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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
... ) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British ...Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are three - are believed to signify a Sergeant ranking. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: CARD / JAS.C.CRADDEN, / 182 PITT ST, SYDNEY. / Cecil Johnson / BMM2640.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, postcard, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, sergeant, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, portrait -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
... ) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British ...Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM2640.2 / POST CARD / Write here for Inland Postage only / The Address to be written heremilitary album, wwi, world war i, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, uniform, postcard, portrait -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
... ) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British ...Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: Mendelssohn & Co., / Swanston St., Melbourne / POST CARD / KODAK / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / BMM 2640.3 /military album, world war i, wwi, corporal, portrait, soldier, australian imperial force, aif, postcard, uniform -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
... ) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British ...Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM 2640.4 / P RD / Write here for Inland Postage on /military album, aif, australian imperial force, corporal, war, wwi, world war i, rising sun, badge, uniform, military -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
... recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East ...Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM 2640 / POST CARD / KODAK / 5 CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / R. McGEEHAN, PHOTO, 57 ELM GROVE RIPPONLEA, / EXTRA COPIES & ENLARGEMENTS OBTAINABLE. /military album, military, war, world war i, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, rising sun, uniform, portrait -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East ...Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier kneeling beside a grave in a cemetery. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. The cemetery pictured is the Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, United Kingdom. There are multiple crosses marking graves in this photograph, all marked in memory of different soldiers who fought with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during World War I. It is believed that the soldier who is kneeling was also part of the Australian Imperial Force. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Another signifier of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the three inverted chevron stripes positioned on the lower part of the left sleeve, near the wrist. These are called Good Conduct Stripes and were worn by Warrant Officers and NCOs. This patch consisted of a single chevron stripe for each year of military service meeting certain requirements of good conduct. Additionally, the man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Furthermore, the grave that this unidentified soldier is kneeling next to is the resting place of Private John James (J. J.) Simpson. He was born in Stanley, Victoria in 1883. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Melbourne, Victoria on 12 July, 1915, with the service number 4909. John James Simpson was then posted to the 60th Company Depot at Seymour for military recruit training. John James Simpson was reported wounded in action in France on 19 July, 1916. He was admitted to 13th General Hospital, France with gunshot wounds to his legs. From Boulogne, France, he traveled to the United Kingdom aboard the Hospital Ship 'St. Denis' for medical care. Upon arrival, he was admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol, England on 27 July, 1916. John James Simpson passed away from his wounds on 1 August, 1916. He was 33 years old.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Obverse: A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA / 441, PTE.T. / T (?) / 26B (?) / 6.1.17 / (?) / LANGTON RD. / ST. ANNES PK. / BRISTOL / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 708, GNR B.L.CRAWFORD. / FR / 5 D.A.C. / 13.2.17 / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 4481, P (?) D.MORRIS. / (?) / 31.12.(?) / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 4909, PTE J.J.SIMPSON. / 608(?) / 1.8.16 / Winchester / LANGTON RD. / ST. ANNES PK / BRISTOL / Reverse: 2641 /military album, military, war, world war i, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, j. j. simpson, uniform, cemetery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Craft - Ship Model, pre 1963
The funnel colours on the model indicate the ship it represents was one of the early ships of the Allan shipping Line designated as a Royal Mail Carrier. Funnel colours are used to identify a ship's owners while at sea from a distance by other vessels. The Allan Shipping Line was started in 1819, by Captain Alexander Allan of Saltcoats, Ayrshire, trading and transporting between Scotland and Montreal Canada, a route which quickly became synonymous with the Allan Line. By the 1830s the company had offices in Glasgow, Liverpool and Montreal, with all of Captain Allan's five sons actively involved with the business. But his second son, Sir Hugh Allan, spearheaded the second generation. In 1854, Hugh launched the Montreal Ocean Steamship Company as part of the Allan Line, and two years later ousted Samuel Cunard to take control of the Royal Mail contract between Britain and North America. By the 1880s, the Allan Line was the world's largest privately owned shipping concern. In 1891, the company took over the State Line, founded in 1872, and was often referred to as the Allan & State Line. In 1897, Andrew Allan amalgamated the various branches of the Allan shipping empire under one company, Allan Line Steamship Company Ltd., of Glasgow. The company by then had added offices in Boston and London. In 1917, under Sir Montagu Allan, who represented the third generation of the Allan family, the company was purchased by Canadian Pacific Steamships, and by the following year, the Allan name had disappeared from commercial shipping. The Allan Line fleet had evolved for decades, changing as new ships were added, lost at sea, sold, or scrapped. The model in Flagstaff Hill's collection could be the SS Canadian or Indian; both were early Allan steam packets that had helped the Allan company secure the Royal Mail Atlantic contract in 1856.The model is of a Royal Mail steamship, with the probability the original ship was owned by the Allan Shipping Line in the mid-19th century and primarily used for the Atlantic mail run between England and Canada. Given the funnel colours and ship design, the model could be the SS Canadian or the Indian; both were the first ships for the company. The Allen line became the most successful shipping company of the time used for emigration and the transporting of mail.Ship model; steamship and sail vessel in use around the 1860s. Handcrafted model steamship with twin funnels painted black, white and red and three masts with square-rigged sails. The ship model is mounted on a gold-painted board. The ship was donated with a fitted wooden case.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, ship model, steam and sail vessel, handcrafted ship model, steam vessel, model making, handmade, red with narrow white band below black top., red shite and black funnel, allan shipping line, steam and sail ship, two funnels, wooden sailing shipo, three-masted ship -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clothing - Leather Leggings, 1899 to 1918
... African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British ...The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Stories of England, 1891
... . The book contains stories about England and the British Empire ...This book has been used by children of the Giles family at the Wangoom State School. William and Allan Giles were members of the Giles family that lived on the Allansford Road. Wangoom School, no. 645 was opened in 1865 on the Warrnambool/Wangoom Road as Wangoom Common School. It became Wangoom State School after 1872 and is now closed. This book is of interest as an example of the reading books used by children in Victoria late in the 19th century. The book contains stories about England and the British Empire but has no Australian content. The book is also of interest as it was used by children of the Giles family, early settlers in the Warrnambool district. This is a hard cover book of 190 pages. The cover, once blue but now very faded, had embossed lettering and ornamentation on the front cover but these are now almost indecipherable. The book has come apart from the spine and has been re-stitched with white thread. There is much scribble on the first and last pages with the decipherable inscriptions being handwritten in black ink and pencil. There is a blue stamp of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society on the first page. The text has many black and white illustrations with some coloured in by the users. Many of the text pages are torn, stained and scribbled on. ‘William E. Giles, State (ed. word missing) Wangoom’ ‘Allan Giles’ giles family, wangoom state school, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, T Nelson and Sons London and Edinburgh, The Empire Part Two
This school text book has been used at the Wangoom State School in the late 19th century by Henrietta Giles. The Wangoom school was established in 1865 as the Wangoom Common School No. 645 and later became the Wangoom State School. It is now closed. Henrietta Giles was a member of the Giles family that lived on the Allansford Road.This book is of interest as an example of the school texts used by children in Victoria late in the 19th century. It contains the history of Britain in Tudor and Stewart times and has no Australian content. The book is also of interest as it was used by Henrietta Giles, a member of the family that settled early in the Warrnambool district. This is a hard cover book of 331 pages plus some supplementary material at the end. The cover (once blue?) is much stained and torn and the embossed black lettering and British Coat of Arms on the front cover and the spine are now almost indecipherable. Part of the back cover and the bottom edges of some pages have been eaten away. The inscription is handwritten in red ink. The text contains many illustrations, some of which have been hand-coloured. The first two or three pages are missing.‘Henrietta Giles, Wangoom S.S. No. 645, 22/7/91’henrietta giles, wangoom state school -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Folder - Clare Roper No. 6, Youth Sunday - 29 May 1949
Clare Roper was a resident of the Kiewa Valley and belonged to the Kiewa Valley Historical Society.Clare Roper collected and collated items of historical interest for the Kiewa Valley Historical Society. Yellow plastic front and back covers with 10 clear plastic sleeves / pages. Includes: Pages from the "Empire Youth Movement Booklet" which is about British Royalty.clare roper; scrap book -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Framed Letter - Bogong State School, 1950
... in that it shows that the British Empire was very relevant ...In 1950, the "Project Competition - Australia as a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations" was conducted. Bogong State School was awarded a First Prize in the competition. The prize being 10 pounds to be used to purchase books for the school library on Empire subjects. Bogong is a local town established by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This letter is significant in that it shows that the British Empire was very relevant to the population at the time and being promoted in schools.Cream decorated frame with glass front and paper backing. Two rings are screwed into the top sides of the back of the frame with one plastic cord and one piece of string between them. The framed letter is titled 'The Empire Youth Movement", dated 22nd February, 1950 and addressed to the Head Teacher of the Bogong State School. Blue print with colored square in the middle at the top. bogong state school; empire youth movement; certificate -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Advertising bookmark 1897, 1897
... in the 19th century felt they had with Queen Victoria and the British ...This book mark was issued by Cramond & Dickson's store Warrnambool to honour Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The Cramond & Dickson's store was established by John Cramond and James Dickson in 1855 and closed in 1974. The first store was in Timor Street and later moved to the corner of Liebig Street and Timor Street in 1865 . They opened a branch store in Poultry Lane in London in the 1880s. Queen Victoria ruled from 1837 to 1901. This card has social significance showing the deep ties that Warrnambool people in the 19th century felt they had with Queen Victoria and the British Empire.A sheet of cream coloured paper in the shape of a book mark with scrolled edges, gold coloured writing and a coloured image of Queen Victoria on one side and the words of God Save the Queen and some musical notation on the other side . DIAMOND JUBILEE SOUVENIR 1837- 1897 With Messrs. Cramond & Dickson's Compliments cramond and dickson's store warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Book - Queen Victoria, Victoria- Her Life and Reign, 1902
... , of most parts of the British Empire at the time, including ...A biography of Queen VictoriaThis is a book of 384 pages plus 30 pages containing information on other books for sale. The cover is red with gold printing and a gold image of a Royal Palace. The pages contain printed text and black and white illustrations.non-fictionA biography of Queen Victoria queen victoria, her life and reign -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, The Journals of Major-Gen. C.G. Gordon, C.B. at Kartoum (sic), 1885
... the British Empire at the time. In Warrnambool in 1886 a General ...Journals of General Gordon of KhartoumThis is a book of 316 pages, plus 33 pages of information on other books for sale by the publisher.The book has a dark red cover with gold lettering on the front cover and the spine. The pages contain printed text, two maps, a portrait and thirty black and white illustrations.non-fictionJournals of General Gordon of Khartoumgeneral gordon of khartoum, gordon, kartoum -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Cup, Coronation 1937, 1927
... in British Empire countries as a memento of the coronation of King ...This cup is a souvenir of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England. It was probably bought locally as sentiment for all things British was strong in the 1930s. King George VI became King of England when Edward VIII abdicated and the coronation ceremony took place in Westminster Abbey on 12 May 1937.This cup is kept as an example of the type of high quality souvenir sold in British Empire countries as a memento of the coronation of King George VI of England in 1937.This is a cream- coloured cup with images on one side of six British flags, a crown, photographs of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in oval frames and some lettering. The images are multi-coloured. The top rim of the cup has several chips and the china is a little crazed, especially inside.‘H.M. King George VI H.M. Queen Elizabeth Coronation 1837’ ‘ Made in England’ coronation of king george vi of england, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
World War One Certificate (Coulstock), WW1 Certificate of Service, 1914
This item is a World War One certificate featuring Walter Coulstock. Private Walter George Coulstock, an engineer, was born in Warrnambool and educated at the Warrnambool Academy. He enlisted at the age of 21 in August 1914, embarked in October 1914 and while travelling to Egypt he entered the machine gun section. He was wounded on the afternoon of the Landing and died of wounds in May 1915. He was buried at sea while in transit to Alexandria. Walter Coulstock was one of the many men and women from Warrnambool and district who enlisted in World War One and who died on active service.This certificate is of considerable significance as it is memento of Walter Coulstock who died in World War One. The Coulstock family was a prominent one in the Warrnambool district in the 19th and early 20th centuries and Walter is one of the local heroes of the Great WarThis is a paper certificate mounted on a frame of plywood. The mount indicates that the certificate has previously been framed. The certificate has a grey background and contains images of the British and Australian flags in red, white and blue, six black and white photographs, an image of H.M.A.S. Australia, an image of a battle scene with artillerymen and black and red lettering. Pasted on to the centre part of the certificate is a yellow piece of paper with a photograph and information on Walter Coulstock. The plywood is broken at the bottom edge and is somewhat stained."For King and Country' 'The Empire Called Us' 'Walter George Coulstock, Private, 8th Battalion, Company B. Reg. No.481, Date of Enlistment August 1914walter coulstock, world war 1 certificate -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Books, History of India, 1870s and 1880s
... in the Warrnambool district. The activities of the British in India would ...These books appear to have been published in successive years as the inscription on one is 1875 and the contents of another deals with the history of India in 1878. The owner of the volumes was William Cassady (1824-1885).In 1846 he settled near the Merri River in the district that is today the Cassady's Bridge area in Caramut Road, Warrnambool. The property was called "Boughton". He married Elizabeth Anderson in 1857 and they had eleven children surviving to adulthood.These volumes are of antiquarian interest as they are an attractive example of the type of books owned by early settlers in the Warrnambool district. The activities of the British in India would have been of interest to settlers in other parts of the British Empire at that time. The books are also of interest as they belonged to William Cassady, a prominent early settler in the west Warrnambool area.These are five volumes of hard cover books with green covers and elaborate scrolls and decorations on the front covers and spines. The title lettering on the front covers is in black and gold. Each volume has several pages of black and white illustrations (steel engravings)at the front of the books, all with protective tissue paper. Some of the tissue paper is torn or missing. There are several coloured maps. The pages are gilt- edged.The third volume has the top part of the spine and binding torn away. The inscription in Volume Four is written in black ink.William Cassady, Boughton 1875william and elizabeth cassady -
Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre
Booklet - R.A.F Signal Manual Part V, Ground Signal Codes (Provisional)
Signal codes used by Royal Air Force. This booklet was authorised by Sir Donald Banks, Secretary of the British Air Ministry . He was responsible for setting up the Empire Air Training Scheme . He travelled to Australia and New Zealand to discuss the manufacture of aircraft in those countries such as Wirraways and Beaufighters.Orange cardboard cover with 40 buff coloured pages.For official use only. Air Publication 1632, March 1938. Issued for the information and guidance of all concerned. By command of the Air Council (signed) Donald Banks. Air Ministry -
Bendigo Military Museum
Poster - POSTER, FRAMED, "The Family Herald and The Weekly Star", Montreal Canada, " CANADA RALLY TO THE EMPIRE - ANSWERING THE CALL OF THE MOTHERLAND", 1914
From relevant information - "The poster was sent to my Grandmother's father (John Garriock) from Canada. It was a giveaway in a Canadian farming magazine of the time. My Grandmother (Barbara Ross) and Grandfather (Robert Heddle Ross) kept the poster and it eventually came to me. I wish to donate it as a way of remembering them".Poster - panoramic poster, paper, black and white, depicts the "Canadian Army setting sail to join British Forces operating against Germany in the War of Nations". Collection of ships setting sail. Print below illustration. Frame - timber, brown/black stain/paint, cardboard backing to poster, cardboard backing. Glass front.framed item, poster, canada, 1914 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet, The British Council by Longmans, Green & Co, This is London. A souvenir for overseas forces, C1935-1945
Rear page has a state. For sale only to men and women in uniform of Commonwealth, Empire, United States and other allied forces. Booklet has a cardboard cover, front cover has a black and photograph of St. Pauls Cathedral London. Inside are images of London life before and during the blitzFront cover “ This is London. A souvenir for overseas forces. 1/6 net “ ww2, london souvenir, booklet -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, FRAMED, "Publishers to Her Majesty the Queen and to Their Royal Highnesses the Prince & Princess of Wales"
Representation of all the Commonwealth Forces that served in the Boer War.Framed print with the title of "SONS OF THE EMPIRE". Frame: timber with decorative edge, brown stain colour, glass front. Mount: Cream coloured cardboard with outer mount timber with gold coloured paint. Print: Black and white grouping of men in uniforms of various countries with flag, horses and some soldiers holding rifles. Artist signature at base of print. Title and information printed below illustration.Artist signature on print "Harry Payne/Dec/99" Printed title below illustration - "SONS OF THE EMPIRE" Printed information below title - "Dedicated by Special Permission to / Field Marshall the Right Hon. Viscount Wolseley. K.P., G.C.B/, G.C.M.G./Commander in Chief of the British Army"" with signature in black ink "Wolseley F.M."framed print, commonwealth, boer war -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Print of Anax Gallipoli, The landing at Gallipoli Anax 1914
... invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula by the forces of the British ...This picture depicts Gallipolis Anzac cove in 1914 The landing at Anzac Cove on Sunday, 25 April 1915, also known as the landing at Gaba Tepe, and to the Turks as the Arıburnu Battle, was part of the amphibious invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula by the forces of the British Empire, which began the land phase of the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War.Rectangular in shape timber picture frame with a small gold border,The photo is surrounded by a white border and covered in glass.Colarts studios Melbourneww1, lara r.s.l., world war one, gallipoli, anzac cove -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BADGE, SERVICES RENDERED, c.1914 - 1919
Round silver badge. Pin & mounting system on rear. For King and Empire Services Rendered around outer edge. In the centre are letters GRI. Atop the letters is a British crown. Stamped on rear: “34849”badgs, services rendered -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - BOOKLETS VARIOUS, 1) 2014; .2) - .4) ??; .5) 2017
Lightweight cardboard covers, stapled, tape on spines. Black print on front. Facsimile, all cut, plain, white pages. No illustrations. .1) The Empire's Other ANZACS - The Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps. Beige booklet, 20 pages. .2) The Silver War Badge British Issues to Australian Imperial Force Members World War One. Orange booklet, 43 pages. .3) 1st Australian Imperial Force Members Deceased Subsequent to Embarkation Overseas and Prior to Discharge in Australia. White booklet, 7 pages. .4) Australian Prisoners of the Turks 1915 - 1918. White booklet, 4 pages. .5) Debarred Australian Military Force Members Debarred From Active Service World War One. Pink booklet, 25 pages..1) - .5) On title pages in black ink: “Neil Smith”booklets, various -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - SHIRE CERTIFICATE, FRAMED, 1.4.1946
The President, Councillors & Ratepayers of The Shire of Marong desire you to accept this Certificate in appreciation of your services for our country & Empire and extend to you the grateful thanks of this Municipality. Desmond Basil Pocock No VX66853 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 3.12.1941 age 21 years. At discharge on 30.1.1945 he was a Pte in 6th Aust Hospial laundry. Printed Certificate in colours of yellow, red, pale green on white background with Rising Sun emblem, British & Australian flags & red seal of Shire of Marong. Glass & gold coloured frame. Waxed paper on back of frame.Presented to "DESMOND B POCOCK"certificates, shire, marong, -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, F. Higham, FOurth Empire Mining and Metallurgical Congress Proceedings, 1950
... (C.J. Sullivan) * Environmental COnditions in British Coal ...Red book of 551 pages. Contents include: * Invitation to hold the next congress in Australia * Mineral Industry in Australia (P.B. Nye) * Some notes on the Mineral Resources of the Union of South Africa (A.R. Mitchell) * Mineral Exploration in Australia (C.J. Sullivan) * Environmental COnditions in British Coal Minesnon-fictionmining, australia, canada, south africa, mining and metallurgical congress -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Cooking pot and lid, T & C Clarke and Co Ltd, 1880 to1910
T & C Clark & Company Limited, based at Shakespeare Foundry, was founded in 1795 by Thomas and Charles Clark and grew to be one of the largest iron foundries in Wolverhampton. The firm was the pioneers of Enamelled Cast ironware and the founder Charles Clerk went on to became mayor of Wolverhampton in 1860 after also serving as a Councilor, Alderman, and later Chief Magistrate. The company exhibited many products at the International Exhibition of 1862 at South Kensington, alongside the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society. The company was also awarded the silver medal for its products at the International Paris Exhibition in 1878. The company's product range included thousands of items, both domestic and industrial. T & C Clark pioneered the use of enamelled cast ironware, after taking out a patent in 1839 guaranteed to be free of lead or arsenic. In the late 1940s and 1950s the company produced acid-resisting enamelled cast iron boiling pans; steam-jacketed pans; stills; square and rectangular tanks; open and closed mixing vessels; flanged pipes; bends and tees; laboratory equipment; small scale plant; evaporating bowls; beakers; sulphonates; and glass-lined mild steel tanks for beer, mineral water, and food. The company is listed as enamelled chemical plant manufacturers in Kelly's 1962 Wolverhampton Directory, but within a few years, the company had ceased trading. The cooking pot is significant because it demonstrates one of the social norms founded by early settlers to this region. That close ties to "Mother England" and the "establishment" was still very strong. The social and family values from the British way of life was ingrained in colonial society until well past Australian Federation in July of 1900. It was not until the friendly "American soldier" invasion during World War II that the Empire mindset was slowly being eroded away. This change was the slowest in semi remote rural areas such as the Warrnambool district. Cast iron open fire cooking pot with lidCLARK & Co. PATENT", Below this a six star triangle with the letter "C" in the middleflagstaff hill museum, cooking appliance, camp fire pot, cast iron, t & c clark & co, drovers cooking pot -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Biography, Flynn of The Inland
... was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British ...This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Flynn of The Inland Author: Ion Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1932Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 FLY Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, flynn of the inland, ion idriess -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Historical, The Great Boomerang
... was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British ...This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. About Ion L Idriess Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940 he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books where in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. The Great Boomerang Author: Ion L Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1948Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919 IDR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the great boomerang, ion l idriess