Showing 232 items
matching military history - records
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Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE INTERIM, RAAF, 1) 29.1.46; .2) 29.9.45
... military history - service records... 2126.2. documents - certificates military history - service ...Donald Henry Harris. Refer 2318 for service history also 2126.2..1) Interim Discharge Certificate RAAF re HARRIS, DONALD HENRY - 141844, LAC. Small blue folded parchment paper, black writing. Front has crown & wings, Royal Aust Airforce Interim Certificate of Discharge, inside are his details. .2) Paper yellowed, ink & pencil writing re D.H HARRIS & entitlement to wear 1939-45 Star & Pacific Star.documents - certificates, military history - service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE WW1, 31/1/1919
... military history-service records... military history-service records Kirkham Certificate of discharge ...James Joseph Kirkham No 685 enlisted in the AIF with F Coy 8th Batt on 21.8.1914 age 25 years. Embarked for Egypt 19.10.1914, embark for Gallipoli 5.4.1915, hospital 19.5.1915 with Influenza then Rhuematism, return to Gallipoli 6.8.1915. Embark for France 26.3.1916, hospital 25.4.1917 with Appendicitis, return to unit 10.12.1917, attached to 1st Pioneer Batt 9.3.1918, return to Australia, leave for 1914 personnel 8.10.1918, discharged from the AIF 31.9.19. Refer 1283, 1986P.Certificate of discharge, Register No 1135 for Pte James Joseph Kirkham no 685, 1st Pioneers, 31/1/1919. Details name, rank, regt no, enlistment date, service at home and abroad, reason for discharge and discharge date. Certificate has been laminated.documents - certificates, military history-service records, kirkham -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - DEMOBILIZATION PROCEDURE BOOK WW2, NSW Press, Demobilization Procedure, 7.3.1946
... military history - service records...Refer Cat No 2891.4 military history - service records ...Refer Cat No 2891.4Demobilisation procedure book AAB 87 Book No 441263 For Private Raymond HEWSTON VX64672.military history - service records, demobilization, procedure -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - RECORD OF SERVICE, DISCHARGE & LICENCE, 3) G.W.G & S, WW 2
... , 192.2. documents licences military history service records .1 ...Frederick Clive Victor Lowery, VX28403 2nd AIF. Refer 190P, 192.2..1) Record of Service book A.A.B 83 re CPL F. Lowery, brown card cover. Some writing inside back cover. .2) A.I.F. Army Driving Licence AAF.G11 No 263576, dark brown tri-fold re F Lowery. .3) Certificate of Discharge No 185876 re F. Lowery. Parchment paper printed both sides with details of service in the AIF..1) "VX28403 CPL LOWERY F" .2) "VX28403 Lowery Frederick Victor Clive"documents, licences, military history, service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Financial record - PAY BOOK ARMY WW1, Soldiers pay
... military history - service records...documents - financial military history - service records mt ...Australian Soldiers pay book (Army Book 64) WWI For use on Active servicemt. 5471 CPL. Albert Edwardsdocuments - financial, military history - service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - RECORD OF SERVICE, DEMOBILIZATION, LICENCE WW2, c.1940 onwards
... military history - service records.... military history - service records documents - licences “HEWSTON H ...Herbert Hewston VX71132, refer Cat No 2893.2 for his service history. Part of the HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2..1) Army Driving Licence, folded material covered, brown. .2) Record of Service Book, brown. .3) Demobilization Procedure Book, brown.“HEWSTON H T, VX71132”military history - service records, documents - licences -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - SERVICE RECORDS, SHIRE OF KORONG CERTIFICATE, c.WWII
... military history - service records...-certificates-records military history - service records Shire .1 ...HERBERT THOMAS (BILL) HEWSTON No VX71132 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 6.1.1942 age 28 years 2 months. On discharge from the Army on 9.1.1946 he was a Pte in 106 Tank Attack Regiment. Part of the HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2. .1) Certificate, colour illustrated on white paper, printed in black & red ink with coloured Coat of Arms of Commonwealth Countries. .2) Service records, black & white paper, photocopies 8 pages..1) “The Call to Arms, Shire of Korong Tribute Certificate”documents-certificates-records, military history - service records, shire -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - CARD, WHERE THE AUSTRALIANS REST WW1, 2) 1.4.1916
... - memorials military history - army records memorial tombstones ...“Where the Australians Lie”. Robert Thomas Heard No 5105 enlisted in the AIF in 16th reinforcements 7th Batt on 24.1.1916 age 26 years 8 months. Embarked for Egypt 7.4.1916, transfer to 59th Batt 24.5.1916, embark for France 21.6.1916, transfers to the 57th Batt 22.7.16, KIA Ypres 21.3.1918. His name is remembered on the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo Honour roll..1) Memorial card, 4 pages, light fawn colour re R.T Heard. Front has the Rising Sun symbol badge, under is " Australian Imperial Force." Page 2 has the details of the soldier, name , rank, number and place of burial . Page 3 is a photo of the grave. Page 4 is who the card was received by. .2) Post card photo, sepia tone , portrait of a solder, writing on rear. Two sets of writing on the rear, one in purple pencil and one in black ink. The black writing was done by someone else at a later date. .1) " Heard, Robert Thomas , 5105, Private, 57th Battalion, LaPlus Douve Farm Military Cemetry Plot 3 row B Messines Belgium." .2) " Yours Truly, Bro, R.T. H.” (In purple) “ Se.. Australia 1.4.16, killed in action 21.3.18 aged 28 years & 10 months.” (In ink)documents - memorials, military history - army, records, memorial tombstones, photography - photographs -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE WW1, 25.11.1919
... military history-service records... disorder.) documents-certificates military history-service records ...William John Gundry No 3525 enlisted in 8th reinforcements 21st Batt AIF on 9.7.1915 age 18 years 9 months. Embarked for Egypt 29.12.1915, transfer to 57th Batt 15.3.1916, embark for France 17.6.1916, attends Aust Corps School 27.7.1918 to 23.8.1918, embark for Australia 13.4.1919, discharged from the Army 25.11.1919 classed medically unfit with “Chorea” (A neurological disorder.)Laminated discharge certificate for William John GUNDRY with details of name, number, enlistment, time served, personnel details.documents-certificates, military history-service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE VDC, 7/2/1946
... military history-service records... service. documents-certificates military history-service records ...Joseph Frederick Gunston enlisted in the VDC 15.5.42 and was discharged on 8.14.45. Refer Cat No’s 1640, 1641, 1643.4 for WW1 service.Volunteer Defence Corp discharge certificate No 32211 re J.F Gunston."V.365566 . CPL. GUNSTON J.F - 4 Bn. V.D.C. Vic"documents-certificates, military history-service records, vdc -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - HONOURABLY DISCHARGED WW1, FRAMED, post WW1
... military history - service records... - certificates frame accessories military history - service records ...ARTHUR STANLEY SPOONER No 379 enlisted in A Coy 38th Batt on 25.2.1916 age 24 years 7 months. Embarked for England 20.6.1916, hospitalised 2.8.1916 with Influenza, hospitalised 23.9.1916 with displaced Cartlage, classified BIA. Moved through Training Battalion & No 2 Convalescent Depot in England. Returned to Australia 27.9.1917 for discharge classed Chronic Synovitis left leg, Odema left leg & discharged from the AIF 20.2.1918.Tan wooden frame, glass front, newspaper backing. Print in red & black ink."Arthur S Spooner Australian Imperial Force Served with honour & was disabled in the Great War Honourably discharged 20.2.18 George R J Certificate No V1308"documents - certificates, frame accessories, military history - service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE & DIARY RAAF, 1) RAAF Printing Unit, 1) 13.1.1946; .2) 4.3.44 - 1.10.45
... military history - service records... - diaries - certificates military history - service records .1 ...The diary is typed from the original, refer 2129. Donald Henry Harris. Refer 2318 for service history..1) Certificate of Service & Discharge RAAF re 141844, LAC DONALD HENRY HARRIS. Parchment paper, yellow colour, black typing, red underlining. Has service dates, musterings, physical description. .2) Diary, typed on 8 pages of A4 white paper re D.H HARRIS, 9 Taylor Street, Castlemaine. Diary dates are from 4.3.1944 to 1.10.1945.documents - diaries - certificates, military history - service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - SERVICE CERTIFICATE NZEF, FRAMED, Bethany Gallery, c.WWI
... military history-service records... - certificates military history-service records The Great War 1914 - 1918 ...Pte HARRY THOMPSON No 69437 New Zealand Expeditionary Force WW1. Refer 2027 for his service details. Illustrated certificate, brown & black ink printed on cream paper, mount in brown & green cardboard & brown frame.The Great War 1914 - 1918 Certificate of Service in the NZEF for Pte Harry Thompson 69437 Stamp on back: Bethany Gallery 116 Bridge St Bendigodocuments - certificates, military history-service records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - RECORD OF SERVICE BOOK, CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE, KOREA, 1) 11.2.52, .2) 30.3.79
... military history - service records... Medal Korea. military history - service records Korea .1) Record ...Both items are re F.E.T Groves, Signalman. Enlisted 11.1.52. Discharged 10.2.61. Served Korea with 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment 25.7 1953 to 24.7.1954, awarded Korea Medal, UN Service Medal Korea..1) Record of Service Book (AAB83) Re 3/3895 Pte F.E.T Groves. Brown coloured cardboard covers, record of service medial, issues kit. .2) Certificate of Service, whitish coloured, dark blue, light blue crown centre with crossed swords under. Gold coloured metal frame. Details re Frank Ernest Theodore Groves.military history - service records, korea -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - MEMORABILIA WW1, FRAMED, c. Post WW1 frame and letter
... goldfields military history - memorabilia service records ...Collection of memorabilia relating to W J BOWMAN mounted in narrow black wooden frame with gold inner edge & glass. Letter from DON BOWMAN re ROD PINDER; flat piece of metal etched with W J BOWMAN's army number, name & regiment, temporary Duplicate Pay Book with W J BOWMAN's details written in ink.Pay Book: "2308 BOWMAN W J 1st Field SQDN Engineers"military history - memorabilia, service records, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - SERVICE, DOMOBILIZATION, PAY BOOKS, MEDALS, BADGES, post 1946
... military history memorabilia - service records numismatics ...Framed set of memorabilia pertaining to St Agnes Fraser WATSON. Featuring black & white photo, medals, colour patches, name badge, Rising Sun Badge, Service Badge, army driving licence, Record of Service Book, Demobilization Procedure Book & Certificate of Discharge. Australian Women's Army Service badge. All mounted on green card & quasi wooden plastic frame.In ink on sticker lower L corner back: Colour Patches Signals & Q'LAND L of Cmilitary history, memorabilia - service records, numismatics-medals-badges-army, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - CERTIFICATE OF DISCHARGE, PAY BOOK, LICENCE, FRAMED, C. 1965 - 69
... military history - army/service records...documents - certificates/licences military history - army ...Frame, black metal, glass front, containing 4 articles relating to service of 3162723, Pte LAURENCE RAYMOND HUFER. 1. Interim Discharge Certificate. 2. Certificate of Discharge. 3. Army Driving Licence. 4. Soldiers Pay Book.documents - certificates/licences, military history - army/service records, passchendaele barracks trust -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1916-17
Portrait of William Edward Peach in First World War military uniform, holding a crop in front of his thighs with military kit on the ground behind him. A Beechworth postal employee who enlisted in 1915, this photograph is probably taken in 1917, as he is a corporal in the photo and was promoted to this rank in May 1917. This photograph is of historic significance as it depicts William Edward Peach, a Beechworth postal assistant who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on his nineteenth birthday, 5 August 1915, which required his parents' permission. He was decorated with the military medal for his courage in battle 4/5 October 1917 at the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge near Ypres, the most successful allied attack of the Third Battle of Ypres (31 July to 10 November 1917), also known as the Battle of Paschendale, which saw the greatest loss of human life during World War One, with almost half a million lives were lost on all sides. According to the recommendation for his military medal, Peach 'displayed conspicuous courage and initiative', taking charge after his platoon commander became a casualty, handling the men 'under heavy fire with great skill'. He also assisted the Company Commander in reorganising their military objectives. The photograph is of social as well as historic significance for the Beechworth community, because it provides a direct link between local, national and international histories in relation to Australia' s participation in one of WWI's best-known battles. The record has strong research potential given the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Peach is also one of the diarists of WWI, including of this significant period of Australian military history, from 1916 to 18, which can be accessed via the Australian War Memorial. Sepia rectangular photograph printed on gloss Kodak photographic paper mounted on board. Reverse: BMM 8779 item catalogue number pencilled in right-hand bottom corner.military medal, defending australia and victoria, military service, hmat a64 demosthenes, wipers, anzac, burke museum, beechworth, ypres, australian military services, beechworth post office, first world war, wartime, our boys, belgium, flanders fields, ww1, british war medal, victory medal, broodseinde, third battle of ypres -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken some time between 1914-18 in France, the photograph depicts extensive wreckage of a railway train. There are collapsed buildings, debris, and helmets scattered all across the landscape. There is one unidentified soldier standing in the middle of the photograph. With research that is currently available, it can be inferred that the wreckage depicted in this photograph is from the tragic Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment which occurred on December 12, 1917. The railway accident involved a troop train carrying almost 1,000 French soldiers on their way home for leave from the Italian Front in World War I. As the train descended into the Maurienne Valley, a sudden, uncontrollable acceleration caused a catastrophic crash and subsequent fire. 675 people died in the accident.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Additionally, there is only limited information available about the Sant-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment. The record may be a useful springboard for further investigation into this accident and its history.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 6530 / Destruction of train carrying / German helmets (?) to (?) prior to / his retreat at Charleroi /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, charleroi, train, military, wreckage, europe, belgium, saint-michel-de-maurienne, maurienne valley -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken some time between 1914-18, depicted is a large group of unidentified males. Four of them are dressed in Australian military uniforms. The remaining 19 men are dressed in striped uniforms. The male in the centre of the front row is cradling a football, suggesting that the group was part of a football or rugby league team. It is believed that the soldiers in this photograph were part of the Australian Imperial Force. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on their uniforms. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Additionally, they are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Sport has always been entwined with war. Both sport and war demand peak physical fitness, camaraderie, strategy, and allegiance to a team collaboratively working towards a common goal: to win. The connection between sport and war is especially strong in Australia since these two concepts form the basis of our national identity. The Australian War Memorial has a number of World War I recruitment posters linking war and sport in its collection. One of the posters produced in 1915 by the State Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in Victoria attempted to shame young men into enlisting by juxtaposing the image of an Australian soldier standing guard over his deceased mate with a photograph of a Victorian Football League match. Another poster, produced in 1917, features vignettes of different sports including cricket, bowling, boxing, kayaking and golf. Its slogan reads, "Join Together - Train Together - Embark Together - Fight Together: Enlist in the Sportman's 1000".The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Additionally, the record presents a unique opportunity to further explore the relationship between the arts, sport and war. This statement of significance has already established that war is integral to Australia's national identity - and sport is of equal importance. Specifically, the record begs to question how the peak physical fitness and camaraderie valued in team sports were creatively translated into military recruitment campaigns during World War I. Evidently, this record and its historic context demonstrates that there is potential here, and if further research is completed on this topic, it may provide insight into Australian military recruitment tactics used in the past and present, and into the future.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Reverse: 6529 / hyossest (?) / (?)1/11/1 /military album, army, military, war, wwi, world war i, sport, football, rugby, aif, australian imperial force -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a house in the bottom right corner. A dotted line has been drawn across the photograph, marking the section of trenches that belonged to British forces during World War I. It is believed that the line marking on this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3FE.O.146 / G2R 29 . 6 . 18 (Y p.m) / F= 10 1/4 / British Line / ------------------------------------------ / P. 250 1040 / 0. 30d. 0010 / 0. 30d. 3070 /military album, military, war, wwi, world war i, france, great britain, trenches, village, rural, western front -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a cluster of houses in the top right corner. It is believed that this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3.FE.2.291 / 62D O.20bd.P.25O.C / 16.7.18 / 12 / F 8 1/4 / Reverse: 6532military album, military, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, trenches -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1916
The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in Egypt on 4 March 1916, during World War I. Depicted are three unidentified Australian soldiers part of the Australian Imperial Force. They are dressed in military uniforms. Each of these men are seated atop a camel's back. All three camels are draped in - what are believed to be - traditional Egyptian textiles, including tassels, carpets and beads. In the background, we can see a triangular pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) were established by the Australian government in August 1914. This announcement marked the beginning of Australia's involvement in World War I. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first contingent of the AIF departed Australia by ship in November 1914. England was their destination. Although, their convoy was diverted to Egypt after the Australian High Commissioner in London, Sir George Reid, and the British military authorities unanimously agreed that the overcrowded military camps in England were unsuitable for so many men over winter. The AIF disembarked in Alexandria, Egypt on 3 December 1914, and the men moved to training camps near Cairo. It was in Egypt that the AIF and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) formed one united corps - the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). This group of troops trained in the desert beneath the pyramids until March 1915.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. The record's unique research potential is strengthened by its relationship to a historically significant site: the Egyptian pyramids. Since the postcard was produced in 1916, the record can be used as primary evidence for historians and conservationists studying these sites, or how these sites have evolved over time. The record may also be a useful resource for those interested in the history of Egyptian textiles. Furthermore, it may also provide insight into international relations between Egypt and Australia in the past and present.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: 172 / Reverse: 6536 / CARTE POSTALE / 4/3/16 / Rough riders under / the shadow of the / pyramids /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, egypt, pyramid, great sphinx of giza, textiles, australian imperial force, aif, uniform -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1918
It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken some time between 1914-1918. Depicted are five unidentified Australian soldiers. They are all dressed in military uniforms. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are rectangular colour patches. One is visible on the soldier in the front row, first from the left on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the right arms of a soldier’s tunic. The sepia nature of the record means that we cannot determine the colour, and therefore cannot establish which battalion this soldier was part of. Furthermore, the man seated in the middle of the front row has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the sepia nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / hyossest (?) / 6538 /military album, army, aif, australian imperial force, postcard, wwi, world war i, portrait, soldiers -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of Villers-Bretonneux in France, a region which was part of the Western Front during World War I. The image mostly shows rural landscape. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. The First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 30 March - 5 April 1918. It took place during Operation Michael, part of the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. The offensive began against the British Fifth Army and the Third Army on the Somme, and pushed back the British and French reinforcements on the north side of the Somme. The capture of Villers-Bretonneux, close to Amiens, a strategically important road and rail-junction, would have brought the Germans within artillery-range. In late March, troops from the Australian Imperial Force were brought south from Belgium as reinforcements to help shore up the line. In early April, the Germans launched an attack to capture Villers-Bretonneux. After a determined defence by British and Australian troops, the attackers were close to success until a counter-attack by the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade and British troops late in the afternoon of 4 April restored the situation and halted the German advance on Amiens. The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 24 - 27 April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive to the east of Amiens. It is notable for being the first occasion on which tanks fought against each other. A counter-attack by two Australian brigades and a British brigade during the night of 24 April partly surrounded Villers-Bretonneux, and on 25 April, the town was recaptured. On 26 April, the role of the Moroccan division of the French army was crucial in pushing back German units. Australian, British and French troops nearly restored the original front line by 27 April.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. Additionally, the record's significance is enhanced by its depiction of Villers-Bretonneux. The battles that occurred in this town during World War I are especially historically significant to Australia as this is where the Australian Imperial Force had one their greatest World War I victories. An Australian flag still flies over Villers-Bretonneux in the present. Furthermore, a plaque outside the Villers-Bretonneux Town Hall recounts the battles fought to save the town in 1918. Kangaroos feature over the entrance to the Town Hall, and the main street is named Rue de Melbourne. More officially, recognition of the significance of the battle in Villers-Bretonneux is found at the Australian National Memorial, which was built just outside the town. It commemorates all Australians who fought in France and Belgium and includes the names of 10,772 who died in France and have no known grave. Each year, a small ceremony is held at the memorial to mark the sacrifice made by the soldiers. Lastly, the record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: yAE.2.35. / 125 / 62d.2834.35.36.VA.5. / 12.G.18-11 / F.-(?)" /military album, wwi, world war i, villers-bretonneux, australian imperial force, aif, france, war, army, conflict, germany, 1918, battle -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the surrounding farmland from Mt. Stanley in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.1 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, beechworth, victoria, 1940s, australian army, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view of surrounding hills from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.2 / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian signal army corps, war, beechworth, victoria, mt. stanley -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.3 / 32 /military album, army album, beechworth, victoria, mt. stanley, australian army, wwii, world war ii, royal australian signal corps, army signal detachment unit -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.4 / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, mt stanley, beechworth, victoria, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals, army signal detachment unit, military, war