Good luck dolls usually given to engaged couples but occasionally give to Japanese soldiers prior to deploying.Takasago dolls or, in English, Darby and Joan dolls. They are a set, the brighter one being an old lady, the other an old man. They were used as engagement presents, but during the war, they were sometimes (actually maybe rarely) given to soldiers as good luck charms, or ‘mamori’. They were said to be lucky as they contained the stitching (sewing) of 1000 ladies, ‘senninbari’ (a thousand ‘peoples’ needles). So mate, the original theory is probably correct. The soldier would have wrapped these dolls in water proof paper (made using persimmon tannin or kakishiba).He would have kept them around his waist in a waist band, called an obi or perhaps a ‘haramaki’ (a knitted stomach band).Anyway the dollls should remain together. I’m wondering if there are any messages inside? But if they are completely stitched closed, then they should remain that way. The Takasago dolls originated in Takasago City in Hyogo Prefecture, hence the name.But later they were made everywherejapan, ww2, world war 2, world war two, takasago dolls

Captured in PNGJapanese Arasaka Bayonet complete with scabbard and leather bayonet frog8(in a circle), 2 (in a diamond),imperial japanese army, japanese army, bayonet, japanese arasaka bayonet, world war two, wwii, ww2, second world war

00607.1 Brown leather belt. Attached are 2 British/Australian military badges, 7 buttons and one officers pip.00607.2 Assorted badges and coins.00607.3 Lapel badge Naval Assn of Australia engraved 561 on reverse. ASM 1939-1945 engraved PA2095 EJ Cope. Royal British Nursing Assn medal Wilhelmina Crosby 00607.4 12 Australian Army Medical Corps buttons Queens Crown124world war two, ww2, wwii, badges, coins, royal british nursing association, naval association of australia, australian army medical corps

Photographs of the Daylesford War Memorial taken on the 50th anniversary of the Long Tan battle during the Vietnam War. battle of long tan, long tan, daylesford war memorial, world war one, vietnam war, korean war, boer war, world war two, john cock, royal australian navy, royal australian airforce, australian imperial forces, daylesford

Gis Gervasono served in Northern Australia and was in Darwin for the bombing.Black and white photograph of Gus Gervasoni in AIF Uniform. This photograph was taken before his World War 2 departure. gus gervasoni, aif, world war two, chocco, chocolate soldier, conscript

Herbert (Bert) Hulm was gassed during World War One. He served with the 46 Battalion. His niece remembered he was always laboured in his breathing.Colour photograph of the memorial plaque for J.H. Fitzgerald in the Tower Hill Cemetery.VX40138 Signalman J.H. Fitzgerald Corps of Signals 18th December 1966 Age 50 Loved husband of Thelma and devoted father of Barry.tower hill cemetery, world war two, j.h. fitzgerald, thelma fitzgerald, barry fitzgerald

The Clydesdale War Memorial is an obelisk situated in the Clydesdale State Shool grounds (now the Clydesdale Hall). The 150th anniversary of the Clydesdale State School/Hall was celecbrated in 2017. A number of colour photograph of a sandstone building that was built of local stone as the Clydesdale State School (SS900). It is now the Clydesdale Hall. clydesdale, world war one, world war two, clydesdale state school, clydesdale hall, sandstone

The Clydesdale War Memorial is an obelisk situated in the Clydesdale State Shool grounds (now the Clydesdale Hall). The 150th anniversary of the Clydesdale State School/Hall was celecbrated in 2017. Colour photograph of the former Clydesdale State School (SS900), war memorial, and new rotunda.clydesdale, world war one, world war two, clydesdale state school, clydesdale hall, sandstone, clydesdale war memorial

This object relates to Frank CLARKE. He was born on 06/10/1911 in Sydney, NSW. Frank served in the Army (NX87998) enlisting on, 09/02/1942 in Croydon Park, NSW before being discharged from duties with the 3 AUST INF BATN as a Army Non-Commissioned Lance Corporal / Lance Bombardier (LCPL/LBDR) on 29/10/1945. Frank CLARKE was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Margaret CLARKE. Frank Clarke was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, personal items, ballarat rsl, ballarat, identification discs, uniforms, wwii, id tags, world war two

This object relates to James Alfred SIMPSON. He was born on 09/05/1904 in Ballarat, VIC. James Alfred served in the AMF (VX45777) enlisting on, 10/06/1940 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 13 ADV W/SHOPS as a on 10/12/1945. James Alfred SIMPSON was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Catherine WALKER (Mother).second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat, wwii, soldiers, demobilization, log books, world war two

The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 was awarded to armed Australian forces and volunteer defence corps for their service during WWII. Created by King Geroge IV, this was the first distinctive Australian medal in the British system of honours and awards.Medallion attached to a navy blue, light blue, red and beige striped ribbon. The medallion depicts an effigy of King George IV of Great Britain and the commonwealth with the words: "GEORGE IV S VI (obscured component) G. BR. OMN. REX ET INDIAE IMP" in relief on one side. The others side depicts the Australian Coat of Arms and the words: "The AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945".medallion, medal, australian service medal, service medal, ww2, world war two

This floatation bladder was made for survival whilst crossing rivers and streams. The device would have been inserted into clothing and the user would have blown air into the pipe. The pipe would have been folded in half and held in place to prevent air from escaping.Tough rectangular, flat, khaki coloured fabric and rubber bag. There is a rubber pipe at the top, right corner. There is a fabric flap at the base of this pipe which holds the pipe in a bent position. There are also inscriptions on the front/centre of the bag.The following inscriptions are at the front/cente of the bag, printed in red. The very last inscriptions ('M. KNAUSS') are printed in dark purple. 'BLADDER, FLOATATION, JUNGLE' 'THE B.F. GOODRICH CO.' 'CONTRACT W669QM21639 9-30-42' 'SPECIFICATION P.Q.D. 243' 'STOCK NO. 74-B-303' 'PHILADELPHIA QUARTERMASTER DEPOT' 'INSPECTOR______M. KNAUSS_____' floatation bladder, floatation device, world war two, ww2, wwii, second world war

Gold Framed replica certificate detailing the terms and conditions of Japanese Surrender in 1945japan, ww2, surrender, certificate, world war two, wwii, second world war

Printed copy of a certificate of commemoration of the evacuation of DunkirkErnest James Bray - Middlesex Regiment.dunkirk, wwii, world war two, second world war, france, ernest james bray

Swords were a common item of equipment of Japanese officers and soldiers in WWII. Representative of souvenirs brought back following the end of WWII.Japanese Samuari Sword with 70mm hand guard with wooden handle wrapped with red and white and brown tape - blade length 700mm. Common souvenir brought back by returning servicemen from the Southwest Pacific area following the Japanese surrender.japan, samurai, sword, wwii, world war two

This pattern bayonet, which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 ( 1914 - 1918 ), World War 2 ( 1939 - 1945 ) and the Korean War ( 1950 - 1953 ).Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, with wood hand grips blade 430mm long, with leather scabbard with steel fittings and leather bayonet frog.ON handle " A- 93061 " On blade " 1 - 1922 Lithgow "wwi, wwii, korea, world war one, world war two, lee enfield

This pattern bayonet which affixed to a .303 Lee Enfield rifle was standard issue to Australian forces in World War 1 (1914-1918), World War 2 (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). Leather bayonet frog might indicate WWI light horse issue.Part of a collection of edged weapons relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian Military forces.British pattern 1907 bayonet, blade 430 mm long with wood hand grip and leather scabbard and leather frog.Blade " 7. 17 Wilkinson" Frog " Dexxil Don 1917"military, bayonet, world war one, world war two, korea, light horse

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of 25 soldiers and one Officer of the 20th Motor Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles). Officer is wearing peaked cap, Sam Browne Belt and shoes; men are wearing slouch hats, boots and web anklets. 20th Motor Regiment colour patches are evident.Cross over head of one soldier in rear rank.20th motor regiment, wwii, world war two

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of one soldier lifting a new born foal while another holds the mare.. Part of 20th Light Horse collection.Across bottom of photo: " Gil Anderson with foal, WO Jack Trebble with proud mother, Torquay Lines."military, horse, foal, light horse, camp, world war two

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.Rare copy of Regimental magazine produced while on overseas service, WW11Regimental magazine of the 20th Australian Motor Regiment ( AIF ) titled " Black and Gold " prepared and printed while posted at Merauke Dutch New Guinea 1944. Thirty six pages, saddle - stitched and stapled.Written in ink across top edge of cover " V.G.Groutsch."20th, light horse, new guinea, wwii world war two

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of large group of horsemen on beach and crossing dunes at Torquay, Victoria 1940." The mobilized 20th Light Horse Regiment CMF on Torquay Beach, Victoria in 1940 shortly before its mechanisation and conversion to an Armoured unit. Sun photograph.military, light horse, world war two, torquay, camp

Example of soldiers making their own entertainment while posted to remote location in New Guinea during WW11 The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria on active service during World War 2 (1939-1945).Four black and white photographs of soldiers dressed up as women for a concert party at Merauke, Dutch New Guinea 1944. Part of 20th Light Horse collection." Lowell French, John Cole, Ballet Girls. "20th, merauke, new guinea, wwii world war two, entertainment

Medals awarded to W1940 J C Hitchins, Pacific Star, BWM 39-45, ASM 39-45. No ribbons attached.world war two, wwii, hitchins, medal

Australian Service Medal awarded to VX81347 C French. No ribbon attachedworld war two, wwii, french, medal

British Defence Medal 39-45 awarded to 413820 W F Burge. No ribbon attached.medal, wwii, world war two, burge

A British War Medal 1914-1918 with ribbon awarded to 3141 Private C R Higgins 23 Infantry Battalion.wwi, world war two, higgins, infantry, bwm

Shield shaped wooden plaque with a British Army Territorial medal, an artillery corps badge, and an engraved metal plate attached.Alfred Samuel Hazelgrove passed away January 1996. This medal was bequeathed to the SS&A Club upon the death of Mr Hazelgrove, a loyal member of the Club. The SS&A Club has passed the medal onto the Army Museum to be held in trust.wwii, world war two, territorial, british, hazelgrove, ss&a

Private Max Morrow was killed in action in New Guinea 9 August 1945. Medal group: 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45 awarded to Private M Morrow 2/5th Infantry Battalion.new guinea, morrow, world war two, wwii

The Tobruk Siege Medal known as the "T" medal was issued to Australian, British, Indian, New Zealand & Polish troops who were in action during the Siege of Tobruk between April & December 1941. The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977.Heart shaped wooden plaque with Tobruk medal attached tobruk, seige, world war two, wwii