A field ration, combat ration or ration pack is a canned or pre-packaged meal, easily prepared and eaten, transported by military troops on the battlefield. They are distinguished from regular military rations by virtue of being designed for minimal preparation in the field, using canned, pre-cooked or freeze-dried foods, powdered beverage mixes and concentrated food bars, as well as for long shelf life.Australian Defence Force Combat Ration pack for one man. Contains 30 items: tomato soup, processed cheddar cheese, blackberry fruits spread, sweetened condensed milk, cream cracker buscuits, scotch finger biscuits, instant coffee x2, chocolate drinking powder, sugar x8, mixed berry beverage powder, Cottee's cordial powder, tropical fruit grains, salt, pepper, sweet chilli sauce, tabasco sauce, arrowmint chewing gum, tangerine lemon lollies, toothpicks, scourer, napkins, bottle opener.Australian Defence Force Combat Ration (One Man) contents list.ration pack, australian army ration pack

McLaughlin, Frederick Arthur Service number: 10307 Australian Imperial Force Ranks held: Sapper, 2nd Corporal Service: Australian Imperial Force Unit: 10th Field Company, Australian Engineers Recommended for Military Medal, 13 September 1918 'Distinguished himself by gallantry and devotion to duty in bringing up material for a bridge urgently required East of Vaux. Lance Corporal McLaughlin was in charge of the wagons conveying material for this purpose and led the way over a road under heavy shell-fire in full view of the enemy. The determination and judgement shown by this N.C.O. in this, as in earlier operations, have shown him to be an excellent soldier'. first world war, world war one, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, el dorado, eldorado, soldiers, men

Citation of Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to JOHN HUDSON WILKINSON: Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN Victoria - tragically killed in action over Germany on 30th August, 1944. Citation reads: - "Pilot Officer WILKINSON is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion, in March 1944, when engaged in an attack on Stuttgart, a Junkers 88 attacked the aircraft five times, but Pilot Officer WILKINSON, by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire, drove off the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew." The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Original typed document on blue/grey parchment with blue letterhead containing crestGovernor General Commonwealth of Australiapilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, wilkinson

Soldier's Pay Book belonging to WW1 Gunner Barry SEYMOUR 19825 108 Australian (Howitzer) Battery Born Box Hill Enlisted Melbourne 7/12/1915 aged 22 years 3 months Awarded Military Medal in 1918' Returned to Australia 22/7/1919 and Enlistment terminated 5/9/1919Brown canvas booklet with black writing and rising sun crest Australian Imperial Force Soldier's Pay bookgunner barry seymour, ww1, military medal, 108 australian (howitzer) battery

Personal documents and letters belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952Parchment of Appointed to rank 2nd Lieutenant on 9/11/1915 by King George V - Document dated 26/6/1917 Parchment of Appointment as a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire by King George V dated 3/6/1919 Two parchments issued by the Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia Appointed Lieutenant of the Military Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from 1/1/1920 by Henry William, Baron Forster Appointed Lieutenant of the Reserve Military Forces of the Commonwealth from 13/4/1940 by Alexander Gore Arkwright, Baron GowrieFour large parchment documents Two Australian Military Forces certificates and one form Five original letters One copy of letter written in French Seven copies of typed letters AIF Military PassCream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script and stamped George R I dated 26/6/1917 and 3/6/1919 Cream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script issued by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 17/3/1924 and 21/4/1941 AMF Recommendation for Promotion V 84119 Lieut Cruise - form incomplete AMF Certificate of Release from War Service No 11943 - V84199 Lieut Cruise AMF Certificate of Service of an Officer No 33461 -V84119 Lieut Cruise Typed letter dated 13/10/1919 from Commonwealth of Australia Dept of Defence to Lieut Cruise referring to London Gazette extract - Member of the British Empire - Military Division Typed letter embossed with seal dated 9/6/1919 signed W Birdwood Handwritten in blue ink with "Denman Chambers" imprint top right corner letter of reference signed B V Stacy formerly Lieut. Col., Commanding 1st Bn AIF Typed letter with AIF letterhead dated 1/6/1927 Typed letter with The Gallipoli Legion of Anzacs letterhead dated 24/1/1950 Typed copy of letter of gratitude in French dated 18/6/1918 from Military Attache General Pierre de Laguiche - stamped with Statue of Liberty AIF Military Pass dated 25/6/1919 issued to Lieut Cruiselt. a j cruise mbe, ww1

Personal documents and letters belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952Parchment of Appointed to rank 2nd Lieutenant on 9/11/1915 by King George V - Document dated 26/6/1917 Parchment of Appointment as a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire by King George V dated 3/6/1919 Two parchments issued by the Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia Appointed Lieutenant of the Military Forces of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from 1/1/1920 by Henry William, Baron Forster Appointed Lieutenant of the Reserve Military Forces of the Commonwealth from 13/4/1940 by Alexander Gore Arkwright, Baron GowrieFour large parchment documents Two Australian Military Forces certificates and one form Five original letters One copy of letter written in French Seven copies of typed letters AIF Military PassCream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script and stamped George R I dated 26/6/1917 and 3/6/1919 Cream Parchment with embossed seal, italic script issued by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Australia dated 17/3/1924 and 21/4/1941 AMF Recommendation for Promotion V 84119 Lieut Cruise - form incomplete AMF Certificate of Release from War Service No 11943 - V84199 Lieut Cruise AMF Certificate of Service of an Officer No 33461 -V84119 Lieut Cruise Typed letter dated 13/10/1919 from Commonwealth of Australia Dept of Defence to Lieut Cruise referring to London Gazette extract - Member of the British Empire - Military Division Typed letter embossed with seal dated 9/6/1919 signed W Birdwood Handwritten in blue ink with "Denman Chambers" imprint top right corner letter of reference signed B V Stacy formerly Lieut. Col., Commanding 1st Bn AIF Typed letter with AIF letterhead dated 1/6/1927 Typed letter with The Gallipoli Legion of Anzacs letterhead dated 24/1/1950 Typed copy of letter of gratitude in French dated 18/6/1918 from Military Attache General Pierre de Laguiche - stamped with Statue of Liberty AIF Military Pass dated 25/6/1919 issued to Lieut Cruiselt. a j cruise mbe, ww1

Australian First World War recruitment poster. This poster was part of the First World War Australian Government Recruiting Kit. Recruitment posters were prolific in Australia throughout the First World War. Australia relied solely on voluntary recruits to serve in the AIF. Compulsory military service, or conscription, for eligible men was in force in Australia from 1911, however, these forces were for home defence and could not be used to serve in a war overseas. Following the initial rush of men to recruit in 1914, enrolments dropped, leaving federal and state governments to devise sophisticated campaigns to boost numbers.Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) was a painter, draughtsman, illustrator, cartoonist, printmaker, writer and sculptor. He joined the Sydney 'Bulletin' magazine as a staff artist, 1901-09, 1910-23 and 1932-58. During the First World War he produced jingoistic cartoons and pro-conscription posters. The is one of the series of six posters by Lindsay constituting the last nation-wide Australian recruiting campaign. A soldier sounds his bugle for assistance on the front line while civilians listen in the background.recruitment poster, norman lindsay, ww1

The Philippine Liberation Medal is intended to recognize military service during the last eleven months of World War II when the military of Japan was driven from the Philippines before their surrender in September 1945. Robert Hamilton Hutchieson PM 4802 served on HMAS Westralia as a landing craft coxswain in the Southwest Pacific Campaign 1942 to 1945. The Australian Army played virtually no part in the Philippines. However, units from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy, were involved.The ships that delivered American troops included three Australian landing ships, HMA Ships Kanimbla, Manoora and Westralia. In 1995, fifty years after the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation, the Republic of the Philippines announced the awarding of a Philippines Liberation Medal to Allied veterans who served in the country or its territorial waters during 1944-45. More than 3000 Australians have received this medalGold with white enamel irregular shaped medal attached to orange ribbon with central thin blue and white stripe. Liberty (front) For The Liberation of The Philippines (back)philippine liberation medal, ww2, robert hutchieson

After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia. The Militia was organized to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. The Militia units were distributed in the same areas the original AIF units were raised. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, the Victorian 37th Infantry Battalion was the "Hunt Regiment", while the 52nd Infantry Battalion was the "Gippsland Regiment". Both were raised in 1921 and linked in 1930, forming the 37th/52nd Infantry Battalion. In 1937 the battalion was separated but merged again in August 1942, after Japan's entry into the Second World War and the subsequent reorganisation of the Australian Army. carved gold coloured metal frame with green mount containing 3 silver and 2 green badges 8 large and 7 small gold coloured buttons on tartan cloth background.37th-52rd Australian Infantry Battalion Affilitated with The Queens "Own" Cameron Highlanders 37th/52nd australian infantry battalion, cameron highlanders

Hand drawn Coat of Arms for the soldiers known as the Rats of Tobruk with signatures of those involved in the engagement between 5th April to the 22nd of October 1941 The drawing is signed by artist John DOWIE AM, SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion Signatories are: VX42389 Eric Hamilton, 2/32 Battalion; VX30189 F.Baldwin, 2/23 Battalion; VX34544, F.J.Mc.Intosh 2/24 Battalion; VX34554 W.Harrison, 2/24 Battalion; WX7281 P.Bone 2/25 Battalion; VX33719 Duke Goldsmith, 2/24 Battalion; VX41179 Harry Frazer, 2/24 Battalion; VX29652 A.R.Stribley, 2/24 Battalion; SX6367 Jack Foley, 2/43 Battalion; VX48340 Harry Jones, 2/23 Battalion; VX42317 Aub Jarrott, 2/24Battalion; VX28869 Rod Deering 2/24Battalion; VX15719 Ian F. Joss 7th Division AASC; VX19723 Len Dauria, 2/12 Field Regiment; NX35852 R.E (Snowy) Cornelius 2/13 Battalion; VX32559 Jim Gray, 2/24Battalion - James Cyril GRAY Born 6/1/1916 in Orroroo South Australia. Enlisted 28/5/1940 at Mildura. Awarded Military Medal for remarkable coolness, bravery and leadership at Tobruk on 24/4 and 1/5/1941. He was promoted to Sergeant on 14/8/1941, Lieutenant in November 1942 then Captain on 9/4/1945. He was wounded in action on 11/9/1943 and discharged on 20/12/1945. He married and had three children. He died on 10/4/1992 aged 76 and buried at Wangaratta Cemetery.This original drawing is by John DOWIE SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion during the second world war and is signed by the artist and soldiers from the 2/24th Battalion known as "Wangaratta's Own". John Stuart Dowie AM (15 January 1915 – 19 March 2008) was an Australian painter, sculptor and teacher. He was born in the suburb of Prospect in Adelaide, South Australia, and studied architecture at the University of Adelaide. During World War II, Dowie worked in the Military History Unit of the Australian Imperial Force, and as an assistant to Australia's official war sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell. As a soldier, he was one of the Rats of Tobruk. After studying art in London and Florence, Dowie returned to Australia. His work includes over 50 public sculpture commissions, including the "Three Rivers" fountain in Victoria Square, "Alice" in Rymill Park, the "Victor Richardson Gates" at Adelaide Oval and the "Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial" at Adelaide Airport. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 in recognition of service to the arts as a sculptor and painter. Dowie died on 19 March 2008, aged 93. There is a similiar version of the drawing on page 32 of the book Desert Sand and Jungle Green by Geoffrey Boss-Walker which is an illustrated history of the 2/43rd Battalion.Timber frame containing hand drawn Coat of Arms consisting of "rats" as shield supporters, crest with a swastika in the centre and motto surrounded by signatures.Signatures of artist John Dowie and soldiers engaged at Tobruk. The crest depicts a latrine and the motto reads NON FASCES SED FAECES (Latin translation - "Do not move but the dregs") rats of tobruk, coat of arms, 1941, john dowie

Two minature medals are:- The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal recognises members of the Australian Defence Force who served for 30 days in East Timor during the INTERFET campaign (16 September 1999 – 10 April 2000). Australian Active Service Medal with 'East Timor' clasp.The Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) is an Australian military decoration. It was authorised on 13 September 1988 to recognise prescribed service in "warlike" operations, backdated to February 1975. It is awarded with a clasp to denote the prescribed operation and subsequent awards of the medal are made in the form of additional clasps.Presentation box containing two circular silver metal medals attached to striped ribbons mounted together with pin attached at rear.Presentation box lid - Australian Active Service Medal Medal -East Timor Medal - International Force East Timormedals, east timor, interfet

Each soldier had one of these forms filled out on Discharge from the army. WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force Certificate of Discharge No 5998 Christopher Clark 59th Battalion Born in StawellChristopher was a WW1 Serviceman from Stawell WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force Certificate of Discharge of Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1,59th Battalion Christopher Clark was born in Stawell on 25th December 1892 and was brought up on the family farm in Callawdda and worked in the district and then in Queensland where he obtained an engine drivers licence and drove the sugar trains then worked on the steam boiler engines in the sugar mills. When the First World War started he came back to Stawell and enlisted in the army on 11/4/1916. He was sent to France in the 59th Battalion. He was in the army 1175 days, serving 1029 days abroad. During his service he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Details from his daughter Ruth Clark of Ararat December 2017.Form is filled out for soldier Christopher Clarkww1, serviceman, soldiers, military, stawell

Soldier in WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force No 5998 Christopher Clark 59th Battalion Born in StawellChristopher was a WW1 Serviceman from Stawell who returned to Australia Framed Studio Portrait of Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1,59th Battalion Christopher Clark was born in Stawell on 25th December 1892 and was brought up on the family farm in Callawdda and worked in the district and then in Queensland where he obtained an engine drivers licence and drove the sugar trains then worked on the steam boiler engines in the sugar mills. When the First World War started he came back to Stawell and enlisted in the army on 11/4/1916. He was sent to France in the 59th Battalion. He was in the army 1175 days, serving 1029 days abroad. During his service he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Details from his daughter Ruth Clark of Ararat December 2017.ww1, serviceman, soldiers, military, stawell

Soldier in WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force No 5998 Christopher Clark 59th Battalion Born in StawellChristopher was a WW1 Serviceman from Stawell Framed Certificate of Appreciation for Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1, 59th Battalion Christopher Clark was born in Stawell on 25th December 1892 and was brought up on the family farm in Callawdda and worked in the district and then in Queensland where he obtained an engine drivers licence and drove the sugar trains then worked on the steam boiler engines in the sugar mills. When the First World War started he came back to Stawell and enlisted in the army on 11/4/1916. He was sent to France in the 59th Battalion. He was in the army 1175 days, serving 1029 days abroad. During his service he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Details from his daughter Ruth Clark of Ararat December 2017. Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1 59th Battalion Born in Stawellww1, serviceman, soldiers, military, stawell

Photograph relates to Chiltern resident and soldier of the first world war Adde Cooper. Service number 5002 Rank Private Unit 21st Australian Infantry Battalion Service Australian Imperial Force Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918 Award Military Medal Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 August 1917 on page 1828 at position 38 London Gazette 11 May 1917 on page 4601 at position 9photograph relates to WW1 Soldier Adde Cooper, a Chiltern Resident. Brown framed photograph of WW1 Soldier Adde Cooper. Small sign at the bottom of the photograph identifying soldier as being Adde Cooper, Chiltern Resident and WW1 soldier. ww1 1914-1918, the great war ww1, soldier adde cooper

Appears to be a 2nd AIF plaque which may have belonged to SGT Robert Henry Baxter.An item which refers to the 2nd Australian imperial force and WW2.Solid Brass plaque from mold, World War 2 era Plaque comprised of 2 areas(not parts) . Upper ,rising sun emblem marked "AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES" with the number 2 under the crown. Lower, with lettering "A.I.F" on top of a tin helmet. Back of plaque has no markings, is uneven from molding process and has not been filed to a smooth finish. rising sun badge, 2nd aif

Items from Mitcham RSL CollectionSwagger Stick length 70cm (27.5 inch) with 1.10cm Britannia Metal end with embossed badge: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces and 1.10cm Britannia Metal band at other end.Australian Commonwealth Forcemilitary history, army

Issued to Defence personnel for service during world war I and II1. Green felt covered board with 6 medals to the Father Boleslas Slaweski (Staff Sgt ,Warrant Officer)and Son Bernard Bruce Slaweski and son 2 1914 -1915 star Bronze medal with 4 stars with crown on top star, ribbon has red white and blue colours merged at edges. Medal has crossed swords and laurel wreath Engraved on rear 7637 S/Sgt B Slaweski 1/6 Hosp. A. I. F. 3 British War medal circular medal of Silver Words on obverse GEORGIUS V BRITT OMN REX ET IND EMP AROUND THE HEAD OF KING GEORGE V Reverse has a figure of St. George mounted on a horse with a short sword in one hand, the other raised in victory. The horse tramples on the figures of death the Prussian eagle and skull and crossbones in the background are ocean waves The years 1914 1918 are embossed on the sides Around the edge is 7637 W O 1 B Slaweski A.M.C. A.I.F. Ribbon is dark blue, black, white,orange, white, black and dark blue 3. Victory medal Bronze medal with winged victory figure on obverse with The great war fro civilisation 1914 1918 non the reverse Ribbon is watered from a central red stripe through yellow green blue and purple 4 War medal 1939- 1945 Medal is round cupro nickel obverse shows head of King George 6th with circular inscription G.B>R> REXETINDIAE IMP GEORGIVS VI Reverse has a lion standing on a dragon the top shows the dates 1939- 1945 Ribbon is narrow red central strip with radiating stripes of white (narrow) and blue and red|5 Australian Service medal 1939 - 1945 Nickel silver medal with crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse Reverse has Australian Coat of Arms placed centrally surrounded by the words The Australian Service Medal 1939- 1945 Ribbon has wide Khaki central stripe flanked by two narrow red stripes and one of dark blue (navy) and one of light blue. (Air Force)|6. Australian Service medal 1945 -1975 Reverse has Federation star with name B B Slaweski R 38254 Ribbon Central yellow stripe with green flanked by navy blue Khaki and light blue stripes Medal has clasps PNG and FESR (Far East Strategic Reserve)|7 Small Clasps (For miniature medals )PNG and FESR Photo on back of Board Father and son Slaweski 8 Letter 2/2/1999 addressed to Mitcham RSL with details of Boreslas and Kevin Slaweski. 9 Letter dated 11/2/1999 to Mitcham RSL regarding PNG clasp.B Slaweski B B Slaweskimilitary history, army

The Queen,s colour is more than just a flag. It is an important symbol of respect to a Military Service or Regiment which represents heroic deeds and Battle Honours.Wooden plaque of the Queen,s colours presented to the Royal Australian Air Force.On the Presentation of the Queen,s Colour to the Royal Australian Air Force by H M Queen Elizabeth !! at Richmond Airbase on Wednesday the 5th of March 1986. The inscription in centre of plaque is a crown over an Eagle with outspread wings and Latin wording PER ASTRA ARDUA -AD.

As this photograph and certificate were received by the Museum with a collection relating to the Rutherglen Timber Mill, it is believed that he was probably an employee there before his military service.Black and white portrait photograph of a young man in military uniform, and a memorial certificateText of memorial certificate: "This scroll commemorates Flight Sergeant G.W. Addinsall Royal Australian Air Force held in honour as one who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died."industry, timber, timber mill, geoffrey william addinsall, world war 2, ww2, william addinsall, daisy addinsall, daisy bautovitch

Black and white photographic image of Broadmeadows Military Camp during World War One. Numerous tents are surrounded by soldiers and horses and carts.world war one, broadmeadows military camp, tents, australian imperial force, camp

Soap likely distributed by the Commonwealth of Australia to those serving in the defence force.Green, rectangular bar of radiant cold cream soap."Radiant / Cold Cream" "C of A"soap, radiant cold cream, cold cream soap, military soap

The 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (1st RANBT) was formed in Melbourne on 28 February 1915 and was intended to be a horse drawn engineering unit attached to the Royal Naval Division (RND), then serving as infantry on the Western Front. The term ‘train’, in its title, was a direct reference to the horse drawn wagons that would, in theory, form and move ‘in train’ to carry the unit’s heavy lumber, building materials and engineering equipment to the front. The unit was manned by members of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve for whom there were no available billets in seagoing RAN ships. Many of the sailors serving in the 1st RANBT were rated ‘drivers’, and again, this refers to wagon drivers as opposed to motor vehicle drivers. Other seamen were rated as ‘artificers’ or ‘sappers’, the latter being a military term traditionally used to describe army engineers. Appointed in command of the 1st RANBT was Lieutenant Commander Leighton Seymour Bracegirdle, RAN. Bracegirdle was ideally suited to command the unit, having seen active service with the NSW Naval Brigade during the Boxer Rebellion in China as well as serving as a military officer in the South African Irregular Horse during the Boer War in 1901. He had also recently returned from German New Guinea where he had served as a staff officer in the joint Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) responsible for the capture of the German colonies in the Pacific in September 1914. Three hundred naval reservists, including 50 men who had recently served in New Guinea, were selected for the 1st RANBT and they began their training in horsemanship, engineering and pontoon bridging at the Domain in Melbourne. By late May 1915 a decision was made to send the unit to Britain to complete its training and then to join the RND on the Western Front. The plan, however, never eventuated. The complaints about the non-combatant work being done by the men had been raised in Federal Parliament and following consultation with the senior Australian officer in the Middle East, Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel, a recommendation was made that the unit be disbanded and its men used as reinforcements for the AIF. Consequently, Lieutenant Commander Bracegirdle was advised that his unit was to be dispersed; its men transferring to the AIF or being returned to Australia for discharge. On 27 March 1917 the 1st RANBT was officially disbanded.Oxidised brass anchor shaped collar badge.ww1, world war 1, first world war, ranbt, ran bridging train, royal australian navy bridging train, collar badge

Includes - RAAF Squadron; Royal Australian Infantry; Royal New South Wales Regiment; Royal Australian Armoured Corps; Royal Australian Corps of Military Police; Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps; Royal Australian Air Force Paul Le Marshalluniforms, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This vehicle is a Chevrolet but was fitted out as an ambulance at Fisherman's Bend, near Melbourne, Victoria by General Motors Holden. It was used by the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. Purchased by Metropolitan Ambulance Service in 1989 from a Military Museum. This vehicle appeared in the filming of the movie "The White Mouse" (the story of Nancy Wake, French Resistance worker in the second World War). It also appeared in the film "Blonde" (the life of Marilyn Monroe). Four-wheeled vehicle used as ambulance. Body painted grey and cream, chrome radiator and bumpers.Vehicle registration number 15170-Hchevrolet, general motors holden, fisherman's bend, ambulance, motor vehicle, raaf (royal australian air force), second world war

Navy blue, waist length jacket with 4 buttons down centre front, 2 shoulder buttons. Two embroidered patches on each arm.Corporal rank patch and Air Force manufacturer's label on interior.air force, royal australian air force, uniform, military, short jacket

This item was used as a duffele bag to carry equipment (ie. blankets, clothes, food) by the service man, Stanley Linton Nicholls. Nicholls was born in Ballarat on 16 June 1911 and was enlisted during WW2 into the second Australian Imperial Force on 4th August 1942 in the third military district of Victoria. He served as a Corporal and was discharged on 19 December 1945.Canvas bag, cylindrical in shape with closed round base and open, drawstring top. Smaller circle of same material attached inside drawstring opening as an internal cover/flap when closed. Metal eyelets (12) along top hem for drawstring (missing); two eyelets missing. Name and service number inscribed on side of bag in paint; slight staining around paint. Side panel: “S.L. NICHOLLS/VX84489/45017”. Green circle with three line breaks at even intervals. Green circle repeated on base. Base: Green circle as above. “45017”bag, barracks bag, gear bag, kit bag, canvas bag, equipment bag, duffle bag