Frederick Henry Laurence Rankin (Laurie) VX 139086 was an Australian Army cook who served from May 1943 to June 1945 within Australia (including Darwin). he was born 24/7/1914 at Jumburra, Victoria and enlisted on 27/5/1943 at Clifton Hill, Victoria. His "Next of Kin" was Eunice Rankin. He was discharged on 4 June, 1945 and he was then posted to 2 Australian Field Artillery Regiment. He died on 27 July 1983 and buried at Fawkner Memorial Park.Leather money belt worn during World War 2 military service by Frederick Henry Laurence Rankin, service number VX139086. This belt has three zippered pockets for carrying money or other valuables. One pocket contains a ration coupon for one packet of smokes (cigarettes). world war 2, ww2,

Possibly produced as one of a series of photographic post cards of various areas of the Mission especially of the Chapel in the pre-war WW2 period of the 20th century. There are several such cards in the MTSV Collection. The Chapel, opened in 1917, was a special fundraising project of the Ladies Harbour Light Guild and was originally dedicated as a Memorial Chapel in remembrance of those who served in the Merchant Navy of WWI. The Chapel is still used for marriages, baptisms,funerals and memorial services, and is often referred to as St Peter's, the Mariners' Chapel. Photographic postcards were produced soon after the new 1917 Mission to Seamen building was first opened. Available to supporters and visiting seafarers alike, effectively promoting the Mission and the role it played in ensuring both spiritual and pastoral care available to seamen and shipping to and from Australia. Black and white gloss print postcard featuring an interior view of St Peter's Chapel at the MTSV 717 Flinders St showing the baptismal font and front door.Pencil inscription " Ret to B. Kent" (see also gift comments below) ; Printed : "POST CARD / A Real Photograph Produced in Australia"mtsv, missions to seamen institute, baptism, merchant navy, st peter chapel, mission to seafarers, baptistry, baptismal font, seamen's mission, flinders street

Possibly acquired by seafarer Mr Arthur Dixon who served in WW2 merchant vessels. The origin of the lighters appears to be Austria and could have been acquired either during or post his war service. Initial research indicates an approximate date of 1950s for date of manufacture.See Donor details 1727-1737.2 Small, cylindrical, fluted, polished, stainless steel cigarette lighters, with flint action. Includes a flint gauge in the ignition unit. Runs on lighter fuel, with inbuilt wick. Accompanying bronze coloured metal case of flints. Manufacturer name embossed on body. Lid incised with cylindrical grip of 4 ridges. Lighter1: PATENT/BORA/EXTRA/MADE IN/AUSTRIA (stamped alongside body of lighter) Lighter2: PATENT/Made/in/Austria/902. At right angles at base of lighter, REL Flints: Thorens (stamped in brand name logo style on body at right angle to lid)cigarette lighters, smoking accessories, arthur dixon, bora cigarette lighter, arthur oswald dixon, sailors, seafarers, seamen, officers, smoking, lighters, bora

These photographs were sent by Mr Frank Heys to his family while he was a German prisoner of war during the Second World War.Framed collection of German prisoner of war photorgraphs. Seven black and white photographs and one colour photograph. Five show the reverse side with addresses and post marks.'Mr Frank Heys. Life Member, Past President,(1984-1986), Committee Man. Franked served with the British forces in the Loyals Regiment, in France in 1939. Was captured at Dunkirk and spent the remaining war years a prisoner of war. These photos were sent by Frank to his family during those years. Donated by Alan and Sylvia Frank.' 'Stalag 23'photographs, 23, stalag, germany, second world war, german, camps, p o w s, prison

Late WW2 or early post-war wire-cutters with webbing pouchKhaki webbing pouch containing a pair of steel wire cutters Wire Cutters marked M R Lwire-cutters, webbing pouch

Reunion outing of former Harbour Lights Guild members. Image names this image are from left to right Unidentified lady, Jesse, Betty, Marjorie Duckett, 2nd from right. The Duckett family had a long term involvement in and Marjorie's commitment to the Mission, was reflected in helping run the Altona Op Shop and later with a substantial donation to the Mission (see other entries for Duckett this database); Sheila Richardson at far right. Post WW2 the word ladies seems to have been eventually dropped and the term Harbour Lights Guild used instead. Colour photograph of small group of women in the 1970s on Kodak paper.Written in blue ink on verso: Joan / Marjorie / Betty / Betty/ Jesse/ Sheila Richardson. ( NB not necessarily in correct order) see also item 1982. harbour lights members, marjorie duckett, opportunity shops

The Women featured in this image seem to be on a re-union outing. Two confirmed identities are Berenice who appears and provides commentary on her memories as a young woman hosting dances at the Mission between WW2 and 1960 in a documentary produced by Csilla Tsongaray circa 2005. Marjorie Duckett's identity was confirmed by her nephew and in two articles in Ship to Shore newsletter. ( Search this database under the term Duckett for more background). POst WW2 the term ladies was gradually dropped and the LHLG became the Harbour Lights Guild in later years and in 1962-63 merged with the Flying Angel League.Colour photograph showing five former members of the LHLG seated outdoors.Jesse, Betty, Berenice, Marjorie, Unidentifiedhlg, lhlg, marjorie duckett

In conjunction with the fraternal visits of Hearts of Oak and the Maritime Lodge (now defunct), joint chapel services have been held in the chapel of St. Peter at the Missions to Seaman in Flinders St over many years. In 1975, the two lodges jointly funded the donation of a window in the Mission's chapel. The window was also part commissioned by what was then the Kanimbla Association who loaned the artist a book called "Cry Havoc - HMAS Kanimbla, a postscript" of photographs which was very valuable and formed part of Gerry's research. Interestingly the Association wanted the Kanimbla depicted in its post WWII passenger liner livery not during WW2. Reverend G.B Muston consecrated the window with Reverend Reginald Bolt on Christmas Eve 1981.Arched windows depicting a yacht shilling in the ocean, in the background a ship liner, on top the freemasonry symbols.st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, stained glass windows, win, memorial chapel, yachting, freemasonry, hmas kanimbla, hearts of oak lodge, gerry cummins, jill stehn, ss kanimbla, freemasons, sandringham yacht club, hms kanimbla, kanimbla association

Janefield Precinct: Old shed base, outline, spoon drain and post holes. The remains of this site are between Greensborough and Janefield. A RAAF Hygiene Training Camp was located on the Plenty River, just south of the Janefield community. It was in use from 1944 to 1946. The Camp was constructed from salvaged materials. Instruction included building and maintenance of grease traps, latrines, elementary plumbing and carpentry.Early remains of a WW2 training camp 4 Digital colour photographs.

Established in 1891 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Philips & Co. was founded to meet the growing demand for light bulbs following the commercialization of electricity. Science and technology underwent tremendous development in the 1940s and 1950s, with Philips Research inventing the rotary heads that led to the development of the Philishave electric shaver, and laying down the basis for later ground-breaking work in transistors and integrated circuits.Philishave was the brand name for the electric shavers manufactured by the Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care unit of Philips They used the Philishave brand name for their shavers from 1939 to 2006. The Philishave shaver was invented by Philips engineer Alexandre Horowitz, who used rotating cutters instead of the reciprocating cutters that had been used in previous electric shavers. The shaver was introduced in 1939, though initial production was limited due to the outbreak of World War II. A more ergonomic egg-shaped single-head model was introduced in 1948 and was designed by US industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Global sales increased markedly after a double-head model was introduced in 1951. As a spin off from the light bulb and research is the dynamo-powered bicycle lamp. Its rotating power system inspires the Philishave triple head electric razor. A triple-head model was test marketed in Australia and New Zealand in 1956, but would not be introduced globally until 1966. The brand name Philishave was phased out in 2006 so shavers now bear only the Philips name. Mr Alfred William ( Bill ) Roper, 1913 - 1996 grew up in Ripponlea, ( East St Kilda ) Victoria. As a child he went with his father Arthur Leopold Roper to purchase vegetables from the Moorabbin Chinese market gardeners at the Hotham St. / Nepean Highway corner. c1920 . Bill served in WW2 in New Guinea and post war was Army Auditor, Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road Melbourne. His staff presented this 'Philishave upon his retirement and he used it until his death1996. He lived in Carlton, Belgrave, Ascot Vale, South Yarra, East St Kilda and moved to Bentleigh in 1987.A ‘Philishave’ triple head electric razor , with cord, head protector and cleaning brush in a hinged plastic case The case has compartments, for Razor and cord, that are lined with a mustard coloured, soft, synthetic material .Case top PHILIPS ; inside EXCLUSIVE PHILISHAVE Razor Handle front PHILIPS / PHILISHAVE; back Type HP 1121/ 110-130V/ 220-240 V / PHILIPS Shield / ? Shield / BS 3456 / V 75255 / MADE IN HOLLAND Nameplate Presented to / BILL ROPER / On the occasion of his retirement / BY THE STAFF OF / DEFENCE AUDIT BRANCH / May 1977 philishave, royal philips electric company, razors, electric razors, bentleigh, moorabbin, market gardeners, st kilda markets, world war 2 1939-1945, department of defence melbourne, melbourne, roper alfred william, roper arthur leopold, ripponlea, chinese market gardeners

These machete's were issued to military personnel posted in jungle like conditions.The machete would have been used by military personnel during WW2 and during the 1950s.Steel blade machete with wooden double sided handle. The handle is attached to the wood with four steel rods. There is an olive green scabbard made of cotton material oil impregnated. The scabbard has a pocket on the front to hold a sharpening stone and has steel on the top opening to keep the opening firm, there is a steel catch for attachment to webbing and a cloth loop with press stud to hold the handle of the machete in place when in the scabbard. There is a cotton fabric loop through the handle.On the handle of the machete MA67. The item number on the scabbard is not readable.army, military, machete.

These are the original medals for VX44919 Pte A N Haines. Pte Haines served during WW2 and was posted to 2/21 Aust Inf Bn. Pte Haines was a POW on Hainan Island and was is presumed to have died on or before 01 May 1945.They are original Medals.Two copper colour stars and two silver colour medals with appropriate ribbons. One Rising Sun collar badge.On the back of the stars and on the edge of the medals the inscription VX44919 A N Haines.medals, vx44919 a n haines

Tropical Dress Trousers for use by members of the AIF posted to 'Desert' Conditions.These uniforms were issued during WW2 to members of the AIF.Khaki colour trousers, cotton material, metal belt buckels x 2. One pair of the trousers has large map pockets.Pair 1 - V54 1945 Made in Australia, Size 35, hand written in ink on right hand inside pocket 2832. Pair 2 - Q7 1943 Made in Australia, Size 30, there is a tag for Regimental No and Name.aif, khaki, trousers tropical, ww2

These AIF items were issued to NX84949 O F Atkins during his enlistment 21 Jan 1942 - 14 Dec 1945. Photographs and Newsapapers were collected whilst O F Atkins was posted overseas. The Books I believe would have been acquired post discharge. These documents are originals that belonged to NX84949 O F Atkins, a member of the AIF during WW2. O F Atkins served in the Middle East from 23 August 1942 to 28 February 1943 and Borneo from 25 May 1945 to 5 December 1945.This is a comprehensive collection of items obtained during the enlistment of NX84949 O F Atkins - including Soldiers Paybooks, Drivers Licences, Demobilization Proceedure Book, Dog Tags, Corps Bagdes, Colour Patches, a Self made Dagger in a bamboo sheath, Prayer Books, Photographs and an Album, Newspapers The AIF News 17 October 1942, Enemy Propaganda leaflettes, Books Soldering On, Khaki and Green, Stand Easy. Variousnx84949 o f atkins, ww2, aif, middle east, borneo, documents, photographs

The 2/6th Commando Squadron (Australia) was one of 12 independent companies or commando squadrons raised by the Australian Army during WW2. The 2/6th served in four major campaigns - Kokoda, Buna, Markham-Ramu and Borneo and was involved in the Battle of Kaiapit. Late in the WW2 hostilities 2/6th Commando Squadron was at Balikpapan and attached to 25th Brigade to provide support to the Brigade - reconnaissance patrols, fighting patrols, ambushes and humanitarian assistance to local inhabitants. The 2/6th Commando Squadron was disbanded in 1946. The Sword returned to Australia with a member of 2/6th Commando Squadron VX132826 W G H Burrell. The Book Purple Devils was written by Syd Trigellis Smith in his retirement, he had served during WW2 with 2/2 Field Regiment in New Guinea.VX132826 W G H Burrell served with the AIF during WW2 in New Guinea and posted to 2/6th Commando Squadron and was on Borneo and at Balikpapan. George Burrell was able to being back the sword at the end of hostilities. The Book the Purple Devils is the 2/6th Commando Squadron history as interpreted by Syd Trigellis Smith.Book Purple Devils by Syd Trigellis, Smith, a Japanise Sword - steel blade encased in a leather scabbard and the military history of VX132826 W G H Burrell who served with 2/6 th Commando Squadron.The Book - Purple Devils, a History of 2/6 Australian Commando Squadron, ISBN 064607125-4. vx132826 w g h burrell, ww2, new guinea, 2/6th commando sqn, gunto sword, purple devils

Used in WW2. Basically of german origin and manufacture but 'English' handset suggests capture and use by Australian forces possibly in Middle East Desert warfare.Black Rectangular Metal Box with Lid. Total Height 215mm (with lid closed), Body Height 140mm. Lid Height 75mm.Lid attached by full length Hinge on rear and locking Clip at front.Depth 90mm. Length 275mm. Lid Outside: has overlapping lip to body when closed.Reinforcing metal attachment on left side rolls over to inside of lid and is attached by two screws. Front locking clip is spring loaded and attached to lid by 3 screws. Lid Inside: Flexible metal plate to clip on handset. 2 inscription plates on left and right ends and telephone handset described separately Body Outside:Front: 2 Jack plug points, vertically aligned 85mm from left, 25mm apart either side of mid point of height of bodyprotedted by protective pivot plate. Air vent plate attached with 2 screws adjacent to Jack plug holes (same on Back). Left side at top; metal plate for carry strap (same on right side). carry strap not with item.Right side; hole covered by protective cover plate centred 70mm from base , Wind-Up handle attached (described seoarately. Body Inside: 2/3 filled with visible metal and bakelite components in separate compartment containing unseen working parts. Left side contains morse code key in canvas bag (described separately). Contents Inside Lid. Two schematics of wiring layouts attached to left and right ends. Removable Bakelite handset clipped into postion for carrying, attached cable has 4-pronged attachment connected to main section in body. Contents Inside Body. Most working parts hidden inside metal container. White plastic button 'Pruttaste' is a test button; threaded screws on top for attachments not present.Two pieces of loose wire purpose unknown. Canvas Bag with zip, labelled DD with arrow between (Department of Defence) containing Morse Code Key; wire with large jackplug attachment connected to MC Key through the bag. Jackplug connects via front of body of object. The whole of this item is stored in left inside of body.underside of handset says PRESS KEY WHILE SPEAKING and in smaller font size TELE HD NO 2

Twenty-two young New Zealand soldiers were posted to a clandestine intelligence unit in Melbourne called the Allied Intelligence Bureau. Their task was to undertake espionage and sabotage lines of communication, train natives as soldiers for local resistance and set up a radio link back to Australia. This is the account of the experiences of one soldier’s operation in Borneo – and is an account of their divine protection. Soft cover 174 pageSigned by author.ww2, australian special operations, nz special forces in ww2

Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment, and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards, and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air, and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunneling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A.Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman's fortunes began to decline as an aging Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company's business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire-fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998). (For information regards the diving helmet & Frank King see Notes Section at the end of this document)The items are very significant as a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the equipment was a leading inventor,developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early helmets and other items eagerly sought after today for collections around the world. The items in the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job. Frank Kings' diving helmet and compressor (communication pipe stored separately). Compressor is hand cranked. US Navy diving helmet, Mark V. Two maker's plates attached. Made in 1944.On rear "WATER SUPPLY" On front 'PATENT" " Logo: Images (Lion, Crown, Horse, Shield within an oval) "SIEBE, GORMAN & Co. Ltd. SUBMARINE ENGINEERS, LONDON.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, great ocean road, us navy diving helmet, commonwealth government salvage, diving helmet, marine salvage, frank king, diver, siebe. gorman & co ltd, submarine equipment, diving equipment, communication under water, hand cranked, diving compressor

A publication to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the WW2 Commando memorial at Tidal River on Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, where the first Commando units trained. Wilsons Promontory is regarded as the birthplace of the Australian and New Zealand WW2 Commandos.An annual service is conducted each November at the Tidal River WW2 Commando memorial. Since almost all of the WW2 Commando veterans have passed, the annual service is now conducted by the post-WW2 Australian Commando Association Victoria. The WW2 Commando Association disbanded in 2010. The booklet recognises the raising of the Commandos and their training at Wilsons Promontory, and their continued recognition by the annual memorial service.Booklet , 175 mm by 245 mm, staple bound, 30 pages, full colour cover and centre pages.

non-fictionww2, australian commandos, australian special operations, australian special forces, world war ii

Service Medal WW2, 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal, Post War service medal. Service Ribbons VFX116852 Wasleymedals, ww2, army

Newspaper clippings from the Bendigo Advertiser. 1. 20/9/61 - History of Methodism in Bendigo; 2. 5/4/61 - Centenarian of Bendigo dies - Annie Lansell; 3. 12/1/62; Post Office clock; Gaol become a treasure trove. This last article is very interesting in that it relates to the storage of Victoria's Old Masters and valuable paintings in the gaol during WW2.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, various articles, methodism in bendigo. miss annie lansell. forest street. frank lansell. george lansell. fortuna. treasures at the gaol.

An advertising poster for the 1955 All Nations Festival which was presented by the Australia Red Cross Society, Victorian Branch. Nina and Olga Black participated in the festival and were featured on the poster (seated at front first and second from left) wearing Greek traditional costumes. Other recognisable national costumes are Scottish Piper and Dutch.The event held in 1955 by the Australian Red Cross promoted multicultural Australia and members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Club participated. It was the period of post WW2 mass migration which saw many nationalities making Australia their home.Photocopy of a poster for the 1955 All Nations Festival. Consisting of a group 3 men and 6 women dressed in different national traditional dress. There is a Red Cross symbol either side of the group.THE AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY / VICTORIAN DIVISION/PRESENTS THE / 1955 ALL NATIONS FESTIVAL / ST. KILDA CRICKET GROUND - SUNDAY, 27TH FEBRUARY 1955folk dancing, national costimes

WW2 Internment Camp 1 Tatura. Army staff and Nursing staff. Major Blight, Officer in Command of all the Tatura Camps (r), A.A.N.S. Sister Melrose; Colonel Tackeberry, Officer in Charge Camp 1 Tatura. 1942.Black and white photograph of two men and a lady, all in Army uniform. Post to the left side and trees in far distance behind. a.a.n.s., sister melrose, major blight, colonel tackeberry, internment camps

WW2 Internment Camp 1, Tatura. Army staff and Nursing staff. Camp 1 Tatura, Sister Beatrice Moore on left, Colonel Tackeberry, OIC and Sister Melrose on right. Foam backed copy in file.Black and white photograph of 2 nursing sisters standing each side of a man in officers uniform. Fence post to right of photograph. Trees in distant background.a.a.n.s., sister moore, sister melrose, colonel tackeberry, internement camps, army staff