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Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - Army Survey Regiment Warrant Officers and Sergeants, c1975
This photograph of the Army Survey Regiment’s Warrant Officers and Sergeants was taken at Fortuna Villa Bendigo in c1975. WO1 John Hogan served as RSM of the Regiment from 1968 to 1976.This is a photograph of the Warrant Officers and Sergeants posted to Army Survey Regiment c1975, Fortuna Villa, Bendigo Victoria. The photograph was printed on photographic paper and is part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photograph was scanned at 300 dpi. .1) Photo, black & white c1975. Middle Row to L to R: centre WO2 Tom Pattison, Front Row to L to R: 2nd WO1 Marj Knight, centre RSM WO1 John Hogan. All other personnel are unidentified.no annotationsroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - UNIFORM, WINTER CEREMONIAL NAVY, ADA - Australian Defence Apparel, 1994-1996
David Dixon RAN R112262. Enlisted July 1972 as a Junior recruit age 15 years 9 months at HMAS Leeuwin. Passed out as Ordinary Seamen QMG and posted to HMAS Sydney 111 in Sept 1973. Jan 1974 - Feb 1981 with HMAS Derwent River Class Destroyer. Feb 1981 posted to HMAS Flinders Survey Ship. Sept 1981 promoted to Provisional Petty Officer QMG and then to HMAS Cerberus Gunnery School. Promoted to Petty Officer QMG then to HMAS Yarra 1984 then to HMAS Gladstone. Discharged from the RAN June 1987. Re Enlist 1996 and did a refresher course and posted to HMAS Success Fleet Tanker then HMAS Brisbane till 2001. Posted to HMAS Kuttabul with Recurring Back Injury and Discharged from the RAN May 2002. Total 21 years service with 17 off at Sea.1. Jacket - Black, Wool/Polyester, Insignias, yellow metal buttons. 2. Trousers - Black, Wool/Polyester. 3. Shirt - White, Polyester/Cotton. 4. Tie - Black, Polyester/Viscose. 5. Officers Peaked Cap - Plastic, White and Black, polyester, Elasticised band, Petty Officer Insignia.1. On Jacket - 3 stipes in gold braid. Petty Officer Insignia on Left Shoulder. Category Insignia on Right shoulder - Quartermaster Gunner.uniform, navy -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - JAPANESE SURRENDER
Japanese Surrender document written in Japanese writing.Cream paper with Japanese writing in blue print, English translation in red ink. Overleaf black ink Japanese writing in a black border."The Japanese with this message has ceased resistance. he should be treated well in accordance with International Law. Take him to the nearest Commanding Officer. C -in- C. Allied Forces" documents, japanese surrender, ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, JAPANESE SURRENDER, 9 September 1945
On back: "Japanese surrender to Aust. Army Wewack 1945" written in grey lead.Black & White photo, rectangular shape, showing the Japanese Officers saluting Aust. Army Officers. A small wooden table with documents placed on it. 2 microphones, background has a large group of Aust. soldiers, three tent roofs can be seen.photograph, ww2, japanese surrender, png 1945 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - UNIFORM, AIR FORCE, 1) .2) Carr, Son and Woor LTD, C.1944
Richard Noel Levy No 428329 RAAF enlisted on 10.10.1942 age 18 years, he flew with No 180 Sqd "B 25 Mitchell Bombers" flying 49 missions over Germany, his first operation was on 30 11.1944, discharged from the RAAF with the rank of Flying Officer on 3.1 1946.1) RAAF uniform jacket dark blue colour, inner soft lining complete with buttons, belt, Pilot Officers insignia and 3 x service ribbons being 1939 - 45 star, France and Germany Star and Defence medal. Tag on inside pocket with makers and owners details, sleeves have metal crown and wings on. .2)Trousers, dark blue complete with buttons, tag sewn on with makers and owners details. .3) Hat peak RAAF blue colour with Crown and Wings on front, black hat band with black leather strap, leather liner, tag sewn on inside..1) On tag in pocket, " "Oct 1944 P/O R.N.Levy RAAF". .2) Same as .1) .3) "R.N.Levy"raaf, uniforms -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - CAP, PEAKED, J. COMPTON SON & WEBB LTD LONDON
Officer peak cap - Black felt cap with red edge trim and red wool felt hat band and black leather chin strap. Secured by gilt Australian Military Forces metal buttons. Inside of cap lined with red coloured silk and plastic. Sweatband - light brown leather. Makers label and size label.Makers label in gold print - "BY APPOINTMENT/ J.COMPTON SONS & WEBB/LTD/LONDON Size label in black print 'J. COMPTON SON & WEBB LTD LONDON/ 6 7/8"unifomr, military -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - CAP, PEAKED, R.A.N, c1939-1945
BlundenPeaked cap RAN. White crown, black cotton band, insignia, peak - hard plastic. Inner lining - plastic.Badge Naval Insignia - Petty Officer - Embroidered crown, gold laurel leaves, Anchoruniiform, peak cap, ran -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - CAP, PEAKED, Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories, Melbourne
Belonged to Lt. Col. Duffy MC - see catalogue No. 4991P.1 & 2. Officers Peak cap - blackwood felt fabric cap with red edge trim and red wool felt hat band and black leather chin strap secured by gilt Australian Military Forces metal buttons. At front of hat band is a gold coloured embroidered badge of a lion over a Queens crown. peak decorated with gold braid. 1. Lining - black satin fabric with plastic cover, mid brown leather sweatband. Makers label "Commonwealth/Government/Clothing Factories/Melbourne" 7 3/6. 2. Lining - brown satin fabric, mid brown leather sweatband. uniform, military -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS 38th BN, Post 1920
.1) William Edgar Stanbury No 997 enlisted on 26.2.1916 age 21 years in C Coy 38th Bn AIF, embarked for England 20.6.1916, hospital at sea with Measles, embarked for France 22.11.1916, WIA GSW to hand 8.6.1917, rejoin unit 5.8.1917, awarded “MM” 4.10.1917, made L/Cpl 8.11.1917, WIA 2nd occasion 31.8 1918 wounds to leg & chest, embark for Australia 25.1.1919, discharged from the AIF 30.4.1919. “MM” Military Medal East of Ypres. Being held up by 2 enemy machine gunners and on his own initiative worked forward sniping the gunners enabling others to advance and capture the garrison of 2 Officers and 20 OR’s. Throughout the day exhibited great coolness and disregard of self and by his skilful sniping enabled his Platoon to advance against other enemy strongpoints. .2) Stanbury seated, Leslie W Clark standing (Possibly 2087 Leslie William Clark) .3) Stanbury right Photos B & W, soldiers in uniform, studio background. .1) Edgar Stanbury standing, L/Cpl stripe on arm, “MM” ribbon on jacket. .2) Leslie Clark standing, Edgar Stanbury sitting. .3) Unknown on the left, Edgar Stanbury on the right, “MM” ribbon on jacket.photographs, 38th bn, “mm”, c coy -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS 38th BN, 1917 - 18
.1) John Jacob Giddens No 884 C Coy. .2) Sitting, Stanley Brunker Verso No 1015 C Coy. .3) Herbert Waterland No 1929 2nd reinforcements C Coy. .4) James Leslie Grant No 889 C Coy. Edgar Stanbury MM collection, refer Cat No 5032.3P for details.Post card photos sepia tone rectangular shape, soldiers in uniform studio background. .1) Sitting Jack Giddens, WIA stripe on arm, cigarette in hand. .2) On left sitting Dick Verso in Officers uniform, standing Alan Verso. .3) Sitting Herb Waterland cigarette in hand. .4) Jim Grant. All cards have hand writing on the back..1) “Jack Giddens, he was in the carriage with me that morning at Flinders St and is still going strong, he is a mate of Mr Verso, he was on leave with us in Blighty, he comes from Mernda near Whittlsea Vic, Edgar” .2) “Lieut Dick Verso of the Company, he came over with us a Private, he is a nice chap, Ed”. .3) “Pte H Waterland C Coy, I was on leave in Blighty with him, 25.10.18 still with the Coy, Ed”. .4) “To Ed with best wishes from Jas Grant 7.5.18. Jim Grant of Beaufort Vic, C Coy, 25.10 10 with the Coy yet, Ed”.photographs, 38th bn, c coy -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - Army Survey Regiment Army and Civilian Establishment Authorisation, 23 05 1975
This document was a directive from Army Headquarters authorising the allocation of Army and Civilian positions to the Army Survey Regiment. It provided an organisational wire diagram summarising the overall numbers of Officer, Civilian and Other Ranks to RHQ, and Headquarters, Air Survey, Cartographic and Lithographic Squadrons. Staff allocations to RHQ and each of the four squadron's troop and/or sections were identified in a table format, by hierarchy of rank and employment categories.This document comprises 7 pages of information in black and white with diagrams and tables detailing the allocation of staff to the unit. Pages are fixed by a metal fastener. There is no cover.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, BLACK & WHITE, R.A.F, c1946
Relates to the service of R.A.F. SQNLDR VMK James, in Hong Kong 1946.Seven Black and white photos. 1. Japanese war criminals lined up with RAF guards 8 Sep 1945. 2. Pix of a building Pan Yuen (Officers Mess). 3. Pix of three men, two Europeans, one Chinese. 4. Pix of bogged "Blitz Truck" on beach. 5. Pix of UK Soldiers in font of Japanese truck. 7 Sep 1946, looking for an American Airman. 6. Portrait of Chan Chung Hang given to SQNLDR VMK James. 7. Pix of Chinese children at a Christmas party.ww2, hong king, kowloon -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, OFFICERS COURSE, C.1941
Woolamenata was a Station property used by Southern Command for a Training School during WW2. Photo possibly relates to Cat No 4743.4Photo B & W rectangular shape on light fawn backing, photo shows a group of Officers outside a brick building, rear has hand written details in blue.On rear, “Selected Senior Officers Course Woolamenata Fb 1941”officers coure, woolamenata -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, OFFICERS, S.J.Wood Press Photographer, Sept 1939
Photo possibly relates to Cat No 4743.4B & W photo rectangular shape showing a group of 28 Officers outside a building, rear has hand written details in blue pen, stamped purple re photographers detailsOn rear in blue pen, “Command & Staff Course Victoria barracks Sydney NSW 1939”photos, officers course -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, Gallipoli Landings, Pan Macmillan Australia Pty Limited, "36 DAYS - THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND THE GALLIPOLI LANDINGS", 2010
... "Hugh Dolan, a former intelligence officer...Bendigo Military Museum 37 - 39 Pall Mall Bendigo ..."Hugh Dolan, a former intelligence officer in the Australian military, has minutely re-examined the assault itself, giving us a day by day account of the build up to the landing that shows a very different side to the Gallipoli story".Soft Cover Book. Soft cover - cardboard, white, black and red print on front, spine and back. Front cover - background illustration in grey/black tones of group of soldiers in a landing craft. 445 pages, cut, plain, off white paper, illustrated black and white photographs and maps.non-fiction"Hugh Dolan, a former intelligence officer in the Australian military, has minutely re-examined the assault itself, giving us a day by day account of the build up to the landing that shows a very different side to the Gallipoli story".book, ww1, gallipoli -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH: Group portrait of AIF Officers 37 Btn AIF, 37 Battalion, includes Symons V.C, c1916-1919
The Battalion C.O. was Lt.Col. F.G. Woods.Black and white portrait of a group of AIF Officers 37 Btn AIF, They are arranged in three rows with a corrugated iron hut behind them. There is long grass in front of them. The officers are in service dress with Sam Brown belts, canes and riding crops. Captain W J Symons V.C. is in the front row. The photo is mounted on a piece of thick cardboard.Names of the officers are printed on the cardboard under the photo. The makers name and address is there as well.ww1, 37 btn, aif, symons v.c. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - UNIFORM, ARMY NURSES, Fletcher Jones, 1991
Winter Service Dress Capt Linda Elliot, R.A.A.N.C Refer Cat No 4308.1) Jacket, khaki wool/polyester with rank epaulettes 3 pips, white metal buttons, red lanyard. .2) Shirt, light khaki polyester. .3) Trousers khaki wool/polyester. .4) Beret felt dark green colour with A.A.N.C badge. .5) Belt, plastic webbing, khaki colour with metal clasp buckle. .6) Tie wool khaki. .7) .8) Socks wool khaki..1) Epaulettes on shoulder, Officer rank Capt R.A.A.N.C .4) Beret badge, R.A.A.N.Cuniforms, service dress, raanc -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - CERTIFICATE OF UNFITNESS, Australian Military Forces, 18.10.1944
The medical exemption relates to Oliver Foster Tree Lopper Rosedale St St Ives. Refer Cat No 4783Certificate of unfitness medical form A.A.Form Mob.5. Australian Military Forces, all print in black, hand written in blue pen stamped twice in purple, rear is blank.Stamped, “Area 18B Hornsby”, “B.T.FRANKEL LIEUT Area Officer , Area 18B”.documents, certificates, medical -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARD, MILITARY, Australian Military Forces, 23.2.1943
The notification to Mr Oliver Foster to tell him he will be notified in either off 3 ways to attend a medical examination. Refer Cat No 4783Military Post Card Eastern Command PRO FORM U 19A, rectangular shape, off white colour, front has green stamp & P.O stamp print in black, purple stamp hand written in black pen, rear all print in black stamped in purple hand written in black.On front in black pen, “Mr O FOSTER Rosedale St St Ives”, stamped, “Area 18B Hornsby”, rear signed by, “W Brown” area Officer 18B, date stamped, “25 Feb 1943”.card, post cards, medical, examinations -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH OF A GROUP OF SOLDIERS, Australian Army, c1916 - 1918
These are WW1 Australian soldiers, They have leather bandoliers, leather leggings and spurs. Most have slouch hats. Therefore they are probably drivers. The big officer in the middle has red tabs so it is assumed he would be Colonel or above. Seated on the ground, right side is a veteran. He has a colour patch with the letter "A" . There is a Lance Corporal with a colour patch. I would place this as c1916-1918.This is a small group portrait set into a cardboard frame. The photo is black and white. There are 3 ranks of soldiers in front of a timber weatherboard building.On the back written in texta is Mrs O. Pell.photograph, ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - INSIGNIA, C. 1940 - 45
Items relating W.O Albert Corrie, refer cat No 4847 for serviceBoth, Embroided Warrant Officer rank insignia, crown centre, colours khaki, brown and white.insignia, rank, warrant officer -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - TOBACCO RATION
National Security (Tobacco Rationing) for ex. service personnel after WWII, issued to VX119118 Robert Charles Letts of Bendigo. Also see Cat. No. 4867.2Small sheet of paper - Document Nr. 48037 Front side has soldiers details to be filled out. It also has spaces for authorising officer, date and place. The rear side has a list of what the authorised monthly quota of tobacco is for males & females.Made out to Letts, Robert Charles. 79 Williamson St Bendigo. VX119118. Discharged 27-11-45. Royal Park. Quota is shown as 8 Oz. Fine Cut Tobacco. Name of Nominated Retailer is also shown.tobacco, wwii -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Vehicle - Kayak, Commandos
The remarkable story when 74 soldiers fought in vain to save the lives of their mates off Portsea as 3 soldiers died. Tragically, Privates Roger Wood and Edward Meyer, and Warrant Officer George "Taffy" Drakopoulos, died. Please Note: "The Rip" is also known as "The Heads", which is a dangerous stretch of water connecting Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. This is the only entrance for all shipping into Port Phillip Bay and to and from the Port of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.Kayak of a similar type as those used during the ill-fated army exercise with loss of life in the rip.rip disaster, commandos, kayak, military history - army -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Instrument - Barometer and Clock mounted on a timber cabinet and 10 associated items from the TSS Nairana, 1915
Bass Strait passenger ship Nairana. Built for Bass Strait ferry operator Huddart Parker & Co. Ltd. of Melbourne during World War One, the Nairana was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and completed as a seaplane carrier, HMS Nairana. Serving from 1917 to 1920 participating in the capture of Archangel during the Bolshevik Revolution. After 1920 she was decommissioned as a seaplane carrier and returned to her Australian owners crossing Bass Strait until she was laid up in 1948. Just off Port Phillip Heads on April 12 1936, a strong wave struck the Nairana, tipping her over for two minutes before she righted herself again. During the horrifying two minutes, four people were drowned, and eight people were injured. The ship was reportedly carrying roughly one tonne of concrete in the hull when she tipped. Reports from the local papers said that it was a tidal wave meanwhile others were saying it was either an earthquake or a total lie. A later paper said that the ship had been caught in a rip at the mouth of the bay, causing the tragedy. The S.S Nairana, was sold for £4,000 (over $170,200 in today’s money!) in 1951 after two years of being stranded on the beach at Port Melbourne, when the moorings broke one night during a storm and drifted ashore, causing her to wreck.Items associated with the TSS/HMS Nairana in its military and civilian roles and items relating to Capt. JF Spence, navigation Officer and possibly later the captain who sailed with the Nairana out of Plymouth after WWI. .01 Barometer and Clock from Dining Saloon .02 Commemorative plaque describing the HMS Nairana's WWI service with timber mount for plaque with information sheet attached. .03 Clock Key .04 Two 2 Log books owned by Capt. Spence containing the navigation calculations for the journey from Plymouth to Melbourne. .05 Huddart Parker hat badge [Capt. JF Spence].Barometer and Clock from dining saloon, TSS Nairana 1917 - 1951 Clock Key - 4 50-No9 Hat badge - HPtss nairana, wwi, bass strait, huddart parker, capt. spence -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Functional object - Paddles
In 1960 seventy-four commandos from 2 Commando Company left Point Lonsdale at 6pm on February 17 to cross The Rip in an exercise raid on the Portsea officer school. Shortly after departing, a strong tide caught the raiding party and pushed them out to sea through The Rip, where 10-metre waves capsized many of the kayaks and amphibious vehicles. Many of the men were picked up by larger rescue boats, only to be overturned once again in the heavy seas. Warrant Officer George Drakopolous and the driver of his amphibious DUKW, Private Eddie Meyer, both drowned as their vehicle sank. Eight of the commandos were rescued in Bass Strait after being picked up by an Italian ship, the Toscana. Commando Roger Wood helped others board the Toscana safely but was washed off a rope ladder by a monster wave and into the sea. His body was never found. It remains one of Australia's least-known peacetime military tragedies.One of the later disasters around the Rip between Points Nepean and Lonsdale. The 'Queenscliffe' lifeboat turned out to search for survivors without success Paddles from a Mk3 foldaboat used in ill fated commando training exercise in 1960the rip disaster, kayaks, oars -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Plaque Australian Staff College Queenscliffe, Australian Staff College Queenscliffe
At the end of World War II, the Federal Government decided to increase the strength of the post-war Regular Army and Cabinet gave approval for the establishment of a Staff College in Australia. On 27 February 1946, the Staff School (Australia) was re-named the Australian Staff College. Authority was given to raise the College and to locate it at Fort Queenscliff. Because the Fort was not ready for immediate occupation, a temporary home was found for the College, in June 1946, at the School of Infantry, Seymour Victoria. On 26 October 1946, the advance party of the College arrived at Fort Queenscliff and the first staff course to be conducted at the new College began in January 1947. Only in November 1979, after much thought and discussion, was it decided that the Australian Army Staff College would have a permanent home at Fort Queenscliff. On 1 January 1982, the College was renamed the Command and Staff College. This reflected the new aim of the Course which included both command and staff aspects. New support facilities were opened at Crow’s Nest Barracks in 1985 and work began in 1986 on the new instruction block at Fort Queenscliff. On 29 January 1988, the new Military Instructional Facility (MIF) was officially opened by the then Chief of the General Staff (CGS). The MIF features a lecture hall, a model room, syndicate rooms, computer centre, and library. Major rebuilding of the Officers Mess and Mess Accommodation was completed in mid-1990. By December 1996, 1224 officers had graduated from the Command and Staff College. The last course conducted under single service auspices, graduated in December 2000, thus bringing to a close a successful 62 years of Command and Staff College operation. http://www.fortqueenscliff.com.au/page11.htmWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmAustralian Staff College Queenscliffe -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
R.A.A.F. Long Service Medal
... , the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria ...Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Oil Painting HMAS Australia (1), HMAS Australia (1), 26/06/1910
HMAS Australia (1) The largest war ship in the Australian fleet was the first flagship of the Australian fleet in WW1. She was Commissiond and paid for by the Australian Goverment to ensure sdequate protection for the Australasion Pacific Region. She had a crew of 900 "Officers and Crew" and was equipted with four sets of 12 inch breech loading guns,side firing torpedos and fourteen 4 inch guns for surface and air contacts. On the 12 of April 1924 HMAS Australia (1) was with "Full Military Honours" Scuttled 50 km east of Sydney. Only 14 Years old.Framed Oil Paintinghmas australia oil painting pictures -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Naval Ceremonial Sword, This sword was made in London but has the name of the Melbourne retailer on the blade, being Craig Williamson and Thomas, Melbourne (Drapers)
This sword was a pre-colonial Victorian Navy Issue. (i.e. Pre-Federation). It came into the possession of of Allan John Rankin Watkins who used it during has naval service.Naval Officers Cermonial SwordThe sword has the Queen Victoria Coat of Arms on the Blade and the Crown on the Hilt. hmas sydney & the vietnam logistics support veterans association, naval sword -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Naval Ceremonial Sword, Wilkinson Sword, c 1960
Used by Leonard George Pollard. He served in H.M.A.S. ANZAC in Vietnam and retired as LCDR Engineer Ceremonial Naval Officers Sword Fine etching on both sides of the bladeh.m.a.s. anzac, hmas sydney & the vietnam logistics support veterans association