This wooden frame was used to bind braille books, which would be placed on the based and strapped down to apply the binding. Wooden triangular stand with three red leather hooks across bar at top of standWar Voluntary Aid Societyassociation for the blind, braille equipment

A letter dated 8th May 1973 details how the letter from Florence Nightingale was forwarded to Mrs E.G. (Janet) Wilson in 1955 by Gwendolen, Florence Nightingale's niece. The explanatory letter was forwarded by Elsa Halenstein and given to Royal District Nursing Service and remains in its Archives. From 1948 Mrs. Wilson served on the Committee of Management of Melbourne District Nursing Society (later Service), serving as President from October 1964-1967. In 1949 Mrs. Hallenstein served on the MDNS Committee of Management, becoming President of the now Royal District Nursing Service from 1967-1974. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) only employed Trained nurses from its inception in 1885. They followed Florence Nightingale's basic rules of good hygiene, cleanliness, good nutrition and fresh air, which they learned during their Nursing Training at a Hospital, and taught to their patients by instruction and demonstration. In those days Trained nurses were called 'Nurse'. In 1892 MDNS employed Lucy Smith who, through the Nightingale Fund, did her nursing training at the Nightingale Training School at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. She was the first nurse from this school to work at MDNS. Florence Nightingale, born on the 12th of May 1820, was named after the place of her birth in Italy. Born into a wealthy family she was schooled at home where she excelled in her studies; spoke several languages fluently, and was taught home management. She believed she was ‘called’ to reduce human suffering and tended to ill members of her family and tenants on the family estate. She worked as a nurse at Salisbury Infirmary where she learned about nursing sanitation and hospital practice. Florence then enrolled at the Institution of Protestant Deaconesses at Kaiserswerth, Germany where she learned basic nursing skills, the importance of patient observation, and hospital organization. In 1853 she became Superintendent of the Institution for Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances in London, where she reformed health care, working conditions, and hospital efficiency. The Crimean War broke out in late 1853 and a newspaper reported the injured and sick soldiers were being cared for by an “incompetent and ineffective medical establishment and that most basic supplies were not available for care”. After an outcry from the public, Florence was asked to lead a group of 38 nurses, whom she had trained, to Scutari where the wounded soldiers were sent. After arriving at the Barrack Hospital in October 1854, she found the soldiers were being cared for in overcrowded and filthy conditions; contaminated water, faeces on the floors and rats running freely. There were few supplies and equipment. Florence bought supplies and equipment and found help to assist in the laundry. The wards were scrubbed from floor to ceiling. Florence set a high standard of care with fresh air, hygiene, clean clothing, sufficient food and regular dressing of wounds being carried out. She realized the importance of psychological needs, and soldiers were assisted to write letters to relatives, and took part in education and recreational activities. Of a night Florence walked through the wards, carrying a lamp to light her way, to check on ill and wounded soldiers and became known as “The Lady with the Lamp”. She gained the respect of the soldiers and the establishment, and later, the public through the soldier’s letters and reports in the newspaper. After visiting Crimea she contracted ‘Crimean Fever’ from which she never really recovered. When she returned to London she was regarded a heroine. The public had given freely to buy her a gift but Florence preferred this money be used to establish a fund, which became known as the Nightingale Fund. Florence had kept excellent records on the running of the Barrack Hospital, medical and nursing staff efficiency, and the causes of illness and death. Many nurses from the training school became Matrons in many countries throughout the world. Florence pushed the Government for legislation to improve drainage and sanitation in homes and in the building of hospitals with fresh air a priority. She wrote the book ‘Notes on Nursing’ and many writings on health reform. She died, aged 90 years, in her home at 10 South Street, Park Lane on the 13th of August 1910. A handwritten letter, written in lead pencil, by Florence Nightingale. It is written to her niece Gwendolen.. The letter is on buff coloured paper and has the date 'Oct 17 1900'/ written in the top right hand corner; below this is, in capital letters, the two line black printed address - '10, South Street,/ Park Lane, W'/ is stamped. The bulk of the letter reads over eight lines: "Dearest Gwendolen",/ "Thanks for your / dear note,/ I shall gladly look / forward to seeing you, / on Friday at 5 ,/ ever your loving, / Aunt Florence./ . rdns, royal district nursing service, miss florence nightingale, mrs e.g. (janet) wilson, mrs d. (elsa) hallenstein

This mask would have presumably been manufactred and used as a gas mask during World War One conflicts. It is presumably British made. It could also possibly date to the World War Two era.This item is a piece of protective equipment which presumably dates to the World War One era. As a surviving artefact from the Great War, this item holds historic value.Gas mask with rubberised light brown fabric face cover, plastic goggles for seeing, straps for fastening and a nozzle to attach to a canister. The canister is now missing. The goggles have corroded steel rings around themwhich protrude sloghtly from the mask. The light brown fabric covered rubber nozzle is attached to a black metallic component, which is attached to the mask with a circle of black rubber in between the metal and the mask. There is also another short piece of rubber attached to this black metallic component which is folded and positined between the nozzle and the mask. There is an inscription On the exterior of the mask, where the nose would ordinarilly be positioned. There is also an inscription in the interior on an almost full circular piece of fabric which is stitched into the same posion. This has a circle of metal stitched beneath it, which protrudes in two sections towards the wearers face. On the ends of the protruded sections are square pads of fabric, which are presumably there to position on either side of the wearers nose. The mask has a reinforces rubberised fabric rim where it would be incontact with the face. The main rubber nozzle protrudes through the inside of the mask, forming a mouth piece. There are four black straps and one light brown colour strap stitched to the exterior rim of the mask. Two of the black straps are severed.On the exterior at the nose: 3 On the interior at the nose: 22 109gas mask, mask, world war one, first world war, world war 1, ww1, wwi, the great war

Item is part of kit carried into active service by Cpl William Clark VX34546 in WWIIItem was part of first aid equipment that all soldier carried when on active war like duties in WWII. First Field Dressing unpacked from original container. Bandage in waterproof package with safety pin in waterproof wrapping attached by cotton thread.Red arrow diagonally across package indicating where to open. Printed on waterproof wrapping. FIRST FIELD DRESSING/ Tear apart the uncemented corner as indicated / by the arrow and remove the paper. / take the folded ends of the bandage in each / hand and keeping the bandage taut, apply the / gauze pad to the wound and fix the bandage. In the case of head wounds when respirators have / to be worn, care should be taken to adjust the pad / so that it does not interfere with the fit of the face / piece. / DO NOT HANDLE THE GAUZE OR WOUND/ Johnson & Johnson / Pty. Ltd Sydney/ October 1942 / a red arrow drawn diagonally over top of printed instructed pointing to where to open the bandage.On the reverse is hand written "Lent by Lance Flynn" bandage, guaze, waterproof paper

field dressing carried by a soldier as part of their field kit to enable immediate first aid in battleItem was part of first aid equipment that all soldier carried when on active war like duties in WWII. First Field Dressing unpacked from original container. Bandage in waterproof package with safety pin in waterproof wrapping attached by cotton thread. Red arrow diagonally across package indicating where to open. Printed on waterproof wrapping. FIRST FIELD DRESSING/ Tear apart the uncemented corner as indicated / by the arrow and remove the paper. / take the folded ends of the bandage in each / hand and keeping the bandage taut, apply the / gauze pad to the wound and fix the bandage. In the case of head wounds when respirators have / to be worn, care should be taken to adjust the pad / so that it does not interfere with the fit of the face / piece. / DO NOT HANDLE THE GAUZE OR WOUND/ Johnson & Johnson / Pty. Ltd Sydney/ October 1942 / a red arrow drawn diagonally over top of printed instructed pointing to where to open the bandage. On the reverse is hand written "Lent by Lance Flynn" bandage, guaze, waterproof paper

Item is an essential item of kit that is carried by a soldier to provide immediate first aid to a personal injury sustained in battle of to render first aid to a fellow combatant Item was part of first aid equipment that all soldier carried when on active war like duties in WWII. First Field Dressing unpacked from original container. Bandage in waterproof package with safety pin in waterproof wrapping attached by cotton thread. Red arrow diagonally across package indicating where to open. Missing safety pin. Printed on waterproof wrapping. FIRST FIELD DRESSING/ Tear apart the uncemented corner as indicated / by the arrow and remove the paper. / take the folded ends of the bandage in each / hand and keeping the bandage taut, apply the / gauze pad to the wound and fix the bandage. In the case of head wounds when respirators have / to be worn, care should be taken to adjust the pad / so that it does not interfere with the fit of the face / piece. / DO NOT HANDLE THE GAUZE OR WOUND/ Johnson & Johnson / Pty. Ltd Sydney/ October 1942 / a red arrow drawn diagonally over top of printed instructed pointing to where to open the bandage. On the reverse is hand written "Lent by Lance Flynn" bandage, guaze, waterproof paper, cotton

Hexamine stove used by Australian soldiers for cooking when in the field.The stove is significant to veterans for recollections of use in field for creative cooking.Metal hexamine stove for use in field, includes hexamine fuel.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Scarf as used by Viet Cong soldiers.The item's significance lies in it being part of the field equipment of the Viet Cong soldier.Viet Cong (VC) scarf made of lightweight cotton with horizontal/vertical pattern of black, grey and white stripes with an occasional red stripe.None.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Important tool especially for infantry and used for range of purposes while in the field.Machete was a versatile tool for soldiers but infantry in particular. It assisted with negotiating through thick scrub, various cutting usages; also assisted, with shovel, in digging usages. Machete: metal blade, wooden handle with wrist strap; sharpening stone; canvas holder for machete with pouch to contain sharpening stonevietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Example of Army of South Vietnam issue backpack.An example of equipment as issued to Army of South Vietnam.South Vietnamese Army Backpack. Canvas; comprising straps, backpack and pouchesNilvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, south vietnam army

Common cigarette lighter amongst Australian Servicemen; facilitated calming within stressful situations ie smoking eased stress and fatigue.This lighter will have memories of great significance and feeling with soldiers who had used it after very stressful situations - it would have served to facilitate relief and calmness when most needed including some giving emotional escape from immediate circumstances..Silver lighter with engravings: angel on front and text on back: Silver metal, rectangular shape; flip top.Front: Engraving of classic woman with bird in hand. Rear: Engraved text: Ba Ria Nui Dat 67-68; Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for I am the evilest son of a bitch in the valley"".vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Helmet is an examples of equipment (clothing) issued to the soldiers of North Vietnam. It is unknown how it came into the hands of the lender.Significant in respect that the soldiers of North Vietnam were a respected foe and these items represent a tangible reminder of the enemy faced.Pith Helmet as issued to Army of North Vietnam soldiers, olive in colour with a North Vietnam star central to the front.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, north vietnamese army

Black army boots similar to general issue in the Vietnam war.Good footwear was critical within the general climate of Vietnam varying from very dry to very wet and considerable humidity.Army boots, black; make: HiTest; size 9.On sole - Hi Test.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Field cutlery for use on patrol.Such items had great relevance to soldiers whilst 'ón patrol'; they facilitated some comfort ie food in often strenuous and tiring circumstances and for many...was their first foray into cooking.Army issue of field cutlery set comprising knife, fork spoon with clip. Made of metal. Each piece is 160 longClip: 7360-66-014-47c7; fork: ca 66, dd; knife: spoon: mcl 171. vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

The pieces represent the type of cutlery utensils issued to Defence Forces over a wide range of conflicts.Significant in respect to being an example of the types of equipment etc that was used during many conflicts including (likely) the Vietnam War.Era of usage is undetermined. Cutlery set, for use in base, comprising knife, fork and spoon, made of metal. Given the different markings on the pieces and the different aging colours, it is likely that this is not a set but notwithstanding that appearance, they still represent the standard issue of cutlery to the Armed Forces for use 'ín base'.Both the fork and spoon have Rising Sun imprinted onto the handles; plus the fork has two half moon swirls at the end of the handles. The knife has a twin line border on the handle. Additionally, the fork has nickel and silver, sheffield england on reverse of the handle.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Army Issue kit bag for carrying personal goods eg when re-posted; used by JP Redfern, National Serviceman 19** to 19** including his Vietnam Service.Personally significant to owner but with y a like significance to all soldiers who also used same type kit bag.Army issue Kit Bag, olive drab colour, made of light canvas material; with name and Service number.Name: Redfern JP; Service No. 3791313; yellow dash for colour identificationvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Soldiers required to take preventative measures to minimise contacting malaria and use of repellant onto clothing was critical.Equipment such as this item can have great significance to some soldiers.Empty small bottle of insect repellant, clothing: 3 fl. ozs; army green bottle.Usage instructions. Dept of Defence symbal.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Amongst field kit, the sweat rag was every bit as important as other items - it served many purpose eg washer, towel, cleaning equipment, pillow, sun shade.Held in high esteem by the field soldier because of its efficient and many purpose usages.Field sweat rag for field soldiers made of soft absorbent material and suitable for a wide range of uses.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Dept of Defence issued equipment: torch.A significant memory for soldiers who had used this equipment.Army issue torch; drab green in colour but with two yellow bands around the stem. Label: Boniface; Markings: MX-99/U; Makers: Bright Star Trade marg Reg.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

Dept of Defence issued equipment: trip wire for a wide range of usages including preventative, precautionary measures against enemy.Trip wire was an effective and valuable resource used by Australian soldiers for their protection and an advanced warning of enemy presence whilst in the field.Small cardboard roll of trip wire, attached to beige paper label with red text.IMPORTANT/ run wire through finger and thumb to remove kinks before use.trip wire, explosive device, booby trap, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, weapons

The back pack and webbing was the infantry soldiers 'house on feet'; whilst on patrol, he carried all that was required for days/weeks at a time with some re-supplies during the course of time sometimes; it was common practice to slide into the backpack whilst prone on the ground and then slowly turn and rise to standing as the most convenient of loading up.Despite the effort required to patrol long distances with a heavy load, many soldiers had a close affinity with the backpack and webbing as it provided him with comefort and necessities during an Operation.Standard issue of infantry back pack and webbing kit for carrying of day-to-day needs whist on patrol or other duties. Contents included, but not limited to (and In no particular order): food, clothing, cooking utensils, water, spare ammunition, arms, maintenance tools, hootchie/mosquito net, personal items, machete; six pieces in total.Pic 01: Backpack Front Pic 02: Backpack Rear Pic 03: Belt with full compliments: ammunition pouch x 2, water bottle x 2, bumpack x 1 Pic 04: Bumpack in isolationvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, equipment

The waterproof jack was an essential component of clothing during the monsoon weather so to protect the soldiers comfort and health.The jacket provided protection and comfort during the daily downpours during the monsoon season.Water resistant jacket, Size M, camouflage colouring.Carry back shows the makers label. Additionally the label records the name and unit of a previous owner: Derek Welton, 1PL, HQ Coy.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

From the Imperial War Museums website (IWM UK): Second World War period transceiver set widely used by US, and Allied, Armed Forces in Italy, N W Europe, and the Pacific. The US Signal Corps developed the SCR-536 early in the Second World War, It was produced from 1942 onwards by the Galvin Manufacturing Co. By 1945 130,000 had been produced. The SCR-536 was an extremely popular set and was colloquially known as a "Handie-Talkie". It consisted of a five-valve, low-power, battery operated, AM (HF) transceiver that was designed for portability and ease of operation. It featured a single channel crystal control between 3.5 and 6Mc/s, and it had an R/T communication range of 1 mile over land and 3 miles over salt water. The set was switched into a receiving mode by extending the telescopic aerial, and to transmit the press-to-talk switch was depressed. The aerial was protected by a connected cover. The set was well-engineered and designed and could be held in one hand, hence "Handie-Talkie" . It was used virtually everywhere in the world, weighed only 2kg, and was proofed against fungi and moisture.The SCR-536 was also modified for use in military gliders under the designation SCR-585.Short range portable transceiver. A large green-painted metal box with perforated small round holes in the shape of hexagons (original perforated round black earpiece and mouthpiece missing). On the back is a long green webbing carrying strap. (not original)Between the earpiece and mouthpiece is a plaque that reads "SIGNAL CORPS US ARMY RADIO RECEIVER AND TRANSMITTER BC-611-C. SERIAL NUMBER: 3017. ORDER NUMBER: 1345-WF-43. MADE BY GALVIN MFG CORPORATION CHICAGO ILLINOIS. On label : FREQUENCY 3996 Kev/ CHANNEL/ BAT. DATE Red square stamp walkie talkie, handie talkie, telecommunication, ww2, world war 2, american, wireless equipment, signal corps, us army, transceiver, bc 611 c

Catholic Chaplains Communion kit carried by Rev JJ Tresidder. Rev Tresidder served during the second world war as an Army Chaplian.Catholic Chaplians Communition kit, carried by WW2 chaplain VX117292 John Joseph Tressider. This is an example of the style of equipment, soldiers would have been offered communion from.Communion kit, consisting of 10 items. 1. A white linen Corporal with small red cross embroidered in its centre. This item was used during Mass/ communion/ Lords Supper to collect any host if it were to be dropped, especially after concecration. 2. Pyx. This is a flat circular dish with a hinged lid. On the side of the container is a small silver ball with a hole drilled through it to allow a string to be placed through and the Pyx to be worn around the priests neck. The Pyx is made of silver, and has a cross engraved on the lid. on the reverse " Rev. J.J.Tressider Catholic Chaplain" is enscribed. This item holds individual hosts ( bread) Following Concecration hosts are to be consumed or worn by the Priest and later to be distrubted as reserved sacrement. 3.Paten, a small silver dish, slightly bowing in the centre. There are no engraving on this item except for the makers stamps on the reverse. "T.G. Aunt & Co." " STG. Silver" Use for holding the Priests Host (Bread) representing the body of Christ, broken for all. 4. Chalice. Silver cup with flaired base.The inseide of the cup has a gold coloured appearence. On the base is a small raised silver cruisifix affixed by a screw. The Chalice was used asa a cup for holding water and wine, drunk from by all as a common cup, beginning and ending with the Priest. 5&6. Two silver Cruets. Each crust is a small silver jug with sloping sides with a small pinched lip for pouring. There are no handles and each cruet has the words " Catholic Chaplain" enscribed on its side. One of the cruets is used for adding a small amount of water to the chalice, representing Christs humanity, the outher is used to add a small amount of wine, representing the blood of Christ and divinity. 7. Lavabo Bowl. a small silver bowl with raised sides. The bowl has " Catholic Chaplain" inscribed in the base of the disg. The Lavabo bowl is used to wash the Priests hands prior to celebrating the Mass. 8. Ewer. A small silver water jug with a curled handle. The Ewer has 3 bands engraved arounf its middle and inside has a goldish tint. On its base is stamped "Albion Pla" "EPNS A" The Ewer is used to wash the priests hands prior to Mass. 9. Oil for the infirm- A small sliver canister that can be screwed to two similat canasters. The base has an internal screw thread to allow this to happen. The lid can be screwed on/ off and has an ornate cross enscribed on its top. The side of the canaster has a letter "I" incribed on it filling most of the canasters side. The canaster is believed to still contain the oil. The oil of the infirm is used outside of the mass in a service to administer the sacrement of the anointing of the sick. 10, Leather Oil Carry case, small, chocolate brown tubular carrying case with two snaps for closure on the side. the case has cardboard stiffening and a small amount of cottonwool to soak up any spilt oil. Case is used to carry upto three oil canasters. listed in descriptioncatholic church, 5/6rvr, chaplains kit

This item is representive of the equiment used by the enemy of members of the AIF in France and Belguim during the First World War Black, metal tear drop shaped water bottle with leather strap ( broken) around the neck of the bottle. The lid and cover for this water bottle are missing. There is a small dint at the lower front of the bottle

Late WW1 gas maskThis item was worn by German soldiers to protect them against chemical weapons during WW1Late first world war gas mask complete with field grey carry tin and replacement lenses in original paper Tin has a short, tan cotton strap for wearing over the wearers shoulder. replacement lenses are packed in celephane with "klarscheiben vor feuchtigkeit schutzen nicht wischen, nur am rande anfassen so einlegen" which translates to "Do not wipe clear discs from moisture protection, just touch at the edge so insert " 27.Mal1918 on base of tin "klarscheiben vor feuchtigkeit schutzen nicht wischen, nur am rande anfassen so einlegen" on replacemet lenses ww1, german, gas mask, wark vc club

Late WWI German gas mask tinThis item was used by German soldiers to house and carry gas masks to protect them against chemical weapons during WW1Late First World War German field grey carry tin for gas mask. One tan cotton strap for wearing over the wearers shoulder. Shorter tan cotton strap with button hole to attach to wearers belt. Inside tin lid has piece of paper with German inscriptions.Inside tin lid has piece of paper with German inscriptions. Inscription 'SS' overlapping on tin lid lip.ww1, gas mask, tin, german, wark vc club

Two small copies of War Workers' Woolcraft - Knitting and Spinning books: one with a red paper cover and the other with a faded khaki coloured paper cover. 1. The red front cover book shows the title printed inside a black cloud shape with a black lined illustration of a ball of wool underneath. The Country Women's Assoc. South Aust. is printed on the cover inside a round shaped black crest. It is compiled by The Country Women's Association of Victoria and sponsored by the Australian Wool Board. Inside on the back of the front cover is an Introduction by the Chairman of the Australian Wool Board, Sir Dalziel Kelly, K.B., L.L.B. explaining the reason for these books encouraging the use of Australian wool to support the Empire Forces. The Foreward promotes the CWA in a similar vein. The book has knitting hints, patterns useful for war service members in the navy, army and air force patterns for clothing - caps, sleeveless pullover, waistcoat muffler, armlets, man's socks and mittens, kneecaps, hot water bottle covers and scarves. Inside the back cover is advice on checking your tape measure against the 6 Inch one printed on the page. 2. The khaki covered book is similar, but is compiled by the Country Women's Association of Victoria with Price 3d.- posted 4d. at the bottom of the cover. It is a Third Edition. Both have advertising on the last few pages.non-fictionThe red covered book is compiled by The Country Women's Association of Victoria and sponsored by the Australian Wool Board. On the back of the front cover is an Introduction by the Chairman of the Australian Wool Board, Sir Dalziel Kelly, K.B., L.L.B. explaining the reason for these books encouraging the use of Australian wool to support the Empire Forces. The Foreward promotes the CWA in a similar vein. The book has knitting hints, patterns useful for war service members in the navy, army and air force patterns for clothing.The khaki covered book is similar, but is compiled by the Country Women's Association of Victoria. It is a Third Edition. knitting, knitting patterns, knitting equipment

Boer war issue bag to carry ammunition and other weapon equipment over shoulder Press stud on back cover. Strap for holding front closedProduced by Holden and FrostLeather shoulder bag with canvas shoulder strap. Pouches on the front for holding ammunition, small back flap container on rearmilitary, bag, shoulder carried

Canvas strap worn by soldiers as part of equipment to attatch ammunition pouchesManufactured in 1946 by GMH for military purposesCanvas strap with centre section 280 x 85mm stitched to 450 x 25 mm lengths each end. Brass fittings each endGMH 1945 D Dmilitary, war, canvas