James Walker “MM” No 2361 AIF. Records are misleading but it appears he enlisted on 28.9.14 age 37 years and remained at Depot before joining the 7th reinforcements 14th Batt on 5.7.15. Embarked for Egypt 10.8.15, transfered to the 46th Batt 3.3.16, he is charged twice in Egypt before embarking for France on 2.6.16 and is charged twice more, one serious and is sentenced to 5 years Penal Servitude on 30.12.16. The penalty is reduced to 2 years hard labour on 2.2.17. He is released and rejoins his unit on 25.1.18. Somewhere between this date and 10.5.18 when he is WIA with Shell concussion he is awarded a Military Medal. He returns to Australia and is discharged medically unfit on 28.10.18. He dies in hospital on 2.1.1920. Framed photo of James Walker M.M, No 2361, 7th Reinforcements, 14th Battalion AIF, 46th Battalion, W.I.A. on 10/05/1918. Awarded Military Medal.Label at bottom has: "James Walker MM no 2361, 7th Reinforcements 14th Batt AIF. 46th Bn, WIA on 10/5/18, awarded Military Medal." On rear: "Photo Mrs Suzette Ellis"military history, photography - photographs - frame accessories, military medal

Alan Telford VX146055 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 28.9.43 age 20 years. On discharge from the Army 13.2.46 he was a Pte in 41st Aust Landing Craft Coy. Refer 331.8, 332.2, 358.3, 359.3, 360.4P..1) Set of Metal Discs " ID " one round and one six sided joined by string. .2) Brass Blackened " Rising Sun Badge " .3) Brass Blacked " Australia " Shoulder Badge Curved in Shape.1) VX 146055 Telford A RCAL A2 .2) Australian Commonwealth Military Forces .3) Australiaidentity, badges, uniform

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings of Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant, which is consistent with the rank on this jacket). Name not written on item but known to be part of set which includes slouch hat, which does contain the name, and other related items which include Service Number, verifying identity. See further service details in "Links" above. Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Khaki jacket; long sleeve 4 front buttons (attached with continuous leather strip) 4 pockets (buttons sewn on) Shoulder straps (buttons sewn on) Cuff buttons (sewn on) Badges on lapels & on shoulder straps Unit Patches on upper sleeves (Part of set with Slouch Hat, 0030.2)Inside label: V300; 1942; Size (2 - 'faint', may be other numbers indicating size details) Brass badges: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (both lapels); Australia (both shoulder straps) Badge of rank (Sergeant) - 3 chevrons (R upper sleeve) Colour patches on both sleeves for 2/5 Battalion, 6th Division Second AIF Years of Service insignia - 3 chevrons, indicating 3 years O/S service (R lower sleeve) Unit patches - rectangle black over red (2/5 Battalion, WW2)

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings on Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant). Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Slouch hat with Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge; cotton puggaree with 2/5 Battalion unit colour patch (Rectangle, black over red). Inside: hand-written name (W. A. HARRISON) Size 6 7/8, 1940 Maker's name stamped on leather lining (CORONET FELTS Pty [Ltd])

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings on Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant).Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Brown vinyl case with silver coloured clasp at front and cotton stitching around edgingTo W.HARRISON From S & L Staff June 1940

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings on Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant). Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Khaki Pattern 1937 Webbing belt minus its two rear brass buckles. hand-written name ("W. A. HARRISON") and service number (VX41478) Carrier PLN 2/5 Bn S^ ME Co 1940

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings of Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant, which is consistent with the rank on this jacket). Name not written on item but known to be part of set which includes slouch hat, which does contain the name, and other related items which include Service Number, verifying identity. See further service details in "Links" above. Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Blue coloured rectangle box with orange, red & white labels on one side and ends of boxSide label: Sterilized neat Edge RED CHAIN BANDAGE 4 Inches 6 Yards Johnson & Johnson Pty Ltd Sydney End labels: Red Chain Bandage 4 Inches 6 Yards

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings of Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant, which is consistent with the rank on this jacket). Name not written on item but known to be part of set which includes slouch hat, which does contain the name, and other related items which include Service Number, verifying identity. See further service details in "Links" above. Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Australian WW2 blue enamel 2 pint water bottle with cork and metal stopper. Wool felt cover and leather 1903 Pattern carrier. Cork and metal stopper is attached with twine sewn to the cover.D^D KH 1942 G^ QP D^D KH 1942 Acceptance mark G^

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings on Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant). Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Gaiter webbing, Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Hand-written name ("W. A. HARRISON") and service number (VX41478) JJ 1942 size 2

2246 Pte, Clive Terril Rowe Born Melbourne. Enlisted 17th March 1916 in Sale Victoria, aged 18 years 5 months Pte. Rowe went from the 19th Depot Battalion to the 46th Battalion AIF. Departed Australia 16th August 1916 and returned to Australia 8th April 1919. He was discharged 15th June 1919. While overseas Pte. Rowe suffered trench feet, was wounded (shellshock) and chronic eczema. Pte. Rowe was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.British War Medal 1914-1920 Instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of WW1 and record the service given.The circular medal is made of cupro nickel with the effigy of George V on the obverse. Around this are the words GEORGIVS V BRITT. OMN:REX ET IND:IMP: The reverse image has St. George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers and a skull and crossbones, the emblem of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are contained on the outside edge of the medal. The ribbon has a wide central watered stripe of orange, flanked by two narrow white stripes which are in turn flanked by two black pinstripes, flanked by two outer stripes of blue. The colours have no particular significance. Along the rim of the medal is stamped 2245 PTE.C.T. ROWE. 46-BN. A.I.F.

These AIF items were issued to NX84949 O F Atkins during his enlistment 21 Jan 1942 - 14 Dec 1945. Photographs and Newsapapers were collected whilst O F Atkins was posted overseas. The Books I believe would have been acquired post discharge. These documents are originals that belonged to NX84949 O F Atkins, a member of the AIF during WW2. O F Atkins served in the Middle East from 23 August 1942 to 28 February 1943 and Borneo from 25 May 1945 to 5 December 1945.This is a comprehensive collection of items obtained during the enlistment of NX84949 O F Atkins - including Soldiers Paybooks, Drivers Licences, Demobilization Proceedure Book, Dog Tags, Corps Bagdes, Colour Patches, a Self made Dagger in a bamboo sheath, Prayer Books, Photographs and an Album, Newspapers The AIF News 17 October 1942, Enemy Propaganda leaflettes, Books Soldering On, Khaki and Green, Stand Easy. Variousnx84949 o f atkins, ww2, aif, middle east, borneo, documents, photographs

James E Newland VC was born in Highton, Victoria and served in the AIF during the Boar War, WW1 and WW2. James E Newland was awarded the VC in April 1917 'for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, in the face of heavy odds, on three separate occasions.' James E Newland was presented his award by His Majesty King George V.James E Newland VC was born in Highton, Victoria and served with the AIF for over 40 years and obtained the highest honour that can be bestowed for bravery. James enlisted in the Australia Army as a Private and on discharge held the rank of Lt Col. A black and white photograph, oblong, James E Newland in Military Uniform on paper.newland, boer war, ww1, ww2, geeloing rsl, vc

6454 James F Fry enlisted in the AIF on 27 October 1916 and served in France during WW1. 6454 James F Fry embarked Australia on the HMAT Hororata on 23 November 1916 and returned to Australia on HMAT Runic on 22 March 1918. James F Fry also served in the Volunteer Defence Corps during WW2 his regimental number was V361385.The photographs and documents are copies of the originals belonging to 6454 James F Fry. The medals are the originals belonging to 6454 James F Fry.Black and white photographs, oblong, on photo paper. The photographs include those of 6454 James F Fry, a unit photograph, photographs of the hospital St Leonards by the Sea, England, discharge Certififate, Recognition Certificate from Balliang RSL. Medals - British War Medal and Victory Medal with ribbons., silver colour, round, gold colour round. On the back of the hospital photograph only, St Leonards by the Sea, England. The Meds are inscribed around the edge - 6454 J F Fry AIF 24 Battalion.ww1, 24 battalion, 6454 james f fry, ww2

3163 Pte W J Smith enlisted in to the AIF on 29 September 1915 and embarked from Fremantle on the Argylishire. On arrival Pte Smith was take on strength to Pioneer Training Battalion and was then transferred to 5 Pioneer Battalion. Pt Smith returned to Australia on the Berrima and arrived on 02 January 1919, was discharged on 22 March 1919.This Victory Medal is the original that was issued to 3163 Pte W J Smith.Victory Medal. Round bronze Medal , with ribbon.3163 Pte W J Smith. 5 Pnr Bn. A I F On the reverse of the Medal - The Great War for Civilisaztion 1914-1919.3163 w j smith, 5 pn bn, ww1

These medals were issued to Returned Discharged Soldiers. The Medals were first issued in 1916, to approximately 267,300 personnel. There were medal makers for each state this medal was produced by Stokes & Son, Melbourne, thus made and issued in Victoria. As the medals were issued a record of issue to recipient was kept - however it was not follow the logic that the No 1 badge went to the first person discharged.This Badge was issued to a Returned Soldier of the AIF.A bronze colour round badge.A crown, a rising sun with AIF printed underneath, printed around the edge of the badge - Issued by Dept of Defence, Returned from Active Service.badge, aif, discharged returned soldier badge

These three Books, AAB 83, AAb 87 and AAF F 204 have belonged to Pte R G Fitz. Pte Fitz is a Victorian, he enlisted on 02 August 1941, interestingly his discharge was from 153 Aust Port Craft Coy, RAE.VX111423 Pte R G Fitz enlisted in the AIF on 02 August 1941, the books are originals that belonged to Pte Fitz.AAB 83 Record of Service Book, AAB 87 Demolization Procedure Book, AAF F 204 Members Personal Equipment CardAll books - VX111423 Pte R G Fitzvx111423 r g fitz, aab 83, aab 87, aaf f 204

VX39077 Neil Ross enlisted in to the AIF on 21 November 1940 at Royal Park and was posted to 2/29 Battalion, The Battalion completed training at Bonegilla and Bathurst and then went to Malaya as part of the 27th Brigade, assigned to 8th Division. This Battalion fought in several actions prior to being captured on 15 February 1942 in Singapore. On return to Australia SSgt spent time in Military Hospital prior to Discharge October 1946.All of the items in this collection are originals as issued to SSgt Ross.A collection of items belonging to the Ross Family. The items belong to VX39077 SSgt Neil Rossross, 2/29th battalion, 27th brigade, 8th division

Irving Buzzard was born in Moonee Ponds in 1897. His study of medicine was interrupted by his enrolment in the AIF in World War 1, where he served on the hospital ship " Kanowns". After discharge in 1916 he returned to his studies, graduating in 1922. he came to Warrnambool in 1929 after purchasing the Cambourne Clinic from Dr Hedley Dunstan. He practised as a GP until the outbreak of WW2. His speciality was gynaecology and obstetrics. He retired from Warrnambool practice in 1964 and moved to Melbourne.he was involved in many different organisations , being a member of local sporting clubs as well as community groups such as Rotary and the freemasons. He died in June 1981.A link to one of Warrnambool's longest serving doctors of the 20th century which has historical and social significance.Small rectangular brass plate with six screw holes. Mounted on timber which is painted brown. Name is stamped and while namDr Irving Buzzardwarrnambool, warrnambool doctors, dr irving buzzard, cambourne clinic doctors

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

This photograph was with a number of others associated with Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria. The postcard was written on by Harry Holmes who was a member of the Australian Imperial Force based in Egypt at the time. Nurse Kirkham is Laurie Hemsley Kirkham She was admitted to the Suez Public Hospital (Abbassia) post 06 January 1916. She left Australia with a group of South Australian nurses. Egypt was a major base for the AIF from December 1914. A number of campaigns were fought in this theatre. There were two campaigns involving the AIF. Note that not all the fighting was actually geographically in Egypt. (http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8888/about3.html) The Nurse Kirkam mentioned by the writer is probably Sarah Alice Kirkham, Staff Nurse with the Australian Army Nursing Service. Nurse Kirkham was from North Perth, Western Australia. She was posted to the Auxiliary Hospital, Egypt on 09 November 1915 leaving for France on 23 June 1916. Samuel Gordon Spittle (8005) enlisted into the AIF on 17 July 1915, a member of the 18th Australian Army Service Corps (AASC). He left Alexandria on 15 June 1916 disembarking at Marseilles 24 June 1916. Harry Holmes was discharged from a hospital in Egypt on 15 August 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal promulgated on 11 December 1919. (NAA: B2455, Spittle Samuel Gordon) Not only does this photograph portray life in Egypt during World War War, it highlights the role played by members of the Australian Army Nursing Service in both professional and social activities in the theatre of war.Two Australian nurses and a number of Australian soldiers in Hospital Uniform pose for a photograph in Egypt during World War One. Verso: "A little group of Australians at Suez Hospital Joe F[awcett] & I [Gordon Spittle] are standing in the back row with Nurse Kirkham standing between, she is on the short side so stood on a box. Gordon S."chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, gordon spittle, kirkham, suez, egypt, samuel gordon spittle, joe fawcett, laurie kirkham, nurse kirkham, suez hospital, laurie helmsley kirkham, l.a. kirkham, harry holmes, nurses

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone 1916 during WW1 was arranged to showcase the local activities and raise funds for the 'Discharged Wounded Soldiers Fund' = £140 was raised. As elsewhere in Australia most of the local young men had enlisted in the AIF and some were coming home wounded - many were killed on overseas battlefields. This Parade was led by the Cheltenham Brass Band with the following Friendly Societies AOF, IOR, HACBS, PAFS, and ANA. The PAFS - Protestant Alliance Friendly Society - had 2 entries 'Fruit & Vegetable Display' and 'The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' both floats won their category. The Carnival gave prizes for sports events on the Mentone Oval and a concert was held at night at the Mentone Ice Skating Rink.World War 1 1914-1918 had a devastating impact on many early settler families whose sons had volunteered to serve in AIF. 1916 many of these young men were returning injured or had been killed overseas The Community rallied around to support these men and their families by holding fund raising events like the CarnivalBlack & White photograph of a horse drawn wagon displaying Fruit and Vegetables for a procession c 1916Handwritten ; Decorated wagon possibly part of a procession of market gardeners cartsfriendly societies cheltenham 1916, nurse edith cavell, cheltenham brass band 1916, ww1 1914-1918, wounded soldiers fund, allnutt ella, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

Original AMF Certificate of Discharge certifying VX 142238 Private John Brian Murray born 27/10/1922 at Moyhu 57/60 Australian Infantry Battalion served with CMF 28/5/42 to 29/6/43 and AIF from 30/6/1943 to 8/8/1946 which included overseas service in New Guinea and Solomon Islands.Certificate recognises Private Murray's service in the CMF and AIF during WW2Cream coloured paper with black border with Australian Coat of Arms centre top of page. Certificate of Discharge - No 554111jb murray, 57/60 aust infantry battalion, certificate of discharge, ww2

The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. Badge issued to 3978 Private Wilfred FITTON born in Lancashire England, enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 28/7/1915. Served with the 5th Battalion 12/5 Rein.Embarked 23/11/1915 and was discharged on 6/7/1920. Post war worked for the Victorian Railways and lived at Tarrawingee.The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. Gold badge with crown on top, blue circle in the middle with image in gold centre, red banner at bottom surrounded in white enamel. Coat lapel pin attached.On front: Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League Australia On back: 48257 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic. australia, rsl, private wilfred fitton, 5th battalion, ww1

AMF Certificate of discharge dated 23/7/1946 - VX148982 Private William Thomas LAWSON 12/32 Aust Infantry Battalion - CMF 5/1/42-11/4/44 - AIF 12/4/44-23/7/46 AMF Interim discharge certificate dated 25/5/1954 - 3/401136 L/CPL W.T. LAWSON AMF Service in Australia or Abroad certificate of discharge dated 22/6/1954 - 3/401136 Lance Corporal William Thomas LAWSONThree cream coloured laminated certificates with black type below crest.Discharge Certificate L/Cpl W.T Lawsonwilliam lawson, vx148982, 14/32 aust inft battalion, woods point

John Sherlock Willaton was born 1.8.1897 in Sebastopol near Ballarat. In 1916 aged 18 years 8 months he enlisted in the 1st AIF and embarked overseas with the blessing of his employer even though he had not completed his apprenticeship. He was wounded in action with a bullet wound to the right foot. His family moved from Ballarat to Sunshine in 1917 and when he was discharged in 1918 he joined the Sunshine Harvester Works as a Fitter and Turner. He was promoted to Sub Foreman of the Bolt Shop toolroom where one of his main responsibilities was training apprentices and he remained in that position until his retirement on the 4.8.1961.Contains original signatures of 112 workmates at Massey-Ferguson (Australia) Ltd of John S. Willaton. It is an original document and the only copy in existence.Farewell signatures of 112 workmates on the retirement on 4-8-1961 of JOHN S. WILLATON from Massey-Ferguson (Australia) Ltd, after working more than 43 years. The document contains 3 pages of signatures bound in a fawn coloured cardboard folder. The 3 pages are bound to the folder with a black ribbon tape and the folder has a green coloured tape on the back edge.112 signatures of John S. Willaton's workmates.willaton john s., farewell card, retirement, massey ferguson, h. v. mckay, workmate signatures, mckay

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

Australian Coat of Arms above: Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge. Certifying that VX 88067 of Private (A/Cpl) Gordon William MULCAHY was discharged on 8th October 1946. G. W. Mulcahy served in CMF from 15th Dec. 1941 to 28th Jul 1942. Then AIF from 29th Jul 1942 to 8 th Oct 1946. A total of 1759 days which included Active Service.