This letter was written during World War One from France in 1916 by Private George McDowall to a friend Mrs Maggie Craig. Private George Francis Ernest McDowall was a farmer from Nirranda who enlisted in August 1915. He landed in Egypt in1916 and was transferred to the 8th Battalion. He was killed in action at Pozieres on 25 July 1916 and was buried in France. This letter is an original one and is an important relic from World War One – from a soldier from the Warrnambool area who did not return. The letter is headed ‘From my little dug-out in the trench in France’ and he wrote: ‘It is a great life this if one can only get through it’. He did not survive the war and was killed only two and a half months after this letter was written. This is a letter written from France in 1916 during World War One. It is handwritten in pencil on buff-coloured paper. The paper has been folded and it is a little torn at the top. The page has some staining from age and handling. world war one, private george mcdowall, warrnambool history, world war 1 soldier's letter

This is a standard British Army Pigeon Service Message Book which was issued to Australian Army units during World War One. This Pigeon Service Message Book has no known local provenance but it is a very interesting memento of World War One.This is a British Army Pigeon Service Message Book which consists of a number of sheets of paper stapled into a cardboard cover protected with black leatherette. The writing on the front cover is stencilled in white. The ends of the cover are held together by a black elastic strap. The strap has now lost its elasticity. Inside the front cover is a printed sheet indicating the use of the book and the care of the pigeons. There are two leatherette tubes attached to the back cover which would have held writing implements. The book material consists of a top sheet printed with space for the message details, and sheets of carbon paper for two copies of the message. There is a piece of cardboard backing the carbon paper. None of the message pages has been used. The staples have rusted and the sides of the paper material are stained. The cover is a little crumpled and dirty. ‘Army Book 418’ ‘Pigeon Service Message Book’ world war one, british army pigeon service message book

These little tins were available for soldiers to buy before embarking to the first world war. As the candles and matches are contained within the tin , it would have been a ideal way to keep both dry. The lid of the tin could also have been useful as a windshield. The tin was donated in memory of Les Lawlor. James Leslie Lawlor was born in Mepunga and lived in Warrnambool and enlisted in October 1916. He was discharged as medically unfit as he had broken his wrist three years previously and the break had failed to heal well. The tin was donated in his memory by his sister Vera Maguire This item with its link to World War 1 soldiers has historical significance to Australians in general but is also a link to a local family. It is a complete object still with the candles and matches. Small rectangular tin box with image of three soldiers and tents in the background. Brown and yellow check pattern on sides and bottom. Small round hole in bottom with metal rim inside the tin , in which a candle would be placed. There are two small candles and a rectangular section in which a box of matches in sitting. Hinged lid.On lid," Camp pocket Candlestick. A soldier's friend. On base " Patented 19/7-15 No 16856." On tape on the bottom of tin, " Would like this to go to the historical society in memory of Les Lawlor, Vera Maguire.warrnambool, james leslie lawlor, vera maguire, camp pocket candlestick, world war 1

This book contains the story of the Australian Companies of the Imperial Camel Corps in the First World War. The authors are George and Edmee Langley. George Langley (1891-1972) was the principal of Warrnambool High School from 1924 to 1940. He and his wife Edmee were prominent in community affairs in Warrnambool during that time. George Langley served with distinction in both World Wars and rose to the rank of Brigadier in 1944. He intended writing the history of the Australian Camel Corps but died before he could complete the work. Edmee Langley, herself a talented journalist and writer, used her husband’s collection of letters, diaries and writings to publish Sand, Sweat and Camels.This book is of interest as it was written by George and Edmee Langley who were important Warrnambool residents in the 1920s and 30s. Extracts from Edmee’s memoirs of her time in Warrnambool are held by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. This is a soft cover book of 188 pages. It has a brown cover with white and yellow lettering and, on the front cover, a colour image of several men riding camels. The back cover has blurbs on the two pieces of writing in the book. The book contains many black and white photographs. The book also contains another piece of writing – ‘Australian Aviator, Sir Norman Brearley.’george and edmee langley, world war one, history of warrnambool, warrnambool high school

This is a china candle holder which is a souvenir of Warrnambool with an image on the item of the Warrnambool War Memorial. Czechoslovakia was established as a country in 1918 and began to export china goods in the 1920s and 30s when the label ‘Victoria China’ became well known. The Warrnambool War Memorial at the southern end of Liebig Street was unveiled and dedicated in 1926. It was designed by John King, the Headmaster of the Warrnambool Technical School and erected by the local stonemasons, Wooles and Carpenter. This candle holder is of some interest as an example of the tourist souvenirs that were popular in Warrnambool pre-World War Two. This is a china candle holder with a circular base in brown-orange and white tonings and a fluted edge. The candle holding section is also circular with the same colour tonings and a slightly fluted edge. Inside this are the hardened remains of a candle. The base has a handle attached. On one edge of the base there is a colour image of the Warrnambool War Memorial. The maker’s name at the back has a crown symbol. ‘Soldier’s (sic) Memorial, Warrnambool’ ‘Victoria China, Czechoslovakia’ victoria china czechoslovakia, warrnambool war memorial, history of warrnambool

This book was one of several independent publications dealing with Australian and Pacific topics. The author, J. Alex. Allan, was a Councillor with the Historical Society of Victoria. The book is less important than the inscription on the first page which indicates that the book was a gift from the staff of Warrnambool High School to William L. Grauer, a teacher who was leaving the school in 1946. Mr Grauer, born in Warrnambool in 1915, became Supervisor of School Forestry in 1968 and served in in the Australian Army and Air Force in World War Two. The Grauers were a prominent early family in the Allansford area and descendants still live today in Allansford and Warrnambool. Warrnambool High School opened in 1907 as the Warrnambool Agricultural High School and merged with Warrnambool North Technical School in 1994 to become Warrnambool College. This book is of interest as it was given as a farewell gift to a member of the Warrnambool High School staff in 1946 and contains the signatures of ten fellow teachers, including the Headmaster, Roy Andrews. The recipient of the book, William Grauer, was a member of a prominent family in the Allansford area.This is a hard- cover book (Social and Economic Sketch of Victorian History) of 172 pages. It has a plain dark red leather cover with a buff-coloured strip pasted on the spine. It is by J. Alex. Allan and was printed in 1945. There are 19 chapters and an Epilogue. There are several pages of black and white photographs. Spine: ‘Cheshire, Men and Manners in Australia, Allan’ On frontispiece: ‘To W.L. Grauer, With best wishes from the Headmaster & Staff, 1946, Roy W. Andrews, Betty H.T. Ward, H.E.L.Jones, S.A.O’Keefe, W.B.Gow,.A.F. Coggins, Leo Ingwersen, Winifred B. Gray, Ida L. Henderson, Lilian M. Williamson’ w.l. grauer, warrnambool high school

David Fletcher Jones was born in Bendigo in 1895. He served in World War 1 and returned in 1917 and with a war repatriation loan bought a hawkers wagon and commenced working a circuit around the Western District. In 1924 he bought a business in Warrnambool and after an initial shaky start he started to build his business. He was well regarded and involved in the town and the 1960-70’s saw the Fletcher Jones brand and factory expand to become one of the largest employers in the town. Ownership was based on a co-operative model with employees owning shares in the company. As well as manufacturing he had a number of retail stores across Australia. This item is likely to be a prop from one such store. A minor item which is linked to an important part of Warrnambool’s past.Piece of wood shaped like a necktie with advertising slogan and small diagram in black text.Fletcher Jones says “Gentlemen prefer Blends” You will never wear a colour that hurts your eyes_ When you accept the help of “The Man’s Shop”sir fletcher jones, david fletcher jones, fletcher jones warrnambool

The dead man's penny is a commemorative medallion which was presented to the family of soldier s who were killed in the First World War. The images of Brittania the dolphins and the lion represent Brittain and the eagle represents Germany. The name of the soldier is presented without rank to signify the equality of all sacrifice. This medallion was to commemorate Daniel Nicol Peters who came from Scotland but enlisted in the AIF in Blackboy Hill Western Australia. His regimental number was 3200. he was Killed in Action on 26 August 1918. His father was John Peters of Greenside Fifeshire Scotland. From a country with a population of approximately 5 million people, there were more than 60000 soldiers killed. This object represents but one of these soldiers. It therefore has historical and social significanceCircluar brass plaque with figure of Brittania and a lion in low relief. There are two dolphins around the figure of Brittania and and image of a defeated eagle below the lion.To the right of the figure is a small rectangle with the name of the soldier. Text around the edge.He died for freedom and honour. Daniel Nicol Petersdead man's penny, daniel nicol peters

The Australian Comforts Fund was formed during the first World War and was an amalgamation of various organisations which were sending items of comfort such as toiletries, clothing and food to Australian troops who were fighting overseas. It ceased its work and was dissolved in 1920 at the ceasation of the war but was started again to continue the same work in 1939.In Australia it rivalled the work of the red Cross and many of the volunteers involved were women. As well as making and providing items themselves there was major fundraising to purchase further items. Over the course of the war they provided over 1.5 million hampers. This certificate was presented to Mrs Steward for valuable services rendered to the Australian Comforts Fund during World War 1939-1945. The Australian Comforts fund was wound up in June 1946.This certificate recognises the work of one of our residents to a fund which was Australia wide and would have been one of numerous certificates presented around the country. The Australian Comforts fund was an organisation with which numerous people would have been affiliated and which also assisted many soldiers over the years. Cream certificate with black text, highlighted with red. The name Mrs Steward has been written in in blue ink. In comes enclosed in a dark grey soft card folder.Mrs Steward. Signed Valerie Heinze, Lady mayoress of Melbourne. Thomas S Neu*tefold, Hermen W *ohn, On front of grey folder "Mrs Steward Warrnambool.warrnambool, warrnambool history, australian comforts fund, mrs steward warrnambool

This post card has been sent from a military camp in England by Private George Hall to his niece Myra. Private Hall was a farmer from Purnim who enlisted in August 1915 (14th Battalion, 15 Reinforcement Group). He was aged 30 at the time. He left Australia in 1916 and transferred to 3 Field Artillery Brigade. He returned to Australia in 1919. The card gives no details of Private Hall’s activities at the time but indicates that he had sent several post cards to members of his family. This post card is of interest as an example of the many beautiful embroidered post cards that were sent by Australian soldiers to family members during World War One. The cards were usually made in France and sent from there but in this case was sent from England. The card is also of interest because it is a personal message sent from a local soldier from Purnim during World War One This is a post card from World War One. It has a written message on the back from Private George Hall to his niece Myra and it has a piece of embroidery on the front of the card. This depicts a black cat with the British colours of red, white and blue around its collar and other ornaments – a white horseshoe, a Union Jack, a white pedestal and red, green and white greenery. The words ‘Good Luck’ are stitched in yellow. The stitching is on white silk which is somewhat stained. There is a crimped border in lightweight cardboard around the embroidery. The message on the back is written in pencil.‘Dear Myra, Just this P.C. to let you see I have not forgotten you. Hope you are quite well. I have sent you & Dorry a lot of P. cards from England. I hope you get them all right. Your poor old Uncle George, 4821, 40 Bat. Worgret Camp, Wareham, Dorset. Wishing you all a very Merry Xmas & Happy New Year XXXX Nov. 24th -11-16.private george hall, world war one, world war one embroidered postcards, history of warrnambool

The minutes book of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill are an important record of the beginnings of one of Warrnambool's major industries for close to one hundred years. They record the struggle in the early days of 1909 and 1910 to raise the capital. Also mentioned is the support which had been given by local people of small means who were prepared to back the enterprise while those with financial means had been rather more reserved. Apart from a Mr Vidler all the initial directors were initially working in an honorary capacity. They lamented the fact that local banks held half a million pounds on fixed interest so there was no shortage of money. The first directors were appointed in March 1909 : Jas. Worland, W H Philpott, G S Mackay, E H Price, S McDonald, J C Beeching, W Rogers ,J Marfell, J Deany, Jas Duirs, Jas. Ponting, H Jessen, S Nettleton, J Blain, J Gooden, Drs. Holmes, Henderson and Powell. Mr J E Bennett was secured as first manager of the mill in 1910 Over the ten year period of this book there is much discussion on possible returns and share prices as well as decisions relating to the operation of and production from the mill. Within four years they were using more yarn than they were producing. Electricity was connected around 1914 and by 1915 shareholders were receiving eight percent return on their investment and were also contributing to the first world War effort by supplying blankets. Assets continued to accumulate and building was also continued with sandstone being quarried from the site and rain water tanks and asphalt floors installed, all contributing to savings. By 1917 The Warrnambool Woollen Mill was considered to be one of the states best investments and it continued to prosper through the years. The second minutes book likewise records similar events and circumstances for the period 1933-1945. This like wise is an interesting period, covering the period of the second World War. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. These minutes books hold an important information regarding the establishment and early operation of one of Warrnambool's major industries. The mill itself has strong connection to the Warrnambool community and many of the names mentioned as directors and shareholders have held positions within the community as businessmen and city officials. These minutes add another dimension to their contribution to Warrnambool..1Navy blue hard card cover with cloth spine. White label glued to front cover.186 pages.There are handwritten entries in black ink which are interspersed with reports from newspaper. .2 Pale grey cloth cover on early Kalamazoo filing system 612 pages of typed minutes . .1There are dates from 1910 through to 1923. Minutes have been signed by chairman of directors, M Saltau.label on front cover has blue stamp, The Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company. hand written above in black ink "opened 24th March 1909." .2 dated from May 1933 to September 1945. Signatures include M Saltau, James Disckson and Fletcher Jones.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, first minutes book warrnambool woollen mill, minutes book, warrnambool woollen mill 1909, minutes book warrnambool woollen mill 1945

This is a book of 42 pages with a green cover with a sepia-coloured photograph and printing on the front cover and an advertisement on the back cover. The pages contain sketches in sepia and blue tones. The pages have been bound with staples but the staples are missing.fictionWorld War One Comic Sketchesworld war one, captain bruce bairnsfather, fragments from france

This is a book of 48 pages. It has a green cover with a sepia sketch and black printing on the front cover and an advertisement on the back cover. The pages contain comic sketches in black and white and sepia tones. The pages are bound with metal staples.fictionWorld War One Sketchesworld war one

This is a book of 451 pages. It has a grey cover with black printing on the front and a grey baize cloth binding. The binding has a tear in the spine section. The pages contain printed text in French and English and five maps inserted into a folder at the back.non-fictionA record of the Treaty of Versaillesworld war one, treaty of versailles

This book has nine volumes with six of them containing three separate books inside the cover. The volumes have red hard covers with gold printing on the spines. There is an embossed image of a soldier on the front covers and embossed shields on the spines. The pages contain printed matter, maps and photographs.non-fictionA four volume set written about the history of World War 1. world war one, james low of warrnambool

This is a book of 258 pages plus 86 pages of advertisements. The cover is dark red with an embossed shield on the front cover and gold printing on the spine. The pages contain a black and white photograph, many illustrations and diagrams and several pages of fold-out sketches. non-fictionThis is a technical book regarding valves and their maintenance in machinery. henry family, warrnambool woollen mill, valves and valve gearing

This is a book of 122 pages. It has a dark green cover with a gold compass pattern and gold printing on the front cover and spine. The pages contain printed text, maps, diagrams, graphs, colour illustrations and sepia -toned photographs.non-fictionThe history of the first 80 years of the Nestle's Companydennington nestle's factory, dennington, warrnambool, milk production, milo, nescafe production, warrnambool manufacturing

This is a book of 170 pages. The cover has a coloured sketch of a soldier on a grey background , two bomb sketches and some black printing. The spine is almost completely missing. The pages contain printed text, maps, sketches, black and white photographs and coloured illustrations. The book is bound with heavy duty staples. There are five loose newspaper cuttings.non-fictionAustralians in World War 1 world war 1, anzacs, australian humour

This medal was issued in 1919 to members of the Armed Forces to celebrate the victory of the Allies in World War One. Australian Armed Forces members were issued with the medal produced in Great Britain. The medal was issued to Private A.E.Snell. Albert Edward Snell enlisted in World War One from Nullawarre. He was listed as aged 21, single and a labourer. He was at first in the 8th Battalion (7 Reinforcement Group) and embarked on the Wandilla in 1915 and later transferred to the 14th Battalion. He was wounded in action and returned to Australia in1917.This medal is of considerable significance, firstly as an example of the medal issued after World War One to Australian Armed Forces members and secondly because it was issued to Private A.E. Snell, a resident of Nullawarre, about 32 kilometres from Warrnambool.This is a circular brass medal with a laurel wreath and an inscription on the reverse side. The obverse side features a winged figure of victory with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand. There is a metal ring at the top .There is text around the rim.THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919 2419 PTE. A.S.SNELL 8 BN A.I.F.victory medal, private a.e.snell, warrnambool

It is presumed that the 'A.C.F.' on two of these badges stands for 'Australian Comforts Fund'. The Australian Comforts Fund was one of two wartime welfare groups recognized by the Australian Government. The other was the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Comforts Fund was established in 1916 to co-ordinate the welfare efforts to assist Australian servicemen and women in World War One. It was dissolved in 1920 and re-established in 1939. It was staffed largely by women volunteers and supplied such articles as singlets, socks, pyjamas, toiletries, writing materials, tobacco and Christmas hampers to servicemen and women. It also offered recreational facilities and rest rooms etc in Australia for service personnel. It was closed in 1946. These badges were issued, two in 1941, as part of fund-raising for the Australian Comforts Fund.These badges are interesting mementos of the welfare work undertaken in World War Two by the Australian Comforts Fund. Two six pointed star badges which are enamelled in red and have plain metal edge..1 ACF 1940 with P J King on the reverse. .2 ACF 1941 with P J King on the reverse.australian comforts fund, australian red cross

This is a badge from Warrnambool Technical College in the 1930s. Warrnambool Technical School was established in Timor Street in 1913. The senior section was later called Warrnambool Technical College and then Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education. The latter institute moved to Sherwood Park, Warrnambool and became the present-day Warrnambool campus of Deakin University. Warrnambool Technical School moved to Caramut Road, Warrnambool and is today known as Brauer College. The badge came from Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell. She was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing. The badge has also belonged at one stage to W Goodall a member of a well known Warrnambool family.This badge is of interest, firstly as a memento of Warrnambool Technical School from the 1920s and 30s and secondly because it came from Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career.A circular metal and enamelled badge featuring a crimson torch and text on a bronze background surrounded by a dark green golden edged border with text. The reverse has a pin clip and text.WARRNAMBOOL. TECHNICAL..SCHOOL STOKES W GOODALLwarrnambool technical school, history of warrnambool, warrnambool institute of advanced education, deakin university campus, brauer college, mirth marfell, victorian royal college of nursing

These badges with the image of King George V of England were sold during World War One to raise funds for allied nations in the war, especially Serbia, Russian Poland and Italy. King George V reigned from 1910 to 1936. The badges were sold the day before the King's birthday celebrations with one known date being 2nd June 1916. These badges are a good example of the many badges or buttons produced and sold in Victoria to aid the war effort in World War One. .1 Circular metal concave badge featuring coloured image of King George V. in uniform and flags surrounded by text on a blue background. A pin clip is on the back. .2 As above but some rust damage .1 KING GEORGE'S DAY COPYRIGHT .2 KING GEORGE'S DAY COPYRIGHTking george v of england, world war one, history of warrnambool

This trophy has been awarded in 1940 in a table tennis competition to a sporting team called C.M.I. Nothing is known about this team except that it appears to be one sponsored by a local Warrnambool church. The Warrnambool Table Tennis Association is affiliated with the Victorian Table Tennis Association and has its headquarters in Cramer Street Warrnambool. This cup is of interest as a local Warrnambool sports trophy awarded during World War Two.This is a silver cup mounted on a brown Bakelite base. The cup has two ornamental handles and an inscription on one side of the cup. The silver is somewhat tarnished.‘Reg. No. 15580’ ‘W.T.T.A. Presented to C.M.I. No. 1 Premiers & Champions 1940’ warrnambool table tennis association, history of warrnambool

This item is a bronze German MotherCross. The MotherCross was given to German mothers of pure Aryan heritage before and during World War Two. Adolf Hitler wanted to encourage population growth and keep the German mother at home. Mothers were awarded these crosses according to the number of children they had – gold crosses for eight or more children, silver for six or seven children and bronze for four or five children. The crosses were presented to mothers on 4th August, the birthday of Hitler’s mother and also on Mother’s Day. They could only be worn on special occasions around the neck on a blue cord with two white stripes. This German MotherCross is a bronze one and has on one side ‘Der Deutschen Mutter’ and on the other side ‘16 Dezember 1938’ and Adolf Hitler’s signature. The date indicates when the award was first instituted. There were at least 8 million recipients of the medal.The recipient and donor of this medal are not known but it is a very interesting and unusual memento of World War Two.This is a metal medal in the shape of a cross with a bronze ridged background in the shape of a rectangle. The cross is enamelled in blue and white and has a round bronze disc in the centre and lettering with a blue swastika on a white background. There is lettering on the back of the cross. A metal catch is attached to the top of the cross and remnants of a blue and white cloth cord are looped over the catch. One small fragment of the cord is detached. The medal is in a box which is not the original container. ‘Der Deutschen Mutter’ ‘16 Dezember 1938’ plus Adolf Hitler’s signature world war two, german mothercross

This booklet was issued to householders in Australia giving information on meat rationing during World War Two. Meat was rationed because much of the meat processed in Australia was sent overseas to Britain and to soldiers in war areas. The booklet includes hints on how to make the most of the meat ration. Meat and other key foods such as tea, sugar and butter were rationed during World War Two. Each person in Australia was allowed two meat coupons a week and, depending on the type of meat, this equated to one pound to two pounds of meat per coupon. Products such as sausages, brains, tripe, poultry, rabbits, bacon and ham were not rationed (but few people could afford poultry). This booklet is of interest because it is a memento of the times in World War Two when several food items were rationedThis is a small booklet of 10 pages. The front cover has a beige background with an orange border, red and black printing, a Commonwealth Government crest and a sketch of a casserole dish. The back cover has red and black printing on a beige background. The cover is slightly faded. The pages have red and black sketches and black print. The contents include recipes, meal plans and hints for cooking and storing meat. The booklet has been bound with metal staples. world war two, food rationing in world war two, history of warrnambool

This tin of gramophone needles was produced to be used in conjunction with a Decca Gramophone. The Decca company was founded in 1914 by Barnett Samuel and Sons and their gramophone as patented as the world’s first portable gramophone. The company became known as the Decca Gramophone Company in 1928. Portable gramophones became very popular, especially with the soldiers in World War One. Today the gramophone is largely a collector’s item and has been replaced by more sophisticated sound systems. These needles and their box are of interest as an example of a recreation product in the past. Gramophones were found extensively in homes up to the 1950s. This is a small rectangular-shaped tin with rounded edges. It has a hinged lid painted green on the top. The top has printed material in green, black and white lettering. Inside the tin is black paper lining and inside the lining are about 50 gramophone steel needles. This is not a full tin. The needles are in good condition but the tin is a little rusty‘Decca Soft Gramophone Needles Finest Sheffield Steel Use Once Only’ gramophones, history of warrnambool

This frame contains two as yet unidentified soldiers from two of Australia’s earliest overseas conflicts. The WW1 soldier has the rank of Captain and the Boer War soldier has the three stripes of Sergeant. It is possible that he belongs to the Coronation Contingent of Edward V11 in 1902.These soldiers were selected form all over Australia with 42 coming from Victoria. The Australian War Memorial cites a number of approximately 16000 soldiers who fought in the Boer War from 1899-1902. Of that number 282 died in action or as a result of wounds while around 320 died as a result of disease and accidents. Six received the Victoria Cross as well as other awards for bravery. The First World War had more drastic consequences for Australia. From a population of less than 5 million, 416809 men enlisted of whom over 60,000 were killed with 156000 wounded gassed or taken prisoner. Australian fought from 1914-1918 from Egypt, Turkey, and the Western Front in Europe. These photographs are representative of many photos which are kept in remembrance of Australian soldiers who fought in wars particularly the two world wars. The Boer war photo is a rarer one.This bi- fold photo frame is rectangular in shape with a rounded section at each top. It is leather in composition and has the Rising Sun insignia in each arch which appears to be metal. There are glass covering two photographs one of a Boer War soldier and the other of WW1. It is hinged in the middle with a double layer of leather which is broken .The Boer war photograph has a coloured flag and medal ribbons. The two Rising Sun badges have Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. The frame itself has J C Vickery Regent St W stamped on the back in gold with a crown above it. The photograph of the WW1 soldier has Hana Studio Ltd 22**** which although unreadable has been matched with another photograph to read,” 22 Bedford St Strand London. The photograph of the Boer War soldier has no studio identity. warrnambool history, unknown soldiers of warrnambool, boer war soldier, world war 1 soldier

These cards have been sent to Jim ( otherwise unidentified) by his cousin Will Harper from South Africa in 1917. William Thomas Harper from Byaduk, Victoria was with the 8th Battalion in World War One leaving Melbourne In February in 1917. He was killed in May 1918 at the age of 22 and was buried in Bailleul France.These cards are are a poignant reminder of Private William Harper killed in World War One. He came from Byaduk in the Western District.. .1 A postcard with a photograph in brown and green tonings of the Black Watch Pipers playing to the captors of Longueval On the back is pencil writing and black printing. .2 A coloured postcard of a bay and settlement in South Africa . It has handwritten material on the back in ink. .1 October/ 16/ 17 I'm not a smoker yet Jim but seeing these pretty cards thought I would send them on to you. I've seen some of these places myself. Merry Xmas Jim Your aff. cousin Will .2 Cape Town Dear Jim just a few lines to let you know I'm having a good time looking around this sphere. Today me and a cobber went on top of Table Mountain looking for wild beasts but couldn't find any. We have been here a good few days now and get leave to go about . It's a great place this for scenery but not for food or nice girls, all black nearly. Yours sincerely Bill Harper private william harper, byaduk

These two trays appear to have been made as souvenirs, perhaps to commemorate the end of World War One, as the halfpennies date from 1914 to 1918. They may have been used either as ash trays or trinket trays.These trays have no known local significance but are retained as mementos of the souvenirs produced for the Australian tourist market after World War One.These are two circular-shaped brass ash trays or dishes. One has five English halfpennies affixed to the edge of the tray and one has the Rising Sun emblem of the Australian Army affixed to the centre of the tray. Both trays are slightly stained.‘English made’world war one, history of warrnambool

A steel helmet, popularly called a tin hat, is used as protective headwear by military personnel and civil workers in times of emergency and disasters. Steel helmets were first used in World War One, with the Allies troops using a design produced in London by John Brodie in 1915. This helmet was constructed in one piece pressed from a single thick sheet of steel and variants of this design have been used by military personnel ever since. It is not clear whether this particular item comes from World War One or World War Two. This steel helmet is retained as a good example of the protective headwear worn by Australian military personnel in World Wars One or Two.The crown of his helmet or tin hat is of an oval shape and it has a short flattened brim. There are three small holes for the insertion of a chin strap. The hat has some white paint marks and is very rusted.military headgear, history of warrnambool