Showing 2884 items
matching ww1 and ww2
-
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Box - Archival, RSL
Collection of RSL first and second WW memorbilliaArchival Box - white/beige covered cardboard boxww1, ww2, societies, service, clubs -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, LEAFLET & LETTER, David A FINLAYSON & Michael K CECIL, "Pioneers of Australian Armour in the Great War", 2015
Part of the Leo Reoch Cohn Collection. See Catalogue No. 5527.2 for his service record.Hard Cover Book with Dust Cover. 1. Hard cover - cardboard, black colour buckram, gold print on spine. Dust cover - paper, red, white and black print on front, spine and back. Illustrated black and white photographs, front armoured car with crew. Back - tank with 3 persons. 376 pages, paper, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps. 2. Leaflet - for book launch, thick paper, white, red and black print with two illustration as per dust cover. 3. Letter - paper, white with black print from book authors, 1. Front end paper, handwritten blue ink "David Finlayson/ 15 Aug 15".books, armoured vehicles, tanks, ww1, ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, BIOGRAPHY, Aubrey JARROTT, "TWO WARS AND A FAMILY", 1997
Owner and donor details - see Cat No. 5836.3.SOFT COVER BOOK. Cover - cardboard, white colour print on front, red colour background. Illustrated - front, colour photograph of a vehicle on a flat top railway wagon. 134 pages - cut, plain, semi gloss, white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs, maps and papers. Page 1. handwritten signature.Page 1 - handwritten in blue ink - signature "Aubrey Jarrott".books, military history, ww1, ww2, biography -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bowl
Carnival glass is moulded or pressed glass, always with a pattern and always with a shiny, metallic, 'iridescent' surface shimmer. Carnival glass gets its iridescent sheen from the application of metallic salts while the glass is still hot from the pressing. A final firing of the glass brings out the iridescent properties of the salts, giving carnival glass the distinct shine it is known for. (ref. Wikipedia) This bowl belonged to Mrs Edith May Hanrahan (nee Whitford), a WW1 war bride, who came to Orbost around 1920 on the Orcades. Oliver ( a farm hand) and Edith Hanrahan lived at 37 Gladstone Street, Orbost.This item is an excellent example of amber / orange carnival glass.A bronze / apricot glass sweets bowl. It is orange carnival glass with flowers cut into the base and scalloped edges. It has a small handle on each side. the base is flat. carnival-glass bowl hanrahan-edith -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Munition, Trench Art
Pair of 2 PDR cartridges of WW1 vintage, probably a version used by Naval weapons. These are an example of trench art. These used cartridges have been modified with the addition of three brass 'feet' which have been brazed onto the end of the empty case to enable them to be used as a flower vase. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARDS, PHOTOGRAPHIC WW1
This is a set of coloured postcards from WW1. They have been glued to a cardboard backing piece. They are titled "Little "Grey Home in the West". NRS 1-4. They depict a British Soldier dreaming of his wife and two daughters. At ther bpottom of each card is a verse which could be set to music.passchendaele barracks trust, ww1, postcards -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, Crown Studios Bulmer, 1917c
Concrete bridge over North Arm, constructed by Coate Bros. opened September 1917. Also Maranui Guest House history.Black and white photograph of a tourist launch named Maranui 2 beside the North Arm Bridge. People on launch dressed in summer clothing of pre WW1 era. Posts and steel rope rails on bridge. Low tide indicated by height of bridge piers out of the water. Lakes Entrance Victoriaworld war 1914-1918, boats and boating, bridges, clothing -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - UNIFORM BADGES, "AUSTRALIA"
These badges worn by Australian Soldiers to identify their origin generally on their shoulders from WW1 through to Korea. Refer 5687 for details on NX94268. Roy H Taylor of 2/1 Aust Field Regiment.Six Brown metallic badge emblems with word "Australia". All badges curved in shape. Two badges have metal bar at back to attach. 1,2, & 3. has the pin at the back and 4,5,6, the pins are missing."Australia" on all.uniform, ww2, badges -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, Stefanie Rennick nee Reitman, c1990
'Box Cottage' is so named after the first recorded family to establish a house and market garden on the site in 1865. William and Elizabeth Box. After the death of Elizabeth Box in 1914 the house was leased to August Reitman a potter / sculptor who raised his family there 1917 - 1953. Stefanie Rennick nee Reitmann lived at the house until she left to study teaching. The Lewis Timber Company Ltd acquired the land with The Cottage c1970. The CMHS together with City of Moorabbin Council, a 150 Year Celebration Grant and assistance from Lewis Timber Merchants Pty Ltd reconstructed the original 'Box Cottage' on its present site May 1984. August Reitman 1877-1951 and his wife Frieda 1878- 1942 raised 2 children Stefanie 1918-2006 and William 1920-1997 whilst living at the Box Cottage site. .August was a monumental mason and sculptor and was employed to carve war memorials in Victoria after WW1. He moved his business to Highett in 1953 but continued to use the cottage as a workshop until he sold the property to Lewis Timber P/L c 1970. . William and his descendants have continued the family business to the present day. August Reitman 1877-1951 and his wife Frieda 1878- 1942 raised 2 children Stefanie 1918-2006 and William 1920-1997 whilst living at the Box Cottage site. .August was a monumental mason and sculptor and was employed to carve war memorials in Victoria after WW1. He moved his business to Highett in 1953 but continued to use the cottage as a workshop until he sold the property to Lewis Timber P/L c 1970. . William and his descendants have continued the family business to the present day. Stefanie Rennick , a daughter of August and Frieda Reitman resided in Box Cottage 1918 - 1953.A colour photograph of Stefanie Rennick , nee Reitman 1918 - 2001, who spent her childhood living in Box Cottage.box william, box elisabeth, reitman august, reitman stefanie, reitman frieda, city of moorabbin council, lewis timber merchants pty ltd, pottery, sculpture, market gardens, pioneers, early settlers, dendy henry, box cottage museum, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, reitman william, rietmann -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Plaque, Memorial, 1914-1918 Memorial Plaque, 1920 (estimated); Issued from 1920
This round, bronze memorial plaque was presented to the family of Private Richard Evans Harkness, service number 3426, of the 37th Battalion, (8th Reinforcements) who was killed in action at Villers-Bretonneux on 12th August, 1918. Colloquially known as 'Dead Man's Penny' or 'King's Penny', this plaque was given to the next of kin of service personnel who died on active service in WW1. 1914-1918 Memorial Plaque In early 1920 it was announced that the next-of-kin of all Australian servicemen and women whose deaths were attributable to the First World War would receive a memorial plaque and scroll "as a solace for bereavement and as a memento". The memorial plaques were not uniquely Australian. In fact they were designed and produced in Britain and issued to commemorate all those who died as a result of war service from within the British Commonwealth. The idea for the plaques was originally conceived mid-way through the war. In 1917 a competition was announced to obtain a suitable design and 800 entries were eventually received. The winner, Mr. E. Carter Preston of Liverpool, England, was chosen in 1918. He was awarded a prize of 250 pounds. Mr Manning Pike directed the manufacture of the memorial plaques at the Memorial Plaque Factory set up at Acton, London. Some later plaques were also made at the Woolwich Arsenal. The cost of manufacturing so many plaques must have been considerable. Each plaque had the name of the soldier commemorated individually embossed (some were engraved) as part of the design. The full name was given without any indication of rank or honours to show the equality of sacrifice of all those who had lost their lives. The scroll designed to accompany the plaques was of thick paper, headed by the royal coat-of-arms, and bore the following message: "He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those that come after see that his name is not forgotten". Underneath the message the serviceman or woman’s name, rank, honours and unit were written by hand in red ink. Because of the late arrival in Australia of the plaques many scrolls were sent out separately. A message from the King, "I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War", was included with the scroll. The first plaques were distributed in Australia in 1922. Each plaque was sent out from Base Records Office at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne by second-class mail. Approximately 60,000 plaques were issued in Australia. Families of deceased members of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army Nursing Service also received plaques and scrolls This plaque is significant because it commemorates the death of an Australian soldier on active service in World War 1. It is representative of some 60,000 issued to next of kin of soldiers killed in World War 1. Although Richard Harness was living at 52 Victoria Street, Abbotsford when enlisted, together with a scroll from the King, it was donated by a Frankston Family.This round, bronze memorial plaque was presented to the family of Australian Army private Richard Evans Harkness, service number 03426, of the 37th battalion, 8th re-inforcement. Harkness was killed in action on 12th August, 1918, near the French village of Proyart, during the 3rd Division's advance along the Somme Valley. further details can be found here: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51477 Colloquially known as 'Dead Man's Penny' or 'King's Penny', these plaques were awarded to the next of kin of service personnel who died on active service during WW1. refer to link for further information : http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/memorial_scroll/plaque.aspAround the edge are the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR' On the righthand side of the plaque is the name of the soldier, in this case Richard Evans Harkness.commemorative, memorial, plaque, dead, man s, penny, king s, richard, evans, harkness -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Honour Board, KIllawarra State School
WW1 Killawarra State School 1914-1919 Honour Board contains the names and photographs of teachers and past students who enlisted for military service during World War 1. Owen Francis Private 68800; William Francis Robertson,Sergeant 981/Lieutenant KIA 7/6/1917: Lubin James Robertson,MC and Croix de Guerre L/Cpl 980/Lieutenant; Christopher George Everitt 5882 Died of Wounds 26/4/1918; James Samuel Everitt 3319 KIA 18/7/1916; William John Rhodes 917, Henry Rhodes 2779, Robert Ernest Payne 5215,KIA 15/4/1918; Joseph Adams 10296, Albert Reginald Coppin 57084, Thomas Rhodes, Reserve - Enlisted 15/7/1915 did not embark - discharged medically unfit on 29/4/1916 due to meningitis and lumbago, Henry Sumpton 1827, James Joseph Kellow 6836, William Patrick Toohey 1750 and David William Quinton Clarke 44233 School Teacher Enlisted 15/5/1916 and discharged on 11/7/1916 due to urgent family reasons. Robert "Ernie" PAYNE was a cousin to William,Henry and Thomas RHODES. The latter was 1 of 6 lives lost when they drowned in the disastrous floods of the Ovens and King Rivers on 7/6/1917.A timber and glass framed Honour Board containing 15 names and 11 black and white photographs of teachers and past students of Killawarra State School who enlisted for military service during World War 1. Following the closure of the school the Honor Board was donated to the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch. In 2018 the community of Killawarra sought the loan of the Honour Board for display in the CFA/Community Hall.Wooden Honour Board containing fifteen names listed in the centre surrounded by 11 numbered photographs.Top - "Killawarra State School/Roll of Honour/For King & Country" Bottom - "The Great War 1914 to 1919"killawarra state school, honour board ww1 -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Report, The 73rd Report from the President - 1996, 1996
In 1996 Legacy featured Beatrice Gay, a World War One widow on the cover toasting at the annual WW1 Widows lunch. The president was Ray Ward. The report also recaps events through the year such as the school students' Anzac commemoration service, legacy week and the public speaking contest. One article showcases Welfare and Housing with one widow, Mabel, having her house painted after receiving paint donated by the Gas and Fuel Corporation and the painting done by Legatees. Another article is about the Alma Doepel and the experience of Junior Legatee Kim Anderson. There is an article showing Daryl Somers opening Legacy week at with Hazel McKean, Lynne Scott, Elaine Ward and Junior Legatee Kim Anderson in attendance. Up to the 1980s the annual report would usually contain pages containing the Presidents report and photos of significant events of the year. Between 1987 and 1990 these were published in a separate document called 'Highlights from the Annual Report'. This could be used in promoting Legacy in different ways, without all the financial information normally held in an annual report. In following years it became called 'Report from the President' then 'Highlights from the President', before becoming 'Melbourne Legacy Highlights' which was published twice a year from 2007. It was eventually renamed, 'The Torch, Melbourne Legacy Highlights' in 2012. 'The Torch' is still published twice a year.A record of the annual reports of Legacy Melbourne, including activities and telling stories of Legacy's impact.Colour printed president’s report from 1996 x 8 pages, with black and white photos.annual summary, activities -
Melbourne Legacy
Article - Speech, Foundation Day Address 2018, 2018
A foundation day speech in 2018 by Past President, Legatee Bryce Phillips. In a very well research piece he focussed on the immediate aftermath of WW1, the challenges faced after WW2 and some comparative statistics of Legacy in later years.A speech given at a Legacy function to commemorate the day on which Legacy was founded that has information about the early years of Legacy.White A4 paper x 6 pages with black print of 2018 speech by Bryce Phillips.foundation day, bryce phillips -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW11
Arthur George Holley No 13556 enlisted in the RAN as a boy Sailor on 25.9.22 age 15 years. During his long career he served on or at the following postings; HMAS Tingara, Brisbane, Sydney, Cerebus (5 times), Canberra (2), Australia, Hobart, Townsville, Rushcutter. His main WW2 service was on Hobart 27.1.39 - 14.9.44. At discharge from the RAN on 17.10.45 he held the rank of Leading Seaman, Seaman Torpedoman. Refer 2135.3, 2137, 2147. A younger brother was KIA in WW1, refer 2133.3.Medals, court mounted, set of (6) re A.G Holley. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. Africa Star. 3. Burma Star with clasp "PACIFIC". 4. Defence Medal. 5. War Medal 1939-45. 6. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal."13556 A.G.Holley (medals 1 to 5) "13556 Able Seaman A.G. Holley R.A.N" (6th medal)medals, history, naval -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Dead Man's Penny
This object relates to Joseph William PEARCE. He was born on 1/01/1886 in Ballaarat, VIC. Joseph William served in the AIF (CAPT) enlisting on, 22/03/1915 in Ballaarat East, VIC and served with the 21 BATTN. He was awarded the Military Cross on 20 OCT 1916 for conspicuous gallantry during operations in France. He was killed in action at Broodseinde Ridge on 04/10/1917. Joseph William PEARCE was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Isaiah PEARCE (Father) and after his parents' deaths, it is John PEARCE, his brother. John also served in WW1 as 8203 L/CPL with the 12 FLD AMB and was awarded the Military Medal. first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - ACC LOCK COLLECTION: B&W PHOTO OF CAMELS AND GUN CARRIAGES, POSTCARD, 1914-1918
Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of a group of seated camels next to two gun carriages in a barren landscape. Three soldiers kneeling behind each gun. More soldiers in background sitting on a hill. Handwritten in ink on the back - Cinema Film Service 5" Howitzer in action Zeitoun Feby 16.postcard, postcard, ww1, egypt, zeitoun, 5'' howitzer, camels -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Document - Folder, Those Who Died in Action from Tatura in WW1
The sleeves contain sheets of typed material detailing the background, military history and circumstances of death, burial place and commemoration of people from Tatura and surrounding areas who were killed in action in WW1. Some have photographs as well. 1 page list of personal details of Tatura's WW1 roll of honour. 1 page list of names, dates enlisted, regiment number, last unit, rank, action, DOB and burial place of those listed. 5 page list of Tatura and District WW1 Nominal Roll. 2 page list of Decorations and Awards to Tatura and District men. Black folder with multiple sleeves each containing typed sheets with pictures.harry rowan agnew, robert ernest alexander, daniel allan, joseph stanley bainbridge, henry saundry bazeley, arthur boot, john connors, thomas cross, albert blackburn crossley, james lawrence cummins, charles patrick fitzpatrick, richard fuzzard, charles alfred philip josiah hampton, haswell harding, joseph arthur head, thomas patrick keating, john mackay layton, richard goulburn layton, robert mactier vc, thomas james maher, stanley george mars, john archibald duncan mccoll, angas ewen mclennan, michael joseph meagher, robert alexander mitchell, thomas james port, albert reddrop, albert charles joseph robinson, charles john seamons, george sinclair swanson, alfred tavener (curran), william robert wheeler, tatura's ww1 roll of honour, tatura and district ww1 nominal roll, decorations and awards to tatura and district men -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Ward Room Plaque - Torrens, C 1950
The first HMAS Torrens was a Torpedo - Boat Destroyer which served through WW1. Built at Cockatoo Dockyard in NSW she was commissioned in July 1916 and served for 10 years. In 1975 a second HMAS Torrens was in service, this time a Destroyer Escort. Ward room plaque fro the HMAS Torrens.The main symbol on the plaque is a crow confirming the ships connection to the Torrens River in South Australia. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - SERVICE RECORDS, CARDS, c.WWII
RAY ERNEST (PUNCH) HEWSTON No VX64672 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 14.10.1941 age 30 years 10 months. On discharge from the Army on 27.3.1946 he was a Pte in 8th Australian Infantry Battalion. Part of the. HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2..1) Service records, 6 pages photocopied, black & white. .2) Telegram, yellow paper, coloured illustration, writing in blue ink. .3) Envelope, yellow paper with colour illustration. .4) Notice, yellow soft cardboard, red ink print..2) “Mothers Day Greeting” .4) “Important Notice, Department of Health, Commonwealth of Australia”documents - records, cards, greetings -
Bendigo Military Museum
Plaque, Post 1918 (estimated)
Henry Southby pre WW1 served 5 years in the Militia and 22 years on the Permanent staff. He is listed as No 2240 serving in the 4th Batt Aust Commonwealth Horse during the Boer War from March to September 1902. By the time he enlisted in the AIF he was 41 years 2 months of age on 22.3.16 with the rank of Lieut in the 39th Batt. Embarked for England 27.5.16, embark for France 23.11.16, promoted Captain 23.4.17, WIA 7.6.17 shell wound to back, return to France 30.7.17, KIA 12.10.17 at Passchendaele. It is believed he was W.I.A and while being carried out by Stretcher Bearers a shell burst killing them all. No known grave. The plaque was one of many that were placed on trees in Condon St. Bendigo as a memorial to those who lost their lives. Refer 1903.2, 1905P.Bronze plaque set in a wood frame re; H.SOUTHBY. Frame is brown, the plaque lettering is raised."CAPTAIN H. SOUTHBY 39th BATT. 10th INF. BGD. A.I.F KILLED IN ACTION OCTOBER 12th 1917"civic mementoes - plaques, metalcraft - bronze, handcrafts - woodwork, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Functional object - NAPKIN RINGS
Napkin rings for the Mess made of brass tubing (possibly a shell) in Coat of Arms on side commemorating famous battles of WW1.Gold napkin rings, home made of Brass. Possible made from a shell with emblem/Shield Commemorating a battle of WW1. 1. Emblem includes Coat of Arms and name of Amiens. 2. Emblem includes Coat of Arms and name of Bapaume. 3. Emblem includes Coat of Arms and name of Albert Town, Somme.1. Coat of Arms Amiens. 2. Coat of Arms Bapaume. 3. Coat of Arms Albert.passchendaele barracks trust, trench souvenirs -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - JENNY FOLEY COLLECTION: IN TOUCH
Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Tuesday, February 24, 2004. in touch: on active service abroad is WW1 Anzac stretcher bearer Herbert John James, seated on right, with two unnamed mates. Mr. James was father of Bendigo resident Beryl Draper, who supplied this photograph. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW11
Jack Smethurst enlisted in the AIF on 2.7.40 in the 2/1st Australian Survey Regiment. The 2/1st Australian Survey Regiment was a Royal Australian Artillery Regiment. On discharge from the AIF 13.5.46 his rank was Staff Sergeant. (Artillery Surveyor) Refer 549.4, 550.2, an older brother who died in WW1. 558.6.Medals, court mounted, set of (4) re J Smethurst. 1. 1939-1945 Star 2. Defence Medal 3. War Medal 1939-1945 4. Australian Service Medal"VX28896 J Smethurst"numismatics-medals-military, metalcraft, royal australian artillery -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Walter Bonwick and his sons, 12 Loch Street, 1936
The people are identified as Mr Walter Bonwick and his sons. The photo was taken in 1936. Walter Hugh Bonwick (1899-1964) was an engineer. He married Christina Erica Strom (1893-1984) in 1924. Her parents were Herman Strom and Mary Eadington Rule Pyatt. Christina served as a staff nurse in WW1. She enlisted on 8 May 1917 and embarked from Melbourne on board RMS Somali on 30 June 1917; she returned to Australia on 17 July 1919. Her diary is digitised on the Australian War Memorial website, along with a typed transcript. Sons: John Edwin Bonwick - engineer William (Bill) Bonwick - Associate Professor of Engineering, Monash University (1933-2011) A black and white photograph of a man with two boys standing in the front garden. There is a car in the background, to the right, and a house in the background on the left.walter bonwick (mr), walter hugh bonwick (mr), john bonwick (mr), john edwin bonwick (mr), william bonwick (mr), daton car, loch street, mont albert, surrey hills, 1936, clothing and dress -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Set 4 photographs. and others for Torquay Light Horse camp, 1940
These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - ACC LOCK COLLECTION: B&W PHOTO OF GUNS FIRING OBSERVED BY TWO MOUNTED SOLDIERS, POSTCARD, 1914-1918
Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of three 18 pounder guns practice firing in a desert landscape. Smoke coming from the near gun. Two mounted soldiers observing in foreground. Two horse drawn guns and soldiers standing in right background. An indistinct row of mounted horsemen on a ridge in far distance. Handwritten in ink on the back Cinema Film Series 18 pders in action Zeitoun Feby '16postcard, postcard, ww1, zeitoun, egypt, 18 pounder guns -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - ACC LOCK COLLECTION: B&W PHOTO OF 12 CAMELS AND A 7IN GUN, POSTCARD, 1914-1918
Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of 12 camels harnessed to a 7" gun in a desert landscape. Two soldiers standing in front of gun (one in tropical kit). Another soldier standing in front of lead camel. Two more soldiers standing at right background. Handwritten in ink on the back - 12 camels with 7" gun Zeitoun Feby '16 Zeitoun is the site of a New Zealand training camp near Cairo.postcard, postcard, ww1, zeitoun, egypt, camels, 7' gun -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Photograph, Light Horse at the Sphinx, 1915
A photo copy of a photo is unremarkable. However the identification of the LH officers photographed is useful.A photo-copy of a photo of seven mounted Light Horse men in in front of the SphinxOn back: Egypt during WW1 L to R 1 Lieut Hull, 2, Lieut McAlpine, 3. Major Maygar, 4. Capt Armstrong, 5 Lieut Pollard, 6. Lieut McLeish, 7. Lieut Henry. B Sqn HQ & Tp Ldrs. photo, light horse officers, ww1 -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Weapon - Hand Grenade, Mills Bomb No. 36 (Inert), 1941
Patented by William Mills and known as 'Mills Bombs', these were first used in WW1 and were used by the British Army until 1972. Three models were made - No. 5, No. 23 and No. 36. The latter two could be fired from a rifle (with suitable attachments). Note that the casing is grooved to assist fragmentation. These grenades had a time delay fuse of 7 seconds initially but later a 4 second fuse was introduced. Upon explosion, its lethal range was approx. 90m but on hard ground it could be double that. Over 75 million were produced.Cast-iron 'pineapple' shaped anti-personnel grenade. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Black and White, Holy Trinity Murtoa - Sanctuary
This sanctuary is at Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Murtoa. The alter cloth was made by Clara Emma Yung, the grandmother of Edith Alice Watson. There are two windows in the church dedicated to Clara and her husband George Edgar Godlip Yung. They donated two candlesticks in memory of their son George Alfred Yung who died at Ypres in WW1.The altar cloth was crocheted by C E Yung and the candlesticks donated in memory of her and her husband George Edgar Yung.Black and white photoVerso: Murtoa Sanctuarymurtoa, holy trinity church murtoa, clara emma yung