Showing 399 items
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Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Receipt, Equity Trustees Company Ltd; Receipt, 6 May 1924 of Will of Clement R. Stone of Panton Hill date 4 April 1922, 1924
First World War letters and postcards from various (unknown) servicemen written to Lily Thompson (Lew Howard's aunty). She would write to the servicemen.Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, clement r. stone, equity trustees company ltd, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, panton hill, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Letter, Letter to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, missing first page, date unknown
First World War letters and postcards from various (unknown) servicemen written to Lily Thompson (Lew Howard's aunty). She would write to the servicemen.Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan 14th australian infantry battalion, aif, charles (charlie) thomas harris, charles thomas harris, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Eric, Cape Town, c.1915, 1915
... AIF, Cape Town, Eric, First World War, Letters, Lew Howard....1915 Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan AIF ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, cape town, eric, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, south africa, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris (front left) in camp, c.1916, 1916
... AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, Letters, Lew Howard... from item on loan AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, Letters ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, Melbourne, 16 January 1916, 1916
... aif, charlie harris, first world war, letters, lew howard... item on loan aif, charlie harris, first world war, letters, lew ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, Egypt, 20 February 1916, 1916
... AIF, Charlie Harris, Egypt, First World War, Letters, Lew... item on loan AIF, Charlie Harris, Egypt, First World War ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, egypt, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, France, 11 June 1916, 1916
... aif, charlie harris, France, first world war, letters, lew... item on loan aif, charlie harris, France, first world war ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, france, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, France, 21 June 1916, 1916
... aif, charlie harris, france, first world war, letters, lew... item on loan aif, charlie harris, france, first world war ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, france, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lois from Uncle Bill, Bethlehem, Christmas c.1916, 1916
... AIF, Bethlehem, Bill Howard, First World War, Letters, Lew... on loan AIF, Bethlehem, Bill Howard, First World War, Letters, Lew ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, bethlehem, bill howard, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Robert Harris from No. 3 Aust. Aux. Hospital, Heliopolis, Egypt, 7 February (1916), 1916
... aif, egypt, first world war, heliopolis, letters, lew...) Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, egypt ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, egypt, first world war, heliopolis, letters, lew howard collection, lily howard, robert harris, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Robert Harris, Gizeh, Egypt, 24 February (1916), 1916
... AIF, Egypt, First World War, Gizeh, Letters, Lew Howard... from item on loan AIF, Egypt, First World War, Gizeh, Letters ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, egypt, first world war, gizeh, letters, lew howard collection, lily howard, robert harris, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, Wareham, England, 30 March 1917, 1917
... AIF, Charlie Harris, England, First World War, Letters, Lew... by EDHS from item on loan AIF, Charlie Harris, England, First ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, england, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, wareham, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, France, 4 September 1917, 1917
... AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, France, Letters, Lew... item on loan AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, France ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, first world war, france, letters, lew howard collection, lily howard, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Greeting Card, Christmas greetings to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, 1917
... AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, Letters, Lew Howard... on loan AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, Letters, Lew Howard ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, lily howard, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard's mother from Harold (?), Boulonge-sur-Mer, France, c.9 February 1918, 1918
... AIF, Boulonge-sur-Mer, First World War, France, Letters... - scanned by EDHS from item on loan AIF, Boulonge-sur-Mer, First ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, boulonge-sur-mer, first world war, france, letters, lew howard collection, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Postcard to Lily Howard from Charlie Harris, France, 9 June 1918, 1918
... AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, France, Letters, Lew... on loan AIF, Charlie Harris, First World War, France, Letters, Lew ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, charlie harris, first world war, france, letters, lew howard collection, lily howard, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Sinclair family, Diamond Creek, 1918c
... AIF, Diamond Creek, First World War, Letters, Lew Howard... - scanned by EDHS from item on loan AIF, Diamond Creek, First World ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, diamond creek, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, sinclair family, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Sinclair family, Diamond Creek, 1918c
... aif, diamond creek, first world war, letters, lew howard... - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, diamond creek, first world ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, diamond creek, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, sinclair family, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Sinclair family, Diamond Creek, 1918c
... aif, diamond creek, first world war, letters, lew howard... - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, diamond creek, first world ...Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan aif, diamond creek, first world war, letters, lew howard collection, sinclair family, ww1 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Percy George Howard, c.1915, 1915c
7 Howard family members went to the First World War and all came home. These included Herbert, Percy, GeorgeDigital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan [Mounted in embossed card 33 x 18 cm] aif, lew howard collection, ww1, first world war -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Badge, For Duty Done
Female Relatives Badges were issued to the wife and/or mother (or nearest female relative) of those on active service overseas during the First World War Probably issued to the Mother of Henry Claude RoussacSterling Silver (marked) oval badge with blue enameled oval surrounding stylized letters AIF sumounted by a crownAIF ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE TO WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA FOR DUTY DONE 28735 STG SIL Nm McLEANroussac henry claude, female relatives badge, for duty done -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
CMF Field Ambulance group, c1910
A pre-Militia (now CMF) Field Ambulance group, at a Seymour Training Camp, Victoria circa 1910-1913. These men, as CMF, did not serve outside Australia unless they transferred to the regular AIF. The two soldiers in the back row, far right, are wearing the First Commonwealth pattern uniforms 1903-1912 and would be Regular Army instructors. At least twelve of the men in the group are Sergeants. Nil -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Cartoons, World War One Cartoons by Edwin Cannon
Edwin (Ted) Cannon was born at Ballarat on 30 July 1895, the only son of Edwin and Florence Cannon. He studied art at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School. Ted displayed a talent for industrial design but it was his black and white work that 'drew' most attention. His cartoons and caricatures, heavily influenced by Phil May, were of a particularly high standard. During the Ballarat Exhibition of 1913 Ted's work was singled out for notice and he was awarded First Prize. After completing his art course Ted was employed as an assistant teacher at the Ballarat Technical Art School, before taking a position as cartoonist with the Ballarat Star newspaper at the end of 1914. With the war raging in Europe Ted discovered a darker aspect for his artwork, but, still, he could not resist depicting Turkey as a full-feathered, fez-wearing bird. In 1915 Ted was awarded the prestigious Victorian Education Department Senior Technical School Scholarship. Only months into his scholarship, Ted volunteered for the AIF. A keen member of the local 71st "City of Ballarat" Regiment Ted was already primed for a life in the army. He embarked from Port Melbourne on 23 November 1915 with reinforcements to the 6th Infantry Battalion bound for Egypt. It was during the Battle of Pozieres on the Western Front that Ted Cannon came into his own. His work with the Scout Platoon (under the command of Lieutenant Jack Rogers) sketching the enemy's gun emplacements proved invaluable to the Brigade and brought Ted to the attention of the Australian High Command. On 13 September 1916 Ted was given a special assignment for General C.B.B. White. Ted was sent out forward of the Old Mill at Verbrandenmolen (in the Ypres Salient) to draw a panorama of the German lines in the area from Hill 60 to The Bluff. It was a hazardous task and Ted was warned to be careful. Tragically he was sniped by an enemy machine-gunner and sustained severe abdominal wounds. Stretcher-bearers rushed him to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station where he was operated on by the doctors at 8.30 that night. With little chance of success, but ever resilient, Ted remained conscious almost to the end. He died early in the morning of the 14 September 1916. His body was buried in the large Military Cemetery at Lijssenthoek. See http://www.ballarat.edu.au/about-ub/history/art-and-historical-collection/ub-honour-roll/c/edwin-joseph-ted-cannon-1895-1916 Digital images of a number of cartoons published in the Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine, 1916. Ted Cannon sent cartoons home to Ballarat from the World War One front.edwin cannon, ted cannon, cartoons, world war, world war 1 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Will Davies, Last one hundred days : the Australian road to victory in the First World War, 2018
In March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summaryIndex, bibliography, notes, ill, p.340.non-fictionIn March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summary world war 1914- 1918 - campaigns - western front, western front - australian participation - 1918 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Peter Fitzsimons, Fromelles and Pozières : in the trenches of hell, 2015
In the Trenches of Hell On 19 July 1916, 7000 Australian soldiers - in the first major action of the AIF on the Western Front - attacked entrenched German positions at Fromelles in northern France. By the next day, there were over 5500 casualties, including nearly 2000 dead - a bloodbath that the Australian War Memorial describes as 'the worst 24 hours in Australia's entire history. Just days later, three Australian Divisions attacked German positions at nearby Pozi�res, and over the next six weeks they suffered another 23,000 casualties. Of that bitter battle, the great Australian war correspondent Charles Bean would write, 'The field of Pozi�res is more consecrated by Australian fighting and more hallowed by Australian blood than any field which has ever existed . . .' Yet the sad truth is that, nearly a century on from those battles, Australians know only a fraction of what occurred. This book brings the battles back to life and puts the reader in the moment, illustrating both the heroism displayed and the insanity of the British plan. With his extraordinary vigour and commitment to research, Peter FitzSimons shows why this is a story about which all Australians can be proud. And angry.Index, bibliography, notes, ill (maps), p.816.In the Trenches of Hell On 19 July 1916, 7000 Australian soldiers - in the first major action of the AIF on the Western Front - attacked entrenched German positions at Fromelles in northern France. By the next day, there were over 5500 casualties, including nearly 2000 dead - a bloodbath that the Australian War Memorial describes as 'the worst 24 hours in Australia's entire history. Just days later, three Australian Divisions attacked German positions at nearby Pozi�res, and over the next six weeks they suffered another 23,000 casualties. Of that bitter battle, the great Australian war correspondent Charles Bean would write, 'The field of Pozi�res is more consecrated by Australian fighting and more hallowed by Australian blood than any field which has ever existed . . .' Yet the sad truth is that, nearly a century on from those battles, Australians know only a fraction of what occurred. This book brings the battles back to life and puts the reader in the moment, illustrating both the heroism displayed and the insanity of the British plan. With his extraordinary vigour and commitment to research, Peter FitzSimons shows why this is a story about which all Australians can be proud. And angry.world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - western front, world war 1914-1918 - australian participation - fromelles and pozieres -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Wandin & District Historical Museum Society Inc, Great courage and initiative' : the heroic life of George Ingram VC, MM, 2025
The biography of Capt George Ingram VC, MM, the last Australian VC recipient of the First World War. From country childhood in Bagshot and Seville to a gunner with the Australian Garrison Artillery and the Tropical Force's Matupi Battery. He then served with the 24th Battalion AIF on the Western Front where he was awarded the Military Medal and the Victoria Cross. After the war he became a soldier settler, an original Shrine Guard and during World War Two he served with the Royal Australian Engineers. Throughout his life he carried the physical and mental scars of his service in the war.Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.187.non-fictionThe biography of Capt George Ingram VC, MM, the last Australian VC recipient of the First World War. From country childhood in Bagshot and Seville to a gunner with the Australian Garrison Artillery and the Tropical Force's Matupi Battery. He then served with the 24th Battalion AIF on the Western Front where he was awarded the Military Medal and the Victoria Cross. After the war he became a soldier settler, an original Shrine Guard and during World War Two he served with the Royal Australian Engineers. Throughout his life he carried the physical and mental scars of his service in the war.soldiers - victoria - biography, george ingram - biography -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Beulah Alice Rutter and children, June and Samuel, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
... as a mining manager in Australia and Malaya. He served in the AIF... as a mining manager in Australia and Malaya. He served in the AIF ...Hubert and Beulah Alice (Simpson) Rutter had five children: Hubert Jnr. (Joe) in 1913, David in 1915, June in 1917, Donald in 1922 and Samuel in 1926. Samuel died as an infant aged 17 days. Hubert was a notable figure in Eltham and beyond, with a career as a mining manager in Australia and Malaya. He served in the AIF in the First World War. While the children were growing up at ‘Yarra Braes’, Eltham, their father was an Eltham Shire Councillor in the 1920s, shire president in 1928 and a leading figure in establishing the Shire of Eltham War Memorial League, which was responsible for building the Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower at Kangaroo Ground, near where the Shire Offices were located until the 1930s. The Rutter name was commemorated after the war at Eltham High School with one of the schoolhouses named ‘Rutter House’ and at Geelong Grammar School until the 1960s where a ‘Rutter Badge’ was awarded to junior boys for leadership. The family home, ‘Yarra Braes’ was destroyed in the devasting Black Friday bushfire, 13 January 1939 and Beulah relocated to Toorak, Hubert working in Western Australia. Tragedy struck the family again December 19, 1940 when daughter June was killed after falling from the Heidelberg train on to an adjacent track into the path of a Reservoir train at Victoria Park station. Sons David and Donald both served in the R.A.A.F. during the Second World War and were killed in action, David in Libya in 1941 and Donald in Germany in 1945. The wreck of his plane and his body were not recovered at the time and Hubert never ceased to chase down leads as to his whereabouts. Beulah never gave up hope that Donald was still alive. Hubert had received several reports shortly after the war that his son was still alive but these were ultimately accepted as misidentification. Such was the anguish of the grieving parents, their son’s plane not found to confirm the fact for certain. Hubert wrote to the Air Force in frustration, failing to understand how the plane could disappear when it crashed in a relatively populated area. Unfortunately the answers came too late for Beulah who died in 1946 and was buried in Eltham Cemetery along with her daughter June and baby Samuel. Donald’s plane was eventually located and his body recovered in 1949. He is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. David is commemorated on Column 245, Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Both David and Donald are commemorated on Eltham’s Roll of Honour Board, commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Baby Health Centre, part of the Eltham War Memorial building precinct. Hubert Senior and Hubert Junior both continued to work in the mining industry in Western Australia. Hubert senior died 1957 at Plantagenet Western Australia and Hubert junior in 1979 at Gascoyne, Western Australia. Sacred to the memory of Beulah AliceBeloved wife of Hubert Rutter Died August 21st 1946 also June Beloved daughter of Beulah and Hubert Rutter Died 19th December 1940 aged 23 years Also her baby brother Samuel Died 7th October 1926, aged 17 daysBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, beulah alice rutter, hubert rutter, june rutter, samuel rutter -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Speech, Commemorative Address - Sir Stanley Savige K.B.E. Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra, 10/1954
After the death of Stan Savige this address was given at the Canberra Conference in October 1954. It is tribute to his life. Sir Stanley Savige KBE : Commemorative Address Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra : October 1954. On the 15th of May this year Legacy learned to its enduring sorrow of the death of its Founder, Lieut. General Stanley George Savige KBE, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, for more than 30 years affectionately known to us all as Legatee Stan Savige. He was the embodiment of all those things for which Legacy stands, and each one of us who knew him and worked with him feels a great and abiding sense of personal loss. It is proper, therefore, that those of us at this Conference, the first after his passing, representative of Legacy throughout the Commonwealth, and comprising so many who were his friends, so many who knew the depth of his love for Legacy, should acknowledge our debt to our Founder and ensure, so far as we may, that the inspiration of his life and work in this Cause shall not be lost to those who follow after. It was not ordained that Stanley George Savige - should enjoy a long life, but it was to prove a life of outstanding service. Born at Morwell in Victoria some 63 years ago, he received with his brothers and sisters such education as was then available to a lad in a mining district. He had no particular opportunities of advancement, but from his early days he cherished a strong ambition to make a success of his life, and with this in view he lost no opportunity of adding to his knowledge. Always a lover of the open country, a good bushman and a fine shot, he became as a young man, a Scoutmaster with a keen following of boys. Even in those early days he attracted youth and showed undoubted promise of the quality of leadership which later was to make him famous. Opportunity came with the first World War, and he took his place as a private soldier in the original 24th Battalion AIF. Followed Gallipoli and Anzac where his marksmanship and bush craft stood him in good stead. Conscious that his early training was not sufficient to secure the promotion he desired, he set himself to enlarge it. Only a man of fine fibre and rare determination could apply himself to study on that war torn Peninsula, where our men, hitherto untested, suffered every known hardship and no man knew, from hour to hour, whether he would survive. But Savige achieved it. Himself then a Corporal he found another Corporal who was a former Schoolmaster and learned from him all that he had to teach. Savige was on his way. He was commissioned on the Field and allotted the heroic task of leading the last party off that desperate coast during the famous evacuation. In France he became the Adjutant of his Battalion and one of the best known officers in the 6th Brigade. He won the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches. Early in 1918 he received a signal distinction, He was included in a small but distinguished band of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from the British and Dominion Forces most carefully selected for individual courage and proved qualities of leadership, and was sent to Persia, under the command of Major-General Dunsterville, Kipling’s famous Stalky, to assist and mobilise the friendly tribes with a view to protecting the road to India, left wide open by the withdrawal of Russia. The story of the Dunsterforce, its suffering and achievements in the face of incredible hardships and difficulties, was later to be told by Savige in his book “Stalky’s Forlorn Hope”. He emerged, finally, unscathed, despite his active participation in several of the bloodiest battles of all time, with the rank of Captain and a DSO and MC to his credit, to say nothing of three mentions in despatches. In later years, further decorations were to be conferred upon him, but I believe he valued none of these so highly as his awards for outstanding personal bravery won in the Field when he was an Officer of comparatively junior rank. Such was the man who in August 1923, at the instance of his former Commander, Major-General Sir John Gellibrand, gathered around him a handful of men who had fought and laughed with him over four well remembered years. This small band adopted the name of “Legacy”, but its purpose then was, in the main, to assist in safeguarding the interests of ex-servicemen in this country. Worthy although the case undoubtedly was, the conception and ideal which was to distinguish Legacy from all kindred post-war movements did not emerge until two years later. The torch had not been lit. Legacy had not yet found its soul. What has been achieved since then is known to you all. The Legacy ideal, unique in its conception, with no known counterpart elsewhere, is now accepted, welcomed and honoured throughout the Commonwealth and abroad. But in those early days the achievements of our Founder in the face of all manner of difficulties and frustrations are worthy of our lasting memory and thankfulness. As the source of every river lies in the hills, so must the inspiration from which stems a great conceptions of service to one’s fellow men be lofty and above reproach. Savige was the embodiment of this new expression of comradeship, as he was the central figure and driving force of the little group that sponsored it. But for his zeal, his faith and determination, it is likely that the flame, newly kindled, might have flickered and died. The idea of men returned from active service pledging for the sake of their former comradeship, their personal assistance to the widows, and above all, to the children of those who had fought beside them and paid the full price of War, was so completely new and unexpected that it was by no means readily accepted. There were no funds, no precedents to guide the new adventurers, only the clear bright flame of an ideal just envisaged, and the conviction that the Cause was unassailable. Nor were there lacking many who said that the community held no place for Legacy, that it was born of sentiment only, and would quickly pass. The scoffers are gone and one since forgotten, but the torch remains and burns brighter than ever. Down the years of Legacy there are many names deserving of honour, men from all States and all stations of life, but no name stands out in such clear and bold relief as does the name of our Founder. By his works you shall know him. He was, in truth, the Soul of Legacy. He sought no office and preferred to work as one of the team. Six years went by before he accepted the Presidency of Melbourne Club, and then only because his fellows would book no further delay. “The Spirit of Legacy is Service” - so runs the Charter, and that was Savige’s Creed. By virtue of his attainments he was called upon to take a leading part in the administration of Legacy, first within his own club and later, as Chairman of the Co-ordinating Council of Legacy in Australia. But always it was the essentially human character of the work which enthralled and upheld him, and the tasks which gave him most joy were those which brought him into close personal contact with the youngsters and their home life. Like their elders they recognised his goodwill and his leadership and responded to it. It was Savige who made possible the first camps held for the boys and girls by Melbourne Club. These were erected on his own seaside property, and were originally conducted under his personal direction and largely with the aid of funds he had collected. There was hardly an important post in his own Club that Savige did not at some time occupy and adorn. He was happiest in the company of those men with whom he had served in the field, and cherished always the comradeship born of active service which is of the essence of Legacy. He was a man of strong convictions but attentive always to another’s point of view. As a Legatee he played a leading part in bringing hope and encouragement to many a mother on whom the whole responsibility of a young family had been suddenly and tragically laid; in the attainment of the ambitions of many an orphan child, which not so long since had seemed to him or her to be mere dreams, impossible of realisation. Comfort for the bereaved, new hope for the children’s physical and educational welfare, assistance with the home, aid for the sick, money for the needy and a new courage to face a future that hitherto had held no promise, all these facets of Legacy endeavour combine to present a living and enduring memorial to the man we honour as our Founder today. Between the two World Wars in addition to establishing himself successfully in civilian life and answering the constant calls of Legacy on his energy and time, Savige maintained an active association with the Army. He was convinced that a Second AIF would one day be urgently called upon, and as a Battalion Commander he spared no effort to train the Officers under his charge during the uneasy years of peace for the trial that he felt must come. These men have all subsequently had distinguished military careers, their names are well known and many of the serve in Legacy today. When the second crisis came, Savige himself was one of the first to offer, and although his youth was spent, he proudly carried the number VX13 throughout the terrible years that followed. This time he was to command, first the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade in the first action of the Second AIF against the enemy at Barida, and subsequently at Tobruk and Derna - all famous names now. It was his patrols which gave the warning - unheeded at the time - that Rommel’s reinforcements were reaching North Africa far earlier than was expected. Then followed the grim days of Greece and Crete when the fine qualities of his leadership were put to the utmost test. I have been told by those who were closest to him it was typical of Savige that when his convoys were on the move back and were being blasted from the air by the unopposed Luftwaffe, he should sit by the side of the open road, wearing his red banded cap, to steady the morale of men who had then no chance of hitting back at the enemy. Unorthodox no doubt, but here was a man indeed. Throughout the whole campaign and later when he commended the 3rd division in New Guinea and later still when with the rank of Lieutenant-General he became a Corps Commander in New Guinea and Bouganville, it was at all times characteristic of him that he should see for himself the situation in the forward areas. He dealt personally with his subordinate commanders whenever it was possible to do so. No one says his G.S.O. 1. understood better than he did the importance of front line troops seeing their G.O.C. frequently, and knowing that he was aware of and prepared to share their hardships and dangers. He took many risks that he should not have taken, exhausted himself physically and mentally times without number, and considered himself not at all in order to secure the success of his operations. Finally, in Bouganville, he brought his campaign to a victorious conclusion and accepted the personal surrender of the Japanese Commander. Savige is known as one of Australia’s most human military leaders, but let no one believe that he did not ask and receive the utmost of his men. He trained them in a hard school but he was ever conscious of their needs and observant and thoughtful of their welfare. Fearless and untiring under conditions which brought younger men down, he asked nothing that he was not himself prepared to give and do. The close of the Second World War left him with the same brave heart; but a vitality greatly impaired. He was called up again and again to perform important national tasks, notably that of Co-ordinator of Demobilisation and Dispersal. But his interest in Legacy never flagged it was in fact more personal than ever, for under his command many junior legatees, sons of former comrades had proved themselves worthy of their Fathers in war and in peace. In the bearing and achievements of the young men of the Second A.I.F. he took a particular and justifiable pride. He applied himself to the Extension of Legacy to areas where it had not previously been practicable to operate. His record of service and close personal contact with the men of both wars made him a most welcome pioneer and many new Clubs and Groups resulted from his efforts. He founded, and I doubt whether any one else could have done so, the Club in the great Capital of our Empire. His reputation and obvious sincerity surmounted obstacles that might well have daunted lesser man. Legacy’s debt to him visibly increased. But he was ever a simple man, with a great love and understanding of his fellow men and a true Legatee at heart. Much that he did will never be known or recognised, save by those who benefitted. His service in Legacy ranged from the humble kitchen of cottage and farm to our representation in Westminster Abbey itself. A knighthood set the seal upon an outstanding career. None the less when upon the death of Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey, Lieut. General Sir Stanley Savige became the Patron of the Melbourne Club, he retained at his own express desire, the title of Legatee Savige, and when on that final day we bade him farewell, when the Flags he had served so well were lowered and the guns which had formed a grim final salute, it was apparent to all who had eyes to see that this great and simple man had won such a place in the hearts and affection of his fellow country men as is given to few men indeed. From the packed Cathedral, escorted by his fellow Generals, followed by men of his own Units, by Legatees and a great company of others who had cause to honour and esteem him, he made his last journey. But that is not the end. His voice and presence are lost to us but his memory and inspiration must ever remain. As he has bequeathed to the National War Memorial yonder his diaries, records and battle plans, so he has bequeathed to us his fellow Legatees his greatest achievement and his trust, Legacy itself. Never was the Torch passed by worthier hands. Now it is ours to hold it high. Whatever material memorial the future many hold for him, Legacy owes its Founder a livelier recompense. It is within our power to implement what I believe to be his greatest wish, that Legacy and its ideal of comradeship and service shall flourish and endure. Let each one of us then resolve that we shall, within our Clubs, in all tasks to which we are assigned, both great and small, keep in our minds the life and spirit of Stanley George Savige, so that we may be proud at all times to say of Legacy to those who follow after - “If you would see his memorial - Look around you”.The tribute to Stanley Savige shows how greatly he was regarded by the Legatees.Off white quarto paper with black type, address given about Stan Savige to the Canberra Conference, x 12 pages.savige, speech, obituary -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Conference in Launceston 1940, 1940
The photo shows a group of Legatees who attended the 13th Annual Legacy Club Conference held in April 1940 in Launceston. The names are not known. The Legacy conference was held periodically, often annually, and allowed Legatees from across Australia to gather together. The aim of the annual conference was an exchange of ideas and methods of carrying out Legacy functions, and to form general policy for cooperation between clubs and groups. From TROVE. Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Monday 25 March 1940, page 6 'There are 20 clubs in Australia, and of these seven will be directly represented and another seven by proxy. Delegates from other clubs. Visitors from Melbourne, Sydney, Bendigo, Newcastle, Geelong, and Hobart, together with a strong representation from the Launceston Club will take part in the conference, which will open in the Anzac Hostel Hall on Saturday. Delegates and observers will arrive in Launceston this week to be present at the ceremony of presenting the Charter of Legacy to the Hobart Club on Wednesday evening. The organisation in Hobart has been functioning for many years as the Remembrance Club, but has now accepted the invitation of Legacy to join up, using as its new name "Remembrance Club (Hobart Legacy)." ' The man second from left on the front row is Frank Wittman, who was the smallest man to have enlisted in the 1st AIF and as such the shortest Legatee. Frank Clifford Wittman was only 4ft 4 inches tall (132 cms). From an article in the bulletin when his medals were sold. He served in both world wars.These men were some of the founders and early members of Legacy throughout Australia and had fought in the first World War. This conference was during the second World War. The 1940 Conference was when the Hobart Remembrance Club joined with Legacy.Black and white photo of a group of Legatees at the 1940 conference in Launceston.Hand-written on reverse: 'Legacy Club Conference / Launceston T. / March 30/1940' in navy ink. legatee event, conference -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Eulogy, Legatee Francis John Doolan
Information on the life of Legatee Frank Doolan from a eulogy in 1988. Legatee Doolan was a very active Legatee, starting within the first year of Legacy when he was nominated by Bill Laver and Charles Copp in 1924. While he never sought 'office but he was always there - in the background - able and willing to actively serve'. In World War 1 he enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he attended a course for young AIF surveyors at the British Ordnance Headquarters at South Hampton designed to bring skills back to Australia. Famously it was Frank that proposed that the spirit of Legacy is service to the widows and children. "Here it received its soul. The thoughts transmitted to the Board by this quiet man." He was Legacy's link to the Big Brother movement that was sponsoring bereft children in England to be sympathetically housed in Australia. He was a foundation member of the the first boys' gymnasium class and of the literary and debating class. He worked with the Intermediate Legacy Club for it's entirety He was part of the Legacy team who worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Shrine. It was his technical skill as a surveyor that enabled the ray of light to shine on the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am on 11th November. Also to solve the complication of daylight saving in 1976 by positioning two mirrors. For this he was awarded the British Empire Medal. Born in 1896 at Armadale he was educated in Ballarat and South Melbourne. He obtained his qualification as a licensed surveyor at the Working Men's College (now RMIT) in 1919 on returning from war. He was partner in 'Doolan and Goodchild' through the hardships of the Great Depression. Then joined firm of Mendell, Gillespie and Charleman - being supported by Legatee Jim Gillespie. He went on to Lecturer of surveying at the Working Men's College from 1926 to 1938. Then he was assisted by Legatee Alan Murray to a position with the Valuers Section of the Department of Interior. In 1953 he was promoted to be Chief Property Officer for Victoria retiring in 1961. The page from the Bulletin from 18 August 1988 shows the names of many donors that had paid tribute to Frank. A few sentiments were included by some: 'A quiet, loveable and outstanding Legatee.' 'He was my friend, guide and mentor during the 14 happy years I spent in Legacy.' The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Frank Doolan a prominent member of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed A4 document x 2 pages of the life of Legatee Frank Doolan and one page from the Bulletin with donations received in his memory.eulogy, frank doolan, ray of light, shrine of remembrance, ilc, donations