The minutes of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Committee. .1) The first entry s on 22.2.1960 and the last on 3.12.1974. .2) The first entry is on 33.2.1975 and the last on 2.12.1991. .3) The first entry is on 3.2.1992 and the last is on 4.12.2000. A note on the last minutes 4.12.2000 hand written by the then Secretary Jack Barnes OAM & highlighted in in pink states this was the last meeting of the Bendigo RSL prior to becoming Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc. These minutes were scanned and reprinted into the Volumes in Cat No 8122.5Three Binder Folders containing Minutes of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. .1) February 1960 - December 1974. These Minutes are a mixture of typed and hand written which there is only a small amount. All the minutes are in plastic sleeves. .2) February 1975 - December 1991, all type in black with several inserts to minutes on pink paper. .3) February 1992 - December 2000, all typing in black with underlining in red.brsl, smirsl, minute book

Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Annual reports. Initially in the front are two photo copies of Annual report and balance sheets for the years 1934 & 1952 under the title R.S.S.A.I.L.A. The first original entry is for the year 1964, the last for the year 2000. There is one RSL Museum Annual report for the year 2000. There are also three x RSL Women’s Auxiliary reports for the the years 1990,1954 & 1996. There is also a number of Annual Welfare & Appeals reports. Most of the Annual reports are headed “Presidents Report” These reports were scanned and reprinted in A4 size and placed in new Leather bound volumes, refer Cat No 8122.5Binder folder holding the Annual Reports of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch for the years 1964 - 2000, foolscap size. All reports are typed in black throughout, there are small notes added hand written in red. All reports are in seperate sleeves.brsl, smirsl, annual, wabrsl

Income and Expenditure Account books for the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. .1) This is listed under three Acc's for the years 1962 - 1965 General Acc, Relief Acc and Club Building Patriotic Acc. .2) This is listed under four Acc's for the years 1966 - 1970. General Acc, Relief Acc, Club Building and Repatriation Acc. .3) This is listed under four Acc's for the years 1971 - 1974. General Acc, Relief Acc, Club Building and Repatriation Acc..1) Book, grey cover with blue lines like a jigsaw puzzle, ruled blue lines with vertical red and blue lines, entries are a mixture of blue and red pen. Inside the front cover is a list of 6 people who have been issued keys to the office. .2) Book, green covers, ruled blue lines with vertical red and blue lines, entries in blue pen, minimum in red. On the inside cover is a list of 6 people who have been issued with keys to the Bendigo RSL Office (6) and safe(3). .3) Book, red covers, blue ruled lines with red and blue vertical lines, entries are in blue pen, minimum in red pen. Inside the front cover pasted in a large yellow envelope with the following. Two A4 typed copies of the "Presidents Annual report for 1973". One A4 typed copy of the "Presidents Annual Report for 1974" Eleven hand written notes on medium sized paper re "Treasurers report for 1974" Account book sheets folded containing 5 pages written on for the year1973. Account book sheets folded containing 2 pages written on for the year 1973. Three sheets typed regarding Bonds with ANZ Bank. Measurements are an average of the three. .1) On the front Cover, "Graphic Analysis Book, 32 sets". .2) On the front cover "Collins Analysis Book 700 series".brsl, smirsl, account

These are the minutes and other documents relating to the Bendigo RSL Billiards Competition. The minutes are from 1962 - 1980, other lose documents are within these years. The newspaper cuttings are results in the Bendigo Advertiser. Teams mentioned throughout are: Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat RSL's, 38th Bn, 6th Btn, Navy, Tobruk, 105th Anti Tank.Collins Minute book, ruled blue lines, minutes are hand written in blue pen. As well there are 13 pages typed and hand written inside, they are Annual & Financial reports, balance sheets, lists of Billiards players, newspaper cuttings pasted in. the lose sheets are various sizes from note to foolscap.brsl, smirsl, billiards, compettition

The receipts and expenditure of the EagleHawk RSL Sub Branch cover the years 1960 - 2005. On the final entry a note in red pen dated 28.2.2005 that this was the close of business and the amalgamation of the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch with The Bendigo RSL, a final date under is 7.03.2005.Receipt expenditure book, spine and corners are brown leather suede, front & rear face is green buckram, a label on the spine Has "CASH BOOK", ruled lines in blue /red, vertical lines in red. The entries are in blue pen and some minor points in red. On the first page is a typed letter pasted in re a 5 Pound School Scholarship from the Eagle Hawk RSL per year. At the rear is a hand written note with a list of 12 names being the "Foundation Members". Lose is an invoice for the use of the Eaglehawk building by the Electoral Commission re the use of the building for $300.00. Last is a letter from the Commonwealth bank re the merger of the State Bank of Victoria with the Commonwealth.brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, expenditure,

These Constitutions dated 14.11.1952 with the name's , "A.V. Palmer - President" (Bendigo RSL) "N.D. Wilson - President - Vic Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A". The small booklets were headed "Rules of the Bendigo Returned Servicemen's Club - 1956" As far back as 1950 there was discussion within the Sub Branch re a Club in suitable premises. A property was purchased being 11 McKenzie Street Bendigo with the title dated 9.2.1951, the facility opened on 1.6.1951 but without a Liqueur Licence. Years followed with a failure to be granted one. Finally the facility was sold to Bendigo Legacy and they occupied the building on 7.6.1959 which became known as "Legacy House". This is a very brief version of the events from the Book by Murray Poustie, refer Cat No 8093, The history of the Bendigo RSL. .3) The Rules of the Welfare Committee were in .1) folded in half. There is 6 paragraphs with a total of 18 Clause's..1) Folder cardboard covers light brown colour with taped binding, cover has typed black heading underlined in red, hand written notes in black pen added, 15 typed pages in black stapled inside with a hand written note in black written on one page. Inside the front cover stapled in is a small grey booklet with 24 pages in black text. .2) Same as .1) but without any hand written notes. .3) Two pages stapled together typed in black re "Welfare Rules".1) .2) Typed text on covers underlined, " Constitution - Bendigo - Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia". Hand written on .1) "Do not take this out of Office - See change of Constitution paragraph 25 Clause 1". .3) Heading, Rules for the Conduct of Welfare Committee"brsl, legal, smirsl

This yearly effort was conducted from 12.11.1998 - 12.12.1998. At the bottom of each page are details re pick up and delivery of tickets and stocking. The raffle was conducted from 3 different selling points. The names on the roster are a who's who of the RSL at the time, except for two names all the sellers were WW2 era members being a list of President current, ex Presidents, Life members, Committee and notables. The hand written notes were by Jack Barnes OAM. Refer Cat No's 8130P & 8220.Bendigo RSL Xmas stocking raffle roster, 4 pages all white, first two pages are typed in black, one is for the morning roster and one the afternoon, pages 3 & 4 are a handwritten version getting the final ready, text in blue pen with some in red. All are stapled together.On first page in red pen, "98"brsl, smirsl, stocking, xmas, 1998

Newspaper article: Auction part of Eltham History, Diamond Valley News, 11 March 1980, auction on 15 March of The Hawthorns and other properties by the Burgoyne family. On same page another article :"The unusual on a hill" about Robert Marshall, Shire Councillor and architect's own home. On reverse side real estate advertising including several Woodridge Estate properties. Newspaper article: Centre becomes a second home, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 23, 1986, p3 about new child minding centre. On same page "residents carry on fight for road works" about planned road works in Kirwana Grove, Montmorency and "Advice bureau needs volunteers" about Eltham Citizens Advice Bureau. On reverse side (page 4) advertising for Kentons Shoes closing down sale at Shop 3 Eltham Mall, Arthur Street and article "Nursing mums donate books" featuring Eltham Branch of Nursing Mothers Association (with photo).main road, eltham, property, the hawthorns house, burgoyne family, harry burgoyne, hawthorn hedges, 816 main road eltham, advertising, avril benson, child minding centre, eltham citizens advice bureau, eltham high school, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham shire council, john stevens, kaye mount, kirwana grove, main road child minding centre, montmorency, montmorency primary school, roadworks, rob stanley, ruth kirkpatrick, angela hennel, arthur street mall, banner project, diamond valley childbirth education association, kentons shoes, nursing mothers association, sue gavan, woodridge estate, mudbrick, robert marshall, st andrews

1958 C.R.B. Plan of Survey of Part of Crown Portion 12 Section 4 Parish of Nillumbik, County of Evelyn Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Shire of Eltham Shows Surveyor field notes, property ownership and building type and construction.a.j. collis, a.s. & c.g.h. fitzpatrick, board of land & works, bridge street, brougham steet, commonwealth bank of australia, country roads board, eltham, eltham rsl sub-branch, f.h. collis, f.m. smith, f.n. & e.j. burgoyne, franklin street, h.c. & r.e. burgoyne, j. jorgenson, j.f. & j.e. morris, j.n. & h.c. burgoyne, j.s. blow, john street, main road, p.e. smith, pitt street, r.j. dripps, s.j. taylor, survey plan, trustees of the eltham methodist church, 1958, eltham-yarra glen road, neil webster collection

Contents: 1. Notes concerning impact upon Eltham War Memorial Garden of a proposed roundabout at Dudley Street, Eltham, September 1996 - In 1996 Nillumbik Shire Council proposed the provision of traffic lights or a roundabout to alleviate traffic concerns at the intersection of Main Road with Dudley street and Panther Place. The Society had no real concerns with Panther Place as it had no perceived impact upon Shillinglaw Cottage however survey pegs for a new road alignment to provide for a roundabout at Dudley Street were placed within the Eltham War Memorial Gardens which was significant concern. Harry Gilham, then President of the Society was on the working group with Council and the RSL to discuss this proposal. Ultimately it did not proceed and traffic lights were installed. No action occurred at Panther Place. 2. Notes pertaining to Eltham Town Focus Group and the Eltham War Memorial Trust property, c.January 1997 - These notes from Harry Gilham relate to a draft report "A Community Vision for 'The Eltham War Memorial Trust' Property Main Road, Eltham" being prepared at the request of Chief Commissioner Don Cordell, Nillumbik Shire Council, 31st January 1997. Harry handed over these notes to Jim Connor on 14 March 2010. Jim had replaced Harry as President of the Eltham District Historical Society in 2009. They also reference Stanley S. Addison's Outline History of the Eltham War Memorial Trust30 pages of various types, mainly A4, printed and with notes by hand or handwritten notes (drafts)chief commissioner don cordell, dudley street, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham town focus group, eltham war memorial garden, eltham war memorial trust, main road, panther place, returned services league, roundabouts, shire of nillumbik, stanley s addison

Specific focus on history of and impact to the Eltham War Memorial property. Contents: Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan Comments Sheet; Response by Harry Gilham, 22 June 2004 Minutes for the policy and Services Committee of Nillumbik Shire Council held Wednesday 11 August 2004 Photocopy of Eltham War Memorial Trust Booklet cover and Honour Roll Board in Eltham War Memorial Hall Photocopy of newsclippings - Eltham War Memorial Trust: Ready Now for Forward Movement; Acknowledgements £722; publication unknown, c.1946 and Eltham War Memorial Trust: "Garden of Remembrance"; Baby Health Centre First Building, The News: The Newspaper of the City of Heidelberg and of the Shire of Eltham, 11 April 1947 (EDHS_04588) Abbreviated notes of the Eltham War Memorial Trust, Harry Gilham, February 1997 Notes prepared by Harry Gilham pertaining to draft Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan, 2004 referencing Memorial Hall Site Title (p45), EGAG on heritage (p73) and Design Guidelines (p73) Copy of Certificate of Title issued to Eltham War Memorial Trust Ordinary Meeting of Council Agenda, 15 September 2004, p55 with notes on vote for motion that any reference to the sale of the War Memorial be removed Letter from Cr Tony Raunic, Mayor to Harry Gilham regarding Eltham Major Activity Centre Structure Plan advising the removal of any reference to sale of the War Memorial and detailed consultation to be held with stakeholders regarding the former Shire of Eltham Office site; 8 October 2004 Copy of fax sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Diamond Valley News, re his support for the appeal for protection of the Eltham War Memorial 3 July 2004 Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to the CEO, RSL Victoria requesting their opposition to sale of the Eltham War Memorial, 19 August 2004 Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Brigadier J.R. Deighton, State Secretary, Victorian RSL re his comments in Diamond Valley Leader regarding the Eltham War Memorial, 27 August 2004 Copy of letter sent by John Cohen, OAM, JP to Brigadier J.R. Deighton, State Secretary, Victorian RSL advising the War Memorial had been removed from the wider proposal of the Eltham Activity Centre, 16 September 2004 Fax from Catherine Dale, CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council to John Cohen re Renovation and Maintenance of Victorian War Memorials, 6 October 2004 Letter from Barry Rosewall, President, Eltham RSL to John Cohen advising the sub-branch strongly opposes the sale of the Eltham War Memorial, 20 October 2004 Fax from Bill Forrest, Interim CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council to John Cohen re Renovation adn Maintenance of Victorian War Memorials, 8 November 2004 Copy of letter from John Cohen to Bill Forrest, Interim CEO, Nillumbik Shire Council re Maintenance of Eltham War Memorial, November 2004 Handwritten notes prepared by Harry Gilham in preparation of presentation to Council pertaining to draft Eltham Major Activity Structure Plan, 2004 Letter from Eric Mack to the Hon. Steve Herbert,, Member for Eltham regarding draft Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, 22 June 2004 Letter from Eric Mack to Nillumbik Shire Council CEO and Councillors regarding draft Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, 2004 Reply to Eric Mack from the Hon. Steve Herbert, Member for Eltham regarding his letter of 22 June, 27 July, 2004 Copy of letter from John Cohen to President and Exectuive of the Eltham RSL regarding the Eltham War Memorial, 16 July 2004 Notice issued by Cr Greg Johnson of 11 August meeting by Council's Policy and Services Committee to consider a proposal to sell the Eltham War memorial and old shire office properties, 6 August 2004 Letter from Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society to Diamond Valley Leader wishing to correct a historical inaccuarcy being circulated in the Draft Structure Plan for the Elham Major Activity Centre, 17 June 2004 Newspaper clipping - Protect war memorial, Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Horical Society; Letter, Diamond Valley Leader, June 30, 2004, p16 Newspaper clipping - Sell-off a betrayal of trust, Ken Eckersall; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, c.2004 Newspaper clipping - Don't insult memory of fallen servicemen, John Cohen; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, c.2004 Newspaper clipping - Up in arms against sell-off, Dave Crosswaite, Diamond Valley Leader, July 14, 2004, p5 (War veterans and local historians call upon Nillumbik Council to reject moves to sell Eltham War memorial buildings to a private developer. Features a picture of John Cohen, Harry Gilham and Dr Ken Eckersall. On same page - "First Aboriginal mural by trust opens" by Dave Crossthwaite about a mural celebrating stories and culture of the Wurundjeri people being unveiled at the YMCA-run Eltham Leisure Centre.) Newspaper clipping - Shire plan 'sacrilegious' by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, Wednesday, August 19, 2004, p1 (Residents fight war memorial sale) Newspaper clipping - Our say on sale of land; Have you say, Diamond Valley Leader, August 18, 2004, p22 Newspaper clipping - School hall is not ratepayers' worry; Have your Say, Diamond Valley Leader, August 18, 2004, p23 Newspaper clipping - Clash over land sale by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p1 Newspaper clipping - Mayor beset over arts agenda claim by Dave Crossthwaite, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p5 Newspaper clipping - Public assets are not for sale; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p11 Newspaper clipping - A lot of work has gone into shire structure plan; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, August 25, 2004, p10 Newspaper clipping - Don't let a dream stay hijacked; Letters, Diamond Valley Leader, September 1, 2004, p11 Newspaper clipping - Future of memorial site on hold until poll by Caroline Gonzalez, Diamond Valley Leader, September 20, 2004 Newspaper clipping - Troops enlist for campaign by Fiona Willan, Diamond Valley Leader, 18 July 200751 pages of various types, A4, printed, handwritten notes, letters and newspaper clippingscr. greg johnson, diamond valley leader, eltham district historical society, eltham leisure centre, eltham major activity structure plan, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eric mack, harry gilham, john cohen, ken eckersall, letters, nillumbik shire council, protests, steve herbert mp, wurrundjeri

During World War II the Japanese attacked New Britain soon after the outbreak of hostilities in the Pacific Ocean. During January 1942, Japanese heavily bombed Rabaul. On 23 January, Japanese marines landed by the thousands, starting the Battle of Rabaul. The Japanese used Rabaul as a heavy base until 1944; it served as the key point for the failed invasion of Port Moresby (May to November, 1942) Note: these photos are incorrectly labelled as Nth. Britain Photograph of "OIRE LUNG " airfield is in fact "WUNUNG, JACQUINOT BAY, NEW BRITAIN, 1945-08-28. A FULL PARADE OF 37/52 INFANTRY BATTALION AND 29/46 INFANTRY BATTALION, BOTH OF 4 BRIGADE, WAS HELD ON WUNUNG AIRSTRIP. THIS PARADE WAS TO PREPARE TROOPS FOR A PARADE TO BE HELD ON 1945-09-03. SHOWN, 37/52 INFANTRY BATTALION PRESENTING ARMS." Airstrip was maintained by 1 ACSPhoto Album 360 Pocket "Photo Safe" divided for cataloguing purposes into 4 sections. Section 1 Recent Colour Photos of RSL and commemoration services Section 2 Black and white photos of earlier commemoration services, Section 3 WWII photos mainly of New Britain 1945, Section 4 Early photos of Memorabilia display.new britain, wwii, japanese surrender, pow, rms aquitania, ss nieuw amsterdam, rms mauritania, rabaul, wunung airfield, jaquinot bay, 1 acs

Used by Japanese forces in the Pacific theater during WWII 5 Japanese occupation notes of various denominations

Liberated during WWII in Italy100 lire Italian bank note

Used WWII Pacific5 paper notes Hongkong China and Japanese occupation notes

Red Ensign Flag was updated in 1908, the current Commonwealth star of seven points replaced the earlier six-pointed starPart of a collection of Wold War I Flags obtained by Harry Groves. Rare historical example of an Australian Flag.1901–1903 version Australian/Commonwealth red ensign (1901–1903) Version After being submitted to King Edward VII for approval the competition winning design which featured a southern cross with nine, eight, seven, six and five points respectively was standardised by the British Admiralty with the number of points on the four biggest stars of the southern cross set to seven, ostensibly to improve ease of manufacture. The original variety of points was an indication of the relative brightness of each star as it appeared in the night sky.On top left hand side of the flag is inscribed "GROVES" and a cardboard note stating "This Australian Flag and other flags in the Gallery were brought home from the First World War by Harry Groves."red ensign, world war 1

Members of 3 rd Battallion standing on the barrel of a captured German 15 inch naval Gun near Chuignolles, France 24/8/1918Photographic History of A.I.F. 3 rd Bn. in Chuignolles, France 24/8/1918.Black and White photograph of members of 3 rd Battallion standing on the barrel of a captured German 15 inch naval Gun near Chuignolles, France 24/8/1918. A company of the 3rd Bn. captured Arch Wood with the bayonet and found the Gun blown off its carriage and the great barrel blown off at the breech. Black and white photograph attached to a A4 sheet of paper below the photograph is a note that describes the scene. The note states - 'Members of 3 rd Battallion standing on the barrel of a captured German 15 inch naval Gun near Chuignolles, France 24/8/1918. A company of the 3rd Bn. captured Arch Wood with the bayonet and found the Gun blown off its carriage and the great barrel blown off at the breech." 3rd bn., chuignolles,france

Photographic details of Ypes sector, Belgium 27/9/1917. Hellfire corner.Photographic details of Ypes sector, Belgium 27/9/1917 Area known as Hellfire Corner.Belgium: Flanders, West-Vlaanderen, Ypres, Menin Road, Hellfire Corner, on the Menin Road in the Ypres sector of Belgium 27/9/1917. It was continually under observation and notorious for its danger The area was piled with wreckage of all kinds of transport. "A very sticky spot."An A4 sheet of paper with a black and white photograph of Hellfire Corner attached in the center. and a small note describing the scene.belgium, ypres sector, 1917, hellfire corner

Australian Soldiers in Pacific during World War 2Record of Australian Soldiers on two photos of scenes in the Pacific during World War 2.Two Photographs of Australian soldiers with scenes from the Pacific during World War 2. Both mounted on an A4 sheet with a small note on the top with a brief description.A4 sheet of paper with Two Photographs of Australian soldiers with scenes from the Pacific during World War 2. Both mounted on an A4 sheet with a small note on the top with a brief description.australian soldiers, two photographs - black and white, a4 pape rsheet, a4 paper sheet

A sample of the lengths that the Viet Cong went to to out stay their adversary.Laminated diagram of a "Viet" Cong/NVA tunnel system shows the ingenuity and use of the local terrain.Notations of areas of the tunnel systems and on the lower left of the laminated picture is a note that states "The diagram shows a typical tunnel complex used by the Viet Cong during the 1960's."

Booklet produced by Department of Vetran's affairs, Canberra A.C.T. "Their service Our Heritage" -Australians at War.This small booklet , produced under Their Service - Our Heritage highlights how the course of Australia's military history is unextricably intertwwined with our development as a nation.Paper booklet A5 in size produced by Department of Vetran's affairs, Canberra A.C.T. "Their service Our Heritage" -Australians at War - key dates and data since 1901. Contains 60 pages covered by laminated cardboard cover. Included is a page from a note pad from HMAS Junee Association.Cover is made up with artistic impression of the Australian Flag and a symbolized father and Daughter standing at the war memorial. Booklet titled Their Service Our Heritage - Australians at War - Key Dates and Data Since 1901. Included is a page from a note pad from HMAS Junee Association.their service our heritage, produced by derartment of vetran affairs

Fawn coloured Booklet, rectangular in shape.Care of the Feet Notes for Foot Orderlies 1942 The War Office 7th October, 1942booklet, world war two, lara r.s.l. care of the feet.

The Herald reporting the D-Day LandingsLocal Newspaper - The Herald dated 7/6/1944Newspaper articles reporting on D-Day Landings in Europed-day landings in europe

Used by K.Simons while on patrol during the Vietnam warSmall rectangular note book. Red in colour with 11 waterproof pockets inside.37228. K.G,Simons. notebook, handbook, lara r.s.l.

Issued to Edward RichNote pad Cardboard coverMilitary Police Notebook Serial No15. Issued to WO2 29936, Edward A. Rich, 55 MilitaryPolice Platoon Issued 1978 Reprinted Oct 73 Australian Coat of Arms AB 486 -1militar polce note book

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

Paper notes used for foreign currency. A collection of bank notes from Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Military Notes, Hong Kong, China, East Timor and Vietnam.See photo filesbank notes, military notes

The bombing of Darwin during World War 2 and the defense by the 54 Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force. Historical notes on the Squadron between 1943 and 1945.Detailed information of 54th Fighter Squadron in Darwin between 1943-1945Lion and Swan by Fred Woodgate Fighter Guide Map No 1A - Darwin area - 50th Anniversary 13th August 1992Front Cover - see picturespitfire, darwin, 54 fighter squadron, lion and swans, fred woodgate, royal air force, spitfire association, ww2, world war two, 1943, 1945, 50th anniversary

This notebook contains information on air navigation and electrical science. It was issued to Roy Eliason (449852), a Shepparton local who enlisted in 1944 and served as a Leading Aircraftman with the 2nd Operational Training Unit Mildura. Contents include: Appendix I: Law, Discipline, Administration and Organisation, Hygiene and Sanitation, Notes on Meteorology, Definitions, The principles of flight, Airframes, Engine; Appendix II: Mathematics problems for revision.This notebook has significant research potential, as it bears the service number of the owner: Roy Eliason. Roy Eliason's service history is well documented in the National Archives of Australia and this book provides an insight into a period of his service. Notebooks such as this were presumably issued to new recruits in the early stages of their service. Though this copy is in fair condition with several signs of wear, these signs may in fact increase the significance of the item, demonstrating the frequent use of this item in the hands of a new recruit to the Royal Australian Air Force. Series of pages bound via twine passed through four holes along left side. Front and back cover are card with orange vinyl/fabric strip and paper cover bearing title text. Orange pages throughout mark sections. Book printed throughout.Inscribed on front cover: "449852/AC2 ELIASON R/B/2". Inscribed on interior "449852/ELIASON. R./B/2". air navigation, training, royal australian air force, raaf, eliason, world war ii, wwii, second world war