Vietnam eraM1 steel helmet used by the United States military from WWII to 1985. Painted textured finish light olive green. The rim edge has a crimped metal band running around it, with a rear seam. Mounted on each side of the helmet there are D shaped swiveled metal loops for a chinstrap. The adjustable chinstrap is made of olive drap coloured nylon webbing with blackened metal clips. A two pice clip system metal fastener is used to connect the two pieces of the chinstrap.On the inside of the helmet is written in black textra the name MORCOM, No 37019, and 1966-67.helmet, headgear

Fibre helmet liner with internal webbing (chin strap missing).On webbing, stamp designating part number etc, as shown in photo 0189c. headgear, helmet

There was light at the end of the tunnel. The war in Vietnam was now winnable. The suddenly American TV screens exploded with violent fighting in the streets of Saigon, sabotage at the US Embassy, and raids on over one hundred US installations. The Tet Offensive of 1968 had started, a bold series of surprise attacks that cost both sides dearly. The Communists lost 40,000 lives and failed to spark a popular revolution; the Johnson Administration began to lose credibility with the American people. The beginning of the end of the war had begun.tet offensive (1968), saigon, fall of saigon, president johnson, communists

.1 Cream cover with black and green floral design and leather spine with gilt patterns. The pages have a gilt edging and the spine is partly detached. The pages contain printed material and handwritten entries .2 Black cover with yellow and green floral design. The spine is leather and has gold printing and lines. The pages have a gilt edging and contain printed material and handwritten entriesnon-fictionTwo birthday books with entries of birthdates 19th century warrnambool people, beattie family warrnambool, beattie and phillips funeral directors

Even though the US Army possessed the Army Air Forces during World War 2, this was actually a semi-independendent arm inclusive of the Army Air Corps.vietnam war (1961-1975), military helicopters -- vietnam., vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- aerial operations, american, us army, army air forces

The old style luggage barrow or porter's trolley is used at railway stations throughout Australia. These types of porter trolleys served a vital role in supporting passengers to move their luggage around on a station platform. An everyday item used on stations platforms to move luggage around by a porter it is significant as it is an item not used now but can give us a historical view of social life and snapshot of Australia's main source of transport in the Victorian era the train.Luggage or cargo barrow without sides, made from iron wheel and wooden slats with metal supports. It is used as a trolley to move luggage.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, wheelbarrow, luggage barrow, luggage trolley, porter's trolley

Citadel graphically conveys the horror and brutality of the Vietnam War through potent, vivid images and realistic, fast moving action.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - fiction, us marines

fictionFrom Korea to Vietnam, on earth or up to the stars, in fighters or in spaceships, the comradeships and rivalries, the glories and the tragedies combine to make this an exhilarating novel of US Airforce life - a novel as glorious and glamerous as flight itselfvietnam war, 1961-1975 - fiction, us air force

Report from the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) on a visit to Great Britain (Manchester, Blackpool, Glasgow, London) and North America (New York, Toronto) to recruit single men for employment at the MMTB, in light of labour shortages. The visit also collected information on operation details of public transportation in the visited locations, such as pay, amenities and facilities for employees, public relations, traffic operation, timetables, and rolling stock.A document that detailed operations of public transport agencies in the UK, US and Canada from an Australian perspective during the 1950s.Report of Visit Abroad - Recruitment of Staff and Transport Information, 23rd April, 1951 - 6th March, 1952public transport, tramways, mmtb, employment, overseas tours, recruitment

Document produced by the Transit Research Corporation of New York, details the specifications for the Presidents Conference Committee (PCC) for a streetcar or tram for American cities. The MMTB researched this type of tramcar for use in Melbourne, taking out a licence for their production. This document dated 1/4/1947 with revision to 1/6/1950 would have been part of the licence agreement. Unfortunately, there were insufficient funds to build this type of tramcar. Only tram 980 which was based on a modified W6 class body was fitted with PCC equipment, later transferred to prototype PCC tram 101. See reference.Yields information about the technical specification for US PCC tramcars.Document - bound with card covers, approx 300 printed pages including folded drawings held by an Arnos type steel binding clip,On the spine with a green/white label "Specifications for PCC Car"tramways, tramcars, pcc, new trams, tramcar specifications

Larry Guarino was in his early twenties when he first saw Hanoi. Looking down from his P-51 Mustang, the U.S. Air Force pilot had no opprrtunity to observe the European charm of the French colonial city.vietnam war, 1961 - 1975, larry guarino, hanoi, us air force, air pilots

The unique story of Australian armoured, artillery and infantry soldiers drawn together during the Vietnam War to form 6 Troop, A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment that served in six self-propelled M108 Howitzers, loaned at no cost from the US Armyaustralia, army, cavalry regiment, 3rd - history, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975, regimental histories - australia, howitzers

This White Goshawk is the white colour morph of the Grey Goshawk. Is a moderate-sized hawk that measures 38 - 55 cm in length, and has a wingspan of 70 - 110 cm. It is native to Australia, and found in rainforest, forests, open forest and thickly-wooded watercourses. It mostly occurs in southeastern and northwestern Australia, and in Tasmania, all Grey Goshawks are white-phase. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This White Goshawk is white all over, with hints of beige around its eyes. The bird's legs are a yellow-beige colour, and its beak grey and white. This specimen stands on a perch, mounted upon a wooden platform, and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing tag: 5. / White Goshawk / See Catalogue, page 2 / Mount: 5 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, hawk, white goshawk, accipitridae

This White Goshawk is the white colour morph of the Grey Goshawk. Is a moderate-sized hawk that measures 38 - 55 cm in length, and has a wingspan of 70 - 110 cm. It is native to Australia, and found in rainforest, forests, open forest and thickly-wooded watercourses. It mostly occurs in southeastern and northwestern Australia, and in Tasmania, all Grey Goshawks are white-phase. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This White Goshawk is white all over, with hints of beige around its eyes. The bird's legs are a yellow-beige colour, and its beak grey and white. This specimen stands on a perch, mounted upon a wooden platform.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, hawk, white goshawk, accipitridae

A steam boiler like this late 18th century boiler, is often called a colonial boiler. Steam boilers were used in factories throughout Australia, mounted over similar designs of brick furnaces. This heat from the fire travels through the tubes in this fire tube boiler and the water heats as it circulates around them. Another kind of boiler is a water tube boiler, in which the water is inside the tubes and the heat of the combustion surrounds the tubes. The boiler in our collection burned wood as fuel but others of this design could also burn coal, coke, gas and liquid fuels. The boiler was made by T & F Johnson, boilermakers. In 1922 their factory was located at Coventry Street, South Melbourne. They were still advertising their 'Colonial, multi, vertical boilers, all sizes' at the same address in 1934. The connected pressure gauge, made in London by Dewrance, measures 0 to 400 pounds per square inch. John Dewrance is renowned as a pioneer of the steam locomotive in the early 19th century. He founded John Dewrance & Co. in South London in 1844. His son Sir John Dewrance took over in 1879. In 1939 the company became a subsidiary of Babcock & Wilcox, and was eventually owned by Emerson. How the boiler works: - A boiler is about two-thirds filled with water and heat is applied, in this case in the form of burning wood. The heat is transferred through the metal of the boiler to the water. When the water boils the steam rises to the top, and as it escapes from the boiler the steam pressure builds up in the steam space to later be released to do work; drive machinery such as ship and train engines, turbines, presses, wheels, and driving belts to operate looms and saws. The heat associated with the boiler can be used for preserving food, sterilising, factory manufacturing processes, and steaming wood for shipbuilding. Every boiler has several components fitted for safe operation: - - Safety valves - Gauge glass - Pressure gauge - Main steam stop valve - Water check valve - Blowdown valve - Manhole doorThe boiler is a significant item that gives us a snapshot of early Melbourne's industrial history. It is an example of the technological advancement during the Industrial Revolution where steam-driven machinery and motors could perform tasks more efficiently than manual labour. The makers were one of many boilermaker businesses in Melbourne during the early late-19th andearly 20th centuries. The maritime trade and skills of boilermaking are still learned and applied today. The Dewrance steam pressure gauge connected to the boiler was made by the London firms foundered by John Dewrance. He was renowned for developing the steam locomotive in the early 19th century.Boiler; a horizontal cylindrical underfired steam boiler. It is a multi-tubular design and is timber plank-clad, with brass fittings and pressure gauges. The boiler has an iron door at one end with a metal chimney above it. It is installed over a brick-enclosed solid fuel furnace. Two large, wood-mounted pressure gauges are connected to the boiler and have inscriptions. An inscription is on a red, cast iron plaque above the boiler door. The boiler's maker is T & F Johnson, South Melbourne. One of the pressure gauges was made by Dewrance, London..Maker's plate: "T & F JOHNSON / BOILERMAKERS / SOUTH MELBOURNE" Pressure gauge: "POUNDS PRESSURE / PER [square] INCH / DEWRANCE LONDON"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, boiler, multi tube boiler, steam boiler, steam technology, underfired boiler, horizontal boiler, timber clad boiler, steam power, industrialisation, boilermakers, south melbourne, dewrance, john dewrance, pressure gauge, dewrance pressure gauge, t & f johnson, london, steam engine, steam locomotive, pounds per square inch, 19th century, steam machine, johnson tyne foundry, colonial boiler, fire tube boiler

merri-bek public art collection

This item commemorates the war in Vietnam (1962 0 1972)A black framed coloured photograph of seven servicemen recovering ammunition that has fallen from a truck on the roadside.U. S Servicemen Recovering Ammunition From Fallen Truck Vietnam 1968us servicemen, ammuniton, vietnam

This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. The Regent Parrot has two separate populations separated by the Nullarbor Plain: one in the Mallee regions of eastern Australia, and the other in the Wheatbelt region of southern Western Australia. Though the populations are widely separated, the birds of each region do not appear especially different, one being a little duller than the other. There are, however, other differences between the two populations, especially in how they have fared: eastern populations are endangered, while the western population is thought to be increasing. The Regent Parrot eats seeds of grasses and plants and cereal crops, especially wheat. It also eats buds and flowers, insect larvae, psyllids and lerps. It forages in pairs or small parties, usually on the ground, but also in the canopy of trees or in spilled grain on the ground. The Regent parrot is endangered in NSW and Vulnerable in VIC This Particular specimen has been mounted correctly.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A slim parrot with a long, dusky tapering tail and back-swept wings. It is mostly yellow, with blue-black wings and tail. There is a prominent yellow shoulder patch and red patches in the wings. The bill is deep pink. It is mounted on a thin wooden branch that is attached to a wooden mount with the scientific name located Label: T.L. 430MM / W.S. 540MM / WT. 200GMS / SEX [female symbol] Mount: Polytelis / Anthopeplus / Regent Parrot taxidermy mount, regent parrot, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, bird, parrot

Steering Gear Operation: All steering was done from the stern of the ship and a steering mechanism was used to connect the rudder to the ship's wheel, often housed in a box-like construction behind the helm. The rudder was, in turn, mounted on a pintle or stern-post held in place by gudgeon's (sockets). The steering was activated with lines attached to the blocks on the two threads (half left hand, half right hand) of the steering gear. As the helmsman turned the helm in the direction in which he wished the ship to travel, the central screw of the steering gear, which was attached to the back of the helm, turned horizontally. This caused the rods on either side of the gear to move backwards or forwards at the same time, which then turned the pintle and rudder to port or starboard. A brief history of the Newfield (1889-1892): - The Newfield was an iron and steel sailing barque of 1306 tons, built in 1889 by Alexander Stephen & Sons Dundee (Yard No 89) for Brownelles & Co., Liverpool. The Newfield was on a voyage from Sharpness to Brisbane on 29 August 1892, with a cargo of 1850 tons of fine rock salt. The Cape Otway light had been sighted in squally, bumpy weather, but the captain was under the impression it was the King Island light. The ship’s chronometers were wrong, and orders were given to tack the ship away from the light, which headed it straight for the cliffs of the Victorian coast. The vessel struck rocks about 100 yards from shore, and five feet of water immediately filled the holds. The captain gave orders to lower the boats which caused a disorganised scramble for safety among the crew. The panic resulted in the deaths of nine men, including the captain when they drowned after the boats capsized in heavy seas. The seventeen men who regained the ship decided to wait until daylight and rowed to Peterborough in the ship’s jolly boat and gig after locals had failed to secure a rocket apparatus line to the ship. The Marine Board inquiry found the wreck was caused by a "one-man style of navigation" and that the captain had not heeded the advice of his crew.The Newfield wreck and its collection of recovered items are heritage listed and are regarded as historically significant. They represent aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and their potential for us today to interpret the maritime history and social themes of the time. The assemblage of various Newfield artefacts held in the Flagstaff Hill Museum is not only significant for its association with the shipwreck but helps archaeologists when examining the relationship between the objects to better understand our colonial marine past.Ship’s steering gear, cast iron, consists of a long round metal rod into which gears have been machined. The thread of the gear from one end to almost the centre winds in a left hand direction while the thread of the gear from the other end to almost the centre winds in the right hand direction. Each end of the rod has a metal coupler attached and two narrower round rods are also attached to the coupling, one each side of the gear rod, the same length as it and parallel to it. Two more ‘S’ shaped couplers are joined to the gear rod. Each of these have an opening through which the gear rod is threaded and can move along. There is another opening in these couplers through which one of the narrower rods is threaded. The other end of this coupler has half length metal rod attached to it by a bolt through the ring at the end of the rod. One end of the steering gear still has the brass hub of the ship’s wheel solidly attached. The hub no longer has its wooden spokes but the ten holes for the spokes can be easily recognised.Noneflagstaff hill, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, peter carmody, carmody, newfield, shipwreck, peterborough, south west victoria, rocket, rocket crew, shipwreck artefact, flagstaff hil maritime museum, steering, steering gear, screw steering gear, sailing ship

The red wattlebird is a passerine bird native to southern Australia. Measuring 33–37 cm (13–14.5 inches) in length, it ranks as the second-largest species among Australian honeyeaters. The species was first described by John White in 1790, and three subspecies are currently recognised. The red wattlebird is found across southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and southwest Western Australia, inhabiting open forests, woodlands, and urban gardens or parks. Known for its loud and conspicuous presence, the red wattlebird primarily forages in trees, although it occasionally searches for food on the ground. As one of the world's largest nectar-feeding birds, it consumes nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet with insects. Territorial and sometimes aggressive, it defends rich nectar sources from other bird species. Breeding occurs throughout its range, with the species constructing cup-shaped nests in trees and raising one or two broods annually. Despite localized declines due to habitat loss, the red wattlebird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This specimen was falsely identified as a yellow wattlebird in original catalogue records and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The red wattlebird has predominantly grey-brown plumage, featuring red eyes, pale pinkish-red wattles on each side of the neck, white streaking on the chest, and a prominent yellow patch on the lower belly. Swing-tag: 58a. / Wattled - Honeyeater / See catalogue page 18taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, bird, yellow wattlebird, tasmanian wattlebird, anthochaera paradoxa, australian birds, wattlebird, red wattlebird

This specimen is a Grey Currawong. There are six subspecies of Grey Currawongs and they can sometimes interbreed with other species of Currawong leading to a divergent series of appearances amongst the species. The species can be found in the south western to south eastern parts of Australia, including in Tasmania. It is an endangered species in the Northern Territory although the reasons why are not yet known. They prefer a wide range of habitats including coastal to arid and can also be occasionally found in suburban areas. This specimen was misidentified as a Grey Crow in original catalogue records and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Grey Currawong has mainly grey plumage with a white tail tip and darker undercarriage. It has yellow irises, made of glass, and brown claws. The bill is dark in colour. This specimen has been placed upon a wooden mount in a downwards facing position. It has a paper tag attached to its right leg.16a / Grey Cro [torn] / See Cat / [torn] /axidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grey crow, grey currawong, currawong

The buff-banded rail is a medium-sized bird in the rail family, Rallidae, known for its striking plumage and strong dispersal abilities. This species includes multiple subspecies found across Australasia and the southwest Pacific, with populations in the Philippines, where it is called tikling, and New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, where it is referred to as the banded rail or moho-pererū in Māori—and various smaller islands. This specimen was misidentified as an Australian Spotted Crake in original catalogue records and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is a small, stocky bird with yellow legs and bill. The Buff-banded Rail has grey colouring on its neck and an orange on the nape of its neck. The torso and rear are striped with black and grey/cream colours and have white spots along the rear. The specimen has brown feathers on the wings. It stands on a wooden platform in a standing position with a paper identification tag tied around its left leg. 19c Spotted Water Crake. See Catalogue, Page, 35.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, spotted crake, crake, australian birds, australian spotted crake, buff-banded rail

The Australasian Wood Duck is commonly described as 'goose-like' in appearance. They reside throughout Australia and Tasmania in regions including grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along the coast and bays. Unlike some breeds of ducks, this species can walk on land with ease and can often be seen perched on logs and in trees. The Wood Duck eat grass, clover and other herbs. On occasion they eat insects. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The female Wood Duck has a pale brown head with dark glass eyes. The head is looking backwards over left shoulder. The bill is a dull grey colour and the legs are a similar grey.The breast is speckled cream-grey with a white lower belly and under-tail. There is a paper tag tied to the upper part of the Wood Duck's right leg, a white label attached to the front right of the wooden platform and a grey label on the left beside the white label.....[missing] Goose / ....[missing] page 38. / 133 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, australaisian shovelor, shovelor, wood duck, australian wood duck, female duck, maned duck, female

The Australasian swamphen is a visually striking and socially complex bird found across Oceania. It can be found in eastern Indonesia (specifically the Moluccas, Aru, and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia. As a member of the rail family (Rallidae), it belongs to the diverse order Gruiformes, which also includes cranes and other rail species. Like other rails, it possesses relatively short wings and a strong, elongated bill, both adaptations suited to its semi-aquatic wetland habitat. This swamphen is easily identified by its deep blue-purple plumage, prominent red frontal shield, and sturdy red legs. It primarily inhabits swamps, marshes, and other wet lowland areas, though its range has expanded to include pastures, roadsides, and farmland due to significant landscape modifications over the past 150 years. Unlike many wetland birds, it is highly adaptable and thrives in both natural and human-altered environments. Its diet is similarly flexible, consisting mostly of plant material such as grass stems, shoots, and leaves, but also including invertebrates and, on occasion, the young of other bird species. This specimen was misidentified as a Purple Swamphen in original catalogue records and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This taxidermy specimen is of a Australasian swamphen which is mounted standing on a wooden platform and has a paper identification tag tied to its upper left leg. The specimen has dark colouring on its back and head with a purple-blue coloured neck, breast and belly. The bill is oversized and is orange/red which is the same colour as the frontal shield on the bird's face. The eyes are made from a red and black glass and the legs of this specimen are orange. The legs are elongated and the toes also long and unwebbed. 17e. / Purple Gallinule / Catalogue Page 35 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, swamphen, moorhen, purple bird, hen, purple swamphen, water bird

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A coloured photograph of Maj Gen R.A. Hay, The Commander, Australian Force Vietnam, talking with the Officer Commanding, A Battery 2/35th United States Artillery, of 155mm mobile guns, attached to the 1st Australian Task Force, during a visit to a Forward Fire Support Basephotograph, maj gen hay, 1st atf base, nui dat, 2/35th us artillery, gibbons collection catalogue, fire support base, australian force vietnam, officer commanding, a battery, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Lt. Col Colin Khan Commandig Officer of 5 RAR with Duc Thanh District Chief Maj Tram Van Ngo and the Senior American Adviser Captain Robert P Heath walk through the rubber after inspecting the site of a successful ambush on the cordon sitephotograph, lt col colin khan, maj tram van ngo, capt robert p heath (us), 5 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, commanding officer, duc thanh district chief, senior american adviser, rubber plantation, denis gibbons