This is a protector used to cover the shirts or jackets of military or other uniforms that had brass buttons. The horseshoe shape enabled the button to be isolated from the rest of the top and made it easier to clean and polish without getting the jacket soiled. It would have been a common item in military or militia or band member families in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They may even be still used today for regimental uniforms. This item has no known local provenance but is of interest as an example of a cleaning object in days gone by. This is a brass button protector in the shape of a horseshoe with straight sides and rounded tips. It is slightly misshapen. It has an advertisement for Brasso metal polish etched into the brass. ‘Use Brasso Metal Polish’button cleaner/protector, brass, warrnambool, military

This brand of starch was first manufactured in 1914, during the First World War, and continued to cover the other wars and military conflicts that followed. It was a time when Australian made was important due to the limited supplies coming from England and Europe. This was a period when the demand for "home grown" produce was at its peak. This was in a time when by necessity not by the "Buy Australian" campaign (of later years) which was the major factor for the demand of goods. It was in a time when starch was used in formal clothing to put a "crisp" or fresh new appearance for clothes. The important social more of "clothes make the person" was in vogue. This is a sample box provided by the manufacturer as an advertising and promotional method of prospective customers becoming aware of the product. This type of promotional avenue brought results and ensured that this type of advertising and inducement by manufacturers would be ingrained as a lasting avenue through to the 2nd Millennium This box which once contained starch powder is very significant to a rural semi isolated region because it clearly demonstrates that the social mores of the city were also entrenched into the rural population. The fashion of the day, even in remote areas, especially rural, were still a requirement to be maintained on certain special occasions. Cleanliness and stiff "upper lip" persona were just as important in the rural sector as in city and Government circles. Institutions such as hospitals, Government Offices and the legal personnel were bound by the fashion of the starch appearance (no dirt sticks to a personage with the "starch" look). Appearances, especially the first ones, were the judgmental image that remained in the uppermost regions of the viewer.This box with white writing and a "formally clad" man on a navy blue background held Australian grown maize based starch powder(1 LB gross). The package is made from 200 gsm thick cardboard. As production was made during the two World Wars 1914 to 1945 the promotion was heavily focused on Australian made and Australian grown maize.The front(has "Sample" on top) the rest inscriptions are the same on each cover both and back, "DANDY" below this a figure outlined in white on a navy blue background "hat and tails" outfit. Next to the sketch in smaller lettering" STRONGER THAN OTHER STARCHES. LESS REQUIRED". Below the figure "GLOSS" and below this in larger print "STARCH". Below this and in smaller print "CONTENTS. NETT WEIGHT 14 1/2 ozs" Below this and in smaller print "MANUFACTURED BY MAIZE PRODUCTS PTY LTD FOOTSCRAY VICTORIA" On one side of the box and in large white print on royal blue background"PURITY, STRENGTH AND UNIFORMITY." On the other side are the manufacturers directions. On the left side "FOR RAW STARCH" Underneath and in smaller print,"Dissolve in warm water a quantity to give the required thickness. Add bluing if required Stir before each using. On the right side "FOR BOILING STARCH" underneath this in small print"Mix well in small quantity of cold water to creamy consistency. Add boiling water, and stir constantly while cooking. Allow to cool, and add blueing if required. Underneath these two sets of instructions is "Make your consistency thinner than if using another kind of Starch"household starch, household cleaning, domestic laundering.

This is a book of 732 pages. It has a yellow cloth cover with black printing and pages edged in red. The contents contain an index and pages of black and white sketches and text.non-fictionCatalogue from American company of malleable hardware itemscarriage and wagon hardware, eberhard manufacturing company

This hand-held signalling lamp could have had a number of uses. It could have been used by groups such as the Boy Scouts or most likely was used by local air raid wardens and other military personnel in World War Two. Its large face and the reflecting mechanism would have made it useful over a long distance.This lamp is of historical interest and is retained for display and research purposes.This is a cylindrical metal lamp with a clear glass front attached to the lantern by metal screws. The lantern has been painted black. There is an electric bulb behind the glass and a reflector disc behind the bulb. A handle, attached to the metal body, has two strands of electrical wiring at its end. The handle includes a finger clip, which, when pressed, produces a signal inside the glass area.signalling lamp, world war two military equipment

This item is a boot remover used by mounted military personnel, probably by a member of the Mounted Rifles or Light Horsemen units early in the 20th century. Similar boot removers, also known as boot jacks or boot pulls, were used by anyone wearing riding boots and would be still in use today. This item is of some interest as it shows the type of boot remover used by military mounted soldiers and other horsemen in days past. This is a wooden object with a top with two side handles. Attached to the top are two sticks or poles which are splayed at the end. Attached to the ends of the poles by screws is a piece of wood with an oval or spoon shape cut out at the end. The wood is worn at some of the ends. men’s accessories

This object could have been used either in the military sphere or by a private individual making his own shot. This item has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes. This is a metal round ball bullet mould with two scissors arms held at the end with a screw. The arms hold a sprue cutter. The top ends of the arms are hollowed inside and close to form a round space or mould for the making of a shot or bullet. The object is much rusted. shot mould, history of warrnambool

This is an army officer’s hat from the Australian Army. It dates back to the 1940s before the word ‘Commonwealth’ was deleted in 1949 from the name of the military forces. The Australian Army has used the rising sun emblem in its official insignia since the early 1900s. The owner of this hat is not known. This hat has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes.This is a khaki hat with an oval padded crown and a rounded peak. The top has four metal eyeleted air holes. The badge on the hat has the Rising Sun emblem. There is a brown leather strap round the brim attached by metal buttons. The inside of the hat has a blue cloth lining with a square of cellophane. There is a grey leather internal band in the peak section overlaid with black material. There is some slight staining inside the hat. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces

This fire helmet may have been one used in England or one used in the late 19th century and early 20th century in Australia. It was made by Firmin & Sons of England, a firm which was founded in 1655. It supplies military ceremonial buttons, badges and uniforms and brass and pith helmets of various kinds. It is regarded as the oldest manufacturing business operating in England today. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade was established in the early 1860s and today has both paid and volunteer firefighters.This helmet has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposes.This is a brass helmet with an oval crown with an ornate scrolled curved piece coming over the crown. There is a decoration of a winged dragon breathing fire and on the front side a torch, an axe and a hose with decorative surrounds. There is a breathing hole at the top of the crown in a petal shape. On the sides are metal medallions holding a chin strap which is adjustable. The edge of the crown has a scrolled band. The front peak is angled with a folded metal edge and the rear peak is a concave shape with a brass screw in the middle. Inside the helmet are 8 screws holding the upper decorative arching piece and a black leather band with eyelets tied together to fir the individual head. There is an oval plaque with wording contained within a decorative belt.Firmin & Sons Ltd 108 & 109 St Martins Lane W.C. Late of 153 & 154 Strandwarrnambool fire brigade, history of warrnambool

A safari helmet was also called a pith helmet as it was made of sholapith material. It was first used by the Spanish forces in the Spanish East Indies and by the mid 19th century was used extensively by military forces in tropical countries and then became common civilian headwear for westerners in the tropics by the end of the 19th century. Safari helmets are still won today in tropical countries by both men and women and are part of the dress or ceremonial uniform for many members of the armed forces and music bands. This helmet has no known local provenance but is retained for display purposesThis is a pith or safari helmet made from a cream-coloured stiffened fabric. The crown has six segments with a small dome on top with three arch-shaped breathing holes. Around the edge of the crown is a white or stiffened cream cloth (puggaree) intertwined in layers and stitched onto the crown. The brim is peaked at the front and oblong at the back and tapered from front to back. The pleated cloth band is stiffened and has two brass clips. The edge of the brim is reinforced, perhaps with wire. Inside the helmet is the brass base of the top dome in eight circular sections. The interior of the helmet has green cloth in a damaged state. headwear, history of warrnambool

The Australian Military Forces buttons were worn by Australian troops in World Wars One and Two. The Australian Commonwealth buttons date from the Edwardian era (1901-1910)These buttons are examples of the buttons used by the Australian Army. The attachment to a card is also an interesting example of the way members of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society mounted and displayed collection items in the 1960's and 1970's.Seven brass circular military buttons pressed into a rectangular piece of cardboard with pasted on lined paper on the back of the cardboard. Three of the buttons feature a raised map of Australia, a crown and text. Five buttons feature a raised intertwined E R,V11, a crown and text Protruding through the paper at the back is a section of a ring. The cardboard side has hand drawn blue lines, an oval stamp with text and hand written text. Three buttons have AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. Five buttons have AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH FORCES Military medallion buttons ( hand written) Stamp is oval shaped with faded text of which only HISTORICAL DISTRICT and SOCIETY can be deciphered Three blue hand drawn lines to position the buttons. army, australian military forces, buttons, world war two, world war one

This is a German military buckle, believed to date from World War One. The crest comes from Prussian heraldry and the motto, Gott Mit Uns (God with Us) was used by sections of the German military forces in both World War One and World War Two.This item is of some interest as a World War One memento – in this case an accessory of a German military uniform of that era.This is metal belt buckle with a portion of a brown leather belt attached. The buckle has a circular decorative section featuring a crown, decorative leaves and lettering.Gott Mit Unswarrnambool, german military uniform accessories, world war one

SHILLINGLAW Ernest Samuel : Service Number - 1689 : Place of Birth - Eltham VIC : Place of Enlistment - Melbourne VIC : Next of Kin - (Sister) SHILLINGLAW Mary Service Record https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=8082612&isAv=N Enlisted 25 Feb 1916 Embarked overseas 20 Jun 1916 Served with the 38th Battalion in France Wounded in action 29 May 1917 with a severe gunshot wound to the left eye. Promoted to Lance Corporal 3 Sep 1918 Awarded the Military Medal 17 Mar 1919 (Gazetted London 17 Jun) Diembarked Melbourne 30 Apr 1919 Discharged 25 Jun 1919 from AIF, medically unfit with influenza POSTCARD 1905-1940s Like the carte-de-visite, postcards enjoyed a collecting craze by large numbers of people, and were often kept in albums through which the interested visitor could browse. Postcards were posted or exchanged in huge numbers. Postal authorities in Australia only allowed the private printing of postcards from 1898. At this time the back of the card was reserved for the address and postage stamp, and the front was used for the message and a picture. In 1902 British authorities allowed a "divided back", so that the left side could be used for the message, the right side for the address and stamp, and the whole of the front was devoted to the picture. France followed suit in 1904, Germany and Australia in 1905, and the United States in 1907. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, postcard, 1916, aif, ernest samuel shillinglaw (1888-1958), first world war, world war 1

SHILLINGLAW Ernest Samuel : Service Number - 1689 : Place of Birth - Eltham VIC : Place of Enlistment - Melbourne VIC : Next of Kin - (Sister) SHILLINGLAW Mary Service Record https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=8082612&isAv=N Enlisted 25 Feb 1916 Embarked overseas 20 Jun 1916 Served with the 38th Battalion in France Wounded in action 29 May 1917 with a severe gunshot wound to the left eye. Promoted to Lance Corporal 3 Sep 1918 Awarded the Military Medal 17 Mar 1919 (Gazetted London 17 Jun) Diembarked Melbourne 30 Apr 1919 Discharged 25 Jun 1919 from AIF, medically unfit with influenza POSTCARD 1905-1940s Like the carte-de-visite, postcards enjoyed a collecting craze by large numbers of people, and were often kept in albums through which the interested visitor could browse. Postcards were posted or exchanged in huge numbers. Postal authorities in Australia only allowed the private printing of postcards from 1898. At this time the back of the card was reserved for the address and postage stamp, and the front was used for the message and a picture. In 1902 British authorities allowed a "divided back", so that the left side could be used for the message, the right side for the address and stamp, and the whole of the front was devoted to the picture. France followed suit in 1904, Germany and Australia in 1905, and the United States in 1907. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, postcard, 1916, aif, ernest samuel shillinglaw (1888-1958), first world war, world war 1

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

German Luftwaffe (Land Forces) minefield warning flag from WWII.originally intended to be gas markers, rather than mines, but as it turned out, the use changed .they were mounted on a red metal pole & there were 12 to a set in a leather pack. This Flag was presented to the Treasurer of Waverley RSL. It is a souvenir from Bardia in Libya The Battle of Bardia was fought over three days between 3 and 5 January 1941, as part of Operation Compass, the first military operation of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War. It was the first battle of the war in which an Australian Army formation took part, the first to be commanded by an Australian general and the first to be planned by an Australian staff. Major General Iven Mackay's 6th Division assaulted the strongly held Italian fortress of Bardia, Libya, assisted by air support and naval gunfire, and under the cover of an artillery barrage. The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked at dawn from the west, where the defences were known to be weak. Sappers blew gaps in the barbed wire with Bangalore torpedoes and filled in and broke down the sides of the anti-tank ditch with picks and shovels. This allowed the infantry and 23 Matilda II tanks of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment to enter the fortress and capture all their objectives, along with 8,000 prisoners. In the second phase of the operation, the 17th Infantry Brigade exploited the breach made in the perimeter, and pressed south as far as a secondary line of defences known as the Switch Line. On the second day, the 16th Infantry Brigade captured the township of Bardia, cutting the fortress in two. Thousands of prisoners were taken, and the Italian garrison now held out only in the northern and southernmost parts of the fortress. On the third day, the 19th Infantry Brigade advanced south from Bardia, supported by artillery and the Matilda tanks, now reduced in number to just six. Its advance allowed the 17th Infantry Brigade to make progress as well, and the two brigades reduced the southern sector of the fortress. Meanwhile, the Italian garrisons in the north surrendered to the 16th Infantry Brigade and the Support Group of the British 7th Armoured Division outside the fortress. In all, some 36,000 Italian prisoners were taken. The victory at Bardia enabled the Allied forces to continue the advance into Libya and ultimately capture almost all of Cyrenaica. In turn this would lead to German intervention in the fighting in North Africa, changing the nature of the war in that theatre. Bardia boosted the competence and reputation of the Australian Army. Perhaps most important of all, it raised confidence in the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory around the world, which would lead to the Lend-Lease Act being passed in the United States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_BardiaCloth Flag bearing a skull and cross Bones on a metal spike mounted on a square varnished wooden basebardia, land mine, marker flag, minefield, mustard gas

This badge was issued to Pt. Roussac M L who served as a nurse in ,A.A.W.M.S. WWIISilver Rising Sun badge with pin clasp for use on Woman's uniform lapelAustralian Commonwealth Military Forces Rising Sunroussac mena l, a.a.w.m.s., army nurse, rising sun badge, roussac mena l, a.a.w.m.s., army nurse, rising sun badge, mena roussac

Used by Dispatch rider I Beale vx 5078 in ? Crete Egypt and New GuineaSet of Amy issue Dispatch Riders Gauntlets and Gogglesmilitary, dispatch rider, gauntlets

During World War II, following the Fall of Singapore in February 1942, the Japanese military detained about 3,000 civilians in Changi Prison, which was built to house only 600 prisoners. The Japanese used the British Army's Selarang Barracks, near the prison, as a prisoner of war camp, holding some 50,000 Allied—predominantly British and Australian—soldiers.[1] Although POWs were rarely, if ever, held in the civilian prison, the name Changi became synonymous in the UK, Australia, and elsewhere with the POW camp. About 850 POWs died during their internment in Changi during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore,[2] a relatively low rate compared to the overall death rate of 27% for POWs in Japanese camps.[3] However, many more prisoners died after being transferred from Changi to various labour camps outside Singapore, including the Burma Railway and the Sandakan airfield.this item is of historical significance because it is supposedly one of the few surving keys to Changi Jail and donated by Mr.Robertson . Changi is significant as it was a major prison camp during WWII Changi Jail Key. Blackened metal key, Wooden tag attached with Japanese print on it. Kanji Characters read Middle Gatechangi, fall of singapore, key, p.o.w.

During the 1950’s, the growing threat from Submarines, led the Royal Australian Navy to consider a quick reaction, long range ASW torpedo delivery system as an alternative to the USN’s ASROC and the RN’s Match. Full scale research and development began in 1960 using the Turana target drone as the basis for the delivery platform. Shipboard tests began in 1963 and the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) began production of three variants M3, M4 and M5 in 1965. The M4 variant had a guidance system designed to interface to a full tactical data handling system while the M3 and M5 variants used a simpler system with a dedicated fire control system. The IKARA is an unmanned miniature aircraft with clip on upper and lower stabilizers and wings. The upper stabilizer (SVU) housed and electronic package that transmitted flight data back to the launch platform and received updated target acquisition data during flight. Flight maneuverability was provided by elevons fitted into the trailing edge of each wing, these were operated by an actuator system that received flight correction data transmitted to the autopilot from the fire control system. The payload, either the Mk44 or Mk46 lightweight torpedo was suspended to the underside of the airframe and faired into the body to provide and aerodynamic shape. The forward section of the body housed the autopilot and the thermal battery unit. Propulsion was provided by the MURAWA steel cased, solid propellant rocket motor with a combined boost and sustainer stage. IKARA was capable of engaging a target to the maximum range of the ships sonar, regardless of weather conditions. Target information is fed into the fire control system, which calculated to drop zone for the torpedo taking into account speed and direction of launch platform and target, win speed etc, then tracking the missile to the drop zone where command signals initiate torpedo release. The IKARA is an unmanned miniature aircraft with clip on upper and lower stabilizers and wings. navy, torpedo, rocket, submarine, missile

The A47-24 was a B-25D MITCHELL,a twin-engined medium bomber built by NORTH AMERICAN AVIATION COMPANY in Kansas City U.S.A. Initially issued for use by the Netherlands East Indies Air Force as N5-216, The Aircraft was taken on charge by the RAAF in 1944. On the 01/12/44, A47-24 was undergoing flight trials over the Torquay Bombing Range off Pt. Addis,when it appeared to catch fire and subsequently crashed into the sea. Of it's crew of 5,3 were killed. This Propeller was recovered after becoming entangled in fishing nets. A47-24 PropellerNone. Sea erosion of the Aluminium is very evident.propeller, b25 bomber, crash, torquay, pt addis

The Germans bought some guns during World War I, but used them as infantry guns in direct support of the infantry where their light weight would allow them to move with the infantry. They complained that the guns were too fragile and didn't have a high enough muzzle velocity to act as an anti-tank gun. Considering that the guns were designed to be disassembled it's not too surprising that they couldn't stand the abuse moving through the shell-pocketed front lines on the Western Front.This particular Gun was captured by Australian Soldiers at the Battle of ST Martins Wood near Ypres in the 3rd Battle for the Somme. The German crew were all killed as were a number of AustraliansThe Skoda 7.5 cm Gebirgskanone M. 15 was a mountain gun used by Austria-Hungary in World War I. In German service it was known as the 7.5 cm GebK 15. Its development was quite prolonged as the Austrians couldn't decide on the specifications that they wanted. Initially they wanted a gun that could be broken-down into no more than 5 pack-animal loads to replace the various 7 cm mountain guns in service, but prolonged trials proved that the 7.5 cm M. 12 prototype to be the best gun. The guns were delivered beginning in April 1915 instead of the planned date of April 1914. For transport, the gun could be dismantled into 6 parts, generally carried in 4 loads. In addition, there was a gun shield fitted on some (perhaps many) such guns. ypres st martins wood skoda gun

Artillery shell for use in WW2Representative of the armaments used by Australian forces in WW2.Naval quick fire 2 pounder brass artillery shell with a steel projectile.Base of shell marked "2PR No1 Mk11 / 1942 / LOT 640" australian 2 pounder artillery shell

Artillery shell used by Australian troops in WW2Representative of the armaments used by AUSTRALIAN TROOPS IN ww2.Brass 25 pounder artillery shell25 Pr II / Date 1942 / MCaustralian, brass 25 pounder shell, ww2.

This sword was a pre-colonial Victorian Navy Issue. (i.e. Pre-Federation). It came into the possession of of Allan John Rankin Watkins who used it during has naval service.Naval Officers Cermonial SwordThe sword has the Queen Victoria Coat of Arms on the Blade and the Crown on the Hilt. hmas sydney & the vietnam logistics support veterans association, naval sword

Used by Leonard George Pollard. He served in H.M.A.S. ANZAC in Vietnam and retired as LCDR Engineer Ceremonial Naval Officers Sword Fine etching on both sides of the bladeh.m.a.s. anzac, hmas sydney & the vietnam logistics support veterans association

Plane Table Narrow Compass. Used by Artillery Units for Mapping. Made by AW Handleyephemera, ww2, army

Green (use on UC009)headgear, c1970, army

The origins of the rising sun badge are disputed. Rising sun designs had appeared on early Australian colonial coins and military insignia decades before the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, and may have represented the image of Australia as 'a young nation' and a 'new Britannia'.[2] As early as the 1820s, the symbol of a 'rising sun' was used by various progressive organisations, loosely characterised under the banner "Advance Australia". The rising sun crest used in the New South Wales colonial and State crests was taken from the crest used on the first Advance Australia Arms, circa 1821, and consistently since then.[3] The oldest known example is the 'Advance Australia' coat of arms. The 'Advance Australia Arms' (named because of the motto inscription) became widely used in New South Wales and the neighbouring colonies by private corporations and individuals. Although they never had any official status, they formed the basis for several official coats of arms, including the New South Wales coat of arms. The representation below was reputedly painted for Thomas Silk, the son of the captain of the Prince of Orange, a convict ship that visited Sydney in 1821. The symbol struck a chord with the pre-federation population and many examples still exist on colonial architecture.[4] Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac.Glass covered Rectangular Picture Frame showing the Evolution of the Rising Sun Badge of the Australian Army.Gives a brief rundown on the Evolution of Rising Sun Badge with 12 examples and explanatory notes

The Australian army's system of colour patches arose from the need to solve an immediate problem. When the first Australian Imperial Force (AIF) set off for the Middle East in 1914, the only badge it wore was on headgear and jacket collars: the Australian "Rising Sun" emblem, inscribed with the words "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" (ACMF). Nothing distinguished one regiment from another. Divisional Order No. 81(A) Administration was issued at Mena, Egypt, on 8 March 1915 to overcome the problem:After the First World War the use of colour patches continued in the Citizens Military Forces (CMF), also known as militia. The CMF were reorganised into a divisional structure similar to that of the AIF. Units were generally renamed to provide a direct numerical association with AIF units raised from the same states and districts. Through their identification with AIF units came the authority for militia units to wear the colour patches of their associated AIF units; other colour patches were approved for units outside the AIF association.Rectangular shaped glass covered Picture Frame showing colour patches and badges of the Australian Imperial Forces.THE GREAT WAR-1914/18 Distinguishing Badges and Patches of the Australian Forces.ww1, the great war, middle east 1914/18, lara r.s.l., colour patches