During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circleRats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branchrats of tobruk, ww2

Invaluable contribution to saving thousands of Servicemen's lives.During the Vietnam War the Bell UH 1Iroquois helicopter - nicknamed ( Hueys ) were responsible for the safe evacuation of military and civilian personel . It was the first turbine powered helicopter in service with the United States military . Wounded servicemen were ferried to field hospitals and vital cargo to where it was most needed plus being used for ground attack missions. .Wooden model of helicopter.

The notepaper says: "In commemoration of the heroic deeds of the men of ANZAC at GALLIPOLI in 1915 and in recognition of the great debt owed by all Australians. With the compliments of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia." It was given to Legatee Gordon Beith. His son and daughter presented it to Legacy. The Anzac Commemorative Medallion was instituted 1967. It was awarded to surviving members of the Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916. (taken from defence.gov.au)Shows the recognition by the Australian Government of the servicemen who served at Gallipoli.ANZAC Commemorative Medallion in brown leather case. Bronze medallion with depiction of Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier, in a circle with the date 1915. The circle is topped by a crown. It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves. The name and initials of the recipient, G. Beith, is engraved on the reverse the engraved name. The presentation case is dark brown leather like outside, with maroon silk lining, and maroon velour cushion for the medalion to rest in. Inside is a printed note on Commonwealth of Australia white notepaper. Accompanying it is a block of wood with inscription of it's donation to Legacy.'G. Beith' engraved on the reverse.gallipoli, medallion, world war one

Pte G G Whittington of the 2/10 Bn gropes his way to an aid station guided by a Papuan boy. An emergency field dressing covers the face of Whittington and he died from his wounds 2 days later. This is a moving photo depicting the cooperation between the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angles" and the Australian servicemen.Timber framed print with white borderChristmas Day at Buna 1942 Pte. G C Whittingtong g whittington, fuzzy-wuzzy angels

A document summarising events significant to Legacy in the year 1946. With the return to peacetime the question of eligibility arose. The fundamental rule on which Legacy was based 'that of honourable service overseas' was clear cut in the case of the 1914-1918 war 'but much more difficult to define in the many and varied fields of service in the war which commenced in 1939'. Discussions were continued through the war at Annual Conferences. Many members believed that membership should be open to 'any male person who served as a member of the Forces of the British Empire irrespective of whether or not overseas service was involved'. And a resolution was passed at the 18th Annual Conference in Adelaide in 1946. Similar discussions of eligibility of Junior Legacy benefits was also discussed and definitions evolved. There was an increased need to help young widows with young children. First mention of the need to have a 'toddler home' for children from age 3 to 8. A property was acquired in Balcombe road with donation from the Trustees of 'Blamey House' - a war time hostel for servicemen which was being wound up and balance of funds being donated to Legacy. (Property acquired was 'Mossgiel' in Balcombe rd but renamed Blamey house due to the terms of the donation). Also the former Red Cross property of 'Stanhope' was made ready for the first residents welcomed in December 1946. Dureau House was under 'constant consideration'. (It seems the Dental Clinic was transferred here and there other part made available to the Melbourne Technical College - but in the 1950s it was still not suitable for Legacy's headquarters and sold). Classes during the war had been difficult to find suitable halls, and 43 Market St was still being used by the Air Force. A superannuation scheme was instituted for the Legacy staff. The notation H18 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A report covering the main work of Legacy in 1946.White foolscap paper with black type x 5 pages of the achievements of Legacy in 1946.Handwritten 'H19' in red pen.history, annual summary

A magazine published for Australian servicemen during World War One. It contains news for the soldiers. Including news cabled from Australia, some of the news is political and about sports. There are photos of troops and presentations of medals. It is 16 pages long, with a 4 page supplement of names of wounded and killed. Photos from World War One that would have been significant to the founding legatees.A magazine containing black and white photos from World War One. Full title is Anzac Bulletin: issued to members of the Australian Imperial Forces in Great Britain and France by authority of the High Commissioner for Australia. Handwritten on cover 'Os Gawler' in blue ink. He was a president of Legacy in 1943.world war one, soldiers