This object relates to Herman Claude BENHAM. He was born on 1/07/1895 in Geelong, VIC. Herman Claude served in the AIF (3690) enlisting on, 13/08/1915 in Drysdale, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 7TH BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 25/03/1919. Herman Claude BENHAM was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is James BENHAM (Father). Herman Benham was awarded the British War Medal and the 1914-1915 Star.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Herman Claude BENHAM. He was born on 1/07/1895 in Geelong, VIC. Herman Claude served in the AIF (3690) enlisting on, 13/08/1915 in Drysdale, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 7TH BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 25/03/1919. Herman Claude BENHAM was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is James BENHAM (Father). Herman Benham was awarded the British War Medal and the 1914-1915 Star."With love from Winnie J"first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Herman Claude BENHAM. He was born on 1/07/1895 in Geelong, VIC. Herman Claude served in the AIF (3690) enlisting on, 13/08/1915 in Drysdale, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 7TH BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 25/03/1919. Herman Claude BENHAM was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is James BENHAM (Father). Herman Benham was awarded the British War Medal and the 1914-1915 Star.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Charles Walter MURRAY. He was born on 1/01/1881 in Ballarat, VIC. Charles Walter served in the Army - 16th Reinf's 8th Battalion (5165) enlisting on, 24/01/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 16th REINF'S 8th BATT as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 28/11/1917. Charles Walter MURRAY was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Fanny Bertha MURRAY (wife). Charles Murray was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.WWI era postcards (21), collected and posted home to Ballarat East by an AIF soldier on active duty in a handmade pouch/envelope fashioned out of a khaki garment, hand-sewn and addressed with pen and ink to his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Sandwith. This object relates to Samuel Thompson SANDWITH. He was born on 1/06/1892 in Ballarat, VIC. Samuel Thompson served in the AIF (5219) enlisting on, 28/01/1916 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 8TH BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 10/09/1919. Samuel Thompson SANDWITH was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Jane Elizabeth SANDWITH (Mother). Pouch front reads: (0n left hand side) On Active Duty (On right): Mrs. E. J (?). Sandwith / 27 Queen St / Ballarat East / Victoria. Australia / PRESENT FROM A SOLDIER. Pouch back reads: present from a soldier / On Active Service / Mrs. E J Sandwith / 27 Queen St East / Ballarat E. / Victoria. Australia. Other text on left illegible.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, ballarat rsl, ballarat, samuel thompson sandwith, aif, homefront, correspondence

This object relates to William Sylvester O'SHEA. He was born on 1/01/1892 in Ballarat, VIC. William Sylvester served in the AIF (3866) enlisting on, 05/07/1915 in Ballarat, VIC before being killed in action on duties with the 59th BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Sergeant (SGT) on 26/09/1917. William Sylvester O'SHEA was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is M O'SHEA (Mother). William O'Shea was awarded the Victory Medal.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Walter Stanley KENT. He was born on 1/03/1891 in Melbourne, VIC. Walter Stanley served in the AIF (2852) enlisting on, 04/09/1918 in Ballarat, VIC before being killed during service with the RAILWAY OP SEC DETAILS as a Army Non-Commissioned Sapper (SPR) on 22/02/1919. Walter Stanley KENT was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is George KENT (Father). first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Photo of 538 Pte. Charles Raymond McClymont. 8 Battalion 1st AIF. Included in frame 1xRing with unit colours, IxMedallion present by Bungaree People, to commemrate a safe return from the front 1917. 1X Set WW1 medals, 1X Hospital form.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Thomas VINES. He was born on 1/10/1892 in Hamilton, VIC. Thomas served in the AIF (1671) enlisting on, 06/01/1915 in East Melbourne, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5th BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Sergeant (SGT) on 30/03/1919. Thomas VINES was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Thomas & Christina VINES (Parents). Thomas was awarded MM - Battle Pozieres."Souvenir Yeres 1916"first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, souvenirs, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Gordon FINK. He was born on 18/01/1885 in Melbourne, VIC. Gordon served in the AIF (674) enlisting on, 18/11/1914 in Melbourne, VIC before being killed in action on duties with the 16 BATTN as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 02/05/1915. Gordon FINK was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Theodore FINK (Father)"In Honour of Pte Gordon Fink 16th Batt. Killed In Action, Popes Hill, GALLIPOLI May 2nd 1915 Aged 30yrs Planted by his Family"first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Oliver Charles MURPHY. He was born on 1/01/1879 in Lexton, VIC. Oliver Charles served in the Army (6047) enlisting on, 20/03/1916 in Swan Hill, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5 BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Corporal / Bombardier (CPL/LBDR) on 23/06/1919. Oliver Charles MURPHY was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Mrs Sarah Ann MURPHY - Wife.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Herbert Swain GREENING. He was born on 1/01/1891 in Ballarat, VIC. Herbert Swain served in the AIF (3292) enlisting on, 13/07/1915 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5 BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 15/02/1918. Herbert Swain GREENING was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Mrs. M. Greening - Mother. Herbert Greening was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.Tin or aluminium tag, circular in shape with embossed text. Loop at top is attached to the circular disc as a single piece of metal.Embossed in tag: “H. S. GREENING (in round arc design)/ 3292, 5. A. I/ C.E”first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, uniforms, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Herbert Swain GREENING. He was born on 1/01/1891 in Ballarat, VIC. Herbert Swain served in the AIF (3292) enlisting on, 13/07/1915 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5 BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 15/02/1918. Herbert Swain GREENING was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Mrs. M. Greening - Mother. Herbert Greening was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.Brass coloured, circular badge with a crown protruding from the top centre. The symbol of the rising sun can be seen at the centre of the badge in relief with the letters A I F written just below. One line of text follows the top perimeter of the badge, while another line of text follows the lower perimeter (also in relief). On the back of the badge are two eyelets and a pin, as well as engravings.Front of badge (top perimeter): "ISSUED BY DEPT OF DEFENCE" Front of badge (bottom perimeter): "RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE" Back of badge: "54676" and "6TOKF68SON?" / "MFL8"first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, personal items, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Herbert Swain GREENING. He was born on 1/01/1891 in Ballarat, VIC. Herbert Swain served in the AIF (3292) enlisting on, 13/07/1915 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5 BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 15/02/1918. Herbert Swain GREENING was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Mrs. M. Greening - Mother. Herbert Greening was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.Rectangular shaped ribbon bar for three miniature WW1 medals first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Oliver Charles MURPHY. He was born on 1/01/1879 in Lexton, VIC. Oliver Charles served in the Army (6047) enlisting on, 20/03/1916 in Swan Hill, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 5 BATTALION as a Army Non-Commissioned Corporal / Bombardier (CPL/LBDR) on 23/06/1919. Oliver Charles MURPHY was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Mrs Sarah Ann MURPHY - Wife.Three tags of leather attached via a light brown cotton tape. Two tags are hexagonal in shape with two holes punched in opposite sides; the third tag is round with two holes punched at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The tags are embossed/branded with text.Round tag: “O C MURPHY (on outer)/5/BATT/6047/A I/ C E” Hexangonal tag: “MURPHY OC/ PTE/6047/C E/5 AIF” Hexagonal tag: “6047/5/ OC MURPHY”first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, uniforms, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Arthur Ernest BLAKE. He was born on 1/01/1896 in Clunes, VIC. Arthur Ernest served in the Army (3724) enlisting on, 08/08/1915 in Boulder, WA before being discharged from duties with the 12 REINFORCEMENTS/11 BATT as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 03/06/1919. His next of kin is Emma KIPPS. Arthur Ernest BLAKE was not a prisoner of war. Arthur Blake was awarded the 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.Circular medallion with two hammered sections along edge, attached via a ring in the top to a chain of bronze/rusted metal. Disc is engraved on both front and back. "D E K Blake 3724 11 BATT C of E AIF" "Miss Dolly Lehrle Warington Lancashire England 194 Battersby Lane"first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, personal items, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Joseph William PEARCE. He was born on 1/01/1886 in Ballaarat, VIC. Joseph William served in the AIF (CAPT) enlisting on, 22/03/1915 in Ballaarat East, VIC and served with the 21 BATTN. He was awarded the Military Cross on 20 OCT 1916 for conspicuous gallantry during operations in France. He was killed in action at Broodseinde Ridge on 04/10/1917. Joseph William PEARCE was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Isaiah PEARCE (Father) and after his parents' deaths, it is John PEARCE, his brother. John also served in WW1 as 8203 L/CPL with the 12 FLD AMB and was awarded the Military Medal. first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of seven servicemen, 4 in AIF uniform, 1 in RAN uniform and 1 in RAAF uniform. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Anzac Day Colour Party 1950"albury, anzac day, 8/13 vmr, uniforms

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of seven servicemen, 4 in AIF uniform, 1 in 8/13 VMR uniform,1 in RAN uniform and 1 in RAAF uniform. Part of a collection of photographs collected during the life of the regiment and passed to the Heritage Collection when it was formalised in the early 1980s." A. Veitch, K. Kothoff ( RAN ), Maurie Davis, Ian McKay, John Neale, John Larkin. Bill Purcell. "albury, anzac day, 8/13 vmr

Alexander Henry White, born 9 May 1882 was educated at Greenville College Ballarat. He enlisted in the Victorian Mounted rifles in 1899 and continued to serve in the Light Horse followinh Federation. Following the outbreak of World War One he applied for a commission in the AIF 19 November 1914 and was appointed as Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse regiment. He was 32 yers of age, married with one child. He sailed with the regiment to Egypt in December 1914, and in May 1915 landed at Gallipoli. Lieutenant Colonel received a shrapnel wound to the scalp 27June, was treated at the Casualty Clearing Station, and returned to duty 4 July. In the Charge at the Nek, 7 August, White chose to lead the first wave of the 8th Light Horse. He was killed in action and his body never identified. His name is recorded on Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula. He was posthumously mentioned in dispatches for his leadership in commanding the 8th Light Horse. Framed case containing portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Henry White, together with his medals (replica) and colour patches of 8th Light Horse.On plaque under portrait 'Lt Col Alexander White / Commanding Officer 8 Light Horse Regiment' and under medals 'Lt. Col. Alexander White borne 9 May 1882 / K.I.A. 7 August 1915 at the NEK Gallipoli'gallipoli, white, wwi, 8lh, ballarat

A letter that was sent to potential members of a new club being formed in Melbourne in September 1923. The text of the letter includes; 'The inaugural luncheon of the proposed Remembrance Club will be held at Anzac House at 1pm on Tuesday next 25th inst. You are urged to be present and the promoters would appreciate the presence of any ex-AIF friend you care to bring with you.' The Remembrance Club in Melbourne later became Legacy. The notation H1 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. Hence the notation of being forwarded from Legatee Kemsley to Anderson in 1969.This is one of the first documents that pertain to the Remembrance Club - later becoming Legacy. File copy of a letter about the inaugural meeting of the Remembrance Club in Melbourne.Handwritten H1 in red pen. Signed 'JP Hiller'(?) in black ink. Notation added later 'To L/ AN Kemsley, from LK Anderson 25/6/1969' from when it was added to archive.history, remembrance club

Basil George Watson was an aviation pioneer born in Bendigo 12/10/1893. The family moved to Melbourne when he was a child. In 1914 he went to England to work as an engineer for the Sopwith Aviation Company. He also took flying lessons and received his licence in 1915. He now worked as a test pilot for Sopwith but when a crash rendered him unfit for military duty, he returned to Australia in late 1915. He designed and constructed his own biplane in the back yard of his Elsternwick home. At the end of 1916 he tested his plane by flying from Point Cook to Bendigo and then to Melbourne. This included an aviation display in Bendigo. He followed this by flying to Warnambool 25/1/1916. He then set up an experimental airmail flight from Melbourne to Mount Gambier. On 28th March 1917, Watson was demonstrating aerobatics for the entertainment of AIF servicemen at Point Cook, when his plane collapsed and fell into the ocean close to shore. Unfortunately, Watson was tangled in the plane's wires and died. On hearing of his death, the bells of St Pauls in Bendigo and the Bendigo fire bell tolled.A paper detailing the life of Bendigo pilot Basil Watson, one of the first Australian pilots. 4 pages.aviation, basil watson, sopwith

Pte Simmons was born in Kyneton. Died at the battle of Fromelles, July 1916.Fromelles. The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to warfare on the Western Front. Soldiers of the newly arrived 5th Australian Division, together with the British 61st Division, were ordered to attack strongly fortified German front line positions near the Aubers Ridge in French Flanders. The attack was intended as a feint to hold German reserves from moving south to the Somme where a large Allied offensive had begun on 1 July. The feint was a disastrous failure. Australian and British soldiers assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from the German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in action or died of wounds and some 400 were captured. This is believed to be the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours during the entire First World War. Some consider Fromelles the most tragic event in Australia’s history. www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/fromelles Two WW1 War service medals with ribbons in a white presentation case. With black clothe lining. On the rim of each medal is: 4899Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF The medals are labelled British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal 1914- 1918. On the inside of the lid is card inscribed: Posthumus award to 4899 Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF. ww1 medals, british war medal, allied victory medal 1914- 1918, n t simmons, fromelles

1. The first Apex Club was formed in Geelong in 1931 as a service club responding to conditions during the depression. It was soon followed by a club in Ballarat and then in Bendigo. It is aimed at 18-35 year olds and has the motto "Service, Citizenship and Fellowship" 2. Ron Barker(1913-23/6/1997) married Verna Clarke in 1948 3. Laurence William Pocock (1913 - 27/6/1989) married Mena Irene Bailie in 1941 4. Austin Gant (1917-1988) was a dentist who served as a Captain in the AIF Dental corps during WW2. He married Clarice Bryce in 1939.Black and white photograph of six men in white aprons cooking a barbecue. The date is unknown. Part of the Barker's family collection.On the back: the warmest job in Bgo today. Apexians cook the grill and hamburgers. Apex Club Bendigo L -R: Ron Barker, Laurie Pocock, maybe Austin Gart.apex club, bendigo, bbq

Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.A gold plated bar brooch with suspended medallion having a blue enamelled ring surrounding the City of Kew crest in reliefFront: City of Kew, above the city of Kew crest with Council below Rear: Mrs H. G. Ferguson, Mayoress, 1959-60city of kew, mayoresses - kew (vic), mrs hg ferguson

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.City of Kew identification badge issued to sitting councillors. The City of Kew cost is surrounded by a blue enamel band with City of Kew Council picked out in gold cloisonné.Front: City of Kew to top, Crest in middle with Council below Rear: Cr H. G. Ferguson 27-8-1955mayors of kew - cr hg ferguson, kew council, city of kew

The child's silk smocked dress with feather stitching is believed to have been worn by Mary Hodgetts, sister of the donor's mother. The dress is estimated to have been made in c.1919, but from its style it may date from the 1900s. This would not be uncommon as children's clothing was often 'passed-on' or reconfigured to fit a new wearer. Mary Hodgetts grew up in Kensington Park, Adelaide. As an adult, Mary enlisted in 1941 to the 1st AWAS camp. After six months she volunteers for the 58th AASL (Anti Aircraft Searchlight Battery). She was sent to Sydney where she attended Training School with 33 males and one other female. Mary was the first AWAS to receive a Commission in the RAA (Royal Australian Artillery). Mary Downer was one of many under Mary's command on returning to Adelaide. After a March through the streets of Adelaide, most of the unit transferred to Western Australia (Fremantle area) in 1943 and were scattered amongst the 55th and 65th AASL Batteries. At the conclusion of WW2, Mary travelled to Melbourne to be with her sister and studied Accountancy. She first lived in Mary Street, Hawthorn, and then bought a unit in Harcourt Street, East Hawthorn. During this period she worked as Bursar to St Catherine's Girls' School. On retirement, she purchased a house in Edgecombe Street, Kew, and lived there happily for many years. During this time she was active with the Kew Meals on Wheels, receiving her 10-years of service certificate. Mary Hodgetts died in 2018.Child's clothing associated with the history of a significant Australian woman who served with the 2nd AIFChild's silk smocked dress Shoulder width 26 cm / Length 52 cmmary hodgetts, 58th aasl (anti aircraft searchlight battery), children's clothing, women- ww2

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Long black lace, floor-length evening dress extending to a short train at the back. The dress has a belt at the waist that is joined by two white metal clasps studded with diamentes. With the dress there is also a matching lace square (2017.00921) that might have been used as a mantilla or as a shawl. The dress was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, evening dresses, doris bennett (nee wilmott)

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.With the black lace evening dress (2917.0093.1) there is also a matching lace square with long lace ties (2017.0093.2) that might have been used as a mantilla or as a shawl. The outfit was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, shawls, lace, doris bennet (nee willmott)