Showing 6536 items
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Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - 51 Esplanade West Port Melbourne, Janet BOLITHO, c.2006
House built in the inter-war period. Council approved a four 3 storey development with 8 on-site car parks in 2008. It was appealed to VCAT but unsuccessfully and the house was demolished in December 2010. Fire destroyed much of the building prior to ademolition.Colour photograph of Ron in porch at 51 Esplande West, Port Melbourne.built environment - domestic, built environment - demolition, esplanade west -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, McKellar Building in Upper Main Street Stawell in c 1992
Coloured photo McKellar Building c 1876. The colour photo was taken in 1992. The information in Album 4 page 40 states the building was built after fires of c 1866 & 1874. Mr. George Inskip was the architect of the McKellar building.Two colour copies of the McKellar building taken by Geoff Oates in 1992. The two identical photos just show the upper two stories of the building. Stawell 1876 Building Gold Reef Mall. Nov 1992 stawell business -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Colonial Oven during Demolition
Colonial Oven during Demolition at residence 18 Church Street originally used as a private hospital. Design shows Chimney used in early homes. On right open fireplace for warmth hanging pots. On left a fire is used underneath oven .stawell -
Federation University Art Collection
Ceramic, Woodfired Bottle by Hugh Legge, c1987
Hugh LEGGE Hugh Legge attended the Canberra School of Art (at time of Alan Peascod) and moved to Rosedale (near Batemans Bay) back in the 1980s where he was wood firing. His work may be marked with an impressed 'HL' in a circleWoodfired bottlehugh legge, ceramics, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, gippsland campus -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Hand made toasting fork, Mid 20th Century
This fork was made by a member of the Conway family of Wodonga. It was used for making toast over an open fire well before modern toasters become widely available. It demonstrates the ingenuity of early settlers and pioneers before the advent of modern appliances and services. This item demonstrates the ingenuity of earlier pioneers and settlers to adapt to their living conditions and improvise from their available resources and environment.A hand-made wire toasting fork. It has three prongs and the handle is twisted with a loop at the top for hanging. It is made from fencing wire.hand made utensils, kitchen ware, pioneer skills -
Beaufort Historical Society
Photograph, Early St Andrews Presbyterian Church
The first Presbyterian Church in Beaufort, located at corner of Livingstone and Warburton streets. Closed Nov 21 1909 when the new church was opened in Livingstone Street. The building was used as a Sunday School until it was destroyed by fire on 23 November 1963.Black and White Photograph of the wooden Presbyterian Churchnonebeaufort, beaufort buildings, beaufort church -
Buninyong Visitor Information Centre
Print - Photograph, Workers at the Case Factory, 1920s Learmonth Street Buninyong, Circa 1900
Howards Box factory. The Howard family (owners) resided at Netherby 606 Warrenheip Street and were involved in the Methodist Church, football, bowls and the fire brigade. James Howard owned the factory. he had two sons, Arthur and Charles. Early Buninyong. This is a rare image of early industry. Circa 1900. Framed photocopy of early photograph of workers at the case factory. Approximately 48 employees. Wood pile and trees in background, rail line in foreground.box factory, fruit boxes, factories, industry -
Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society Inc.
Photograph, Royal Hotel, 1936
The building being demolished in the photograph is the Railway Hotel which was destroyed by fire in 1936. It was decided to demolish the old building and rebuild a more modern hotel on the Brook/Evans Street corner where the old building had stood for 61 years.A non-digital black and white photograph with a cream border of a single storey building undergoing demolition. Two other buildings are visible on the site.royal hotel, brook street, evans street, hotels -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Bellows, 1862-1875
This bellows was used at the Warrnambool Racecourse by Master Farrier, Brian Chapman (1931-2017), during the 1970s but its history before then is still being investigated. The bellows have continued to be used from 1978 at Flagstaff Hill's blacksmith's workshop. Even today, in 2021, this same bellows are used by a volunteer blacksmith as he demonstrate the skills and tells of the importance of the blacksmith trade to colonial Australia. This 1860s double-action bellows is a typical form of blacksmith's or shipsmith's bellows. The end is forge-fitted with an iron nozzle or tube, called a tuyere or Tue iron, which concentrates the air to fan the fire or furnace. Tuyeres were traditionally made of cow horn. The double-action design of this bellows efficiently moves air both in and out of the chambers in the one movement of the long handle. The bellows was manufactured by John C. Onions of Birmingham, England, between 1862 and 1875. The stamp with the text, Gold Medal 1862, was also used on the business’ advertising. In 1875 the company was registered and began using the name John C. Onions Limited. JOHN C. ONIONS - John C. (Collingwood) Onions (1841-1904) was the son of a bellows maker of the same name. Onions (born 1841) and his wife Helen married in 1867 and they named one of their children John Collingwood Onions (1868-1913), as was the family tradition. He was well known as a Birmingham manufacturer of patented bellows and other forge-related equipment. He sold to the wholesale and retail markets for both local and overseas customers, including the British colonies. An 1862 advertisement points out that John C. Onions was a “Bellows manufacturer and contractor to Her Majesty’s Honourable Board of Ordinance” and His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French [Napoleon Bonaparte]”. The advertisement includes a sketched portrait of the Emperor Napoleon III, and an Imperial Autograph Letter dated May 23, 1854, from Napoleon, Palace of the Tulleries to Mr J C Onions of Bradford Street, Birmingham. In 1863 the company registered a patent on portable forges. In 1871 there were eight employees. John C. Onions Limited became a registered company in 1875. In 1876 an advertisements included that the company were smiths for hearths and tools in general and showed a row of six medallions including one with “Napoleon III, Emperor” and his portrait, and another “ _ _ _ 1862 MEDAL”. Their advertising motto was “For Excellence of Quality”. In 1885 the company merged with William Allday and Sons to become Allday and Onions. This mid-19th century bellows has local historical significance as it were once used by blacksmiths at the Warrnambool Racecourse in the annual racing event that continues today. This bellows is significant as a working example of equipment used in the 1800 and 1900s in the trace of blacksmiths and other metal working smiths. The bellows is technologically significant as it shows the progress from simple bellows to the double-action bellows, a time saving and efficient improvement. The manufacturer John C. Onions is historically significant as a family business that began in the 1600s and continued up until the 1980s.Bellows; large, oval, mechanical double-action smith’s bellows, manually operated, in working condition. The paddles of wood that form the top, middle sections and base of the bellows have flexible leather pieces attached firmly between them, forming airtight double lungs. Cut-outs in the panels allow the bellows to fill with air then force it out. A long handle is connected to pump the bellows and control the quantity and force of the air. The blasts of air are forced through the metal nozzle or tuyere at the end of the bellows and into the forge’s fire. Inscriptions are impressed into the wood on the upper paddle or board of the bellows. There are three circular stamps containing text. Text impressed in the wooden upper paddle of the bellows has been assumed to read “JOHN C. ONIONS, PATENTEES & MANUFACTURERS, BIRMINGHAM””?” “EXTRA” “AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY”, made from the following readable text :- “JOHN C ONIONS“ “PATENT - - - & MAN - - - - - - - - -“, “BIR - - - - HAM“, “ _ ERA - - - - “- XTRA-“, “- - - - - - - FOR EXCELL-“ “OF - - - - ITY” Text in the stamp “ - - ECE - - “, “ - - - - - / 1862 / MEDAL”, “- ITY” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, john collingwood onions, john c onions, allday and onions, bellows, smith’s bellows, 19th century bellows, double-action bellows, double-acting bellows, double lung bellows, double chamber bellows, blacksmith tools, blacksmith trade, blacksmith craft, blacksmith equipment, forging equipment, john c onions patented double-action bellows, brian chapman, warrnambool racecourse, blacksmith, shipsmith, iron smith, mechanical bellows -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Plaque - RAEME Plaque
RAEME Corps was first established in 1942 when the Ordnance Corps and the Service Corps were combined. The royal ascent was granted in 1948. Ref: www.raeme.org.au The Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) is a technical corps tasked with the maintenance of the Army's modern hardware and equipment. RAEME personnel are represented in most Army units, with the representation varying in size from one or two tradespersons, to small groups of 20 to 30 tradespersons, to large maintenance units with over 150 personnel and a totally integrated military and civilian workforce. The Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers corps motto is ‘Arte et Marte’, which is Latin for ‘With Skill and Fighting’. Ref: www.army.gov.auVarnished Wooden BoardRAEME Badge Jan Zyla George Zyla 2020 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Badge
The Silver War Badge was a First World War badge authorised for issue to members of the armed forces of the British empire. It was granted to those who had served since 4 August 1914. In the case of officers the badge was issued to those who had retired or relinquished their commissions. The badge was issued to other ranks who had been discharged on account of age, wounds or sickness, such as would render them permanently unfit for further service. During WW1, men not in uniform tended to be given white feathers by ladies who wanted them to enlist. The badge provided some protection against this. Since then, the Empire for which they were fighting has ceased to exist.The badge is circular in shape with the words "For King and empire" and "Services rendered" around the rim, and a voided cipher and crown of King George V in the centre. The reverse has a hinged vertical pinbadge, king and empire -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - black and white, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Umphelby, 1900
Charles Umphelby began his military career at Warrnambool Garrison in 1884. In 1885 he was appointed Lieutenant in the Victorian Permanent Artillery. He succeeded Major Daniel in command of Queenscliff Fort in 1890. He went to England in 1889 and was attached to the staff of Major-General Clarke. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Umphelby was a Special Service Officer attached to the Censor's Department in Cape Town. He then went to the Howitzer Division of Lord Methuen's force at Modder River. Charles was wounded during the fight at Driefontein, 10 March and died 12 March 1900. He was married to the daughter of Thomas Austin, owner of Barwon Park near Geelong. They had two daughters.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".charles umphelby, warrnambool garrison, victorian permanent artillery, major daniel, queenscliff fort, major-general clarke, cape town, howitzer division, lord methuen, modder river, dreifontein, thomas austin, barwon park -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Roll of Honour, State Forest Department
Honour boards and rolls were erected in many local schools, halls, churches and offices as a means of acknowledging the commitment made by the community to the military forces. The criteria used for inclusion of names on an honour board were determined by those creating the board and can vary. This board lists the names of 20 people from the State Forests Department who enlisted in WW1. The most significant name is Albert Jacka VC who was perhaps Australia’s finest fighting soldier, and has the honour of being the first Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross during WW1, the highest decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Most of the other names have been researched.Roll of HonourMembers of the Forest Service of Victoria who enlisted & went to The Great War 1914 - 1919 -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Article - Falls Creek Hosts Australian Junior Cross County Title, 1994
Falls Creek was selected as the venue for the 1994 Kinetix Australian Junior Championships in Cross Country Skiing in 1994. The event was held on the 2nd and 3rd of September. It was attended by over 100 skiers from Victoria, New South Wales, ACT and the United States. Several local skiers performed well, reinforcing North East Victoria as a force in cross country skiing. Nearly 30 teams competed in the Australian Interstate Junior Relay Championships in the final event. To top the events off a huge snowball fight broke out between skiers and officials, showing good fun could be had between rival teams. The event was organised by the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club.This article is significant because it records the holding of a major event at Falls Creek.An article covering pages 11 and 12 of "The Hydro Courier" containing images and text. It was published on September 13, 1994 and the images were taken by Falls Creek Photo Service.junior cross country 1994, falls creek events, hydro courier, summit masters, birkebeiner nordic ski club -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARDS WW1, 1) & .2) 7.10.1917
Item relates to James Worland MILLS No 3441, 59th Battalion. James on on the first table left sitting at RHS of table on the left of 2 other men. Refer Cat No 169P for his service details..1) & .2) Post card photos, sepia, showing soldiers eating at 2 tables with tents in the background..1) On rear in pencil: “The Hungry 59th Battalion at mess after a hard days work Hurdcott England 7.10.17” .2) On rear in pencil: “Hurdcott England Oct 7 1917 Taken about a week ago. Boys from the 59th Battalion messing one evening after doing a good days work at ____ ____ bayonet fighting, bombing and other modes of modern warfare. Jimmy”postcards, 59th -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Functional object - Boiling vessel
The vessels boiling electrical was used by soldiers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles when it was equipped with Centurion tanks 1966-71. A boiling vessel fitted to British armoured fighting vehicles that permit the crew to heat water and cook food by drawing power from the vehicle electrical supply. It is often referred to by crewmembers (not entirely in jest) as the most important piece of equipment in a British armoured vehicle. The "Vessel Boiling Electric" or "BV" was an innovation at the very end of World War II, when the Centurion tank was introduced with the device fitted inside the turret. Previously, British tank crews had disembarked when they wanted to "brew-up" (make tea), using a petrol cooker improvised from empty fuel cans[4] called a "Tommy cooker". Use of the BV enabled the crew to stay safely inside the tank and reduced the time taken for breaks. The first version, known as VBE No 1, began to be replaced in the early 1950s by the stainless steel No 2 version. A VBE No 3 had improved electrical sockets and was less prone to leakage. The principal use of the BV is to heat ration pouches or tins; the hot water is then used for making drinks or washing. The BV is cuboid and accommodates four tins; typically matching the crew numbers of an armoured fighting vehicle. Ration tins are supplied without adhesive labels so the surrounding water is not contaminated. A vehicle with a defective BV is declared unfit for purpose. It is common practice for a junior member of a vehicle crew to be unofficially appointed "BV Commander", responsible for making hot drinks for the other soldiers. Example of article which improved efficiency and well-being of tank soldiers.Cilinderical metal vessel with close fitting lid, folding handle and electrical socket on side.military, tank, centurion, meals, boiling -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Booklet, Australian Comforts Fund (Victorian Divsion), Voluntary War Workers Record, 1918
The Australian Comforts Fund was established in August 1916 to co-ordinate the activities of the state based patriotic funds, which were established earlier in World War I. Mainly run by women, they provided and distributed free comforts to the Australian 'fit' fighting men in all the battle zones. They became divisions of the Australian Comforts Fund. The Council of the Fund comprised two delegates from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and one from the states of Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The Executive headquarters was located in Sydney. It ceased operation on 10 April 1920 and was reconstituted in World War II in June 1940 and ceased operation again on 27 June 1946. The state bodies in World War I were: New South Wales: the 'Citizens' 'War Chest' Fund; Queensland Patriotic Fund; South Australia: League of Loyal Women; Tasmania: 'On Active Service Fund'; Australian Comforts Fund, Victorian Division; Victoria League of Western Australia. During World War II the state bodies were called : The Lord Mayor's Patriotic and War Fund of New South Wales; the Australian Comforts Fund, Victorian Division; the Australian Comforts Fund, Queensland Division; the Australian Comforts Fund, Tasmanian Division; the Fighting Forces Comforts Fund SA Inc; the Victoria League Camp Comforts Fund ( W A ) Australian Comforts Fund commissioners conducted its activities in the field, holding honorary rank as officers of the Army or Air Force.World War 1 publication for the home front with Kew listingsVoluntary War Workers Record, compiled for the benefit of the Australian Comforts Fund - 1918. Price - 1/6. the publication includes sections on Kew.australian comforts fund, australian comforts fund (victoria) -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARD - PHOTOGRAPHIC WW1, Daily Mail, cWW1
Cards collected by J.P. Vercoe, No. 2530. Part of the Cooper Collection.1. Coloured postcard featuring a soldier carrying a wounded comrade out of a trench. Soldier wearing helmet in trench. Caption of photo in black type. 2. Coloured postcard featuring soldiers in uniform observing a military band. Railway line and soldiers on horseback in background. Caption of photo in black type.1. Caption in black type: "A Gallant rescue under fire. This man saved twenty lives like this." Faded handwritten letter on back. 2. Caption in black type; "Black Watch" pipers playing to the Captors of Longueval. Faded handwritten letter from J.P. Vercoe.cooper collection, john p. vercoe, postcard, ww1, black watch -
Wooragee Landcare Group
Photograph, circa April 2003
This is a photograph taken in the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park near Chiltern in Victoria. On this day, the Wooragee Landcare Group was in the national park looking for signs of the tiger quoll. Tiger quolls can be found in few places with the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park being one of them. This photograph is of a tiger quoll nesting site as tiger quolls often nest between large rocks. This image also shows the damage caused by the 2003 bushfires. These bushfires happened at the same time as the 2003 Alpine bushfires. This bushfire started by lightning and quickly became the largest fire in Victoria since the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. The Alpine bushfires destroyed 1.3 million hectares and burnt for 59 days before it could be controlled. The 2003 bushfires severely damaged the environment and concern was raised about the safety of tiger quoll. This photograph displays how the nesting site was damaged by the fire. This meant that the quoll itself could have also been impacted by the fire. Hence why the Wooragee Landcare group went for a search for signs of the quoll.This photograph is significant because it shows a tiger quoll nesting site. Tiger quolls are a highly valuable species because they live in very few places. This, in turn, makes their nesting site valuable. This photograph also signifies the impact of the 2003 bushfires on the Chiltern - Mount Pilot National Park. The image displays burnt trees which makes it clear that the fire was deeply damaging. The fallen log over the nesting site demonstrates how the bushfire must of put the tiger quolls at risk because of how the fire damaged their nesting site. Landscape coloured photograph printed on gloss paperReverse: WAN NA 0ANA0N0 NNN+ 1 1636 / [PRINTED] (No.9) / 923bushfires, mount pilot chiltern national park, mount pilot, chiltern, victoria, wooragee landcare group, wooragee landcare, wooragee, national park, tiger quoll, 2003 bushfires, beechworth, rocks, nesting site, photograph, 2003 alpine bushfires, 1939 black friday, 2003, hectares, fire, damage, burnt, burn -
Ballarat Fire Brigade
Medal, c.1878
this gold chain and medal pendant was presented to W M sansom after he and three other members won the representative race at the demonstration held in Melbourne in 1878. it was stated in the Sansom estate that it be returned to the Ballarat Fire Brigade of which he was a member.Engraved gold medal pendant attached to gold neck chain. Pendant is sheild shaped with 2 points either side of chain attachment at top and one point at centre of base. Won in 1878(engraved on front of medal) "PRESENTED / To / G. Sansom" sansom, gold, medal, pendant, chain, sansom g, 1878, representative race, demonstration melbourne, demonstration, sansom w m, ballarat fire brigade, ballarat, fire brigade -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Elsternwick Fire Station, Selwyn Street
A one page typed letter, dated 18/02/1974, from the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) to the owner of the building at 2 Selwyn Street Elsternwick, the former Metropolitan Fire Brigade building, stating that the National Trust has recorded the building.joseph j webster pty ltd, fire stations, brick, architectural features, metropolitan fire brigade, selwyn street, elsternwick, companies, national trust of australia (victoria) -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper Clipping, Diamond Valley Leader, Smokey send-off for art, 13/09/2017
Popular wooden sculptures inspired by wartime characters were set on fire and farewelled in a special ceremony over the weekend. The sculptures, created by chainsaw artist Leigh Conkie had stood at War Memorial Park for over a decade. They will be replaced by the Homefront Project.News article 1 page, black text, colour image.greensborough war memorial park, wooden sculptures, banyule city council, leigh conkie, homefront project -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Happy Hollow, 1892o
Robert Emmett Whatmough leased the Happy Hollow site from John Cully McLaughlin in 1892 and built a bark house there. This was retained by later owners, the Bell family. Original photographs were taken prior to 2003, as the building was destroyed by fire in 2003Copies of four coloured photographs on one pagewhatmough family, happy hollow farm, bell family -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Interior Port Melbourne City Library, Liardet Street, c.1983
Interior of Port Melbourne Library. The donor, Jay MILLER, was a newly qualified, part-time librarian at Port Melbourne City Library from 1983 - 1984. The library was then situated next to the old Fire Station on the site where Coles is now located. Photograph of interior of Port Melbourne City Library , Liardet Streetjay miller, port melbourne library, coles, fire station -
Wangaratta Urban Fire Brigade
Photograph - social night
Black and white Photograph of brigade members L-R: __?__, __?__, __?__, Mark Brown, Barrie Sanders.) blowing up balloons around the table tennis table while preparing for a social night. Photo taken in the engine bay of the Ely St fire station.Black and white Photograph of brigade members preparing for a social night.social event - top leftely st, mark brown, barrie sanders -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Flyer, Majestic Private Hotel, c1940s
Advertisement for the Majestic Private Hotel, 151 Fitzroy Street St Kilda. The building was constructed in 1912 as a block of flats, designed and built by JR Daley, and was renovated in the 1930s. After a fire in 1981, most of the rear of the building was demolished and replaced by modern apartments.White paper printed in black on both sides, and some teal, and laminatedmajestic hotel, fitzroy street -
Hume City Civic Collection
Domestic object - Flat Iron
These small heavy flat irons were used to iron clothes prior to electric irons being invented. They were heated on a wood fire stove top and used quickly before they lost heat to iron items of clothing and other small items. These irons were very heavy so that they retained the heat when heated by a wood fire stove top prior to electricity being connected to houses. Flat irons were used in the 1800's and in the early 1900's.Heavy black small flat iron with handle on top. Iron tapers from flat wide base to rounded point. It has a round logo on front under the handle.Unreadable round possibly manufacturers logo.social history, irons, ironing, domestic items, 1800's -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, 1903 c
Man at fire looks like Nicholas Caire Photographer. Woman Mrs Caire who often travelled with him. Young man possibly H D Bulmer who travelled with Caire and learned photography. Other man helped lug the gearBlack and white photograph showing three men and a woman at a basic campsite of tarpaulin tent washing line and open air cooking in East Gippsland Victoriabusinesses -
Tarnagulla History Archive
Photograph of Thomson & Comrie Exchange Store, Tarnagulla, 1859-1910
Murray Comrie Collection. This store was formerly on Commercial Road, near the corner of Wayman Street Tarnagulla. It was completely destroyed by fire on October 12th 1953. The site is now vacant. This photograph is a very good copy probably created from an older original.Monochrome photograph of people outside Thomson & Comrie's Exchange Store, Tarnagulla.tarnagulla, thomson & comrie exchange store, shops, businesses, commercial road -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Flag, 173rd Airborne Brigade (US)
173 AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) US ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP BIEN HOA 1965-1966 On May 5, 1965, the Brigade deployed to South Viet Nam as the first US Army ground combat unit in that war. Upon arrival, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) and a battery from New Zealand (161Royal NZ Artillery) were attached to the Brigade -- making the 173d Airborne the only multi-national combat unit in the war. Initially headquartered in Bien Hoa, the Brigade operated in the four provinces around Saigon. (Xuan Loc, Long Khanh, Phuoc Long & Phuoc Tuy), but (in its roll as a "Fire Brigade") also went to the Central Highlands (Pleiku / Kontum) to fight Viet Cong. The 173d also conducted constant operations against the southern stronghold of the VC Main Force in the legendary Iron Triangle in War Zone D. The brigade was organized as a balanced airborne combat force consisting of two infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, a support battalion, an engineer company, a cavalry troop, an armour company, and a headquarters company. Upon activation, it became the first and only separate airborne brigade in the United States Army. This was the beginning of a long series of "Firsts" for the Brigade. On 5 May 1965, it became the first US Army ground combat unit committed to the war in South Vietnam, where further organizational changes were to take place. Australians attached to the Brigade were: 1st Battalion, of the Royal Australian Regiment (I RAR) and support troops of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (1Troop), 105 Field Battery Royal Australian Artillery, 161 Field Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 3 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers, 161 Reconnaissance Flight, Royal Australian Army Air Corps, 1st Australian Logistical Support Company. The Brigade's two infantry battalions, the First Battalion of the 503' Infantry (1/503`d) and the Second Battalion, of the 503`d Infantry (2/503`) and the attached Australians of 1 RAR constituted the infantrymen available to the Brigade. Their mission was to protect the Bien Hoa Air Base and to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. This was in fact the first operational ground force formed under the ANZUS Defence Treaty. ANZUS was a mutual defence treaty signed in 1951 between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. In 1965 the spirit of this treaty appeared as 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) a tri-national brigade. The only such tri-national fighting force formed during the Vietnam War. On deployment to South Vietnam in 1965, 1 Troop A Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment was part of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade combat group. Flag, two colours divided vertically, hoist half mid blue, fly half red. Badge of 173rd Airborne Brigade (730 x 490 mm) in centreflag, 173rd airborne, south vietnam