft cover book - facsimile. Cover - light cardboard, black print front and back. Illustrated - front -. Memorial Arch Illustration, back soldier. Cloth tape binding. 108 pages - paper, cut, plain, white. Facsimile. Illustrated - black print copy on white paper, photograph and illustrations. Front cover top - owner's stamp and handwritten mark.Front cover top - owner's stamp, black ink "MR W. J. HAMMILL, A.A.I.M./ P.O. Box 76, Kangaroo Flat/ VICTORIA, 3555, AUSTRALIA" Handwritten in gray lead pencil "$15-".books, history, ww1

These Colours of the 38th BN are now laid up in the Bendigo Military Museum Pall Mall Bendigo (Soldiers Memorial Institute). They laid up in July 2015.Coloured photos of Kings Colours, Plaque in Darwin & Regimental Colours of 38th Battalion. Mounted on maroon background in brown frame with gold inner trim. Glass front, cardboard backing with wire hanging strap.Underneath photos on a white sticker: "The Kings Colours and Regimental Colours were presented on behalf on the citizens of Bendigo by Governor General Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson KCMC to the Battalion on 14th June 1916" "The Colours are at All Saints Cathedral Bendigo" RHS front bottom corner & LHS back sticker bearing: "No 71"passchendaele barracks trust, framed, photographs, 38th bn

Certificates issued to returning soldiers in Bendigo Shire WW2Coloured certificate with Australian & Union Jack flags & 7 service members at top. Cream background featuring Pall Mall Bendigo. Tan wooden frame with glass front, white backing with wire hanging strap on back.Printed on certificate: “TO YOU WHO SERVED 1939 - 1945. THE CITIZENS OF BENDIGO EXPRESS DEEP THANKFULNESS To N J Oliver” Signed by: “Major & Town Clerk” Bottom R: “Red seal”certificate, shire, bendigo

This item was hung in the Gallery of Honour, foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute since 11.11.1929. Commissioned by Drum Major WM DARWIN to comrades & citizens of his native city, Bendigo. After closure of the SMI for renovations 2016 - 18 the item was placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room" William Darwin No 780 enlisted on 18.8.1914 age 22 years in G Coy 7th BN AIF. Embark for Eygpt 19.10.1914, Hospital 15.3.1915 - 3.5.1915, embark for Gallipoli 5.4.1915, promoted to Act/Sgt 28.8.1915, on 28.9.1915 he was buried in an explosion and dug out 3/4 hours later, was unconcious for 2/3 days and had a leg wound. In amongst this he appears to have got Typhoid and never comes out of Hospital till 13.3.1916. He is returned to Australia and discharged medically unfit classed "Shell Shock".Rectangular dark brown ornate frame with glass, displaying a luminous painting. Pictured are 2 torches, a cross, a ship & a battlefield scene.“AIF. Bendigo Mourns Its Dead. Lest We Forget”brsl, smirsl, honors

Items relating to the collection re Alexander Norman Cummin No 18, 38th Batt AIF, his brother Harold Nesbit Cummin No 1239 Camel Corp. Refer 2535P (Alexander) 2530.3P (Harold) for their service details. .6) Graves photo. On the left, Sydney Graham Issell. He had 4 years pre war service in Senior cadets and Citizens Forces reaching the rank of Sgt. Enlisted on 8.2.1916 No 912 with the rank of Cpl, C Coy 38th Batt age 21 years 11 months. Embark for England 20.6.1916, promoted L/Sgt, embark for France 22.11.1916, hospital 13.5.1917 (NYD) rejoin unit 19.5.1917, WIA 29.5.1917 GSW chest then restated GSW Back, severe, rejoin unit 12.3.1918, KIA 1.8.1918. On the right, Harold James Fraser. He had 5 years pre war service in the Cadets and Citizens Forces. Enlisted on 27.10.1916 No 2802 6th reinforcements 38th Batt age 22 years. Embark for England 16.12.1916, moves through 10th, 14th Training Batt’s then 66th Batt on 28.4.1917, promoted Sgt and alloted No 2802A, embark for France 25.8.1917 as reinforcement 38th Batt, awarded the Military medal (MM)) 12.10.1917 East of Eypres, KIA 1.8.1918. Both were buried at Vaire Wood near Corbie. .1) 2 Australian soldiers in fatigues with what looks like a cooking apparatus, with letters below DROW EC (stylised). .2) 1/2 length portrait of an Australian soldier. .3) Casual portrait of a soldier sitting in fatigues, probably Sandy. Boots look muddy, scrub in background. .4) Portrait of 2 soldiers (allied) fully armed & wearing helmets. .5) Portrait of a soldier (allied) fully armed & dangerous. .6) Black & white photo of 2 graves with white crosses. Soldiers left cross: No 912 SGT SG ISSELL 38 BN AIF, Soldier right cross: No 2802 SGT HJ FRASER 38 BN AIF. .7) Black & white photo showing 2 Australian soldiers casually dressed in the ruins of an old factory. .8) Black & white mini photo showing building ruins & what appears to be derelict boilers. .9) Black & white mini photo showing what appears to be a WWI German soldier kamerading (surrendering). This is probably posing in captured enemy clothing. 10.) Black & white mini photo showing camels at rest. .11) Black & white mini photo showing a blown up British pattern tank MK1 on sandy terrain. A track has detached & curled up over the front of the tank. .1) verso: “Me & Sandy Port De Nieppe May 1917” .2) verso: “Taken in Liverpool, England while on <> leave Jan 1918. To Mother Father & all at home with love from Sandy”photography-photographs, military history - army, 38th

Black & white group photo of large number of Australian Soldiers seated at 2 long tables bearing beer bottles, glasses & crockery. They are in a large tent. On the tent poles are shields with colours & names of allied countries, Serbia, Canada can be seen. Above photo: “Breakfast Given to Reinforcements Prior to their departure” Below photo: “By the Citizens Camp Committee” October 28th 1915photography-photographs, frame accessories, civic momentoes

A pocket size booklet with a series of articles about Aleppo, Syria. This booklet was sent to an Australian family by a local citizen befriended by an Australia soldier serving in Syria during World War 2. The book inner cover is marked "To Val with best wishes from Bert?? Aleppo 1-2-47". The Foreword explains that during the period 1943-44 large numbers of servicemen were visiting the area hence the need for this document.printed title "Aleppo and its Environs"souvenir, ww2, world war 2, syria, aleppo, blundell

This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool.A common item which relates to a local soldier and World War 11.Round white metal medal with bar at top. Australian Coat of arms on front with image of George 6th on the reverse. Flat edge on medal with recipient's name and number engraved. it is housed in small cream card box with a small sheet of paper with summary of conditions of campaign stars and medals. The Australian Service medal 1939-1945. George VI G Br OMN Rex Et Indiae Imp VX88010 E H Swanwarrnambool, ernest henry swan

This medal was issued to commemorate the end of World War 2 and was issued to eligible living veterans or their widows/widowers.It comes in a black card and fabric lined box. It has been issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool. A common object with over 300000 minted but with a link to a local person and commemorating an event of world importance.Gold metal round medal with Australian coat of Arms on one side and stylised image of outline of Australia on the obverse side. Mounted in black card box.World War 11 Service to Australia. World War 11 60years 1945-2005warrnambool, ernest swan, 60th anniversary medallion ww2

He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool. The soldiers' settlement program was instigated after both world wars whereby land was made available to returning soldiers. Some of the land was Crown land and some was acquired. This document is an official statement of his service.This document has social significance and interest as it is representative of thousands of local men who served in World War 2. It is a link also to the Soldiers' settlement programCream paper with black text. Personal details of Ernest Henry Swan have been typed into fields. text in the centre of the reverse.Signed E H Swan. date of issue is 11/08/1976.Army number VX88010.warrnambool, e h swan, e h swan statement of service

The Port of Warrnambool - In the early years the Port of Warrnambool was a busy port. Steamships and sailing ships were frequent visitors to the port. Steam navigation companies were plentiful, carrying passengers and freighting cargo such as coal, timber, food, livestock, furniture, hardware and haberdashery between Melbourne and the ports along the southwest coast of Victoria, including Warrnambool. The carts would take their loads into the township for distribution. The Breakwater was built (using 32 ton blocks of concrete) between 1874 and 1890 to provide ships with greater protection from the Southern Ocean. The Lifeboat and Rocket House - The coastline of South West Victoria has had over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it, followed in 1864 by a rocket house to safely store the Rocket Rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost one hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain and improve their skills, summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Joseph Jordan - Joseph Jordan was born in 1841 in Leicester England. When he was 16 he joined the 7th Queen's Own Hussars and was sent to India at the outbreak of the mutiny. He took part in the relief of Lucknow and remained in India for eleven years. It was during this time, he became interested in photography. He was posted to New Zealand and later came to Victoria, becoming a sergeant major of the Mounted Rifles. In the mid 1880s he came to the Western district where he was responsible for establishing units of the Mounted Rifles in various country towns such as Dunkeld, Mortlake, Panmure, Bushfield, Koroit etc. He resigned from the army in 1889 and set up a professional photography studio in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. He became very well known in the Western District for family photographs, official photographs of local councillors and groups as well as views of local scenery. In 1891 he photographed the wrecked barque "Fiji" at "Wrecks Beach" near Princetown. His business was taken over by his son Arthur around 1917. Joseph was a keen rifle shot and in 1924 he donated the "Jordan Shield" as a prize to the Victorian Rifle Association. He was made a "Life Honorary Member" of the Warrnambool Returned Soldiers League and in 1933 he was recognised as being the oldest living soldier in Victoria. Joseph died in 1935 aged 95.This photograph is significant for its association with the Port of Warrnambool and the Warrnambool Breakwater as it shows a point in time when shipping activities were an important part of Warrnambool's commerce and social development. It is also a record of the Warrnambool Lifeboat and Rocket house which was important in aiding ordinary citizens, harbour employees and the volunteer boat and rescue crew in saving the lives of sailors and passengers due to the high number of shipwrecks that occurred along the coastline. Joseph Jordan is a significant figure in Warrnambool history as he helped to establish early units of the Mounted Rifles (G Company) in local towns during the late 1880's and later, photographed local scenes, groups and citizens of early Warrnambool. Sepia photograph showing the beach and the Breakwater in Lady Bay Warrnambool, two ships (a steamship and a barque), a small sailboat, and the Lifeboat and Rocket House plus two smaller sheds.Front of photo - BREAKWATER, WARRNAMBOOL, VICTORIA Back of photo - "From: P Gregory / 365 Beach Road / BLACK ROCK 3193"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, warrnambool, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, breakwater, lifeboat and rocket shed, steamship, barque, photograph of lady bay, rocket house, shipping, joseph jordan, lady bay, views of warrnambool, jordan photography

Frank Wright was conductor of the Ballarat Soldiers' Memorial Band. Paper warrant with printed and handwritten text. It is an Australian Military Forces Warrant made out to Frank Joseph Henry Wright (290530) Band Serjeant of the 8th Battalion. The warrant was for the Australian citizen Military Forces from 01 February 1933.frank wright, 8th battalion, citizen military forces, warrant, music, band

Red hardcovered scrapbook with news clippings relating to the Ballarat School of Mines.ballarat school of mines, world war one, news clippings, scrapbook, william e. moon, john h. smyth, david l. thomas, clay, maurice copland, repatriation, g. buchanan, j.m. bickett, harrie wood, cliff garrad, harold c. cornell, f.g. marriott, technical education, classes for soldiers, w.h. middleton, e.j. cannon, ted cannon, ponsonby carew-smythe, boer war memorial, amalie feild, antarctica, fred middleton, richard vale obituary, rand, stephen richards, richard g. walker, world war one chemists, frank tate, free instruction for soldiers, ken moss, girls' preparatory, eureka stockade pageant commitee, fred g. middleton, shackelton relief party, aurora, emil gutheil obituary, henry james hall obituary, william elphick moon, arthur tandy, john mcwhae, harold bieske, james millhinch bickett obituary, wild flower show, technical schools conference, ballarat, allan t. perry, ballarat pottery clay, citizen soldiers' camp, george buchanan obituary, clifford garrard, james dyer woolcott obituary, frank penhalluriack, w.s> penhalluriack, annie whitla, ballarat school of mines jubilee, anniversary, university classes, maurice copland obituary, boot repairing, museum rennovation, bootmaking, f.g. marriott obituary, vocational training classes, j.d. woolcott obituary, ferdinand krause obituary, ferdinand krause, emil guthiel, cornell, spanish flu, pneumonic flu, pandemic

Former SMB mining student Alfred Johnston was the son of Charles Johnston of Cork, Ireland, and Elizabeth Jameson, the family owning a large furniture store in Fitzroy. Alfred joined the Fifth Victorian (Mounted Riffles) contingent at the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. The October 1901 Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Students Magazine reported 'Alf. Johnston's gone. The news came as a shock to all of us at the school. He who was with us a few short months ago, in all strength of sturdy manhood, has met a soldier's death in South Africa, and we sincerely mourn his loss…. His heart was in the school, and he did his best to further its interests … His last act on leaving Australian shores was to send a telegram from Albany to Prof. Mica Smith, to whom he was warmly attached, wishing the School and all connected with it "Good-bye". In his short, all to short, life of 29 years, he had more adventure than falls the lot of most men, and possibly the spirit of adventure, and also, of duty, prompted him to throw in his lot with the "colors," and leave for the front. The news of his death comes to us with added weight of sadness when we remember that he was one of the organisers of the School entertainment last year to help swell the fund for the erection of a statue to fallen Victorian soldiers.' The SMB Annual Report of 1901 recognised the loss of one of their students: 'Mr Johnston was, until the date of his leaving for active military service in South Africa, one of our students. While here besides being regarded as a general favourite for his urbanity and manliness, he was noted as a faithful, diligent, and most successful student. The news of Lieutenant Johnston's death cast quite a gloom over the school and it was early decided that in addition to a letter of condolence sent to his parents a bronze tablet, suitably inscribed, be erected to his memory in some prominent part of the school. On the 4th November last the ceremony of unveiling the memorial tablet was performed by Professor A. Mica Smith in the presence of several members of the late Lieutenant A.G. Johnston's family, the President and Members of Council, the Staff and Students of the School, and a number of prominent citizens.Brass shield used to commemorate the death of former Ballarat School of Mines graduate Alfred G. Johnston who died during the Boer War. In memory of Alfred G. Johnston Lieut. Fifth Regt V.M.R., and student of this school who fell at Rhenoster Kop, South Africa May 7th 1901 aged 29 years. An esteemed student and a gallant soldier.boer war, victorian mounted rifles, alfred johnston, memorial, rhenoster kop, south africa, south african war

Attached to his R.S.L. Membership Card along with the funeral notice, is a subsequent newspaper article written at the time of Walter West's death, which reads: Death of Pioneer Settler/ A pioneer settler of/ the Red Cliffs irigation/ district and one of the/ last men to be evacuated/ from Gallipoli, died sud/denly on Saturday night/ aged 84./ In 1922 Mr. Watler Thomas/ West came to Red Cliffs/ where he established Block/ 86 in the irrigation district./ He lived there until his/ death on Saturday after playing bowls at the Red/ Cliffs rinks on Saturday/ afternoon./ Mr. West was born in Jeparit and served with the/ 24th Battalion in Egypt and/ Gallipoli./ He was awarded the Mili/tary Medal in France in/ 1917 and the Military Cross/ in 1918 when he captured/ single handed an enemy/ machine gun post./ He settled at Red Cliffs/ on his return when the/ area was placed under irri-/gation./ For 25 years he operated/ a unique partnership with/ the late Mr. Martin Nippe, his adjoining property/ owner. The pair pooled their/ horticultural equipment for/ joint use./ Mr. West joined Mildura/ Legacy in 1942 and was an/ active member until his/ death./ The funeral will be held at the United Church, Red/ Cliffs this morning at 10.30Type written obituary, presumably used when Walter West,MC,MM, died.Walter West MC,MM/ Red Cliffs residents were saddened to learn of the sudden passing on Saturday last/ of Walter Thomas West MC,MM., a Pioneer/settler and well respected citizen./ "Wal" as he was affectionately known, was/ born at Dandenong some 84years ago./ He served with distinction in World War 1/ with 24th Battalion. He was an original ANZAC, and also saw service in/ Egypt and France. He received two awards for gallantry in the field - The Military/ Medal in France 1917 and the Military Cross in France/ in 1918 when he was responsible for the/ single handed capture of an enemy gun and crew./ He was an original soldier settler and developed/ his fruit block in Red Cliffs which is still/ operated by his son Tom. In 1922 he/ became an original Trustie of the Methodist/Church and was the last surviving original/ Trustie. He served on the Board of/ directors of the Red Cliffs Co-Operative Co.Ltd/ from 1954 to 1967, and was Chairman of Directors/ in 1963 and 1964. He showed a keen interest/ in youth activities and some excellent cricketers/ were produced as a result of his coaching of/ the Methodist Junior Cricket Team. He was an/ active and keen member of Mildura Legacy/ for 34 years, serving as President in 1947 and 1948./ He was secretary of the Cemetary Trust for many years, served on the Hospital Committee/ was a member of Memorial Lodge, a member of Red Cliffs Senior Citizens Club and a /member of Red Cliffs Sub-Branch R.S.L. since / it's inception./ He was a keen member of the Red Cliffs/ Bowling Club and took part in a club event on/ the day of his passing./ It was the pioneer settler and men with ability/ and initiative of Walter West that brought/ out the Community Spirit which resulted in/ the Red Cliffs we know today.1918, 1917, ww1, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc, 24th, battalion, aif, gallipoli, bullecourt

August Rietmann (1877-1951) of Lustdorf ,Switzerland, married Maria Frieda Oesschlager (2/21878- 22/7/1942) of Baden Baden, Germany on 6/8/1910 In 1915 August and his wife Frieda migrated to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. They leased Box Cottage, Ormond in 1917 and raised two children, Stefanie (1918 -2006) and William (1920- 1997). 1935 August purchased the property and the family used the Cottage during the day and slept in the Front House. August was a monumental mason, potter and sculptor, and was employed at Corbens Ltd Clifton Hill, to carve war memorials in Victoria post WW1 c 1915-1922. During the 1920's August set up his own business in pressed cement making pot plants, columns,paving slabs and lampstands. He continued to carve headstones and figures and took contract work for Artists eg Paul Mountford. He built a workshop in the Barn and used the Cottage for plaster moulding. His son William joined the business and and the family continued to use the site after August died in 1951. Rietmann Landscaping Ltd moved to Bay Road Highett in 1953 and later to Carrum. The land, containing the Box Cottage, was sold to Lewis Timber Pty Ltd in 1970 and Mr Lewis proposed that Moorabbin City Council should preserve the heritage Cottage. In 1984 the Cottage was dismantled and reconstructed in the adjacent Joyce Park. The Rietman family is an example of the diverse nationalities that lived and worked productively in Moorabbin Shire 1871–1933 , the City of Moorabbin 1934-1994 and continues today in the Cities of Glen Eira, Kingston, Bayside, and Monash. August, a sculptor and stone mason, was employed by Corben Pty Ltd Clifton Hill to carve WW1 Memorials before establishing his own successful masonry business in the Box Cottage during the latter 1920s. After becoming interested in pressed cement casting, he took on apprentices (1930s Depression) and among his products were garden furniture, pots and also street lamp standards, some of which were installed in St Kilda Road. After August’s death in 1951, his family continued the business ‘Rietman’s Landscaping Ltd.’, at Highett and Carrum.Documents a) Census 1914 Household Register Lustdorf, Switzerland; b) Census 1915 Household Register Lustdorf, Switzerland; c) Swiss Confederation Citizen ship I.D Pass Frieda Rietman 4/8/1915;Printed Government Documents in Swiss Language lustdorf switzerland, rietmann august, rietman august, rietmann frieda, rietman frieda, stonnington city town hall, war memorials, world war 1 1914-1918, rietman stefanie, rennick stefanie, francis stefanie, rietman william, rietman ray, mountford paul, malvern city town hall,box cottage museum ormond, box william, box elizabeth, joyce park ormond, rietman's landscaping pty ltd, bay road highett, macrobertson pty ltd, coleraine soldier memorial 1921,, box cottage museum ormond

World War 1 1914-18 affected most families in Moorabbin Shire with large numbers of young men enlisting in the Australian Infantry Force. Alonzo Sheldrake Box , a pavier of Oakleigh, Victoria served at Gallipoli, France and Somme . When he returned home Oakleigh, like many Australian Towns, celebrated his safety and courage by presenting him with this Gold Medal. Each town also mourned the loss of so many soldiers and collected money from the residents to build War Memorials on which were engraved the names of the deceased soldiers. Alonzo Sheldrake Box (1851 - 1958) was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who lived in Box Cottage , East Brighton - now Ormond -. He married Mary Louisa Closter on June 12th 1918 at Holy Trinity, Church of England, Oakleigh.Alonzo Box was the son of John Box, who migrated from Sussex, England with his brother William Box c1855 , and established a market garden in East Brighton that was part of the Henry Dendy ' Special Survey Brighton 1841'A gold metal medal with top crest , 2 attachment rings, engraved on both sides presented to Alonzo Sheldrake Box 'For God King and Country. Aus. 1914 'Front ; outer circle - FOR GOD KING AND COUNTRY AUS. 1914 inner circle - tableau of a woman, rising sun and fighting soldiers Back : outer circle - PRESENTED BY THE CITIZENS OF OAKLEIGH centre - IN / RECOGNITION OF / SERVICE RENDd./ A.S.BOX / AIF / laurel wreathworld war 1914-18, moorabbin shire, early settlers, pioneers, box alonzo, box william, australian military medals, anzac, gallipoli, sheldrake martha, box elizabeth, box mary louisa, closter mary, war memorials, wedding dress, box john, viloudakia - box rebecca,

A letter sent to the Secretary of the trustees of the Bentleigh Recreation Reserve, from Lucy Wood, for the Bentleigh Soldier's Comfort League requesting the use of the Burgess Pavilion for the Leagues meetings. The Bentleigh Soldier’s Comforts League is but one example of many other organisations that made use of the pavilion. After the League’s inaugural meeting a letter was sent to the Trustees of the Recreation Preserve Bentleigh requesting the use of the pavilion to hold their meetings. The objects of the Bentleigh Soldier’s Comforts League were: 1. To provide comforts for Bentleigh boys on active duty 2. To ensure a suitable public welcome upon their return 3. To visit the sick and wounded ones at the Military hospitals A committee of local ladies formed a committee, An amount of 2s was allotted to each worker who endeavored by personal effort to increase that sum. A Gymkhana, in association with the Equestrienne Club, was held to raise funds to help the return soldiers and to send Xmas boxes to the soldiers on active duty abroad. Lucy Wood (1872 - 1956) was the wife of William Howard Wood (1868 - 1947). William and Lucy lived in Jasper Road opposite the recreational reserve. William was a poultry breeder and a local accountant, auditor, real estate, insurance and general commission agent.The efforts made by the citizens of the Shire of Morrabbin to send comforts to the troups overseas during WWI, and to welcome home the soldiers.A hand written letter wwi, city of moorabbin, lucy wood, burgess pavilion, bentleigh recretional reserve, william burgess, fundraising, xmas boxes, bentleigh soldier’s comforts league, bentleigh, moorabbin

The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment

A certificate in a brown glassed frame presented by the RSL and Citizens of Victoria ''Operation and Gratitude'' Appeal Committee to the patrons of the Royal Princess Theatre, Bendigo. July-September, 1956. There is a photo the Govenor of Victoria General Sir Dallas Brookscivic mementoes, plaques, royal princess theatre, bendigo, lydia chancellor, collection, plaque, certificate, 'operation gratitude, ' royal princess theatre' bendigo, the returned soldiers league