Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury Rats of Tobruk Association. 14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A green tie featuring the insignia of the Rats of Tobruk and a Tobruk "T" tie pin.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Arthur Lock was enlisted with the 2/23rd Battalion in World War 2. After the conclusion of the war, he was an active member of the Rats of Tobruk Associaton and the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion Association. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A blue tie featuring the Tobruk T colour patch adopted b42 the 2/23rd Battalion from 1942 until the unit was disbanded in 1946.world war 11, tobruk, 2/23rd battalion, 2

A small retractable pen whis was used by Arthur LockThis item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A small extendable pencil made from metal and plastic. The penilcan be screwed out to extend it and replace lead. Initials "N.W.D. engravedon sideworld war 11, rats of tobruk, arthur lock

This item was owned by Arthur Lock. The initals engraved on the side are those of his mother, Edith May Lock,This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A silver and leather hip flask with clear glass viewing window on each side.Engraved on one side "E.M.L" On base 1/4 PT/ HARDY BROS/MADE IN ENGLAND / 565Aarthur lock, rats of tobruk

14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A wooden plaque in the shape of a shield with one large emblem of the Rats of Tobruk Association in the centre and 4 smaller emblems attached. The smaller emblems represent the Rats of Tobruk Association, the Returned Services League Australia and the Queensland Civil Defence. The Rats of Tobruk motto is also included on a metal scroll. Beneath the badges on a metal scroll "NO SURRENDER"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

Why the name 'Rats of Tobruk'? A former British citizen William Joyce, better known as Lord Haw-Haw, broadcast Nazi propaganda World War II. His announcement ‘Germany calling, Germany calling’ was a familiar sound across the airwaves, broadcasting misinformation Hamburg. During the Tobruk siege, he often referred to the men defending the garrison at Tobruk as “poor desert rats of Tobruk, who live like rats and will die like rats. The Australian soldiers loved the term ‘Rats of Tobruk’ and adopted it as a badge of honour. Calling themselves the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, they turned the derogatory comments back against the Germans. William Joyce was eventually captured and returned to Britain, where he was later hanged for treason in January 1946. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A plastic and enamel badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association mounted on a wood base. The logo appears to be one of only a small number to use the acronym R.O.T.A above the more common Association Logo.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

These items were part of standard supplies and personal items issued to members of the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A metal can/bottle opener and cigarette lighter. On Opener "STOKES /MELB"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

This memorial commemorates the historic siege of Tobruk. The memorial is based on the one in the Tobruk War Cemetery, built by Royal Australian Engineers during the siege. That memorial has since been destroyed. The original marble inscription stone was brought back to Australia after the war and is incorporated in the obelisk in Canberra. The memorial was unveiled on 13 April 1983 by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian StephenThis item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A group of 3 coasters produced to commemorate the unveiling of the Tobruk Memorial in Canberra on 13 April 1983. In top left "CANBERRA TOBRUK/MEMORIAL/UNVEILED 13 APRIL 1983"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A square cardboard coaster produced a memorabilia for the Rats of Tobruk Association in Victoria in 1980. The Rats of Tobruk emblem. Below the emblem "1980 REUNION VICTORIA"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

This cassette was taped by the Rats of Tobruk Association. ABC war correspondent Chester Wilmot (1911-1954) pioneered the use of recording equipment in the field. He spent several months in Tobruk in 1941. In October 1941 the ABC Field Unit recorded a concert put on by 400 Australian soldiers in an ammunition cave. Wilmot’s introduction sets the scene and items feature individual and chorus items and a saxophone and piano accordion performance.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A cassette of the Tobruk Concert held in 1941 in the caves behind the lines in an armament cave in Tobruk. "TOBRUK CONCERT 1941"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, chester wilmot, concert in tobruk

The Victorian Branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association was formed on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy. This booklet comes from the collection of Arthur Lock who was a Rat of Tobruk and President of the Association in Albury. He passed away on June 28, 2000.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A small light green booklet setting out the bylaws of the Victorian Branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association, modified in 1990.world war 11, rats of tobruk, rats of tobruk association

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury Rats of Tobruk Association. 14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A Christmas card produced by the Rats of Tobruk Association. It includes an image of St. Anthony's Church, Tobruk taken in 1941.world war 11, rats of tobruk, rats of tobruk association

non-fictionThe 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in June 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The need fo larger quarters saw the battalion transferring to a new camp at Bonegilla to complete their training .before sailing for the Middle East in November. Most of those enlisted in this Battalion were volunteers from the Albury Wodonga area the Aldermen of Albury expressend the wish that the unit be given the title of "Albury's Own" and this was accepted on its behalf but the commanding officer. The men of the 2/23 rd Battalion served with honour in the Middle East, including at the Siege of Tobruk and El Alamein. After returning to Queensland for training in jungle warfare conditions, they were then deployed to New Guinea and Tarakan. This book tells the story of the service and brotherhood demonstrated by the men of "Albury's Own." Written and composed by officers and men of the 2/23 Battalion, A.I.F. 9th Division, while on active service, Palestine, Tobruk, Syria and El Alamein.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

non-fictionThe Siege of Tobruk lasted for 241 days in 1941. Tobruk was the only harbour between Bengazi and Alexandria and became crucial in preventing Rommel's sweep to the Nile. Tobruk was captured in 1941 and became a beleagured fortress until its garrison was relieved in November 1941. Churchill and his War Cabinet had declared that "Tobruk must be held to the death". The Australians under Major General Morshead fought like tigers . Nazi propaganda radio broadcasts spoke contemptuously of the Tobruk defenders as ‘rats’. In defiance, the soldiers proudly adopted this nickname and have been known by it ever since. During the siege, they designed their own medals, in the shape of a rat, made from the scrap metal of a downed German aeroplane. Anthony Heckstalk-Smith who was himself a Flotilla Officer the "A" Lighters which provided supplies to the garrison, researched evidence from officers of all units involved - Australian, South African, German and British to write this controversial story of men in battle.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, siege of tobruk

non-fictionOne of a series of travel books produced by Frank Clune. This volume details his travels and observances in the Middle East during 1942. Clune was an honorary commissioner of the Australian Comforts Fund. Clune allegedly “left a very bad impression” on General Sir Thomas Blamey for his ‘irregular methods and indiscreet utterances’ about the British ‘only playing at war’. Blamey therefore ensured that Clune was subject to military censorship. Royalties from this book and funds raised during a lecture tour promoting it in 1943 were donated to the Australia Comforts Fund to whose voluntary workers it is dedicated. world war 11, world war 1939 - 1945, middle east

non-fictionThis book represents the wartime service of the author through a series of caricatures and humorous anecdotes. Ken Lovell saw action in Greece and Syria before being transferred to the 2/23rd Battalion, Ninth Division as a Signals operator. Although reflecting the Aussie dry humour, on many pages of the book containing sketches of a mate there appears a small cross with the letters K.I.A. and a date. world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury Rats of Tobruk Association. 14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A jacket, tie and tie pin belonging to the Victorian Rats of Tobruk Association. This jacket was owned by Arthur Lock.On pocket- Rats of Tobruk Association Victoria Emblem. Inside garment Size M 102world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

non-fictionThe Siege of Tobruk has become one of the famous sagas of courage against the odds. Much has been written about it. This publication was the first visual record covering the Siege from all points of view. It includes more that 500 photographs, many taken by troops in the forward areas. The compiler of this publication was a Liaison Officer attached to Headquarters, 26 Australian Infantry Brigade and was mentioned in despatches for his part in the withdrawal from Benghai and the Battle of the Salient in Tobruk.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

A volume of 342 pages, including photos and maps. The cover includes images of the town of Whenby, maps and the grave of Matthew Parnaby who died in Wodonga on 7 October 1903.This book documents the story of the Parnaby Brothers who migrated to Australia from Whenby in North Yorkshire, England via Natal in South Africa. They settled in the Wodonga district of Victoria. The dedication on page 3 of the book says "To George, William and Matthew Parnaby. We can only wonder at the adventurous spirit, courage and fortitude of the three brothers who arrived in this country with an ambition to better themselves and provide for their families." George arrived at Port Melbourne from Port Natal on 11 January 1864. On the same voyage was his brother William and a nephew Charles. George and his wife Rachel settled at Howlong on the Victoria/NSW border where he worked as a farmer and labourer. George died at Howlong on 26 JUne 1887. William and his son Charles settled in Albury. In 1869/70 he was listed as a property owner at Wooragee, including a house, farm and vineyard. William died in Albury on 20 February 1894. Matthew originally arrived in Hobsons Bay, Victoria in 1854. After 6 years on the goldfields he returned to South Africa and then to England to marry. They eventually returned to Australia in 1863. After some time in Melbourne, Matthew moved to Belvoir (Wodonga). By August 1877 he owned 104 acres of grazing land at House Creek. He steadily became one of the most successful farmers in the district and increased his landholdings. He spent the remainder of his life in Wodonga where he served as a member of the Shire Council for some years. Matthew never forgot his birthplace and called his property "Whenby Grange". He died in Wodonga on 7 October 1903.parnaby family, whenby england, whenby grange wodonga

A facsimile of The History of Albury 1824 - 1895 which was originally produced in 1912. This edition of 94 pages plus an index not included in the original publication. It also includes a map showing the track taken by early explorers and early photos.non-fictionThe original edition of "The History of Albury 1824 - 1895" was published in 1912. Dr. Andrews took information freely from local newspapers such as the "Albury Banner" and also some early pioneers and contacts. The Albury & District Historical Society produced this facsimile edition included an expanded index and 20 illustrations not in the original version. It was a limited edition of 1000 copies completed as a bicentennial project. This book is number 0538. Dr. Arthur Andrews practised medicine in Albury for 45 years from 1874 to 1919. For 43 years he served as the Government Medical Officer. As was common at that time, his surgery was established in his home. He was actively involved in community life and served on many public offices in the Albury. In his leisure time, Dr. Andrews was engaged in a wide range of historical interests and research of the history of the district. He moved to Sydney in 1919 and died in Cremorne in 1925.albury history, dr. arthur andrews

A publication of 156 pages including text, illustrations, facsimiles and portraits. It also includes bibliographical references and an index.This publication tells the story of the men and women from Albury and district who served in the Great War of 1914 to 1919. It tells of those who served on the battlefield, but also those who supported and sustained them from home whilst maintaining the community of Albury. As indicated on the back cover, the author Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Hunter had a long military service and connection with Albury Wodonga. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for services to military history. The book was based on research carried out with the assistance of members of the Albury and DIstrict Historical Society. It included a forward by Councillor Kevin Mack, Mayor of the City of Albury (2015).impact of world war 1 albury, soldiers ww1 albury, ww1 participation albury

A publication of 64 pages which delves into the people that influenced the development of the city of Albury. This book is part of a series of books compiled to document the development of communities around Australia. According to the author Albury is a great city and it has become a great city because of the calibre of the people who live in it. The publication is set out as a detailed timeline of events and the people that influenced the development of Albury up until 1985. It includes an index of past and present citizens of merit, Albury and district parliamentary representatives as well as aldermen and mayors from 1959 to 1974. James McClelland was born in Campsie, NSW in 1927. Throughout his lifetime he was an ardent genealogist and historian. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1988 for service to Australian genealogical and historical research. He died on 18th August, 1994.pioneers albury, history albury, timeline albury

A publication created for the centenary celebration of the Albury Football Club in 1995. It contains a detailed timeline, player profiles, lists of life members, premiership wins and Best & Fairest winners. It also lists players from the Albury Football Club who progresses to play senior games in the Victorian Football League / Australian Football League.The Albury Football Club - the Albury Tigers, is a football club with a long history. In 1895 to 1902 the club was a member of the Ovens and Murray Football League. Between 1895 and World War 1, Albury won three premierships and was runner-up six times. For a period of time the Albury Football club was in recess, then was included at different times in the Rutherglen & District Football Association and the Albury and Border Football Association. In 1924, after playing under s variety of names the Albury Football Club re-entered the Ovens and Murray Football League and has played with that league until the present, apart from 1941 to 1945 when it went into recess as a result of World War 11.albury football club, albury tigers, albury-wodonga sport

A paperback volume of 268 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of photos, illustrations and maps. The covers feature photos of John Monash.Who was the most innovative general of WW1? In this publication, Tim Fischer declares this to be John Monash, a man who according to Fischer, for all the recognition he received in his lifetime and after, was never given his proper due. It provides a synopsis of Sir John Monash's life and achievements. The book also included an argument to posthumously promote Sir John Monash to the rank of Field Marshal. The author, Timothy Andrew Fischer AC was an Australian politician and diplomat who served as leader of the National Party from 1990 to 1999. He was Deputy Prime Minister in the Howard Government from 1996 to 1999. Fischer was born in Lockhart, New South Wales. He served with the Australian Army in the Vietnam War. Tim Fischer was born on 3 May 1946 in Lockhart, NSW and died in Albury on 22 August 2019.sir john monash, australia military history, world war 1 campaigns, tim fischer

A children's story book with large font text and colourful illustrations telling the story of a new dollar coin. It consists of 30 pages.fictionThis book was produced by the WAW Credit Union with the aim of educating children about money and how it can take different forms as it is used throughout the community. It gives a message about how banking with a Credit Union impacts on the entire community. WAW Credit Union has been operating in various forms since 1956. The WAW stands for Wangaratta, Albury, Wodonga, reflecting its area and names of former credit unions from which it merged.banks and banking - juvenile literature, waw credit union, credit union wodonga

A small booklet of 18 pages printed in black and white, including photos and promotional material about Wodonga and District.This publication was produced to promote the benefits of Wodonga for lifestyle and decentralised industry. In 1973 the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Victorian Governments agreed to the Albury-Wodonga Development Scheme, for a decentralised growth area. Before then the Wodonga Development Committee and the Shire Council promoted the town’s industrialisation. This booklet was published to encourage new investment in the Wodonga area prior to the convening of the Albury-Wodonga Development Scheme.wodonga promotions, albury wodonga, wodonga development committee

A 62 page book outlining the loss of the Beaufort Bomber and the search to locate it. The book includes maps, illustrations and a bibliography. The cover features a map of the search area for the bomber.This book tracks the crash of the RAAF Beaufort, A9-228 which crashed in the mountains near Eskdale, Victoria and the search to locate the wreckage. On the night of 4 June 1945, just weeks before the end of World War 1, a Beaufort Bomber went missing whilst conducting a navigational exercise between Mount Gambier in South Australia and Sale in Victoria.The aircraft was meant to head east, but instead it headed north east due to a series of navigational errors. It flew over Albury, circled and then headed towards the Victorian Alps. It flew over the town of Eskdale in Northeast Victoria and crashed into the side of Mount Tawonga. All crew on board perished. Those lost were Flight Officer Don Flavel (pilot), Flight Officer Robert Clayton (navigator), Flight Officer Fred Wallis and Flight Sergeant L. J. Sims (radio operator). At the time of the crash, many members of the Eskdale community were in the public hall just beginning to watch a screening of the Bing Crosby movie, "Going My Way". This accounts for the title of the publication.beaufort bomber crash 1945, beaufort bomber eskdale, aircraft accidents victoria

A small buff coloured publication containing an anthology of poetry by local writers.This booklet is an anthology of poetry written by local writers of the Albury-Wodonga border district and its communities. It contains 47 pages and comments on key local identities and events.albury-wodonga district, borderline writers

This publication has a hard cover with a dust jacket. It consists of 191 pages, including 85 black and white and 12 coloured images.This book includes biographies of 16 different airmen with whom the compiler has come in contact. They have had their own uniques experiences in aviation. 12 of them served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). One of the aviators featured in this publication is Joe Drage, Born on 10 July 1931 in Walwa, Joseph Gordon (Joe) Drage operated a timber mill and earthmoving business, but his great passion was aviation. After obtaining his pilot’s licence at the age of 19, Mr. Drage set about buying vintage aircraft that he feared would be sold overseas. He bought his first aircraft, a Tiger Moth in 1965. In 1972 he established Drage Historical Aircraft Museum on about 60 ha of land in Wodonga, with 5 planes. Over time this grew to 21 planes which Joe maintained so that they were all in flying order. His museum was the location for several air shows which included fly-ins by members of the Antique Aeroplane Association. The land occupied by the Museum was compulsorily acquired by the Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation and Wangaratta council bought the aircraft collection for about $2 million. They opened Drage Airworld in 1984. The cost of maintaining the collection became too much for the council which closed it down in 2002. Joe Drage died on 9 August 2017.air pilots australia, aviation history, joe drage, joe drage airworld

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to Mrs Alice Flora May Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A large oval brooch featuring a central image of a Grecian woman. This centrepiece is surrounded by a design of flowers and swirls with a silver edge. The brooch has a gold look metal bar across the back.fashion accessory, vintage fashion jewellery, women's jewellery