William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership

The “Ugly man Contest” was a fund raiser for the P.O.W comfort fund in which £3891 was raised. (Pounds). The certificate was given to William (Bill) John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 re this effort and others by Bill Turner. Refer Cat No 8030 for his RSL history and his WW1 service details.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing piec is maroon colour, certificate is a fawn colour, all text in black. At the top is the word “Proclamation” followed by text, a red seal/stamp is at the bottom LH side. The paper relates to the “Ugly man Contest”Text, “Be it known by these presents - Bill Turner on the Tram each day, of ugly men he has his say; In competition he gives us shocks; And with his trams, he has his stops. In this event, he’s worked each day, to do his bit, in this big fray” “Bendigo November 27th 1943”brsl, smirsl, fund raiser

The Life Membership relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his work and fund raising for the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee involvement with Bendigo Sub Branch and his WW1 service history. The Unit Social Clubs listed in an RSL Bendigo Annual report 1946 appear to be 6th, 38th, 57th Bn Associations, Railways Sub Section, Catholic War Veterans Association, POW Association (new member 1947).Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing for the certificate is maroon colour, certificate has ornate blue edging, RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the certificate, all print in black, signed and dated.Main points; “Inter Units Social Club - Life Members Certificate - Presented to Mr W.J. Turner for services rendered to the above club” “R C. Kuryke President” “H Skinner Secretary” Dated 28.3.1960”brsl, smirsl, certificate.

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his fund raising and work with the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details on his Committee history and WW1 service.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon colour, certificate is a cream colour with ornate edging around the details, at the top is the RSL Logo followed by “Returned Servicemen’s League Bendigo Sub Branch” Details of the award follow, signed and dated, all print in blue and black.Main points; “Presented to Mr W.J.Turner - Winner of the Mr Bendigo Competition in aid of the League’s Patriotic fund 1945 - Amount raised £666” “Geo V Lansell President” “W R Porter Secretary”brsl, smirsl, certificate

The letter is to William John Turner in appreciation of him conducting the Ritual (ODE) on numerous occasions. Turner is a Life Member of the Bendigo Sub Branch. Refer Cat No's 8029 & 8030 for details of his volunteer/committee work, Life Membership and his WW1 service records.Letter off white colour, letter head of the "Returned Services League of Australia" - Bendigo Sub Branch, all type in black, signed in blue pen. The letter is to "Mr W. Turner" of 121 Barnard St Bendigo."Bendigo 18th June 1969" "President C.J. Plant" "Secretary J.K. Barnes" "Mr W. Turner"brsl, smirsl, letter

The letter to William John Turner relates to his resignation from the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Committee and was accepted with reluctance and regret and that his health improves. Refer Cat No's 8029 and 8030 for his awards, volunteer and committee work with the sub branch and WW1 service details.Letter yellowed paper, top has the letter head of the "R.S.S.A.I.L.A" followed by the telephone No "95" and the RSL Logo, date then text typed in black, signed at the bottom."21 June 1951" "W.J. Turner Esq - 121 Barnard St Bendigo" "Yours sincerely - Vic Palmer - Honorary Secretary"brsl, smirsl, letter

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

John Kerr Barnes. This is the highest award in the RSL for 25 years outstanding service. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch.Certificate framed, frame is timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow with an ornate edgeing, gold RSL Logo at the top followed by the wording "The Meritorious Medal" to "John Kerr Barnes", all print in black with red seal bottom RH corner, signed and dated."Meritorious Medal - awarded to - John Kerr Barnes by the National Congress in appreciation of 25 years outstanding service" Dated "Canberra this 2nd day of March 1989" Signed "................." National President Signed ".... Gollings" National Secretary. brsl, smirsl, meritorious

John Kerr Barnes. The items relate to "Jack" as he was known. The photo is Jack in uniform, the central Medal/Ribbon is the "Meritorious Service Medal", see Cat No 8042, The RSL Badge is a Life Members Badge. You have to be a Life Member to be awarded the "Meritorious Service Medal". Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch.Framed Memorabilia, frame is brown timber, item backing green with 4 insets, top is a photo, under is a gold medallion, medal with ribbon, RSL badge.On Medal, "For Merit", On Medallion, "World War11 - Service to Australia", On RSL badge, "Life Member"brsl, smirsl, meritorious,

John Kerr Barnes (Jack) Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch receiving his award of OAM Australia Day 1995, refer Cat No 8044 (Certificate). Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Sub Branch and his WW2 service.Photograph colour framed, frame is timber, photo backing is green, photo shows the award of an OAM. At the bottom is a small section attached with text."John Kerr Barnes: Order of Australia awarded by Honorable Richard McGarvie Government House Australia Day 1995".brsl, smirsl, oam

John Kerr Barnes OAM. This award is a yearly one by the Victorian Licensed Sub Branches Association for 10 years exemplary service. Licensed Sub - Branches can nominate members for this award. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Sub - Branch and his WW2 service.Award, framed, frame is timber/plastic brown & black colours, there are two insets in a black backing. Top has a ribbon red white and blue with a medallion goldish colour with black text with central part is the RSL Logo, bottom has text re the award to.On medallion, "RSL Licensed Sub Branches Association Victoria" On bottom inset, "Hall of Fame Inductee2002 presented to Jack Barnes Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch INC"smirsl, hall of fame., brsl

John Kerr Barnes OAM. Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch plus his WW2 service details.Certificate framed, frame is brown timber colour, certificate yellow colour with ornate edgeing, RSL logo at the top followed by in red "Returned and Services League of Australia", in blue "Victorian Branch Inc", text of award follows, signed and with red seal at RH bottom corner."Awarded to Jack Barnes as a token of Appreciation and in grateful recognition of services rendered to the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch as Secretary over 43 years".brsl, smirsl, appreciation

In 1960 the President of the Sub Branch was John William Swatton, served on Committee 1941 - 1960, Snr Vice President 1949 - 1957, President 1958 - 1960, made Life Member 1962. Refer cat No 6719.2P for his service records. Secretary G.F. Osborne, Served as Secretary 1954 - 1960. Treasurer John Edward Widdison - Fay, served on Committee 1958 - 2000, made Life Member 2015. Refer Cat No 8129P for Jack Fay’s RSL involvement.Booklet paper 32 pages, front cover has headline "Bendigo RSL News" with a large colour central RSL Logo depiction, inside covers Committee, reviews, administration, notes from Auxiliaries and Service clubs, Repatriation, War Service homes,, all internal print in red & black. Approx half the booklet is advertising by local Bendigo Business."Official Organ of Bendigo Sub - Branch R.S.L" "Volume 1, Sept - Oct - Nov, 1960 Number 2"brsl, smirsl, booklet

This program is most likely about 1950 - 51 before George Lansell is Knighted. Program, paper one page with ornate edging around, all print in blue. At the Top "Returned Soldiers Sailors Airmen's Imperial League of Australia Bendigo Sub - Branch", followed by "Anzac" - "In Memoriam" - "Day". The program covers, Hymns, Opening Address by the Mayor of Bendigo, Guest Speakers Address, Recessional, Last Post, Reveille, National Anthem."Commemoration Ceremony Upper Reserve April 25th" "Presided over by the President Bendigo Sub Branch Col G.V. Lansell V.D - M.L.C"brsl, smirsl, program

These membership record sheets appear to have been used for a period as part of membership up to about 2005.Membership record sheet, all print in blue, double sided, divided into 12 tear of sections, 3 sections in a row are for 3 purposes, sub branch record, State Branch remit and RSL member, front face has the RSL logo on all 12 sections.brsl, smirsl, membership rsl

When the SMI was opened in Nov 1921 the Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch had occupancy from that day on. The Building became a Museum opened to the public in 1998 by the RSL. The origins of this project goes back to 2011 with a letter to the City of Greater Bendigo of the possibility of an upgrade to the SMI from the Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc. Some renovations had already taken place and some structural work. After initial talks a sub - committee of 3 persons from the RSL was elected to work with the Council along with other bodies who would be involved. Plans eventuated by 2015 and were put to the RSL for approval. From there the fund raising began from the State/Federal Govt's, RSL, the Public and Council itself. This was achieved and finally in Sept 2016 the SMI/Museum was packed up completely and the Renovations began in 2017. Souvenir program, card yellow colour folding, front page is in gold and black writing with an image of the Dome on the SMI followed by in gold, "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project" then in gold, "Souvenir Program", in the centre has details re time, date, place. At the bottom are the logo's of the Federal & State Governments, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo Page 2 is titled "About the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute" with a photo showing the "Hustlers Royal Reserve Mine No 2" which was on the site where the SMI now stands. Page 3 has details of the program, music, Official welcome, speakers, ribbon cutting, the ODE, Last Post, National Anthem, close of formalities and light refreshments. Page 4 has a photo of the original souvenir pamphlet used at the original opening on November 15th 1921, 97 years to the day. at the bottom, "Thankyou section to all those involved in the project""Official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday November 15, 2018, Lansell gardens, Pall, Mall Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, program

Refer Cat No 8056.4 for more details of this project, history and re opening.Invitation card, one sided yellow colour to the "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project. A space is blank for the person invited's name followed by time, place, date & RSVP, at the bottom are 4 logos representing State/Federal Govt's, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo.Main points; "Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke is pleased to invite - to the official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday 15, 2018 Lansell Gardens Pall Mall Bendigo".brsl, smirsl, invitaion

The first mention of a Ball held by the Sub Branch is in 1926, these events were fund raisers.Card, one sided double entree ticket to a "Military Ball 1929". At the top "Returned Soldiers League Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, military ball

The pages of written text cover everything the RSL does from welfare, commemorative, legal aid, membership, women's auxiliary and housing to name a few. Bert Pollard was an active RSL Member involved in Committee and the District Board. He served in WW2.Diary black plastic covers with gold text on front cover, top has the RSL logo followed by "Serving Still - 1969 - Victorian Branch", inside first page are details re Anzac House Melbourne, there are 28 pages of written text, page for members personal details, 4 blank pages for notes, the Calendar itself folds out for viewing and to enter notes, last page has a 12 month calendar. "Bert Pollard, phone 5433741"brsl, smirsl, diary

Herb Jackson. Herb served in the RAF in Bomber Command WW2. After the War Herb came to Australia and soon joined the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. He was very active in Both Appeals each year and did so for 70 years. He passed away in 2022..1) .2) Both cards are the same both folding with the same text in respect to the Printing. the only differance is inside with the background print for the year. .1) is in red for "1985", .2) is in blue for "1986". .1) has been stamped inside in blue "Returned Services League Bendigo", .2) the same in red. Both are signed by the Issuing Officer, the year 1985 by "........ Mulqueen" the other is unreadable. "This is to certify that H Jackson is a financial Member of the Returned and Services League Bendigo Sub Branch"brsl, smirsl, membership

These Lucky envelopes were part of the Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch fund raising at the Bendigo Show. The Sub - Branch had their own stall. This fund raiser was last conducted in 1995 after more than 50 years. These envelopes are un opened..1) - .4) Lucky envelopes, card, front is in red with white text "Lucky Envelope 1 to 100 series". Rear is a plain brown with an envelope depiction with "Open Here", above is the number "005119". .5) - .8) Same as above except these are blue & white. The rear is different being purple and white colours with a centre section "< Open Here >", the number at top is "531345". These were made by "Edwards Printing".brsl, smirsl, lucky

These envelopes were last used by Jack Barnes OAM who was Secretary of the Sub Branch for 43 years until 2005. The P.O box Number was Bendigo Central and last used by the SMI Museum (RSL) for a couple of years and then closed..1) .4) Envelopes white colours, all have been stamped in blue with a return address, under is the section for Post code."The Secretary Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc - Box 449 Bendigo 3552"brsl, smirsl, accessory

This Bendigo Cup Sweep fund raiser was last conducted by Jack Barnes OAM in 2004, he was Secretary of the Bendigo RSL/Bendigo District RSL for 43 years. The letters L.S.R being reversed meaning R.S.L..1) - .8) Envelopes cream colour with the front stamped in blue, rear is blank."L.S.R Memorial Hall, Bendigo Cup - Cash and butts in the envelope - return by - Envelope No"brsl, smirsl, cup sweep

These membership cards were used pre 1990, from then on the League became known as The Returned & Service's League of Australia. These were filled in by a prospective new member and forwarded to RSL HQ in Melbourne for approval.Membership cards, blue with black text double sided, front has spaces for the person to fill in details re name address, and financial to service number, rank, unit, time in service. The rear has space for approval, badge number and financial to."Returned Services League of Australia - (Victorian Branch) - Application for Service Membership"brsl, smirsl, membership

This program was given to John Kerr Barnes OAM whose name appears on Page 8 of the awards for "Service to Veterans". Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards. Cat No 8045P for photo of presentation.Program paper 18 pages, all print in blue, rear cover is blank. Front cover has Coat of Arms at the top followed by details of the Presentation of Australian Honours and Awards, pages detail the type of awards, who to and why. The last two pages are re invite to light refershments in the State Apartments and Official photographs of each person."INVESTITURE at Government House Melbourne on Thursday 4th May 1995 for the presentation of Australian Honours and Awards by H.E. the Honorable Richard. E. McGarvie, A.C. Govenor of Victoria" brsl, smirsl, oam

The Bendigo Easter Carnival was a Fund Raiser for the Bendigo Sub Branch for many years. The list of names of the volunteers there are many who were tireless workers for the Sub Branch over many years. Name in red pen. David Patterson refer Cat No 8070.Roster, paper, 4 pages stapled together, the 3/4th pages are fold out. Page 1 is a letter from the Secretary Bendigo RSL Sub Branch detailing the dates and places for RSL Volunteers to man the gates at the Easter Fair and events around town. Page 2 is a list of Volunteers names, dates & places ie Art Show at the Memorial Hall, Football at the QEO, Crowning ceremony at White Hills Technical School. Pages 3/4 details names, dates to man the entrance gates to the Easter Fair ie Park Road, Barnard Street, Fernery Gate and Cohns Gate.Page 1, "Returned Services League Bendigo Sub Branch - President D.J. Paterson - Secretary J.K. Barnes - Memorial Hall - Phone 434013 - March 1978. In red pen on page 1. "David Paterson"brsl, smirsl, easter,

The Poppy Appeal is conducted yearly leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th. This Appeal and the following 5 Appeals through to 2008 were all conducted from the Soldiers Memorial Institute in the old kitchen which was demolished as part of the Restorations during 2016 - 18.Certificate, frame is timber black colour, certificate in colour has white background with ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc".Under is the detail of the award, signed and dated with Red Seal in RH Corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL - Sub Branch - Top seller 2003 Poppy Appeal Country area - 31st January 2004"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colour, certificate in colour white background with RSL Logo at the top, followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", under is the details of the award, signed and dated with red seal in RH corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch - Top seller 2004 Poppy Appeal country area - 31st January 2005"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The ANZAC Appeal is conducted every year leading up to ANZAC Day April 25th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colours, certificate in colour white background with ornate edge, RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc, under is details of the award, signed and dated with red seal in RH corner."Awarded to - Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Top seller 2005 ANZAC Appeal country area 25th April 2005"brsl, smirsl, anzac appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colour, certificate in colour white background ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned and Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", signed and dated with red seal in RH Corner."Awarded to - Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Top seller 2006 Poppy Appeal country area - date 11th November 2006brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal