Index, bibliography, notes, ill, p.278.The Victoria Cross was the highest award, given only for a single act of valour. Just 90 Australians have been awarded it since they served with the British forces in South Africa in the late nineteenth century. And only four Australians have been awarded the George Cross, the ultimate medal for civilians in time of war. From Neville Howse in the Boer War in South Africa in 1900 to Keith Payne in Viet Nam in 1969 this book tells the story of twelve Australian recipients of the Victoria and George Crosses.military decorations - australia, george cross recepients - australia

Index, bibliography, maps, p.96.non-fictionThe North African campaign has been studied in detail over the years but much of the study has been dedicated to the battles between the British Eighth Army and Rommel's Afrika Korps. There has been little serious study of Wavell's campaign against Italian forces in 1940-41, nor of the role played by the Australian Sixth Division.world war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – north africa, libya - campaigns - 1940-1941

ill (b/w), p.158., lists.non-fictionA Short History of Polish soldiers migration to Australia after WWII. Part I The Surplus Heroes 5 The Foundation of the Polish Republic operating in exile 7 Formation of military 10 Change in relations with the Allies 18 The Polish military in the closing stages of the war 21 The consequences of the Yalta Conference 22 1945 Elections in Britain 24 The Polish Resettlement Corps [in UK] 28 The notion of "Betrayal" 31 The Future 32 Part II Destination Australia 35 Background 37 Polish Armed Forces in the West 39 The "Polish Issue" 43 Polish Resettlement Corps (PRC) 49 Solution? 52 Portrayal of the Poles 54 Australian government decision-making 57 SS Asturias - September 1947 and December 1947 Tasmania: Hydro-Electric Commission 64 SS Strathnaver - August 1948 64 Hobart 69 Victoria 71 Queensland 71 Manus Island 71 South Australia 72 New South Wales 72 Asturias - August 1948 - Sydney 76 Asturias - November 1948 - Western Australia 78 Life at the Tasmanian Hydro-Electric Commission 79 Citizenship 85 Deportation 91 Australian veterans groups 93 Polish veterans groups in Australia 96 Establishing a life 100 Families 103 Polish communities 105 Annexes 109. Includes photographs, facsimiles and maps.immigration - australia - polish community, australia - displaced persons

Bibliography, Index, Chronology, ill (plates, col, b/w) maps. p.452.non-fictionFrom longbow, pike, and musket to Challenger tanks, from the Napoleonic Wars to the Gulf campaign, the Duke of Marlborough to Field Marshal Montgomery, The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Army recounts the history of the British army from its medieval antecedents to the present day. Drawing on the latest scholarship, this survey shows how British fighting forces have evolved over the last five centuries. The continuities revealed are sometimes surprising: narrow recruitment patterns, friction between soldiers and civilians, financial constraints and recurrent political pressure for economies are constant themes. Commanders, campaigns, battles, organization, and weaponry are covered in detail within the wider context of the social, economic, and political environment in which armies exist and fight. The British army has been remarkably successful in fighting terms, losing only one major war (of American Independence 1775-83). As one of the engines of empire it has been active all over the world, as well as shaping the internal destiny of the nation in civil war and revolution. Its history is charted in a sequence of chronological chapters, each containing special feature articles, beginning with the medieval, Elizabethan, and Restoration army and moving on through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to the two world wars of the twentieth. The book concludes with accounts of the army of British India, the amateur military tradition, the British way in warfare, and an assessment of what the future may hold in the light of the Options for Change review. Extensively illustrated in black and white and colour, and with a detailed chronology and further reading lists, this is the definitive one-volume history of the British army for specialists and non-specialists alike.great britain - military history, great britain - military tradition

ill (b/w plates), p.185.non-fictionThis book is a Sequel to "What! No morning tea?", and follows the author's career through the ranks of the British Army, the Officer Cadet Training Unit and into the Officers' Mess.soldiers - great britain - diaries, great britain - armed forces - military life

Index, bibliography, notes, ill (b/w), p.348.From the 1930s through WWII to Afghanistan today, from total war to counterinsurgency, this history unravels and defines the intangible qualities that differentiate the "Sky Men" from other soldiers Seventy years ago the Parachute Regiment was formed - the army's elite air assault force was tough, well-trained, and designed to fight hazardous operations behind enemy lines with little or no backup. Dropping into the middle of enemy territory, these "Sky Men"- British, American, German, and Russian soldiers - engage in gruelling combat in the most dangerous conflict zones around the world. Ex-Parachute Regiment officer Robert Kershaw reveals the history of these airborne forces and their role during the most dramatic battles of the 20th century. He finds out what drives a "Sky Man" to take these extraordinary risks, and what marks these sky warriors out from ordinary soldiers. How do military paratroopers conquer the fear of jumping from aircraft at low level, by night, and frequently under fire? Has the helicopter replaced the need for parachutists in the 21st Century? Has the increasing lethality of anti-aircraft weapons made the airborne option redundant? These issues are examined alongside the personal experiences of the Soviet "Locust Warriors," German Fallschirmjäger, British Red Devils, American "devils in baggy-pants," and Les Paras. Based on letters, diaries, and exclusive interviews with soldiers from around the world, this book is full of vivid personalities and nail-biting action.great britain - history - military, great britain - parachute regiment

Ill, p.156.non-fictionA history of British and Commonwealth SAS forces from the second world war to the Falklands war.great britain - special air services, clandestine military forces

Ill, maps, p.144.non-fictionBritish military forces. Implications of Falkland Islands Warfalklands war 1982, graet britain - military history

Ill, maps, p.159.non-fictionThe origins, training and actions of the Commando Brigadeworld war 1939 – 1945 – secret operations – britain, commando forces - britain

Bib, ill, maps, p.248.non-fictionA significant World War Two mutiny took place on the night of 8 May 1942 in a lonely atoll in the Indian Ocean in a setting of intrigue, rebellion and the blood and tears of war. Japanese naval forces were at the peak of their southward thrust." "While the battle of the Coral Sea raged, gunners of the Ceylon Garrison Artillery on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands off Australia's north-west coast attempted to arrest their British commanding officer and compel him to surrender to the Japanese. One soldier was killed and another wounded, but the mutiny failed and seven men were condemned to death. Ultimately three soldiers were hung, becoming the only Commonwealth troops to be executed for mutiny in World War Twomutiny, world war 1939-1945 - sri lanka

Textiles. A wartime souvenir from Palestine. Peach coloured rayon (?) fabric, with a cream coloured calico back. Embroidered in silk and cotton thread in chain stitch. A palm tree on either side of the front frames a semi-circular shape with the Australian and British flags at the top on either side of the semi-circle. A crown is embroidered at the top in the open section of the circle. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces is embroidered around the semi-circle. Below, is an embroidery of a Mosque, and below this are the words: Mosque of Amar (?). To my dear Sister.Palestine. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941. To my dear Sister. Mosque of Amar(?) Omar(?).textiles, domestic, rayon and cotton cushion

Three photocopies of the Instrument of Surrender of Japanese Forces in New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville and adjacent islands. Signed by the Commander in Chief of the Japanese Imperial Southeastern Army and the Lieutenant General, General Officer Commanding First Australian army. Received on board H.M.S. Glory off Rabaul at 1130 hours, sixth day of September 1945.document, certificate, instrument of surrender

Index, ill, maps, p.305.non-fictionAn outstandingly written, first-person account of a decorated British soldier's experience of fighting Taliban forces in Afghanistan.afghan war 2001-2021 - military operations - britain, afghan war 2001-2021 - personal narratives - britain

Ill, p.66.non-fictionThe British army in Germany after World War Two and its response to the fall of the Iron Curtain occupation forces - united kingdom, north atlantic treaty organisation

Promotion and program for a lecture and concert that was arranged by the City of St Kilda at St Kilda Town Hall on 19 June 1942. The lecture topic was 'The Empire's Air Forces at War', by British War Correspondent William Courtney, and the entertainment included musical performances and a film screening.Cream coloured paper (discoloured with age) printed in black on one sidewilliam courtney, margaret schofield, arnold matters, thea phillips, noel nickson, city of st kilda, arnold colman

Invitation and ticket to a lecture and concert arranged by the City of St Kilda at St Kilda Town Hall on 19 June 1942. The lecture topic was 'The Empire's Air Forces at War', by British War Correspondent William Courtney, and the entertainment included musical performances and a film screening. Admission was free but donations were collected for the St Kilda Patriotic Society.Folded grey-brown coloured light card printed in dark bluewilliam courtney, margaret schofield, arnold matters, thea phillips, noel nickson, city of st kilda, arnold colman, st kilda patriotic society

Promotion and program for a free lecture and concert at St Kilda Town Hall on 19 June 1942. The lecture topic was 'The Empire's Air Forces at War', by British War Correspondent William Courtney, and the entertainment included musical performances. Although free, silver coin donations for the St Kilda Patriotic Society were sought.Buff coloured paper printed in black on one sidewilliam courtney, arnold matters, thea phillips, city of st kilda, anthony ferrara, st kilda patriotic society

With the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki destroyed by atomic weapons, the will of the Japanese leadership was tested Emperor Showa of Japan announced his intention to surrender to the Allies unconditionally over public radio on 15 Aug 1945. The date of Japan's formal surrender was 2 Sep 1945, and it took place aboard American battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. There were other surrender ceremonies including that on Sept 6 1945. At 0900 hours, sloop HMS Hart picked up Hitoshi Imamura and Jinichi Kusaka at Kabanga Bay, who would sign the surrender documents aboard HMS Glory at 1127 hours which surrendered 139,000 remaining personnel at Rabaul plus all forces in Australian territory in the South Pacific. The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. The surrender ceremony at Rabaul, New Britain took place on 6 Sep 1945 aboard the British carrier HMS Glory surrendering 139,000 remaining personnel at Rabaul plus all forces in Australian territory in the South Pacific. Light brown frame with glass, of a black and white photocopy. Script is very ornate and has Japanese lettering at the bottom. Instument of Surrender of Japanese Forces in New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville and adjacent Islands. I the Commander in Chief of the Japanese Imperial Southeastern Army, hereby surrender to the General Officer Commanding First Australian Army all Japanese Armed Forces under my command in accordance with the Instrument of Surrender issued by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters and Government and General Order No.1 Military and Naval issued by the Japanese imperial General Headquarters. I will henceforth and until otherwise directed by you or your successor carry out the orders issued by you or your staff on your behalf to the best of my ability and I will take action to ensure that my subordinate commanders carry out the orders issued by your representatives. Commander in Chief Japanese Imperial Southeastern Army. Received on board H.M.S. Glory off Rabaul at 1130 hours sixth day of September 1945. Lieutenant General General Officer Commanding First Australian Army.wwii, world war 2, imperial japanese army, japanese army, surrender, rabaul

The Instrument of Surrender signed at Singapore by Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten for the Allies and General Itagaki for the Japanese. During his time as Supreme Allied Commander of the Southeast Asia Theatre, Lord Mountbatten's command oversaw the recapture of Burma. A personal high point was the receipt of the Japanese surrender in Singapore when British troops returned to the island to receive the formal surrender of Japanese forces in the region led by General Itagaki on 12 September 1945, codenamed Operation Tiderace. General Itagaki was convicted of war crimes and executed inn 1948.The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close.Following the war, Mountbatten was known to have largely shunned the Japanese for the rest of his life out of respect for his men killed during the war, and as per his will, Japan was not invited to send diplomatic representatives to his funeral in 1979,Black frame with silver insert with glass of a photocopy of the Instrument of Surrender of the Japanese Forces. Script is in black on white paper with a red square seal at the bottom left, mounted on cream board.Instrument of surrender of Japanese Forces under the command or control of the Supreme Commander, Japanese Expeditionary forces, southern regions within the operational theatre of the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia. Signed at Singapore at 0341 hours (G.M.T.) on 12 September, 1945.wwii, world war 2, imperial japanese forces, surrender, singapore, japanese army

Legion of ex Servicemen and Women - Wangaratta Branch Honour Board containing names of Office Bearers from 1985 to 2002.The Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women (Vic) Ltd (The Legion) is an ex-service based not for profit association. Formed in December 1944 from a number of existing organisations, membership of the legion is open to all ex-service personnel, including British Commonwealth and Allied personnel, and former members of the peace-time Australian regular and reserve forces, their families, relatives and other persons who abide by and are accepted in accordance with the Constitution.Solid piece of wood with gold writing, has five columns listing the year President, Vice-President Secretary, Treasurer, dating from 1985 to 2002.Legion of ex-servicemen & women, Wangaratta Branch, 1985 - 2002. Signware 5721 2430. wangaratta, legion, ex-servicemen & women

British Imperial Reservists (IRs) who were living in Australia were recalled to the British Expeditionary Forces in World War One (WWI). Reservists sailed from Melbourne, Victoria on the HMAT Miltiades as part of the first convoy (Convoy 1) of troops leaving Australia in October 1914.Gold badge with crown on top, blue around outside, with Union Jack and Red Ensign in the middle. Has a horse shoe hook on back with a number.On front: 1914 Imperial reservists Assn, Australia. On back: One has 96, the other 69.wwi, world war 1, imperial reservists, australia

Kittyhawk Fighter. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk is an American single-engined, single-seat, all-metal fighter and ground-attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. The British Commonwealth air forces used the name Kittyhawk for models equivalent to the P-40D and all later variants.The Kittyhawk was the main fighter used by the RAAF in World War II, in greater numbers than the Spitfire. Two RAAF squadrons serving with the Desert Air Force, No. 3 and No. 450 Squadrons, were the first Australian units to be assigned P-40s. Small khaki plane with blue & white spots on top and sides, red nose.model airplanes, kittyhawk fighter.

Gloster Gladiator. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Gloster Gladiator was a British-built biplane fighter. It was used by the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm and was exported to a number of other air forces during the late 1930s.Silver bi-plane with blue & yellow diamonds on top wing and sides with red, white & blue circles. K7984model airplanes, gloster gladiator.

Olive wood covered copy of New Testament. On back: Rising Sun Emblem / Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. On front: Carved ornamental cross.To / Reverend Paton / And Members / Woodford / P.F.A. / with / Best wishes / from / VX4049 / Driver Norman / Lyle / Marburg / 1st. Aust. Corp F Petrol Park.paton, bible, army

Badge received by Dorothy Kiely in 2012 on the 70th anniversary of the Australian Women's Land Army. The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) was formed during the Second World War to combat rising labour shortages in the farming sector. From December 1941, when Japan entered the war, the nation’s need to build up its armed forces was placed above the needs of other industries. Agricultural labour was steadily diverted to the armed services and war industry To meet the shortfall in rural labour, State and private women’s land organisations were organised, modelled on those established in Great Britain during the First and Second World Wars. A national body was formed on 27 July 1942 under the jurisdiction of the Director General of Manpower. While policy was devised by the Commonwealth Government, the organisation of the AWLA remained State-based. An extensive recruiting campaign was undertaken for new members. Most members of the existing land armies were later incorporated into the AWLA as well. Black box containing gold star shaped badge with red crown above Australian coat of arms Badge:-Australian Women's Land Army 70th Anniversary 2012 Box:- top in gold lettering 70th Anniversary of the Australian Women's Land Armyawla, ww2, dorothy kiely

Folder containing assorted newspapers including- The Argus dated 22/2/1940 17th Australian Infantry Brigade 2nd AIF Souvenir Supplement The Argus dated 10/5/1943 Resistance Ending in Tunisia Daily Herald dated 5/6/1944 Allies in Rome The Herald dated 27/9/1947 Britain will stay in Middle East The Herald dated 15/8/1945 Peace - World Hails Jap Surrender(2 copies) The Sun dated 4/3/1943 RJEV Falls to Russian forces The Sun dated 8/5/1945 War Ends in Europe (2 copies) The Sun dated 23/10/1945 The Sun dated 9/1/1945 The Sun dated 31/1/1946 The Herald Special Edition Australian Highlights assorted newspaper clippings Large black plastic folder housing assortment of newspaper clippingsnewspaper, newspaper clippings, ww2, the argus

Personal documents and letters belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952Parchment of Appointed to rank 2nd Lieutenant on 9/11/1915 by King George V - Document dated 26/6/1917 Parchment of Appointment as a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire by King George V dated 3/6/1919 Two parchments issued by the Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia Appointed Lieutenant of the Military Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from 1/1/1920 by Henry William, Baron Forster Appointed Lieutenant of the Reserve Military Forces of the Commonwealth from 13/4/1940 by Alexander Gore Arkwright, Baron GowrieFour large parchment documents Two Australian Military Forces certificates and one form Five original letters One copy of letter written in French Seven copies of typed letters AIF Military PassCream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script and stamped George R I dated 26/6/1917 and 3/6/1919 Cream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script issued by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 17/3/1924 and 21/4/1941 AMF Recommendation for Promotion V 84119 Lieut Cruise - form incomplete AMF Certificate of Release from War Service No 11943 - V84199 Lieut Cruise AMF Certificate of Service of an Officer No 33461 -V84119 Lieut Cruise Typed letter dated 13/10/1919 from Commonwealth of Australia Dept of Defence to Lieut Cruise referring to London Gazette extract - Member of the British Empire - Military Division Typed letter embossed with seal dated 9/6/1919 signed W Birdwood Handwritten in blue ink with "Denman Chambers" imprint top right corner letter of reference signed B V Stacy formerly Lieut. Col., Commanding 1st Bn AIF Typed letter with AIF letterhead dated 1/6/1927 Typed letter with The Gallipoli Legion of Anzacs letterhead dated 24/1/1950 Typed copy of letter of gratitude in French dated 18/6/1918 from Military Attache General Pierre de Laguiche - stamped with Statue of Liberty AIF Military Pass dated 25/6/1919 issued to Lieut Cruiselt. a j cruise mbe, ww1

Personal documents and letters belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952Parchment of Appointed to rank 2nd Lieutenant on 9/11/1915 by King George V - Document dated 26/6/1917 Parchment of Appointment as a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire by King George V dated 3/6/1919 Two parchments issued by the Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia Appointed Lieutenant of the Military Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from 1/1/1920 by Henry William, Baron Forster Appointed Lieutenant of the Reserve Military Forces of the Commonwealth from 13/4/1940 by Alexander Gore Arkwright, Baron GowrieFour large parchment documents Two Australian Military Forces certificates and one form Five original letters One copy of letter written in French Seven copies of typed letters AIF Military PassCream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script and stamped George R I dated 26/6/1917 and 3/6/1919 Cream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script issued by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 17/3/1924 and 21/4/1941 AMF Recommendation for Promotion V 84119 Lieut Cruise - form incomplete AMF Certificate of Release from War Service No 11943 - V84199 Lieut Cruise AMF Certificate of Service of an Officer No 33461 -V84119 Lieut Cruise Typed letter dated 13/10/1919 from Commonwealth of Australia Dept of Defence to Lieut Cruise referring to London Gazette extract - Member of the British Empire - Military Division Typed letter embossed with seal dated 9/6/1919 signed W Birdwood Handwritten in blue ink with "Denman Chambers" imprint top right corner letter of reference signed B V Stacy formerly Lieut. Col., Commanding 1st Bn AIF Typed letter with AIF letterhead dated 1/6/1927 Typed letter with The Gallipoli Legion of Anzacs letterhead dated 24/1/1950 Typed copy of letter of gratitude in French dated 18/6/1918 from Military Attache General Pierre de Laguiche - stamped with Statue of Liberty AIF Military Pass dated 25/6/1919 issued to Lieut Cruiselt. a j cruise mbe, ww1