Athol McGregor Kirkwood No 323 enlisted in C Coy 6th Batt AIF on 17.8.14 age 19 years 4 months. Embarked for Eygpt 19.10.14, embark for Gallipoli 5.4.15, awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) north of Cape Helles Dardanelles on 8.5.15, promoted Cpl 9.5.15, KIA 27.7.15. Medal set - court mounted set of (3) Re. A. Kirkwood. .1) 1914 -15 star .2) War Medal 1914 - 19 Replica not engraved. .3) Victory medal."323 Cple A Mc G. Kirkwood 6 BN A.I.F.medals, military, bravery, passchendaele barracks trust

Robert James Lee VX65555 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 3.11.41. According to his birth date he was aged 17 years. He was a "Gunner" in the 4th Field Regiment Artillery. Awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field. He was discharged from the 2nd AIF on 18.6.46. Refer also 728.2, 1814.3. Medal set, court mounted, set of (6)re R.J Lee MM. 1. Military Medal. 2. 1939-45 Star. 3. Pacific Star. 4. War Medal 1939-45. 5. Australian Service Medal. 6. Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp "PNG"Military Medal has "VX65555 GNR RJ Lee AIF" Others have "VX65555 RJ Lee"numismatics-medals, military, metalcraft

The Military Merit Medal was founded by Emperor Franz Joseph 1st on March 12 1890. The Medal was awarded in both peacetime for meritorious service and in wartime for outstanding acts. ( Including bravery or military merit).Historic Significance.Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal with bust of the reigning Emperor on the obverse side. The words "SIGNUM LAUDIS" (Latin for "Sign of Praise") on the reverse. It is surrounded by a wreath of half - laurels and half- oak leaves. The medal is surmounted by a dual crowns "Karl 1st type" and worn from a tri-fold ribbon. On the ribbon there are two crossed swords.

Though there is no information on the medal to indicate to whom this medal was awarded - or what rank it signifies - it is possible to assume that it belonged to Kevin Coombs, as the box it was found contained several medals and other memorabilia related to Coombs.Plastic case - transparent lid, black case with red felt interior, containing a medal from the 1968 Australian Paraplegic Games held in Perth.The medal contains the text "5th Australian Paraplegic Games Perth 1968, with an outline of Australia enveloped within a wheelchair wheel. The reverse contains a floral motif and the word BASKETBALL, and the makers mark, SHERIDAN W.A.australian paraplegic games

Set of eight medals awarded to Private Henry JONES VX48340 who enlisted at Wangaratta on 25th July 1940 and served with the 2/23rd Battalion 2nd A.I.F. He was twice wounded and spent time in hospital in Alexandria after being wounded at Tobruk. He was discharged from the army on 26th of September 1945. Brown timber frame with maroon velvet mount containing 8 medals, black and white photograph, two brass badges and a black plaque with white inscription .VX48340. Pte. Henry G Jones, 2/23rd Battalion 2nd A.I.F. Enlisted at Wangaratta 25/7/1940, Twice wounded in action. Discharged 26th September. 1945 henry jones, tobruk, 2/23rd battalion, ww2

L.Cpl. Harold Pearson PREST 1334 served with the 37th Infantry Battalion in World War 1 and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry action on October 4th 1917 at Ypres. He enlisted at Wangaratta and records indicate he resided at that time in Roy Street Wangaratta. Harold returned to Australia on 20/12/1917. Brown timber frame containing photograph of male in civilian attire wearing World War 1 RAS Badge and Military Medal.Noneharold pearson prest, 37th infantry battalion

Unidentified note has the emblem of a Star and Crescent Moon which usually indicates it is of Islamic origin. Item is in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer to Cat 7287P for service details. medals and awards.A one unit note of currency. Writing on note in some type of Arabic script. Emblem of Star and Moon on the note which usually represents Islam. Dark blue on white paper and white cloud in middle with Arabic writing. On the back are two images side by side in blue. First is some buildings see through Greek columns. Second is a clear circle with the edge containing geometric symbols. The note has been torn into 2 parts.No. 1 in corner and some unidentified Arabic script.foreign currency, richard william mcgilvery

John (Jack) Poppleton was a long-time Albury resident. It seems likely the medals were mounted after his death in 1962 and donated to the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection.Collection of medals of an Albury citizen who served in a mounted unit in both the Boer War and WWI.Circular frame containing medal group: Queen's South African Medal with clasps: Transvaal and South Africa 1902; and 1914-15 Star, British War medal and Victory Medal awarded to John Thomas Poppleton a resident of Albury NSW for service in Boer War 1899-1902 and WWI 1914-1918.. Frame is plastic mock timber. Engraved plastic panel fixed to glass cover. 50 Tpr John Poppleton 3rd Imp Bushmen/ 1261 Tpr John Thomas Poppleton 7th LH Regt AIF/ 1880-1962poppleton, medal, albury, boer war, wwi

William James Leslie Newell No 485 enlisted in A Coy 38th Batt AIF on 2.3.16 age 32 years 4 months. Embarked for England 20.6.16, embark for France 22.11.16, hospital with Scabies 23.12.16. As a Battalion Runner on 12.10.17 east of Ypres he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery, discharged from the AIF on 27.7.19.Medal set, court mounted, set of (3) Re W J L Newell "MM"/. .1) Military medal .2) War medal 1914 - 1919, replica not engraved. .3) Victory medal, replica not engraved." 485 Pte W J L Newell 38/ Aust Inf"medals, military, bravery, passchendaele barracks trust

PRIVATE WILLIAM CHARLES HOWE, No 873, 14th Battalion, RTA 10/5/1916. PRIVATE NORMAN LESLIE HOWE, No 5107, 7th Battalion, died from wounds 5/10/1917 in Belgium. SERGEANT LESLIE GEORGE HOWE (same surname but not a brother) No. 2709, 7th Battalion, Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal. RTA. Memorabilia - framed story of two brothers, soldiers in colour using memorabilia of the soldiers and their lives. Printed on paper. Frame - black extruded plastic, glass front, cardboard backing."HOWE BROTHERS"framed item, anzacs, eaglehawk

The jacket was issued to Private Edgar Uebergang, a member of the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion, who served in WW2 with the battalion. Edgar, who had been awarded a Military Medal during WW2, who went to London with Private Frank Partridge VC and Sergeant Norm Strange from Ballarat representing the 8th Battalion at the 1946 Victory Parade. The Jacket is an Australian Army 2nd AIF khaki woollen Service Dress jacket. On the top of each arm there is a cloth AUSTRALIA shoulder flash, a small 8th Battalion AIF Colour Patch and the Australian Victory Contingent cloth badge. On the lower right sleeve is a blue three-year war service chevron badge. On each collar is a Rising Sun badge.uniform, jacket, ww2, 8th battalion, australian victory contingent 1946

Captured from Hindenberg Line east of Bullecourt 3?.5.1917, Second battle of Bullecourt, by Frederick WIGMORE No 1273 6th Australian Machine Gun Company. He enlisted in the 23rd Batt AIF on 11.1.1915. Embarked for Eygpt on 4.5.1915 then to Gallipoli late August 1915. Disembarked from Gallipoli 10.1.1916. Transferred to 6th M G Coy 1.3.1916. Embarked for France 24.3.1916. Awarded Military Medal at Moquet Farm 25.8.1916. Promoted Cpl 11.6.1917. Promoted Sgt 19.12.1917. WIA 29.8.1918, GSW severe to forearm. Discharged from the AIF 21.4.1919. Refer Cat No 09.2..1) Steel Binoculars with metal / leather lens cap. Engraved details of German owner. .2) Leather Binoculars case with neck strap, brass studs & buckles. Machine sewn & felt lined. Handwritten in black letters on front of case: F WIGMORE, 6th AUS MGC On binoculars: D F 03.6 Fuch U F Emil Busch, A G Ruthenow, "2 MGK 5R 124.8, "Serial No. 105069 Handwritten on lens cover: Captured from Hindenberg Line East of Bullecourt 30/5/17military equipment, personal effects, german forces

This 1935 Coronation medal was awarded to individuals for distinguished Citizenry. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the coronation of King George V, a commemorative medal awarded to citizens who had made contributions to their community, as recognised by their local council. The silver medal has the profile of the King and Queen Mary on the front, in their crowns and robes. Around the edge in raised letters is written 'George V and Queen Mary May VI MCMXXXV'. On the reverse are the letters GRI (Georgius Rex Imperator) in the centre, with the outline of a crown directly above the letters and the words 'May 1910' and 'May 1935' written either side of GRI. A red ribbon with blue and white edging attaches the medal to a pin. 1937 Coronation medal was awarded to individuals for distinguished Citizenry. To celebrate the coronation of King George VI, a commemorative medal was awarded to citizens who had made contributions to their community, as recognised by their local council. The silver medal has the profile of the King and Queen Elizabeth on the front, in their crowns and robes. On the reverse are the letters GRI (Georgius Rex Imperator) in the centre, with the outline of a crown directly above the letters and the words 'Crowned 12 May 1937' below. Around the edge in raised letters is 'George VI Queen Elizabeth'. A garter blue ribbon with red and white edging attaches the medal to a pin. Awards presented to males consisted of a single piece of fabric hanging from a metal bar, whilst awards presented to females had the fabric tied into a bow with the medal hanging below the centre. 2 silver medals hanging from a blue ribbon with red and white edging. 2 silver medals hanging from a red ribbon with blue and white edging.1935 - 'George V and Queen Mary May VI MCMXXXV' around the edge of the front of medal. On the reverse are the letters 'GRI' (Georgius Rex Imperator) in the centre and 'May 1910-May 1935'. 1937 - 'George VI Queen Elizabeth' around the edge of the front of medal. On the reverse are the letters 'GRI' and 'Crowned 12 May 1937'. tilly aston, tom marks, medals

This is a medal awarded by the Warrnambool Bowling Club to William Kucks in 1900. The Warrnambool Bowling Club was established in 1867 with a green near the Royal Hotel in Timor Street. The club still operates in Kelp Street. William Kucks was a long-time resident of Warrnambool, operating a boarding house in the town in Timor Street in the 1860s and then a bakery in the same street for many years.This medal is of considerable interest as a memento of the Warrnambool Bowls Club in the early 20th century and of a well-known 19th century and early 20th century Warrnambool resident, William Kucks.This silver gilt covered medallion is diamond shaped with the edge incised into four small triangles and four curved and pointed shapes. The latter have four adjacent leaf shapes in relief. The centralised text is surrounded by a horseshoe of graduated, rounded pentagons. It has a small ring attached at the top.There is a hinged pin and catch on the reverse.WARRNAMBOOL BOWLING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1899-1900 W KUCKS Runner up Hallmarkwarrnambool bowling club, william kucks, warrnambool history

JAMES PATTERSON MCCALL No 6401 enlisted on 17.10.1916 in the 18th reinforcements 22nd Batt AIF age 29 years 1 month. Embarked for England 25.4.1917. Promoted L/Cpl 19.9.1917, awarded the Military Medal (MM) on 19.5.1918 at Ville-Sur-Ancre near ALBERT, WIA 6.8.1918 Gas Burns. Returned to unit 4.10.1918, KIA 4.10.1918.Memorial Scroll WWI from the King to Cpl James Patterson McCall MM, 22 Bn AIF. Shards of broken glass removed.“Cpl James Patterson McCall MM 22 Bn AIF”documents - memorials, military history, scroll

See also 2606, 2607, 2608.3. .1) Medals awarded to ARTHUR EBDON. .2) Photograph of a painting of ARTHUR EBDON who enlisted in the AIF in July 1915. He was a Lance Corporal Signaller in 57th Battalion, 5th Division before transferring to 15th Field Company of Engineers, 5th Division. Portrait was painted by Mary Wheeler and entered in the Archibald Prize..1) Photograph attached to maroon card displaying 3 medals. French Legion of Honour, British War Medal, Victory Medal. .2) Photograph of a painting of a seated man who is the recipient of the medals.photography-photographs, military history - army, passchendaele barracks trust

Roy Arnold enlisted in A Coy 20th Batt AIF on 10.3.15. Awarded the Military Medal at Mont St Quentin on 31.8.18. He carried messages through heavy artillery, machine gun and rifle fire then acted as a Stretcher Bearer for 12 hours carrying wounded to the RAP. He was appointed L/Cpl on 22.9.18. Discharged from the AIF on 30.7.19. Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) re R. Arnold "MM" 1. Military Medal, replica not engraved. 2. 1914-15 Star, replica not engraved. 3. War Medal 1914-19, replica not engraved. 4. Victory Medal. " 157 PTE R Arnold 20 Bn AIF"numismatics - medals - military, metalcraft

Medal awarded to Private C T WHYMAN 554269 who served with the 16th London Regiment (County of London). The 16th Battalion was known as the Queen's Westminster Rifles, an Infantry regiment of the British Army formed in 1908 and disbanded in 1938. The Battalion was engaged on the western front between 1914 and 1918. The item was found and no further information is known regarding Private WHYMAN.Round bronze medal - The obverse shows figure of 'Victory' (or 'Victoria') with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand.The reverse has the words ‘THE GREAT / WAR FOR / CIVILISATION / 1914-1919' in four lines, all surrounded by a laurel wreath.The ribbon has an iridescent multi-colour scheme and attaches to the medal through a ring suspender The recipient's name, rank, service number and unit is impressed on the edge of the medal. 554269 Pte C T WHYMAN 16 LOND Rww1, 16 london regiment, c t whyman, 1918, victory medal

Gilbert Noah Turner enlisted in the 3rd Reinforcements 8th Batt AIF on 23.11.14 No 1605. Embarked for overseas 19.2.15. Landed Gallipoli 8.5.15. Transferred to 60th Batt 24.2.16 then 25th Howitzer Bde 27.3.16 and finally 45th Batt on 2.6.16 as No 1410. Awarded Military Medal on 22.2.17. WIA 3.6.17 GSW to face and chest. WIA 2nd occasion 5.5.18 Gassed and then shortly after he got Pnuemonia. Discharged from the AIF 30.3.19. He enlisted again in WW11 on 12.8.41 No V18372. He served in Australia only and on discharge on 29.11.45 he was serving in 12 Garrison Battalion. Refer 1294P, 1039P, 1173.Medal set, court mounted, set of (6) re G Turner. 1. Military Medal. 2. 1914-15 Star. 3. War Medal 1914-1919. 4. Victory Medal. 5. War Medal 1939-45 6. Australian Service Medal.1. Military Medal is stamped "Duplicate". 2, 3, 4. "1410 Cpl G Turner 8 Bn AIF" 5, 6. "V18372 G Turner"medals, military, bravery

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Hunter joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles from 20 National Service Battalion November 1956. He transferred to Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles in 1967, returning to VMR in 1977. He commanded A Squadron 8/13 VMR 1978-1980. He was Staff Officer Grade 1 Headquarters 3 Division 1983-1985. Following retirement he was active in the regimental museum and wrote the book "My Corps Cavalry: a history of the 13th Australian Light Horse AIF". He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia 2009 for services to military history.Representative of a period in 1980s when chain mail epaulettes was worn by officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.Open-necked officer's 'Blues' jacket with chain mail epaulettes; lieutenant colonels' badges of rank and 'R' denoting Reserve of Officers status; Silver 8/13 VMR buttons and collar badges. Worn by Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Hunter who served in the regiment between 1956 and 1987.uniform, hunter douglas, vmr, oam, 3 division, pngvr, chain mail

Kingsley William Allen NO VX109839 2nd AIF. Refer 2192.4, 2195 for service history also 2193, 2196P..1) Small white medal box, bottom half, used to post medals out. .2) Small card, compliments from "The Minister of State for the Army" .3) Small paper note, yellow re "Queries to Army Medals section Vic Barracks Melbourne" .4) Paper list of Medals, campaign Stars, yellowed paper printed in black. Medals awarded are ticked in blue ink and details of person at bottom receiving. .4) "Total awards, four, Army No VX109839, Name K.W Allen"containers, military

Leslie Pryde "MM", Regt No 11986. refer Cat No 914 for his service history and award details.Official document from the Australian Imperial Force dated, Melbourne 18.7.1918 relating to the award of "The Military Medal" for bravery in the field by Corporal L Pryde. The notice was sent to his mother Mrs J Pryde stating that "His Majesty the King" had approved the award. The document is a one sided paper. awards, military history, mm

James Alexander Nicholl was born 1878 at Ballarat Victoria. He served four years with the 3rd Regiment Victorian Colonial Forces, receiving his commission as an officer after two years. On 1 May 1900, as a 22 year old lieutenant, he sailed with the 4th Victorian Imperial Regiment to South Africa serving there under Colonel NW Kelly for fifteen months. Upon his return to Australia he resumed service with the now, Australian Light Horse. He was adjutant of the 16th (Indi) Light Horse located in northeast Victoria when WWI began. He volunteered for the AIF and was appointed to ‘C’ Squadron 13th Light Horse with the rank of Captain. Nicholl served at Gallipoli, France and UK, returning to Australia in 1919. Again he resumed his service with the CMF, this time with the 20th Light Horse.Rare group of medals awarded to citizen soldier from Victoria with service in Boer War and WWI (1914-1918) and peacetime service with pre-Federation Colonial Forces and post-Federation Citizen Military Forces both before and the war.Swing mounted medal group awarded to Major JA Nicholl being: Queens South African Medal with four clasps - Transvaal, Rhodesia, Cape Colony and South Africa 1901; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration (VD). On rim QSA "Lieut J.A. Nicholl Victorian MR"; on reverse 14-15 Star "Captain J.A. Nicholl 13/LH Rgt AIF"; on rim BWM and Victory "Major J.A. Nicholl AIF"; on reverse VD "Major J.A. Nicholl 20th LH"nichol, medal, boer war, wwi, vd, colonial, light horse, 13th, world war one

This object belongs to John GORDON who was born 18/02/1870. His next of Kin is Ada Gordon, wife. John Gordon served with the AAMC and was discharged in 22/03/1919. John Gordon was awarded the British War Medal.Victory Medal, British Medal & 1914-15 Starfirst world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object belongs to John GORDON who was born 18/02/1870. His next of Kin is Ada Gordon, wife. John Gordon served with the AAMC and was discharged in 22/03/1919. John Gordon was awarded the British War Medal.medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Medal awarded to John Garbutt. John Garbutt was Principal of Ballarat College 1877 - 1909. He was educated at Geelong National Grammar School and in 1860 was the first dux of the college. First class Honourman Arts and Laws at Melbourne University 1866; Two years a master at Geelong College; seven years master and three years senior master at Scotch College, Melbourne. Ornate gold circular medal with garland decoration around circumference and engraved lapel pin attached to top; engraving on face.Face: Geelong National Grammar School / John Garbutt / Dux / of the school / 1860principal-john-garbutt, geelong-national-grammar-school, 1960, dux, ballarat-college, principal

Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal

This swimsuit belonged to Audrey May Ferguson (nee Fulton), a longtime Brighton resident. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun.Black one-piece rayon and cotton swimsuit. Straps button at back. Asymmetrical zig-zag front with double-line of white stitching, embellished by a large cream button.Label, white with green palm tree logo and red text: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA" Label, white with red text: "61% RAYON, 10% RUBBER, 29% COTTON 36"swimwear, audrey may ferguson, audrey may fulton, melbourne designers, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, 1950s, 1960s