2nd 8th Battalion AIF colour patch tie. White over red, split background horizontally with grey border on navy blue background. Navy blue lining one end of tie.On label: "makers name & 100% polyester"costume - male ceremonial, military history - army, passchendaele barracks trust, 2/8th

Belonged to Robert Clarence MASON No 7516. Enlisted 7.10.1916 in the 25 reinforcements 2nd Batt AIF, reported for duty 19.10.1916. Embarked overseas 14.6.1917. Transferred to 40th Batt 24.12.1917. Hospitalised 13.5.1918 with Dysentery. Discharged from the AIF 22.9.1919.Australian Comforts Fund Diary. Red Cover with silver print & logo on front. Silver Rising Sun badge on back cover. Personal details handwritten in pencil. One entry.R.C Mason 7516 40th Batt AIF en 19.10.16.documents - diaries, gifts, personnel effects

John MURPHY VX15580 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 26.2.1940 age 28 years 5 months. Posted to 2/7th Bn on 6.4.1940 and embarked for the Middle East on 15.4.1940, embarked for Greece 9.4.1941 and returned from there in June 1941. Embarked for Australia on 8.3.1942 and disembarked Ceylon 7.4.1942 and did not re embark until 12.7.1942 and arrived in Australia 4.8.1942. Transfers to 2nd Aust Tank W/Shops AEME on 3.10.1942 and then 2/4th Aust Base W/Shops, discharged from the Army on 3.10.1945. In the Greece and Crete campaigns the 2/7th Bn was essentially destroyed and it was rebuilt from a small core in Palestine in Garrison duties and then in Ceylon before returning to Australia..1)Medal set, brass plate mounted , group of (5) re .J. Murphy 1.1939 -45 star 2. Africa star 3. Defence medal 4. War medal 1939 -45 5. Australian service medal .2) Ribbon , single "Africa Star" with pins uniform attachment"VX15580 J Murphy"numismatics- medals - military, metalcraft

Stalag 344 was a German POW camp near Lambsdorf in Silesia. Douglas GRANT VX8604 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 23.11.1939 age 33 years 7 months. Posted to the 2/8th Bn on 5.12.1939, embarked for the Middle East on 14.4.1940, disembarked 18.5.1940, embarked for Greece 31.3.1941, reported missing Crete date unknown, officially reported POW 27.10.1941 Stalag V11A. He was also in Stalag 8B before Stalag 344. He arrived in the U.K on 8.5.1945, embarked for Australia 30.5.1945 arriving 7.7.1945. He was hospitalised with Depression and Anxiety State and classed Medically unfit and was discharged from the Army on 13.5.1946. Refer also Cat No 1092P.German post card letter with heading at the top: Kriegsgelangenenpost. The letter folds in 3, the front printed with space for address to, the rear same for the sender. Inside are ruled lines for a letter. A letter in pencil dated Mar 10th and signed by Doug. A small section of the start is missing. A sticker in red states: Opened by Censor.documents - letters, military history - army, pow, grant

Harold Jackson Bailey Burrell was known as (Harry). He served in the the 38th Batt pre WW11 (refer 297.2P). He then enlisted in the 2nd AIF No VX59659 on 30.7.41 age 20 years. He initially served in the 2/8th Armoured Regiment. They were disbanded and they moved to Royal Australian Engineers as part of Landing Craft Companies. Awarded the Military Medal over the period 9/10th June 1945 at Porton Bougainville. He was discharged from the AIF on 15.2.46. With the re introduction of CMF Training he re enlisted again No 3/92361 in 1948. Awarded the British Empire Medal in the Military Division on 1.1.1954. Refer also 290, 296.2P..1) Typed copy of award "B.E.M." to W.O. 2nd Class H. J. B. BURRELL, MM, No 3/92361, awarded 01/01/1954. .2) Cardboard backing for .1) .3) Typed copy of Award "MM" to Sapper H.J.B BURRELL VX59659, 9th & 10th June 1945 by Sir Winton DUGGAN .4) Cardboard backing for .3). citations, military, bem, mm

Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson

"Sapper Samuel WATSON 3904 2nd TUNNEL COY AIF" British War Medal & Victory Medalmedals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The photos are part of a large collection relating to Francis William (Dinky) DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR, 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service history. (.1) Frank Dean first in front on the left. (.2) “”””””””” rear row 2nd from the right. (.3). “”””””””” first on the left. (.5) “””””””””” front row third from right. (.6 .7.9) Each of these group photos have either several Korean or Malayan soldiers in. The photos are possibly the Platoons of either A or D Coy’s 1 RAR. (.8) Frank Dean, front row 2nd from the left. This group is possibly the Officers and senior NCO’s of A or D Coy’s 1 RAR. All photos are B & W. (.1) Large group of soldiers on parade with .303 rifles on the march. (.2) group of 7 soldiers , 5 standing 2 sitting. (.3) Group of 5 soldiers standing with a sign “D Coy Sgt’s”. (.4) Group of soldiers at a dinner in a Nissan hut all standing. (.5) Group of 18 soldiers, 1 row standing, 1 sitting in front of a RAAF plane. (.6) Group photo of 24 in 3 rows. (.7) Group photo of 22 in 3 rows. (.8) group photo of 14 in 2 rows. (.9) group photo of 26 in 3 rows.photography, military

The Service Ribbons relate to Benjamin Thomas Roy Chadd 1st and 2nd AIF. Enlisted on 27.1.1916 No 10594 in Div Signal Company 3 age 20 years. Embarked for overseas 27.5.1916. As a driver in Signals he was WIA on 4.6.1918 GSW to right thigh. Discharged from the AIF on 14.6.1919. At some point he enlisted in the Peace time Army and was promoted to Lieut 3rd Div Signals on 1.7.1921, promoted Major 19.2.1929, to Command 2nd Div Sigs 9.9.1936, 3rd Div Sigs 5.5.1939 then to 7th Div Sigs as Lt Col and transfers to the AIF as VX20311, serves in the Middle East, Syria and Pacific. Discharged from the Army on 9.1.1946 with the rank of Colonel. Refer 2034P.Service Ribbons set WWI & WWII mounted on green cardboard backing re BTR CHADD Top row: 1. War Medal 1914-19. 2. Victory Medal 3. 1939-45 Star 4. Africa Star Bottom Row: 1. Pacific Star 2. War Medal 1939-45 with oak leaf clasp 'MID' 3. Australian Service Medal 4. Efficiency Decorationmanchester-trimmings, military history

Francis Robert Burchnall No 1666 enlisted in the AIF in 2nd reinforcements 58th Batt on 23.8.15 age 24 years 9 months. Embarked for Egypt 4.4.16, embark for France 17.6.16, transfer to 2nd Anzac Postal Corps France. He then is posted through several Field P.O’s, discharged from the AIF 29.9.19. He re enlists as V91735 in the CMF on 29.11.40 giving his age at 47 years 1 month. He then enlists in the 2nd AIF as VX64477 on 8.10.41 giving his age at 39 years 11 months. Posted to A.A.O.C 3.12.1941, promoted A/Cpl 12.12.1941 then posted to 2/10th Ordnance W/Shops, embark 10.1.42 disembarking Singapore 26.1.42, reported missing 16.2.42. Later reported POW on Borneo 13.4.1943, then DOD Dysentry 19.5.1943. Refer also Cat No 1116P re his son also POW on Borneo. A.A.O.C (Aust Army Ordnance Corp) DOD ( Died of Disease) Two photo's, 1 Sepia, 1 B & W. Set in a frame with typed details on the soldier. 1 photo is take of F.R Burchnall in WWI and the other in WW II. Frame is black plastic with a gold edgephotography - photographs, military history, pow, borneo, sandakan

This letter from the King is one of four items sent to NOK of all soldiers who died in the Commonwealth in the Great War. This letter is re Pte W.Williams No 1442 2nd Bn AIF. Refer Cat No 4342P for his service details in WW1 also 1859P medals, photo.Cream coloured paper letter with red and black print. At the top is a embossed red Buckingham Palace coat of Arms, under in black print a message from the King with signature copy.Signed, “George R.I.”memorabilia, letters, ww1

All photos relate to the collection of Francis William (Dinky) DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR, 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service history. (.1) The soldier receiving the award is Frank Dean, going by the medals he is wearing this is pre Vietnam service, possibly in Malaya 1959/61. (.2) Frank Dean on the right. (.3 .4) Frank is 2nd from the left. (.5) Frank is 4th from the left. Photo is post Vietnam, possibly Malaya 1969 - 71. (.6) The RSM centre is wearing Vietnam ribbons. This is possibly Malaya, 25 years of 1 RAR. (.7 - .10) Frank is on the left, the Officer appears to be British, most likely Malaya 1969 - 71. All photos are B & W. (.1) Soldier being decorated by a Dignitory in civilian clothes. (.2) An Officer and soldier in conversation. (.3 .4) Group of 5 soldiers viewing an event. (.5) Group of 7Officers/NCO’s and 2 civilians toasting in a Mess. (.6) Two Officers and an RSM cutting a cake in a Mess. (.7 - .10) An Officer and a senior NCO taking a salute at a parade. All the same photo.photography, military, malaya

The dinner on Saturday 4 November 1939 was held to celebrate Brigadier Savige's appointment to Command the 17th Infantry Brigade, 6th Division, 2nd AIF. The menu is included and the order of service with speeches by Sir John Gellibrand and a response by Stan Savige. A copy of both are also in the archive. There are five quotes through menu that sum up common sentiments of Stan Savige. Including 'Leave it to me and my little playmate'; 'This is the tamest fight I've seen - let's liven it up'; 'The only "experience" is trust in God then trial and error.' Savige's subsequent exploits in WWII are detailed in Chapter 4 of 'There goes a man' by W.B. Russell, which chronicles not only battles fought but also the politics which blighted his command until the end of the war. An important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy as well as the famous soldier, at a watershed moment in his life.Cream card with red medal ribbon insert, brown print of a menu and programme to farewell Stan Savige in 1939.Signed in pencil by Stan Savige.stan savige, legatee function, dinner

The dinner on Saturday 4 November 1939 was held to celebrate Brigadier Savige's appointment to Command the 17th Infantry Brigade, 6th Division, 2nd AIF. The menu is included and the order of service with speeches by Sir John Gellibrand and a response by Stan Savige. A copy of both are also in the archive. There are five quotes through menu that sum up common sentiments of Stan Savige. Including 'Leave it to me and my little playmate'; 'This is the tamest fight I've seen - let's liven it up'; 'The only "experience" is trust in God then trial and error.' Savige's subsequent exploits in WWII are detailed in Chapter 4 of 'There goes a man' by W.B. Russell, which chronicles not only battles fought but also the politics which blighted his command until the end of the war. An important link to Legatee Stan Savige, the founder of Legacy as well as the famous soldier, at a watershed moment in his life.Cream card with red medal ribbon insert, brown print of a menu and programme to farewell Stan Savige in 1939.Signed in pencil by Stan Savige.stan savige, legatee function, dinner

Frederick Birkin No VX32484 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 25.6.40 age 24 years. Attached to 2/22nd Batt known as “Lark Force” they were stationed in Rabaul awaiting a possible attack by the Japanese. The attack came in early 1942. Birkin was taken POW and his death was on 1.7.42. Numbers escaped, others were massacred at the TOL Plantation and many more of the total Force and civilians lost their lives on the Japanese prison ship “Montivedeo Maru” which was sunk by an American Submarine on 1.7.42. A small number survived this. The cards were all written on the back with name and number of men in Birkins unit prior to embarkation to Rabaul. All were traceable as to their fate or transfer to another unit prior to embarkation. Refer also 182.2, 183. Set of playing cards, red in colour, with 2 white figures sword fighting. Owned by Frederick Birkin.Cards have been written on reverse, in ink, by colleagues of Fred Birkin.documents, cards, personal effects, leisure activities

The letter to Mr Williams relates to the burial of No 1442 Pte W. Williams 2nd Bn AIF and is burial place “Browns Dip North Beach Gallipoli 500 yards south of ANZAC Cove. Refer Cat No 4342P for his service details also Cat No 1859P for medals and photo.Australian Imperial Force Official letterhead, light cream coloured, typing in black relating to the loss of Pte W. Williams and his initial burial on ANZAC.Typed in black, “Mrs S.T.Williams 323 Littleton Terrace Bendigo Vic”letters, graves, burial, anzac cove

The item was in the collection re David Andrew No 400247 RAAF, KIA 5.4.43. Refer 2084, 2085, 2091.Brooch, Perspex, white pearl colour, shaped as a map of Australia with a colour patch depiction in the centre, white over red depicting possibly 2nd 8th Batt AIF. Small hole at the top with pin attachment for civilian dress.trenchart, military

This was reasonably common thing to have a photo inset done by Soldiers. Photo inset re; Albert Edward Corrie, pre war he was a Postal employee. Enlisted 25.7.1940 Regt No VX47191 age 30 years, 27.7.1940 he was posted to 7th Div Postal Unit, embark for Eygpt 15.9.1940, hospital at sea 10.10.1940 with Otitis Media, on deck again 13.10.1940, During his time in the Middle East he had various Postal transfers including HQ AIF Postal, he rose through the ranks to W.O 2 by 18.2.1942, disembark Australia 7.8.1942, then two more overseas postings, NG 2.11.1942 - 9.2.1943, posted to 6th Div Postal Unit25.9.1943, NG 29.12.1944 - 7.8.1945, discharged from the 2nd AIF 5.9.1945. Total overseas service 1014 days.Post card “Palestine Currency Board” Five Palestine pounds A88509, in English and Arabic script, card has inset for a personal photo being Albert Corrie, dated 1029.On rear, “With best of love from Albert”palestine, currency, post cards

Item issued to Eric MacCALLUM No VX41169, enlisted on 26.6.40, 2/32nd Batt 9th Div AIF, age 31 years 9 months, promoted Cpl 6.8.1940, embarked 15.9.1940 for the Middle East, hospital 25.11.1940 with Haemorhoids, rejoinn unit 17.12.1940, attends Mortar and Grenade schools, hospital 16.8.1941 with PUO, taken POW 17.2.1942 at El Alamein. He served in the Seige of Tobruk, Middle East Campaigns. As a POW it appears he was interred from 1942/43 in Italy then 1943/45 in XV111Austria. He describes his conditions in the camps as fair and that he worked on road works. This is a brief description as to his treatment in his records. Embarked from England 4.7.1945 and disembarked in Sydney on 8.8.1945. Discharged from the 2nd AIF on 12.9.1945.Canvas Kit bag with stenciled name and details on side and base.In handwritten lettering - "B2 - RZABL- Q" Stencilled - "VX41169 E. MacCallum"containers, military equipment

The photos all relate to the collection of Francis William (Dinky) DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3472 1 RAR, 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service details. (.1) The sign “6/58 ARA RQMS Course June 1958” ARA (Australian Regular Army) RQMS (Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant) Frank Dean is in 2nd row 1st on the right. (.2) Possibly the Officers and Senior NCO’s of 1 RAR in the late 1950’s. (.3) Some time in the 1960’s as many are wearing Vietnam ribbons. Frank Dean is 1st on the right 2nd row. (.4 - .6) “D Coy 1st Battalian of the Royal Australian Regiment”. Possibly taken in the late 1950’s. Frank Dean is in the 2nd row from bottom, 12th from the right. All photos are B & W. (.1) Large group of 25 soldiers in 3 rows with sign in front. (.2) Large group of 41 soldiers in 3 rows with building behind. (.3) Large group of 46 soldiers in 3 rows, gardens and car in background. (.4 - .6) Large group of soldiers in 3 rows with sign and flag in front.photography, military

This card was one of four items given to every family of a deceased soldier of the British Commonwealth. Families received a memorial plaque, a message from the King, a memorial scroll and a "Where Australians Lie" card and grave photograph or a booklet if the deceased has no known grave. This "Where Australians Lie" card was sent to the brother of Pte W. Williams No. 1442, 2nd Battalion AIF, who was killed on Gallipoli on 29th August 1915, aged 24. Walter enlisted age 23 No 1442 on 27.11.1914 in 2nd reinforcements 2nd Bn AIF, embarked for Egypt 11.2.1915, transferred to Stretcher Bearers 8.4.1915, hospital 9.6.1915 with twisted instep, rejoin unit Gallipoli 13.7.1915, KIA 29.8.1915. Refer also for photo, medals, other Cat No’s 1859P & 1860Folded four page light purple coloured card. Front features an embossed Rising Sun Badge, a title (Australian Imperial Force) and a two line border, all in purple. Inside on the left hand side is a pro forma in purple lettering with spaces for handwritten details. The right hand side features a black and white photograph of a grave marked with a cross with metal name plaques attached. Four crosses feature in the background. The photograph is bordered by a purple line. On the back page is a pro forma in purple lettering with spaces for handwritten details.Handwritten in black ink on inside left page, "WILLIAMS W. 1442 Private 2nd Battalion Browns Dip Cemetery Plot 2. Row. C. Grave 2 Port Chanak Gallipoli 3 copies". HAndwritten in black ink on back, 'Brother Mr S. T. Williams Australia".memorabilia, grave photographs, memorial cards, service record

Merton Charles WILLOUGHBY VX54056 enlisted on 24.4.41 in the 2nd AIF aged 37 years. Posted to Pioneer Wing 23.6.1941, graded Cook Group 2 in 2/2nd Pioneer Bn. Embark for the Middle East 2.11.1941 disembarking 4.11.1941, relinquishes Group 2 Cook position, embark for Batavia 18.2.1942, reported Missing in Action Java then Missing POW 7.3.1942, recovered POW Siam 20.8.1945, embark from Singapore 29.9.45 disembarking Australia 17.10.1945, discharged from the Army 1.3.1946. With the entry of Japan into the war the 2/2nd Battalion embarked from the Middle East for Australia but was diverted to defend Java with 7th Division elements under what was called “Blackforce”. Some 800 where taken POW and 258 died in captivity. Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) re M.C Willoughby. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. The Pacific Star. 3. British War Medal 1939-1945. 4. Australian Service Medal. "VX54056 MC Willoughby"medals, military, history

A formal photo and a cutting from from a Melbourne Legacy President's report showing a photo of Legatee Ken Green (President of Melbourne Legacy in 1981). It was collected to be a record of a photo of past presidents. Legatee Ken Green served with the 15th Australian Field Company RAE 2nd AIF during World War 2. He continued with Citizen Military Forces after the war. He attained the rank of Major General with the 3rd Division between 1970-73. He joined Melbourne Legacy in 1959 on the nomination of Legatees Robert Myers and John Standish. The article was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Ken Green a past president of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Black and white photo plus an article with a black and white photo of Legatee Ken Green - President 1981.past presidents, ken green

A portrait of Legatee Arthur Henson Smith who was a legatee that had rejoined to serve in the second World War. His ribbon bar indicates he had served in the first World War. His Vale notice that appeared in the Bulletin on 22 January 1973 says he had landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. He went on to serve with the 2nd Brigade AFA and the 3rd Army Brigade Artillery. On 1 May 1940 he enlisted with the 2/9 Field Regiment of the 2nd AIF with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and served in Syria and the Middle East. Arthur Smith was inducted into Legacy in 1935 and served on many committees, until he reluctantly was put on reserve list in 1965 due to illness. He died in 1973. The portrait was in an album of photos taken in the 1940s (mostly 1945). A record of a legatee enlisting to serve in the second World War.Black and white portrait of Arthur H Smith, who was a legatee who re-enlisted in WW2. Part of a photo album with blue leather look back and front cover. From one of 20 pages with black and white photos. Legatee Arthur Henson Smith fought at Gallipoli, he ended WW1 as a Captain and finished WW1 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He died on 19 January 1973.legatee, portrait, arthur smith, vale

Peaked cap worn by “Vivian Donald BULLEN". He first enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 11.3.1942 age 22 years 8 months No VX75447, during his time he rose to Acting Cpl, attached to No 4 Chemical Warfare Coy RAE and A.A.O.C in Bendigo, he was hospitalised with a Peptic Ulcer, discharged from the Army on 3.9.1943 to join the RAAF. Enlisted in the RAAF on 4.9.1943 No 431933 as a Aircraftsman, after initial training he was posted to “Air Gunnery School” on 4.2.1944, embarked for England 28.4.1944, went through 3 training units in Bomber Command, posted to 466 Sqd Driffield 19.1.1945. He rose through the ranks from Aircraftsman - LAC - Sgt - Flt Sgt - Fly Officer by 7.10.1945. He flew 13 sorties and was eligible for the France & Germany Star. Embarked for Australia 29.6.1945, discharged from RAAF 9.10.1945. Cap - peaked, navy blue cotton twill, black leather hat band with brass button keepers. RAAF badge in gold and red crown above eagle wings and laurel wreath. Inside cap, leather sweatband and cotton lining. Makers label imprint on sweatband.Sweatband - makers label imprint "Sam Brown Leather". headwear, uniform, ww2, raaf, vivian donald bullen

Ronald Frank Bollard. Enlisted 23.5.1940 age 20 years 4 months as VX14150 and posted to 7th Div AASC and then attached to 2/5th Field Ambulance, embark for Eygpt 20.10.1940, he serves in the Seige of Tobruk, hospital 16.10.1941 with Malaria, rejoin unit 26.10.1941, embark for Australia 10.2.1942 and disembark 28.3.1942, embark Brisbane 28.8.1942 for New Guinea. embark from Milne Bay 9.3.1943 for Townsville, graded A/Group 1 Fitter, embark 17.8.1943 for Port Morseby, hospital 20.3.1944 with Malaria, rejoin unit 5.4.1944, embark Lae for Australia 20.5.1944, embark Cairns 22.5.1945 for Morotai, embark 20.6.1945 for Balikpapan, embark for Australia and disembark 22.11.1945, discharged from the 2nd AIF 30.11.1945 with the rank of Craftsman in 2/5th Field Ambulance. After the War and the formation of the Rats of Tobruk Association he was President of the Victorian Branch at one point.Photograph in Sepia tone being a portrait of an Australian Soldier in slouch hat.On rear hand written, "Ronald Frank Bollard".photographs, portraits, tobruk

John Eric Wiles VX16067 enlisted on 26.2.1940 age 24 years in the 2/7th Bn, embark for Eygpt 15.4.1940, disembark 17.5.1940, embark for Greece 30.3.1941, reported missing then as located, disembark Eygpt (no date but appears to be June). Hospital 10.6.1941 with Gastritis, rejoin unit 13.7.1941, promoted Cpl 6.12.1941, Sgt 12.1.1942, embark for Australia 12.7.1942, disembark 4.8.1942, embark for New Guinea 13.10.1942, appointed Lieutenant 9.11.1942, during period hospital with Malaria, disembark Australia 3.8.1943, hospital again with Malaria then Debility. Embark 11.11.1944 for Aitape, WIA remains on duty, prompted T/Capt 4.8.1945, disembark Australia 28.9.1945, appointment terminated in the 2nd AIF. Post war he became very involved in his Unit Association and the RSL and became in time a Life Member of both. He was also a President of Mitchum RSL.Photo copy of original on A4 size paper showing a portrait colour enhanced of an Officer wearing a peak cap and has one ribbon on jacket, there is an oval shape colour photo inserted at the bottom LH side of the Person in later life. The rear has a typed stuck on label with details.On rear typed, “Jack Wiles 2/7th INF BN VX16067 20.03.15 - 19.07.2005”photograph, ww2, wiles

This hat was sent home to Laanecoorie, from Malaya, in 1941 by Driver Cyril John Johnson VX36298, 1 Coy A.A.S.C whilst a POW. Cyril enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 17.6.1940 age 22 years 2 months. Posted to 8th Div Petrol Coy Seymour 25.7.1940, hospital 12.8.1940 with Mumps, rejoin unit 31.8.1940, embark for overseas 2.2.1941, disembark Singapore 19.2.1941. He is listed as missing on 16.2.1942 and later listed as POW in a Thai Camp no date. (He was on the Burma Railway) Last entry on his records states Presumed to be dead 12.9.1944 SWPA. (South West Pacific Area) He with hundreds of others were on the Japanese prison ship Rakuyo Maru to Japan when it was sunk by an American submarine. The hand written signatures on the hat include high ranking AIF Officers, major local Officials and dozens of 8th Division AIF soldiers. British pattern Pith Helmet, khaki coloured cotton cloth with brown leather strap over the top. Large quantity of hand written names on top. Inside rim has green felt lining. Dome section is plaited red silk with manufacturer's label at crest. Hat band is brown leather.On top written in pen & ink: Many army numbers & names of soldiers and some dignitaries.. On top written in ink: To Dad etc from Cyril.military equipment - army, costume - male headwear

Colin George ODLUM No VX45898 enlisted In the 2nd AIF on 1.7.1940 age 22 years. Colin was then posted to the 2/23rd Bn on 16.10.1940 at Bonegilla, embarked on 16.11.40 for the Middle East and disembarked on 17.12.1940. He was then graded group 2 Signaller. He went through the siege of Tobruk. Colin was KIA on 12.7.1942 at El Alamein. He is listed as buried 13.7.1942 grave No 11 map ref El Alamein 1/50000 87703021. He was required later at El Alamein cemetery grave 10, plot 8 row H 4.12.1942. As per the diary in case of his death he allotted any personnel affects to Miss Bettie Bird, refer 136.2P. The original diary was held by William (Billy) Bird, Betties brother, refer 1601. Billy and Colin rode bikes together. Also refer 128.2, 135.2, 137.3PPhotocopy of an extensive 56 page diary written by Colin ODLUM.Private Odlum C.G VX45898 HQ Coy 2/23 Batt AIF Abroad, Age 24, A2, Mdocuments, diaries, copies, military history

Folder containing assorted newspapers including- The Argus dated 22/2/1940 17th Australian Infantry Brigade 2nd AIF Souvenir Supplement The Argus dated 10/5/1943 Resistance Ending in Tunisia Daily Herald dated 5/6/1944 Allies in Rome The Herald dated 27/9/1947 Britain will stay in Middle East The Herald dated 15/8/1945 Peace - World Hails Jap Surrender(2 copies) The Sun dated 4/3/1943 RJEV Falls to Russian forces The Sun dated 8/5/1945 War Ends in Europe (2 copies) The Sun dated 23/10/1945 The Sun dated 9/1/1945 The Sun dated 31/1/1946 The Herald Special Edition Australian Highlights assorted newspaper clippings Large black plastic folder housing assortment of newspaper clippingsnewspaper, newspaper clippings, ww2, the argus