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Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Certificate - War Savings
These savings certificates were sold during WWII by the Commonwealth Govt. to raise money for the war effort. This certificate CAO12715 is for 1 pound. "Face Value is payable on 21 July 1949 being seven years after purchase date."Part of WWII history in relation to raising money for the war effort. The Cooper family lived and farmed in the Kiewa Valley. G. Cooper may have been part of this family.Cream and green paper. Commonwealth of Australia War Saving Certificate for 1 pound. Dated 21st July 1942Dates at the top and within the wording and also the signature of issuing officer 'G. Cooper'. All filled in with blue inkwar savings certificate, g.cooper -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
World War I Collection
... World War I Collection... Centre 31 Bogong High Plains Rd Mt Beauty high-country World War ...WWIWWI involved men and women from the Kiewa ValleyLarge plastic opaque box with folders, display items and documents. 1. Norman Hore collection 2.Fund Raisers - medal and poppy 3. Postcard 4. Banner 5. Folders including Final List; 37th Battalion; B. H. Roper & S. Hollonds 6. Display Poster re recruitment 7. Letters from the Front by E. & A. Briggs 8. Folders; Those who Served from the towns in the Kiewa Valley 9. I & J. Marum - Australian Army Nursing Service 10. The 37th Battalion; 11. War Records of 7 local soldiers and 12. Poppy Applique kiewa valley in wwi -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Framed Photo - Soldiers: Bert Roper and Stewart Hollonds
... When Australia joined World War I men were encouraged... Australia joined World War I men were encouraged to enlist to help ...When Australia joined World War I men were encouraged to enlist to help Australia aid their 'mother country' Britain in the war against Germany. Many men volunteered often joining at the same time as their friends from the same district, all over Australia.Bert Roper and Stewart Hollonds came from families living in the Kiewa Valley. Details of their service records are kept in the KVHS collection.Thick wooden dark frame with decoration on each corner. Two separate portraits of Soldiers Bert in oval shape and Stewart in rectangular shape. At the centre of the bottom are two coloured small flags - the Union Jack and another.On the back, behind each man, their names are written: "Bert Roper" and "Stewart Hollonds"bert roper, stewart hollonds, ww1 soldier, portraits of wwi soldiers -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Book, World War II Diary
... World War II Diary...World War II Diary by R.A. Pullin... Road Ringwood North melbourne Book World War II Diary World War ...World War II Diary by R.A. Pullin -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black / white photograph, 1897
Link with item 1178. This is a surveyors' camp in the McCulloch Ranges, Murrangowar, April, 1897. Included in the photograph are: L. Thorn; Pearson; L. Coburn, Clem Bates; Sam Blacklock with a packhorse. They were surveying for a road or railway. Surveyors were among the first European settlers to arrive in Australia. A Surveyor-General was present on the First Fleet, as well as the first two ships which landed in South Australia. These men were issued with instructions to record observations in a journal that included the country’s general appearance, its soil, flora and fauna and the customs and language of local inhabitants. The conditions they worked in were harsh and they embarked on journeys with drays carrying cumbersome surveying and camping equipment, spending months camping out in the bush and mapping the land. It was not until well into the second half of the nineteenth century that the professional training of surveyors became mandatory in Australia.This is a pictorial record of a surveyors' camp in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph of a group of men standing in front of a tent / camp in a dense bush setting.surveyor's-camp-mccullochs-ranges-murrangowar land-settlement -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1920s
... World War (1914 –18). sixteen dark Buchan marble Ionic columns... in the First World War (1914 –18). sixteen dark Buchan marble Ionic ...The Shrine of Remembrance was created to meet the needs of a grieving community after the extensive loss of lives in the First World War (1914 –18). sixteen dark Buchan marble Ionic columns. In the early 1900s black marble was being mined in the Bruthen district. Some was used for the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and Australia House in London. 900 tonnes were shipped to London to be included in the construction of Australia House. Marble quarrying has been a significant part of the history of Buchan in East Gippsland. Its inclusion in the Shrine of Remembrance War Memorial is noteworthy.A black / white photograph of a team of eight horses hitched to an open top cart. The cart is loaded with lrge slabs of marble. The driver is on top of the load. It is on a gravel road in a forest. The photograph has a grey frame background.om front - "HAULING BUCHAN MARBLE FOR SHRINE OF REM'ANCE"marble-buchan quarry-marble-south-buchan shrine-of-remembrance -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Photograph - black and white photograph, Albert Maddern
... World War I..., France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal Company, World War I... Company, World War I. This is a studio photograph of Albert ...The seated man has been identified as Albert Maddern, France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal Company, World War I. This is a studio photograph of Albert Maddern (Orbost) and another soldier. The name of A W W Maddern is inscribed on the W W I Orbost Roll of Honour of those who served from this district in W W I. A photograph of an Orbost man who served in W W I.A b/w photograph H-21.8cm W-15.2cm of two men in military uniforms, one man seated, the other man standing. world war i, albert maddern -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1897
This is a surveyors' camp in the McCulloch Ranges April, 1897. Surveyors were among the first European settlers to arrive in Australia. A Surveyor-General was present on the First Fleet, as well as the first two ships which landed in South Australia. These men were issued with instructions to record observations in a journal that included the country’s general appearance, its soil, flora and fauna and the customs and language of local inhabitants. The conditions they worked in were harsh and they embarked on journeys with drays carrying cumbersome surveying and camping equipment, spending months camping out in the bush and mapping the land. It was not until well into the second half of the nineteenth century that the professional training of surveyors became mandatory in Australia. This is a pictorial record of a surveyors' camp in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph of a group of men standing at a campsite in the bush. Two tents are in the background.on the front - "Surveyors Camp, McCulloch Ranges" Some names have been added for identification - Bates, Thorn and others which cannot be read.surveyors-camp-mcculloch-ranges land-settlement -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1914-1918
... World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British...) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August ...This photograph shows ladies at a patriotic carnival selling goods to help troops during WW1. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It came into being as a branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13th 1914 to succour the wounded in the First World War.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost. It reflects the involvement of Orbost, a small town, in the efforts of the Australian Red Cross Society to provide comforts to soldiers during World war 1.A black / white photograph / postcard of four ladies in uniforms (nurses?) standing on both sides of a cart.on back - "Patriotic Carnival - 1914-1918" -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, late 19th century - early 20th century
... of whom were boys. At the time of the First World War George’s... of whom were boys. At the time of the First World War George’s ...This is a photograph of the four daughters of Mrs George Thomas. L -R : Elleen Parsons, Julia Eaton, Eva Murray and Violet Gay. George Thomas and Gtranny Thomas lived at Newmerella on Grand View Road until the 1950's. In the Newmerella Koorie Community, there were about 15 families. The family was a very well-respected local Aboriginal family. . George was a stockman for Jas Stirling. From Colin Thomas "I learned that George Thomas was Kitty Johnson’s oldest son. As a young boy George had been found by the Reverend John Bulmer, in addition to other young Aboriginal children in the bush around the Lake Tyers area. He had gathered them all together and took them onto the reserve at the Mission. After quite a number of years had passed George had met and fallen in love with a young half-caste girl, known as Agnes Patterson. Agnes was of Monaro descent and came from New South Wales. George and Agnes got married at Lake Tyers. Because of the half-caste act George and Agnes had to leave the reserve along with their nine girls. They moved to Newmerella, situated outside the township of Orbost. This was the place that George and his wife and children came to call home. Soon after, George and Agnes would add to their family bringing the total of children to fourteen, the last five of whom were boys. At the time of the First World War George’s boy’s volunteered their services and joined the army. When in Europe one of the boys sustained an injury which caused the loss of an arm. Following the end of the war the boys came home, as men." The Thomas family was a well-respected family in Newmerell in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. The daughter were well known for their needlework and craft skills.A black / white photograph of four women wearing log skirts / dresses and elaborate hats, two sitting on a log and two standing on either side.thomas-family newmerella koori-family -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1910
... . Before the First World War, few people in Australia owned or knew ...Alan Richardson was born in 1853 and died in 1936. He was a sawmiller at Tabbara who built and held the ticket for the Paddle Steamer Curlip. PS Curlip was registered in 1893 and the Passenger Certificate issued on 30th January 1903 to Captain Alan Richardson by the Marine Board of Victoria entitled her to carry 25 passengers and only 10 passengers when engaged in towage service. Two children under 12 years of age to be reckoned as one passenger. He had the first horseless motor buggy in Orbost. Alan Richardson was married to Emily Dawson and had two children - Alan Jnr and Ruth.Before the First World War, few people in Australia owned or knew how to drive cars before they bought them. This International auto buggy was promoted as a useful vehicle for station owners, farmers, doctors, and town and country salesmen. It was said to be the cheapest automobile in Australia (at one third the cost of a conventional car), required much less maintenance, had durable solid rubber tyres rather than troublesome pneumatic ones, and didn’t need a chauffeur. This is a pictorial record of a "horseless buggy" which would have been a novelty in the early 20th century in Orbost. The item is associated with the Richardson family, early Orbost settlers.A small black / white photograph of a motor vehicle with a man seated at the steering wheel. The vehicle has large buggy wheels with mud guards. It is open with no windows.transport motor-vehicle horseless-buggy richardson-alan -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Peace 1919 Medal, Medal Peace 1919, 1919
... world war 1... the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called... the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called ...Awarded to: School Children of the Commonwealth of Australia Other Details: Of the commemorative medals issued to mark the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called 'Peace' or 'Victory' medal issued to every child in Australia aged 0-14 years (and aged up to 16 if parents were in the armed forces). The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, better known for his work as a sculptor. Time constraints as well as pressure from the production of other victory medals meant that no single manufacturer could make the 1,670,000 medals. Six were therefore selected: Amor, Stokes, Schlank, Parkes, Angus & Coote (who later withdrew) and Platers. The medals were silvered bronze, with silver issues for special presentations. The Defence Department supplied a red, white and blue striped ribbon and pin. Distribution began in March 1919. Victorian school children received their medals on Friday 18 July and on 'Peace Day' on Saturday 19 July.To commemorate the end of World War 1.Round white metal medals issued to mark the end of WW1. On the front "PEACE 1919", and on the reverse, "VICTORY", middle of the medal "THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE". on the bottom "THE PEACE OF 1919". With a plain edge.Peace with two flying doves on pedestal inscribed, PEACE / 1919 below AUSTRALIA; figure in chains on left and another entangled in bush to right (obverse) Australian sailor and soldier support wreath; above, VICTORY; within, THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE; below on plaque, THE PEACE OF 1919(reverse)world war 1, peace, victory medal australia -
Cheese World Museum
Certificate, Certificate of Award 1937, 1937
Kraft-Walker Cheese Company commenced in Allansford in 1935 leasing the factory premises from Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Company. Dairy companies entered competitions organised by the Dairy Industry Association and associated organisations and local agricultural societies to encourage improvement in products. Some of these awards are considered prestigious and highly regarded within the industry. The certificates were passed to Cheese World Museum by the factory management.This certificate was held by the factory management until transfer to Cheese World Museum. The certificate provides an insight into the dairy industry during the late 1930s.Product award printed on beige card in pale green with a column design along the sides and brown fine line border. A green rural scene containing brown and white cows is printed along the bottom edge.The Australian Institute of Dairy Factory Managers & Secretaries Incorporated Victorian Division/Certificate of Award 1937/at the Butter & Cheese Competition, Melbourne/ Awarded to Kraft-Walker Cheese Co. Allansford/Class 4/ Second Prize/For Two Cheese-Loaf-not less than six weeks old (93/12)allansford, dairy awards, product awards, warrnambool cheese and butter factory company ltd, kraft-walker cheese co, australian institute of dairy factory managers & secretaries incorporated, cheeses -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Gordon Dean, "One Day The Sun Will Shine" by Gordon Dean, circa 1993
... world war 11 1939 45... the history of his world war 11 experiences, from 1939 till the end... to document the history of his world war 11 experiences, from 1939 ...This book was written by Gordon,V.Dean to document the history of his world war 11 experiences, from 1939 till the end of the war and his return to his hometown of Learmonth and finally back into the workforce.Detailing the experiences of our fighting men and the traumas they suffered.Paperback book,light beige in colour.Has photo of Lake Learmonth with Mount Saddleback in left background, in purple with imediately above a photo of Gordon Dean.The title is inscribed in an arch above photoand authors name is at the bottom.(the price of $12.00 is in the top right corner.)"One Day The Sun Will Shine". by Gordon Dean.gordon dean, world war 11 1939 45, wartime experiences -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo, Rands, Albert WW1, 1914 - 1919
... This photo of Albert Rands was taken during World War 1... during World War 1 and has a connection to the Patterson family ...This photo of Albert Rands was taken during World War 1 and has a connection to the Patterson family from the Learmonth, Victoria area.A sepia photo mounted between cardboard with the photographer's name, Melba & Co, Melbourne. It measures 15 x 22 & 1/2 cms.Melba & Co, Melbourne on the front. On the back Albert Rands, mum's cousin. Mum was Ethel Patterson who married William Roache. Ethel was the daughter of James & Ethel Patterson. -
Fire Services Museum of Victoria
American La France 100 ft Turntable Ladder
... World War 11 The genesis of the vehicle is the City Service... Appliances, during World War 11 The genesis of the vehicle ...American Style Ladder, built by the American LaFrance Company, of Elmira, New York, as Lend Lease Appliances, during World War 11 The genesis of the vehicle is the City Service JO Series Ladder, which in this form became the JOX, - X for Export, model, as some items of equipment were not requested in the U.S. Treasury Department specification for these vehicles. Seven of them came to Australia in 1942 / 43, and all bar two are still in existence / preservation, in various States. Initially, they were supplied to the MFB, and later transferred to the CFBB / CFA. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Japanese money
... During World War II the Japanese Government printed.... During World War II the Japanese Government printed currency ...During World War II the Japanese Government printed currency notes, some denominated in the Australian pound, for use in Pacific countries intended for occupation. One shilling notes are typical of the occupation currency used in captured parts of Papua New Guinea during the War. Japanese printed bank notes. Three five cent notes ; one one shilling note and two five yuan notes. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
wallet, H.E. Daw, Government Printer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1945, W.W. 11
... in Australia during World War II. The first controls over... in short supply in Australia during World War II. The first ...Food, clothing and other products were in short supply in Australia during World War II. The first controls over the production and distribution of products were introduced in 1940, partly due to disruption of shipping. In 1942, after Japan entered the War, comprehensive rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. The first product to be rationed was clothing on 12 June 1942. Each adult was allowed 112 clothing coupons per year. Tea rationing was introduced the following month, followed by sugar, butter and then meat. After the War, rationing was gradually phased out. Clothing rationing was abolished on 24 June1948. The last rationed product was tea, which ended in July 1950.A soft green/brown rectangular leather wallet with metal clasp. Wallet contains W.W.11 ration books and identity cards. Ration cards are for clothing, meat, tea and butter, motor spiritsIdentity cards - Annie Penuel Richardson Bete Bolong; John Gilbert Richardson Bete Bolong Meat Ration card - J.G. Richardson, Scotch College; Annie P. Richardson ; Frank E. Richardson Bete Bolongwallet rationing w w 11 personal-effects money -
Orbost & District Historical Society
badge
... back to the First World War when it was chosen for the First... Hat Badge dates back to the First World War when it was chosen ...The Australian 'Rising Sun' General Service Hat Badge dates back to the First World War when it was chosen for the First AIF. The third pattern Rising Sun badge carried a scroll inscribed with the words ‘Australian Commonwealth Military Forces’ and was worn throughout both World Wars. This badge remains in service - although with some variations in the wordingA bronze Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge. It is in the shape of the rising sun on a pin to attach to army slouch hat.badge rising-sun numismatics -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Red Cross Box, 1939
... red-cross gilbert-mary world-war-11...-mary world-war-11 ...This box was donated by Mary Gilbert who was the Orbost Red Cross Superintendent. Australian women's efforts on the home front to support the nation during WWI and WWII were monumental. They worked tirelessly for Red Cross in response to the national emergency, serving the humanitarian needs of the nation. Women produced millions of pounds worth of in-kind support through volunteer labour and goods, sending an astonishing volume of goods overseas to servicemen and prisoners of war. They knitted and sewed socks, towels and vests for soldiers.A black Red Cross box containing training cards, forms and badges. The box is made of card and covered in black fabric.red-cross gilbert-mary world-war-11 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
card wallet, first half 20th century
... who enlisted from Orbost for World War I. It was a gift from ...Research by O.D.H.S. suggests that the 'Oliver' who received this wallet from 'John' is likely Oliver George Scott but the identity of 'Jack' or 'John' is unknown. Oliver G Scott was born 19/2/1880, enlisted 13/9/15 after examination by Dr Kerr of Orbost, returned 7/5/19, died 3/8/1920, buried in Bairnsdale. His name is on the Orbost Roll of Honour. He was one of four Scott brothers who enlisted with three of the four dying in action. The Scott family lived at Ensay. A fifth son John was not accepted on medical grounds. Prior to enlisting, Oliver is described as a sawmiller and a single man. This is a personal item with high significance because it was owned by a man who enlisted from Orbost for World War I. It was a gift from one soldier to a mate during World War I and has personal inscriptions.A square black leather card wallet with metal binding and clip. It has two flat leather pouches inside.In pen - "From John to Oliver for birthday 18.2.18. Salisbury Road Fovant England Jack killed 4.4.18wallet -
Orbost & District Historical Society
roll of honor, 1920s
... roll-of-honor honor-roll world-war-one-honor-roll orbost... and commenoration of those who served and those who died during World War 1. ... and commenoration of those who served and those who died during World War 1 ...Presented to the Shire of Orbost as a history and commenoration of those who served and those who died during World War 1. This is an original Honor Roll and contains the names of Orbost men who served in W W 1. A framed memorial roll of honour for those from the Shire of Orbost who served at Gallipoli, Palestine and France. It is framed under glass with a large wooden frame. It has the names of those who served and those who were killed. On either side are the dates 1914 and 1919.Names of those who served in W W 1.roll-of-honor honor-roll world-war-one-honor-roll orbost -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Film, Australian Commando Association et al, Double Diamond Commandos, 2019
... world war 2... Companies later renamed Commandos and their activities during WW2... personnel. ww2 world war 2 independent company commando australian ...A 2019 produced history of the initial training at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria of Australian and New Zealand Independent Companies later renamed Commandos and their activities during WW2 and post war development. Tidal River is the birth place of Australian and New Zealand Commandos and later Special Operations personnel.Short documentary film ww2, world war 2, independent company, commando, australian special forces, tidal river, wilsons promontory -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Mixed media - From Tidal River to Timbered Knoll, Education Package - From Tidal River to Timbered Knoll, 2019
... world war ii... during World War II and the later military operations that were... of Australian special operations during World War II. ww2 world war ii ...This training package was produced by AVA Vic for use within the Victorian educational curriculum for years 10 to 12. It is particularly focused on those students who are attending Wilsons Promontory National Park and undertaking educational activities through the Parks Victoria Education Centre. The eight module program and teachers notes provides a historical workbook for students to gain a better understanding of the role of Tidal River as the initial training location for Australian and New Zealand commandos during World War II and the later military operations that were undertaken by commandos during World War II.Using original World War II footage, supplemented by later official record data this video and training package provides unique material regarding the history of Australian special operations during World War II.ww2, world war ii, independent companies, commando companies, australian special forces, tidal river -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Secret & Special. The Untold Story of Z Special Unit in the Second World War
... Second World War... in the Second World War ... -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Booklet - Sketch Book, Corporal Francis John Papworth, 5:MMMM, 1945 (exact)
... world war ii... during World War II. His pencil drawn images of the Tarakan camp... War II. Three of the drawings depict the army camp at Tarakan... during World War II. His pencil drawn images of the Tarakan camp ...Corporal Francis John Papworth (VX66806) served in the 2/4 Australian Commando Squadron in Timor, New Guinea and Borneo, Tarakan during World War II. His pencil drawn images of the Tarakan camp during May 1945 give an insight into the conditions at that time.Brown cardboard, spiral bound 'The Empire Sketch Book' with five pencil drawings on art paper by Corporal F. J. Papworth during his Commando service at Tarakan Hill, Borneo during World War II. Three of the drawings depict the army camp at Tarakan Hill during May 1945; the fourth drawing shows a young boy from Tarakan sitting on an army jeep and the last is a rough sketch of a baby drawn in 1947. Sketch Book of Corporal Francis John Papworth during World War IIOn front cover in handwritten in ink "PIC of Geo-Wallace/INSIDE". On first drawing handwritten in pencil on top righthand corner "TARAKAN HILL/looking NNE from machine shop section of Tarakan Oilfield/May 15 1945". On second drawing handwritten in pencil at bottom righthand corner "TARAKAN HILL looking from BANK pill box right centre -/15 May 45". On third drawing handwritten in pencil at top righthand corner "TARAKAN HILL and DUTCH/MACHINE SHOPS-Looking from KINGS CROSS/The morning of the 4th May 1945-/0745 hrs-/The Quiet before the storm". On fourth drawing handwritten in top in pencil "Salamit - Peace or Peaceful[l] Used as a Greeting/Salamit-/ORONG LAKI LAKI/TARAKAN. BORNEO/19 MAY 45." All four sketches are signed "John Papworth/Tarakan 1945".On fifth sketch handwritten in pencil "Michael/Signed by/2 Feb 1947".book, world war ii, military, sketch, tarakan, borneo, commando, papworth, may 1945, pencil drawings, wwii, world war 2 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Photograph, Z Special House on the hill
... - world war 2... - headquarters - cairns - world war 2 ...The photo shows a view of the WW2 Z Special Unit's headquarters in Cairns.Z Special Unit and its operations were kept secret during WW2 and such photos may be rare.Sepia photograph On back: "House on the Hill" Cairns 1944 ZESz special unit - house on the hill - headquarters - cairns - world war 2 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Photograph, Inaugural march of M& Z Commando Association members at The Australian Commando Memorial at Tidal River 16 November 1964
... world war ii... memorial. ww2 world war ii australian commandos independent ...The WW2 Commando memorial cairn was unveiled at Tidal River on 15 November 1964 by the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Herring. Former WW2 Commandos march under their Association banner to the cairn for the dedication ceremony.This was the first dedication of a significant WW2 Commando memorial. The Victorian Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Herring, unveiled the Commemorative Cairn that has become the de facto national Commando memorial.Rectangular colour glossy print photograph of former WW2 Commandos marching at Tidal River.From Don Bergmanww2, world war ii, australian commandos, independent companies, australian commando association, tidal river, wilsons promontory national park -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Private War of the Spotters: A history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company, February 1942-April 1945
... World War II... gray plastic World War II Special operations New Guinea New ...The history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.gray plasticnon-fictionThe history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.world war ii, special operations, new guinea, new guinea air warning wireless company -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Commando White Diamond: Unt History of the 2/8th Australian Commando Squadron, 1996
... Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective ...The detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded.non-fictionThe detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded.