Image appears to be of rural village and outlying buildings on Tarakan Island The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of distant village in countrysideOn rear - Tarakan2/24th battalion, tarakan, ww2

Image appears to be of Army camp based near/at rural village with outlying buildings on Tarakan Island The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of two rows of long buildings with four men between one small building and two rows of tent like structures in the foreground. There are small buildings and smoke rising in the background.On rear - Boxing ring on Tarakan2/24th battalion, tarakan, ww2

Prior to the Second World War Tarakan Island was part of the Dutch East Indies and an important oil-producing centre. In early 1942 it was occupied by the Japanese. The primary objective for the Allied attack on Tarakan (code-named "Oboe One") was to secure and develop the island's airstrip so that it could be used to provide air cover for subsequent landings in Brunei, Labuan and Balikpapan. The secondary objective for the operation was to secure Tarakan's oilfields and bring them into operation as a source of oil for the Allied forces. As part of the 26th Brigade the 2/24 Battalion landed at Tarakan on May1 1945. The task of capturing Tarakan's airstrip was assigned to the 2/24th Battalion. The Battalion's initial attack on the airstrip on the night of 2 May was delayed when the Japanese set off large explosive charges, and the airstrip was not secured until 5 MayThe 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of metal pylon structures with man standing in bombed foreground Handwritten on rear - Oil wells on Tarakan2/24th battalion, tarakan, ww2

RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREAThe 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of soldiers and Army Officer watching on as two soldiers in foreground demonstrate equipment2/24th battalion, ww2, ravenshoe, blamey

Dame Gracie Fields, DBE (born Grace Stansfield; 9 January 1898 – 27 September 1979) was an English actress, singer and comedienne and star of both cinema and music hall. When World War II was declared and whilst recovering from surgery she threw herself into her work and signed up for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Fields travelled to France to entertain the troops in the midst of air-raids, performing on the backs of open lorries and in war-torn areas. She performed many times for Allied troops, travelling as far as New Guinea, where she received an enthusiastic response from Australian personnel. In late 1945 she toured the South Pacific Islands. In 1979, seven months before her death, she was invested a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the entertainment industry.Reproduced black and white photograph of female wearing army jacket with soldiers kneeling and standing in background. Handwritten on rear - Gracie Fields in Pacificgracie fields, ww2, new guinea, 1945, south pacific islands

The images depict the formal signing of the surrender of the Japanese Forces at Morotai on September 9 1945.The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. There were a number of surrender ceremonies including Morotai on September 9 1945. Morotai Island, was headquarters of the Australian forces in the Netherlands East Indies and before an assembly of more than l0,000 Australian and allied troops the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces (General Sir Thomas Blamey) accepted on the 9 September the formal surrender of all Japanese in the eastern half of the Netherlands East Indies. The instrument of surrender was Japanese signed by Lt-General Teshima, commander of the Japanese Second Army, comprising about 126,000 Japanese.Brown timber frame containing 7 photographs copied on papermorotai, ww2, japanese surrender

In early January 1945, Australian warships took part in their next big naval action of the campaign when American forces were landed at Lingayen Gulf for the invasion of Luzon Island. Their objective was the capital, Manila. The frigates Gascoyne and Warrego carried out survey tasks and escort duties, coming under artillery fire and also attacks from aircraft. The Kanimbla, Manoora and Westralia again transported American troops for the landings and once again the escorts included the cruisers Shropshire and Australia – the latter had undergone repair – and the destroyers Arunta and Warramunga. Whist not confirmed, this large cane woven oval tray with The Philippines Coat of Arms in the centre above list of Royal Australian Navy ships that were involved in the liberation of the Philippines, is believed to have belonged to Robert Hamilton Hutchieson PM 4802 who served on HMAS Westralia as a landing craft coxswain in the Southwest Pacific Campaign 1942 to 1945. Large oval shaped cane woven basket tray The Invasion of the Philippines Image of Coat of Arms Commonwealth of the Philippines Kanimbla, Westralia, Manoura, Australia, Shropshire, Arunta, Warramunga, Gascoyne January 1945ww2, invasion of the philippines, 1945, hmas westralia, hmas kanimbla

A WWII silk newspaper front page from The Selma Times Journal, September 2nd 1945, announcing the unconditional surrender by Japs completed at twenty minute ceremony. Sunday is proclaimed as VJ Day in global broadcast by Truman .... The end of the long road back. The Selma Times-Journal is a six-day-a-week newspaper located in Selma, Alabama. It publishes every day of the week except Monday. It is owned by Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based Boone Newspapers Inc. The paper was founded as the Selma Courier on November 2, 1827, by Thomas Jefferson Frow.Brown timber frame containing red and white silk scarf featuring newspaper headline above picture of a flag and map of JapanThe Selma times Journal dated September 2 1945silk scarf, the selma times journal, 2nd september 1945

Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 issued to Flying Officer Owen Campbell MORTIMER 420235. Discharged 2/7/1945 at own request to resume civil occupation. Awarded 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Victory Medal and eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge.Cream paper with black print and type with emblem centre top contained within a black border and attached by staple top left corner to large sheet of paper.Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 Rear - To the Secretary the Returned Soldier's League with compliments Dr Owen Mortimer 29th May, 1989owen campbell mortimer, raaf, ww2

Photograph of the 2/24th Battalion A Company featuring 24 soldiers numbered and most identified by name.Black and gold plastic frame housing enlarged copy of black and white photograph of soldiers in four rows each numbered with list of names below.At top handwritten - A Coy 2/24 Battww2, 2/24 battalion a coy

Plaque present to Corporal Sperry BODSWORTH MID who served with the 2/21st Battalion and involved with the Battle of Ambon. On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber in the shape of a shield mounted with a metal a coat of arms depicting white seagull above black and orange diamond within pale blue oval shape.Gull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha Plaque - Cpl Sperry Bodsworth VX23435 MIDgull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

These medals together with striped ribbon miniature bar were awarded to William Keith GRAY VX77837 who was born on 17/10/1915 at Warragul in Victoria.Four medals - Two silver round in shape - only one has ribbon attached. Two brass star shaped with striped ribbon attached. ww2, william k gray, army

Badges and buttons from army jacket belonging William Keith GRAY VX77837 who was born on 17/10/1915 at Warragul in Victoria.9 x Round brass buttons embossed with crown above map of Australia 2 x Brass arc shaped badges in the word Australia 1 x Brass half semi shaped badge of the rising sunmilitary badges and buttons, ww2

Original copy of report prepared and signed by Linton Lancashire VX84376 V29336 and attachments on the Japanese surrender of Dutch Borneo. Two page typed copy report of the ceremony and negotiations leading to the Japanese Surrender of Dutch Borneo signed by L Lancashire WO1 2/5 Australian Field Ambulance. Three pages of typed copy outlining the ceremony for the signing by Vice Admiral KAMADA of the Instrument of Surrender aboard HMAS Gascoyne on 8 Sep 1945. Two pages of diagrams depicting layout for surrender ceremony. Original signed copy of report and attachments of the arrangements for the signing ceremony of the Japanese Surrender of Dutch Borneo on 8 Sep 1945. Seven pages of cream coloured foolscap paper with black typeJanpanese Surrender of Dutch Borneo 8th September, 1945japanese surrender of dutch borneo, hmas gascoyne, 8/9/1945, ww2

Instrument of Surrender marking the surrender of Japanese Forces by Vice Admiral Kamada to Australian Major General Edward James Milford on 8 September 1945. After the surrender of Japan, a Dutch military court convicted Kamada of war crimes for the executions of 1,500 west Borneo natives in 1944 and the ill treatment of 2,000 Dutch POWs held on Flores Island. Kamada was sentenced to death and was executed on 18 October 1947.Black and white photograph of documentinstrument of surrender, ww2

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS DISCUSS THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN.Black and white photograph of uniformed men around table on board ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. JAPANESE OFFICER WITNESSING SIGNING OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN.Black and white photograph of japanese officer standing at tableww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. ON THE TABLE IS THE SWORD OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES VICE ADMIRAL KAMADA.Black and white photograph of japanese officer placing sword on tableww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. ON THE TABLE IS THE SWORD OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES VICE ADMIRAL KAMADA.Black and white photograph of japanese officer standing before sword on tableww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. FILMED AND WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS SIGNING OF THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKINBlack and white photograph of japanese officers standing on deck of ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS DISCUSS THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. Black and white photograph of officers seated around table on deck of ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

JAPANESE VICE-ADMIRAL MITCHISHI KAMADA ABOARD USN PTB377 COMING ALONGSIDE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN ON 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 TO SURRENDER THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO. THE SURRENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL E.J. MILFORD, GOC 7TH DIVISION, AIF AT A POSITION SOME 50 MILES NORTH EAST OF BALIKPAPAN.Black and white photograph of officers and seamen on deck of ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

PHOTOGRAPH IS PART OF COLLECTION TAKEN ON 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 AT THE SIGNING OF THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON BOARD HMAS BURDEKIN. THE SURRENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL E.J. MILFORD, GOC 7TH DIVISION, AIF NEAR BALIKPAPAN.Black and white photograph of distant ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

Image depicts a group of 10 unknown soldiers from Wangaratta in Victoria On grey mount original black and white photograph of 10 soldiers in three rows all wearing army coats and slouch hats. Row of tents in back ground.Top left corner - Wangaratta Bhoy's" Attached to rear - newspaper article entitled "Wangaratta's Own" returns wangaratta, ww2, army

Printed Address made to the AIF by General Sir Harold R.L.G Alexander, DSO, MC Commander in Chief The Middle East Forces at a parade of the AIF (9th Australian Division) held in Palestine on 22nd December,1942, in commemoration of Fallen Comrades. Item belonged to Lieutenant Colonel George Watson BLACKWOOD OBE born Glasglow Scotland who immigrated to Western Australia in 1911 aged 4 years. He moved to Victoria prior to being demobilized in 1945 as an Engineer with the Australian Army Field Workshop. The 9th Division sustained more casualties and won more medals than any other Australian Division with seven of its members receiving the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for gallantry.Cream paper with crest and four lines running top to bottom down left side of printed black typed text. 9th australian division, palestine, ww2

During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circleRats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branchrats of tobruk, ww2

Photograph of Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 born 14 July 1909 Condoblin NSW. Enlisted at South Melbourne.Black and white photograph of soldier standing in front of house.ww2, leonard francis muldoon, army

Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster. Released in 1941 before Japan had entered the war, at a time when many Australians were reluctant to enlist to fight on the other side of the world. James Northfield (1887 - 1973) was an Australian graphic artist active from the 1910s through to the 1960s .Northfield created a series of patriotic posters during World War IIDepicts a man donning a uniform, rifle in one hand, his civilian clothes lie in heap on the ground behind him.Full text; Join the AIF: This is serious! Enlist Nowrecruitment poster, ww2, james northfield

Aircraft air speed indicator made by Pioneer Instrument Company which specialised in aeronautical instruments. Black painted cylindrical instrument with glass face . There is a side cutout containing metal parts . Air Speed Pioneerraaf, aircraft, airspeed indicator, ww2, pioneer instrument co

Black and white image of Pilot Officer Wilkinson 400444 who was seconded from the RAAF to the RAF flying missions over Germany. His gallantry earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1944 for numerous successful missions over Germany. He was Killed in Action on 30th of August 1944.Brown and black marbled plastic frame containing black and white photograph of an Airman in flying suit, flying goggles on head and long gloves holding two round discs.Handwritten on rear - Flt Lieu John Wilkinson j h wilkinson, raaf, dfc, ww2