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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Torch, 1935-1960
Diver's Submarine Electric Torches were first developed to give illumination for close examination work. They have to be self-contained, the older ones are powered by an accumulator type battery which could be recharged. Some models were fitted with a switch to turn the light off saving on the battery power. The lens is of a convex type and magnifies the light. Sometimes there was a protective grill across the glass or prongs to protect the glass from an impact. When fully charged the battery would last about seven hours. Torches are made from non-ferrous metal so as not to corrode in their watery environment. Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd has been producing hand-held, battery-powered, submarine electric torches for divers and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) since the 1920s. In 1961, the famous diving manufacturer C.E. Heinke merged with Siebe Gorman, and for a short while, torches were made with the combined 'Siebe Heinke' inscription. However, this linked inscription was later dropped, with a return to the Siebe Gorman name tag. Date of manufacture for these torches can be determined by their Admiralty Pattern (AP) number that was used to identify a particular item and were for naval stores use. Before NATO stock coding became more widely used, earlier MOD torches often have a simple four-digit group of AP numbers such as AP4456 or AP4458. In 1975 Siebe Gorman moved from their Neptune Works at Chessington in Surrey to a new location at Cwmbran in Wales and by this time their manufacture of diving equipment had declined. (For additional historic company information on Siebe & Gorman see notes section this document.)The item is significant as it gives us a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally, especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the torch Siebe Gorman was a leading inventor, developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early developments in helmets, compressors and other diving equipment. Items that are today eagerly sought after for maritime collections around the world. The items that have been donated to the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job.Diver's Torch brass with heavy glass screw on piece with four lugs attached contact spring inside. Leather hand strap missing."Siebe Gorman and Co Ltd, Makers, London." Has "A.P.4458" inscribed on front above glassflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, siebe, gorman, diver's torch, torch, diver, diving accessories -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Torch, 1935-1960
Diver's Submarine Electric Torches were first developed to give illumination for close examination work. They have to be self-contained, the older ones are powered by an accumulator type battery which could be recharged. Some models were fitted with a switch to turn the light off saving on the battery power. The lens is of a convex type and magnifies the light. Sometimes there was a protective grill across the glass or prongs to protect the glass from an impact. When fully charged the battery would last about seven hours. Torches are made from non-ferrous metal so as not to corrode in their watery environment. Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd has been producing hand-held, battery-powered, submarine electric torches for divers and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) since the 1920s. In 1961, the famous diving manufacturer C.E. Heinke merged with Siebe Gorman, and for a short while, torches were made with the combined 'Siebe Heinke' inscription. However, this linked inscription was later dropped, with a return to the Siebe Gorman name tag. Date of manufacture for these torches can be determined by their Admiralty Pattern (AP) number that was used to identify a particular item and were for naval stores use. Before NATO stock coding became more widely used, earlier MOD torches often have a simple four-digit group of AP numbers such as AP4456 or AP4458. In 1975 Siebe Gorman moved from their Neptune Works at Chessington in Surrey to a new location at Cwmbran in Wales and by this time their manufacture of diving equipment had declined. (For additional historic company information on Siebe & Gorman see notes section this document.)The item is significant as it gives us a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally, especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the torch Siebe Gorman was a leading inventor, developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early developments in helmets, compressors and other diving equipment. Items that are today eagerly sought after for maritime collections around the world. The items that have been donated to the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job.Divers torch, brass with glass lens , screw on piece with three lugs attached. Leather wrist strap attached & loose contact spring inside."Siebe Gorman and Co Ltd, Makers, London." Has A.P.4456 stamped on front faceflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Diving compressor and helmet, 1944
Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment, and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards, and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air, and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunneling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A.Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman's fortunes began to decline as an aging Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company's business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire-fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998). (For information regards the diving helmet & Frank King see Notes Section at the end of this document)The items are very significant as a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the equipment was a leading inventor,developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early helmets and other items eagerly sought after today for collections around the world. The items in the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job. Frank Kings' diving helmet and compressor (communication pipe stored separately). Compressor is hand cranked. US Navy diving helmet, Mark V. Two maker's plates attached. Made in 1944.On rear "WATER SUPPLY" On front 'PATENT" " Logo: Images (Lion, Crown, Horse, Shield within an oval) "SIEBE, GORMAN & Co. Ltd. SUBMARINE ENGINEERS, LONDON.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, great ocean road, us navy diving helmet, commonwealth government salvage, diving helmet, marine salvage, frank king, diver, siebe. gorman & co ltd, submarine equipment, diving equipment, communication under water, hand cranked, diving compressor -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Trunk, Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928, c. late 1930's
This trunk was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. The trunk was used by Dr. Angus when he served as Surgeon Captain for the Australian Army during WW2. At that time his residence was in Warrnambool. His time of service was spent in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W. The portion of the paper label on the trunk that ends in an 'a' is possible the end of the word 'Bonegilla', where his trunk could have been sent. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . Its first station was in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital (a 2 bed ward at the Nelson Street Practice) from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what previously once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr Tom and his brother had worked as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He had been House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan had gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. When Dr Angus took up practice in the Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan’s old premises he obtained their extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926. A large part of this collection is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. and an ALDI sore is on the land that was once their tennis court). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. He had an interest in people and the community They were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Trunk, handmade, from the W.R. Angus Collection. Wooden trunk, rope handles on ends, metal hinges, previously closed by nails. Trunk has labels with names and destinations. Stamped into wood on end is text from original timber. One paper label is peeling off.Metal label “Captain W. R. Angus” (black writing on white metal label). On lid in blue writing “Captain W.R. Angus”. Paper label “Captain W.R. Angus, 214 Koroit Street, Warrnambool, Victoria. V 141633 (looks like)”. Obscured label “ - - a Rail Station”.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, t.s.s. largs bay, warrnambool base hospital, flying doctor, medical treatment, surgeon captain w.r. angus, ww2 service ballarat, ww2 service bonegilla, wooden trunk, military service, trunk for personal effects storage -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Silent Feet:The History of 'Z' Special Operations, 1942-1945
non-fiction -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - 6th Div, Shawn OLeary, To The Green Fields Beyond:The story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos
The comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollnon-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Bernard J Callinan DSO MC, Independent Company: The 2/2 and 2/4 Australian Independent Companies in Portuguese Timor, 1941-1943, April 2021
he detailed history of the No.2 and No. 4 Independent Commando Companies and their operations during World War 2 against the Japanese. No dust jacket.younon-fictionhe detailed history of the No.2 and No. 4 Independent Commando Companies and their operations during World War 2 against the Japanese. No dust jacket.you ww2, independent companies, commandos, australian special operations -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, All The Bull's Men, 2006
The comprehensive unit history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company during World War II – now very scarce and long out of print.Hard Cover with Dust Jacket – 520 pages. non-fictionThe comprehensive unit history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company during World War II – now very scarce and long out of print.ww2, commando, independent company, timor -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Newsletter, CMHS Moorabbin Mirror Issue 10 April 2017, CMHS Moorabbin Mirror Newsletter Issue 10 April 2017, 2017
This is Issue 10 of the Moorabbin Mirror produced by CMHS members Fran & Holger Bader , Geoffrey Paterson, April 2017 The Moorabbin Mirror reflects the history and heritage of the former City of Moorabbin — derived from Mooroobin, ‘a resting place’ in the Bunurrung spoken language. In 1994, the City of Moorabbin was integrated into the Cities of Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston and Monash. Topics ; AGM July 30th 2017 ; GECC Joyce Park Landscape Concepts feedback forums close April 30th ; AIF memorabilia WW1 and WW2 Groundsheet / raincape; Volunteer Ellie - ACU History student - assisting Fran Bader with Rietman preparations and Social Media innovations; GECC Community Information; GECC Groove and Graze April 1st 2017 , BCM open for Visitors including lorikeets; Original Newsletter Digitisation proceeding; Rietman Exhibition preparations proceeding; Victorian ANZACS - Eric Ray Smith, Patterson Rd Bentleigh; AIF headgear; WW1 Monuments and Memorials; WW1 Peace Monuments and Memorials; Lone Digger Memorials ( August Rietman); AANS - Nurses- Sister Elsie Grace Dobson, Moorabbin,; Kingston Ceramic Artist - Wendy Reiss Sculptures 1974; Heritage Queries - 'Clee House' McKinnon; Orange Street East Bentleigh; Elster Creek Tributary; Origins of Local Street Names; Diary; membership details. This is Issue 10 of the Moorabbin Mirror, Newsletter of CMHS April 2017A4 x 4 paper folded to A5 x 8pp with colour photographs. Moorabbin / Mirror / APRIL 2017 Issue 10moorabbin mirror, bader fran, bader holger, patterson geoffrey, smith eric ray; dobson elsie grace, reiss wendy, rietman august, elster creek, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond , kingston, cheltenham, -
Colac & District Historical Society
china milk jug, "DURALING" Super vitrified Grindley Hotel Ware et al, hygeienic cafe milk jug, Early 20th Century 1920's
The Hygeienic Cafe was conducted by Mrs. H. Bartlett in the late 1930's. It was popular with farmers who patronised it on market days. Many wedding receptions were held in this cafe It was sited near Blane's Newsagency in Murray St.One of very few peices of china from this popular Colac cafe remaining in existance. Cafe closed during WW2This milk jug is made of vitrified English china. Colour- White with blue markings.Elaborate H/B with banner and name beneath lined rim and handle.No 357 (Society No.) and makers markings on base.hygeienic cafe china milk jug -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION: BOOK ''FRONT-LINE AIRLINE'' BY E.BENNETT-BREMNER
Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 193 page hardcover book telling the war story of Qantas Empire Airways. Illustrated with B & W photos and charts. Published in 1944 by Angus & Robertson Ltd. And printed by Bloxham and Chambers Pty Ltd, Sydney. Catalogue sticker ''2156 BEN'' on spine. Handwritten in ink on flyleaf ''To Alec Chisholm, with the authors respects and regards. E Bennett- Bremner. Sydney 2/11/49''E. Bennett-Bremnerbooks, collections, history, alec h chisholm collection, e.bennett-bremner, qantas empire airways, flying boats, ww2. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS FROM THE BENDIGO ADVERTISER
Newspaper clippings from the Bendigo Advertiser. 1. 20/9/61 - History of Methodism in Bendigo; 2. 5/4/61 - Centenarian of Bendigo dies - Annie Lansell; 3. 12/1/62; Post Office clock; Gaol become a treasure trove. This last article is very interesting in that it relates to the storage of Victoria's Old Masters and valuable paintings in the gaol during WW2.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, various articles, methodism in bendigo. miss annie lansell. forest street. frank lansell. george lansell. fortuna. treasures at the gaol. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Container - LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION: MACROBERTSON'S OLD STYLE BUTTER SCOTCH 6 OZS NETT TIN BOX, 19/11/1942
MacRobertson's Old Style Butter Scotch 6 ozs Nett tin box / containing 2 x envelopes addressed to Mrs L. Chancellor , A.C.F. Branch , Taraxville , Golden Square , postmarked 19.11.1942. , 2 1/2 penny red Australia stamp, WW2 Penny - a Plane Certificates showing promotion to various ranks - in the Penny - a Plane Campaign - 16 x certificates - Flying officer / 5 x certificates Flight Lieutenant - signed A.R. Cutler V.C. / 4 x certificates - Squadron Leader / 27 x Seargean Pilot - some bearing the name of LYDIA CHANCELLOR. / Piece of paper 'Francis Greenway - his Life & times '/ Newspaper clipping from the Argus Newspaper 17.10. 1942. ' Penny -a Plane Fund Grows, describes campaign which is related to the amount of 'Jap' planes shot down - e.g. 'No 1 cards which contain 100 stamps - one for every Jap plane shot down - have been completed'ephemera, mementoes, lydia chancellor collection, collection, macrobertson's old style butter scotch tin 6 ozs nett / mrs l. chancellor 2 1/2 penny red australia stamp /penny - a plane certificates /campaign / a.r. cutler v.c. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION: BOOK ''THIS PETTY PACE'' BY ANTHONY RAWLINS
Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 141 page red hardcover account of army life in England during WW2. Published in 1943 by Arthur H Stockwell Ltd, London and printed by John Drew Ltd, Aldershot. Catalogue sticker ''2145 RAW'' on spine. Handwritten in ink on flyleaf ''This work was sent me in 1943 by Mrs Edelsten who now reports - August '44 that the author has been killed in action in Normandy. Sad ! A.H.C.'' also ''The Rawlins were family friends of the Edelstein's, who of course were descendants of John Gould.'' Inside the front cover is a copy of a typed letter (by A. H. Chisholm??) on a 'Herald' letterhead to Mrs Edelsten, dated 25 Jan,1944, acknowledging receipt of this book.Anthony Rawlinsbooks, collections, military, alec h chisholm collection, anthony rawlins, army, world war 2 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MANUSCRIPT: THE ''HISTORY OF OLD INGLEWOOD'' (NO ACTUAL TITLE)
Thirty paged manuscript re the ''History of old Inglewood'' (No actual title or stated author. The 'Preface' (last page) states that in 1961 the town would celebrate its centenary and, also, that it lost its official identity (amalgamation with the Shire of Korong). Comprises:Introduction; Aboriginal life and early history of interaction with settlers; Major Mitchell exploration in area (''Yarrayne'' as name given for the Loddon; Mt Korong - aboriginal ''Barrabungale''); Pioneers on the Loddon - land tenure (Order of Council 1847), ref to Simson (Donald Campbell; Hector Norman); Charlotte Plains (run); John Catto (of Loddon) and John Catto (of Berlin); William Allen; Alexander Moffat Allen; Mr Sellars; 1852 gold rush to Mt Korong (surface); 1859 discovery of gold at Inglewood ( A J Thompson, T Thompson, T Harvey); detail of gold mining in Inglewood; Borough of Inglewood (1863); growth of the town - hotels, banks, newspapers; 1863 fire in township; fire brigade at Inglewood; selection of land; the ''Land Convention''; the ''Duffy Act''; land selection; 'modern' developments in Inglewood(rail, gas); Jack Donaldson - runner 100 yds sprint title; armed services involvement of Inglewood (WW1 & WW2); government departments.inglewood, history, early history, lodden, mt korong, donald campbell, hector norman, inglewood fire brigade, duffy act, jack donaldson, alexander moffat, john catto, major mitchell, ww1, ww2. aboriginal life, order of council 1947. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - ABBOTT COLLECTION: H. A. ABBOTT DEATH
Newspaper clipping advising the death of H. A. Abbott, the man who invented 'Barblock' Barbed Wire. He would have turned 90 years of age on April 7. Mr Abbott was the son of his pioneer father who opened Abbott's Supply Company in 1852. he will be cremated in Melbourne and a service will be held in All Saints Cathedral, McKenzie Street Bendigo at 2pm Friday.organisation, industry, abbott supply, abbott, ww2 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - EPSOM PRIMARY SCHOOL CENTENARY 1881-1981, 1981
Epsom Primary School Centenary 1881-1981. Photographs, illustrations and map. 80 pages. With Indexschool, centenary, epsom, education primary school centenary epsom history scholars teachers mothers' club honor roll 1914-1918 war township epsom salts, hotels, progress association, ww1, ww2, vineyards, palm trees, store, ascot park, local families, businesses, sports -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Lydia Chancellor collection: New arrivals
1. Rev Harry George Mackay (30/5/1914 - 9/9/1988) was born in Sheffield, Tasmania. He served part time as a chaplain during WW2 (V517227) After the war he married Thelma Muriel Phillips (10/6/1920 - 13/7/2008) in 1946. They are both buried at the Mornington Cemetery. 2. Mr John Brown Hamlett was born in England. In 1951 he married Audrey Sommerville in in Scottsdale, Tasmania. Their first son, David was born in Tasmania in 1952. In 1954, John was preaching in the Launceston Methodist circuit.Bendigo Advertiser from 02/02/1962 and 05/02/1964. Two articles introducing three new families who have moved to Bendigo. These are the family of H.G. Mackay minister of the Wesley church in Forest Street, Rev, Baldwin of the Arnold Street circuit and Rev. J.B. Hamlett in charge of the Eaglehawk Methodist Circuit.bendigo advertiser, rev. hamlett, minister mackay, rev. baldwin -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - SWEENEY COLLECTION: ARMY DRIVING LICENCE, 1942
World War 2 Army Driving Licence issued to Frederick Charles Sweeney 20/11/1942. Heavy trifold board cover.military, world war 2, ww2 driver's licence -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - NORMAN OLIVER COLLECTION: SPEECH NOTES - WAKOOL RSL, ANZAC DAY 1949
The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Speech notes for address to Wakool, NSW RSL, Anzac Day 1949. Eight pages of notes typed in upper case, date and place written in longhand in left margin. Norman Oliver, served in the AIF in WW2. (see subject entry).bendigo, council, speech notes, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman j. oliver, sometime mayor of bendigo. anzac day 1949. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - FOUR LETTERS FROM J H (JOHNTER) BARKER
Letters. Four letters written in pencil from J H (Johnter) Barker to his aunt Miss L Prout, 290 Williamson St, Bendigo. J H Barker belonged to RAAF, Flight 146 in 1943. a. Dated 8 June 1943 written from 5 RD, Rocklands Dam, via Hamilton, Victoria. b. Dated 14 July 1943 from same address as (a). c. Dated 25 July 1943 from same address as (a). d. Dated August 1943 written from RAAF, Adelaide. All letters written on RAAF letterhead except item (a). All letters with envelope except item (d). 'RAAF Concessional Postage Rate' stamped on envelopes. Salvation Army, ACF and YMCA logos printed in red on envelopes.J H Barkerperson, individual, personal, j h barker, johnter, miss l prout, raaf, ww2 letters -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - FOUR LETTERS FROM PRIVATE ERNEST C BARKER
Letters. Four letters from Pte Ernest Barker addressed to 'Dear Auntie'. 2 written in pencil and 2 in ink. No envelopes to substantiate name, but is probably Miss Lillie Prout of 290 Williamson St Bendigo. (a) Dated 1 March 1940 'A' Company 2/23 Battalion, AIF, from Palestine (date has been corrected on letter to 1941). (b) Dated 30 June 1940, 'A' Company, No.1 Platoon, No8 Military Camp, AIF, Albury, NSW. © Dated 25 August 1940 , written on 'Albury & District Patriotic and War Fund' letter head, 2 pages. (d) Dated 21 April 1941, 'A' Company, 2/23 Battalion, AIF, from Libia (sic) 2 pages.Ernest C Barkerperson, individual, personal, ernest c barker, ww2 letters, lillie prout, aif, 'a' company 2/23 battalion -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION: BOOK 'CULLEN BEN BONG' BY BERNARD O'REILLY
BOOK : ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 206 page cardboard cover book, a collection of Memories. Cullenbenbong is a creek in the Kanimbla Valley area of NSW. Printed by WR Smith & Paterson P/L, Brisbane. Introduction by Bernard O'Reilly, 2/15 Battalion A.I.F. One B & W photo of Cullenbenbong country. Catalogue No. '2224 ORE' on spine. Undated but could be circa WW2.Bernard O'Reillybook, rural, cullenbenbong, alec h chisholm collection, cullenbenbong, bernard o'reilly -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - ABBOTT COLLECTION: CONSIGNMENT OF 60 COILS OF BARBLOK
Black and white image, mounted on white card - copy from Bendigo Advertiser. Image shows first retail consignment of 60 coils of barblok ready for dispatch in Bendigo, post WW2, when it was made available for civilian use and was in great demand by farmers.bendigo, industry, abbott supply, abbott supply, farmers, barblok -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - POWELL COLLECTION: FAMILY PHOTOS AND HISTORY
Printed page from family history (page 47) ''Burrow Burra and Borough'' (??) by Pauline E Powell, 1996. Page has reference to ''Old Lady Smith'' from Aspendale; Roy Powell; George Powell; Edna Foo; Iris Powell; William Foo; Perce Powell; Joyce Irene Fopoco; James Leonard Fopoco; Janice Yvonne Fopoco; Mrs Wilshire; Fopoco dances (Foo Powell Company) ; Elmore Post Office; ANA Hall. This page has obviously some continuation onto P. 48 - but not in collection. Page is a family history from marriage of George Powell and Rene in 1925 through to George's move to Maryborough Post Office (early WW2). Additional sheet re donation from Pauline Powell (BHS letterheaded paper) with supportive family history information. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - COHN BROTHERS COLLECTION: GOVERNMENT ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO MR E B NEWELL
[a] Printed Government manilla envelope addressed to Mr E B Newell Cohn Brothers. Handwritten caption 'Summary of Liquers Sold to private or unlicensed persons during twelve months ended 30/6/1942. [b] Two page documents re above. WW2 regs.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS, VIC RAILWAYS
Three A3 page photocopy of Vic Railways Bendigo North Workshops WW2 Air Raid Precautions - including various air raid signals and their meanings , remarks on bombs and ARP First aid organisation . Neil Embling 3/4/ 08 donor.bendigo, industry, railway workshops -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - 1.25,000 BENDIGO AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Eighteen undated coloured 1.25,000 army aerial photographs covering Bendigo city and district. [a] -( Similar to A vintage Abrams map reader -Adjustable Stereoscope) -Casella London viewing eye frame with Irving scratched into frame. Another name scratched out also. [b] WW2 Leather pouch stamped Casella London made to hold eye frame.bendigo, utilities, fortuna army mapping division -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MEMBER'S PAY BOOK: JOHN EDWARDS
Pay book Royal Australian Air Force WW2 belonging to John Richard Edwards, Official No. 143936. Blue cover, faded.Next of Kin -Father Richard James Edwardsorganisation, government, military ww2, air force, edwards, world war 2 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - LANGLEY HALL ORPHANAGE: NINE PHOTOS, 1939 - 1942
Nine black and white photos of staff and residents taken at White Hills Orphanage Langley Hall Bendigo. The photos belonged to Nurse Yvonne Summers (nee Gledhill) who worked at the orphanage during WW2.photograph, person