This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. (This Statement of Significance is quoted from the Significance Assessment : Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Book Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, February 2009, by Annette Welkamp, Cultural Connections, for Delise Oldfied, FHMV) References Juvenile Department in Warrnambool Public Library In August 1903 The Age newspaper reported in its Warrnambool news section that “With the object of discouraging boys from reading literature of the “penny dreadful” class, the committee of the local public library has decided to open a juvenile department and to stock it with hundreds of suitable books attractive to the youthful mind.” 100 new novels added to Warrnambool Public Library Shelves In November 1905 The Argue newspaper’s Warrnambool news section announced “The committee of the Public Library is bringing the collection of books more up to date. It has recently added 100 new novels to the shelves, and arrangements have been made for a supply of the latest novels immediately they arrive in the state.” Warrnambool Town Council takes over Mechanics’ Institute, Art Gallery, Public Library, Museum – and will double the building’s size In 1912 The Age reported in its Warrnambool news section “Considerable improvements are being effected by the town council in the most picturesque part of Liebig Street. Between the fire brigade station and the mechanics’ institute and art gallery a vacant block of land is being transformed a garden for carpet bedding and flowering plants. The council, which recently took over the control of the art gallery, public library, museum and mechanics’ institute, is doubling the size of the substantial stone building containing these institutions. The new building will contain a supper room for use in conjunction with functions in the town hall, adjoining, and a new reading room.” Mr Pattison, Public Librarian, says Library has a book per head of population In 1953 The Age reported an interview with the Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison, who said “Warrnambool has an insatiable thirst for reading. And its reading recipe contains a strong dash of fiction – 73 percent of it. Fiction makes up 10,000 of the 13,000 books in the senior section of the public library. That works out at a book per head of population. Warrnambool today is really book minded. This city has an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge as well as fiction. We’re lending 400 books a day. We supply 33 percent of the reading population of Warrnambool.” The reporter goes on to say “Warrnambool Public Library also has an ultra-modern children’s section of 3,400 books, open to every boy and girl attending school in Warrnambool. Mr Pattison hopes to show travel-talk films and install a radiogram in the children’s section “later on”. But it won’t disturb adult reading next door because the junior section is sound proof. “ Mechanics’ Institutes and Museums Mechanics’ Institutes were important sites for collecting in country Victoria … Warrnambool … all had museums attached to Mechanics’ Institutes before the end of the twentieth century” Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Ms Tierney said FHMV holds the collection of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute in three different locations on its site. “The Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1871, was demolished in the 1960s and was one of the oldest in Victoria. “FHMV intends to create a new storage area and bring the collection together in one place which will greatly facilitate access and research. “The collection consists of books and archives dating from the 1850s to 1959s. “Some of the books are rare and valuable but it is unclear as to their relevance to the history of Warrnambool or Victoria,” Ms Tierney said. Warrnambool TAFE History South West TAFE has a long and proud history of providing technical and specialist education, with links back to the formation of the Mechanic’s Institute in 1853. Warrnambool Art Gallery’s History The Warrnambool Art Gallery began in 1886 when retired police officer Joseph Archibald opened its doors in a building behind the mechanics institute in Liebig Street. The Gallery began with an eclectic mix of artworks and museum curios. Before long Archibald mobilised public support and paid for a new gallery annex. Loans and grants allowed the Gallery collection to grow with significant early acquisitions by French, German, and Belgian artists, which were less expensive than British works. Despite its enthusiastic start the economic downturn of the 1890s brought the Collection to a halt. In 1910 the Council took control of the Mechanics Institute and ran the Gallery there until 1963 when the building was allocated for municipal offices. The Collection was dispersed on loan to galleries in Shepparton and Hamilton and not reunited until 1971. In 1986 the Gallery’s Centenary year, a permanent home was built next to the ‘Civic Green’ and named in memory of one its champions Sir Fletcher Jones O.B.E. 2016 Warrnibald Entries Joseph Archibald established the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery in 1886 while his son Jules Francois Archibald founded the Archibald Prize through his bequest of 1919. His aim was to foster portraiture, as well as support artists, and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. Official History of Australia In The War of 1914-18 Vol 5. The Australian Imperial Force in France during the Main German Offensive, 1918 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1936 Label on spine cover with typed text PATT 994.04 OFF Front pastedown endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 5., official history of australia in the war of 1914-18, the australian imperial force in france, a.i.f.

A black and white photograph of Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base Headquarters hang Christmas decorations in their recreation hut. The NVA/VietCong had just announced that there would be a cease fire for the traditional Western Christmas periodphotograph, 1st australian task force, nva/vc, christmas, gibbons collection catalogue

This slouch hat belonged to Royal Australian Air Force serviceman/woman Forsyth. Khaki-coloured slouch hat with folded cotton band with blue strip around brim; gold coloured badge depicting a wreath with crown atop and ornamental letters “RAAF”. Four plastic eyelets at crow of hat and signature fold on crown. Wide brim edged with brown coloured binding. A hook on the left crown and left brim attach together to lift one side of the hat. On interior, brown leather chinstrap with metal adjustable buckle ad black leather sweatband stitched in with zig-zag black stitching and secured by khaki silk bow at back. Bow attaches a card reading “58” in a circle. Sticker on interior centre in brown and metallic gold. Size sticker hidden underneath sweatband reads “58 7 1/8”Label on interior of cotton band reads “A.G.C.F./VIC 1989 [broad arrow]/SIZE. 58/8405-66.[crossed out 109-5392]033-5309”. Handwritten on interior brim “FORSYTH”. Size labels read “58” and “58 7 1/8”. Sticker reads “COMMANDO/WOOL SLOUCH HAT/MELBOURNE”uniform, royal australian air force, raaf, r.a.a.f., slouch hat, 1980s

R.H. Pottinger served with the Australian Imperial Force during World War One. Framed certificate of discharge made out to R.H. Pottinger, and signed by George R. J. Rupert was born in Sydney the son of Henry Pottenger of 'Ripley' 11 Cotham Road, Kew. Rupert Pottenger served with the 2nd Field Company Engineers. On 03 August 1818 he was awarded the Military Medal. Rupert Pottinger's service number was no. 29. He served in Galipolli and France. V4075r. pottenger, world war one, australian imperial force, rupert pottenger, kew, bernard partridge, beaments art gallery, rupert pottinger, rupert henry pottinger

Royal Australian Air Force maintenance technical plan issued April 1990raaf, royal australian air force, technical maintenance plan, defence instruction

Officers of the 8th Australian Imperial Force. Officers resting, while on manoeuvres, among them William T. Yates of Camperdown. Yates survived Gallipoli, went to France where he won a Distinguished Conduct Medal at Bullecourt and survived a bullet wound to the head in 1917. In 1919 he went to America to study agriculture prior to becoming a soldier settler in the Sunraysia region. The rush for water the heat of the desert among parched troops on manoeuvres. "Officers 'C' Coy (company) 8th A.I.F resting at Ismailia, Suez Canal" Lieut (Lieutenant) Ebeling, Barrett, Yates, Feb 1915 Lieut Couve 8th A.I.F, Mena Camp, Cairo Egypt Jan 1915 On manoeuvres, Mena, Cairo, Egypt. W.T.S dealing out to men who are rushing the water cart, Jan 1915 8th australian imperial force, officers, william t. yates, camperdown, desert, suez canal, ismailia, 8th a.i.f, australian infantry force, lieutenant, cairo, egypt, ww1, world war 1, soldiers, war

This is a Royal Australian Air Force hat badge which has been modified to form a brooch. The badge has a clasp with pin attached to the back side and a safety chain. This is possibly an example of trench art to make a 'sweetheart' brooch.raaf, royal australian air force, badge, brooch, trench art

A photo of three members of the RAAF in uniform standing in front of two sheds and a Nissen hutA black and white photograph of three airforce men standing side by side standing in front of two sheds and a nissen hut. The men are members of the Royal Australian Air Force. Two are identified as John Forbes on left, and Arthur Newman Byron.written on back in pencil: top LH corner: "John Forbes on left" down RH side: "Arthur Newman Byron 4683"defence force, armed forces, forbes, john, newman, arthur, byron, arthur newman, nissen huts, royal australian air force, raaf, clothing and dress, uniforms, george evans collection

A coloured photograph of Diggers from 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam enjoy a visit to a Budhist Temple in Bangkok whilst enjoying their five (5) days of R and R, Aug 1967photograph, 1 atf, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, bangkok, gibbons collection catalogue, australian task force, budhist temple

A coloured photograph of two armoured personnel carriers (APC's) pass a Centurian Tank Bridgelayer during Operation Matilda. A fully armoured operation conducted by the 1st Australian Task Force in three provinces East of Saigon. (Photograph 25/01/1970)photograph, centurion tank bridge layer, apc, operation matilda, 1st australian task force, gibbons collection catalogue, saigon

Issued by the Royal Australian Air Force in July 1981. A maintenance manual for a self-regulating hydraulic pump.royal australian air force, technical manual, self regulating hydraulic pumps

A black and white photograph of an Australian Intellegence Interpreter attempts to decode NVA/VietCong message left carved into a tree trunk, at a bunker complex, captured by 1st Australian Task force Infantry elements. The message was somewhat garbled, and probably in some form of code.photograph, military intelligence, gibbons collection catalogue, nva/vc, 1st australian task force, infantry

A guide to sites and memorials relevant to the first Australian Imperial Force in Britain, Belgium and France in the First World War170 p. : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.), ports. ; 30 cm.ISBN 9780646519920australian imperial force, war memorials, world war 1 battle fields

Typical example of Qantas Airline ticket issued to armed forces personnel leaving Vietnam for Australia for R&R, with. Australian Customs form and declaration to be filled in by traveller. Briefing sheet listing arrangement for departure and arrival in Australia. This item was issued to Corporal Peter Stanley Sims who served in Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) 1969-70. Qantas airline ticket. Australian customs paperwork, double sided information and declaration sheet. The ticket is printed in red ink. Australian Force Vietnam briefing letter for travelling to Australia from Vietnam typed in black ink.Qantas 000067 charter passenger ticket and baggage check. Customs paperwork and briefing notes for travelling to Australia.qantas, airline ticket, nvvm, customs declaration, leaving vietnam, p.sims oam jp, r&r, recreation vietnam

The Australian Flying Corps and Royal Australian Air Force Association has His Excellency General Sir Dallas Brooks as a patron. Typed quarto letter of Air Force Association letterhead. The letter highlights the Air Force Commemoration Week being observed by the Ballarat Branch Air Force Association.australian flying corps, royal australian air force association, air force association, dallso brooks, e.j. anderson, ballarat school of mines, ballarat, letterhead

World War One - Scrap Book. Exercise book image of lion on cover, with newspaper cuttings about Australians in WWI. Australians landed at Gallipoli, sketch of landing sight. Dardanelles, Australian Imperial Force. Come On Australians! Pictures including picture of Bendigo's Honor Roll.document, newspaper, wwi, wwi world war one newspaper clippings australian's new zealanders british france gallipoli picture of where australians landed at gallipoli dardanelles australian imperial force come on australians! pictures including picture of bendigo's honor rol

A black and white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea South East of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, load one of their wounded mates Pte Ken Mathieson into an American Dustoff helicopter for casevac to hospital.photograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, pte ken mathieson, gibbons collection catalogue, dustoff helicopter, digger, australian task force, nui dat

A black and white photograph of Diggers of 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on Operation Lavarack North East of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, the American Dustoff medical evacualtion helicopter and its supporting aircraft lands on the landing zonephotograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar/nz, operation lavarack, dustoff, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, australian task force, nui dat

A black and white photograph of a Huey "Slick" aircraft, of the RAAF's No.9 Squadron, winches a wounded Digger from 8 RAR during Operation North West of the Australian Task Force. The Huey helicopter in its many forms was the close support aircraft for the troops on operations in Vietnam.photograph, huey helicopter, raaf, 9 squadron, digger, 8 rar, operation north west, australian task force, gibbons collection catalogue

Royal Australian Air Force Air publication issued in July 1976 covering photo flash cartridge ejector model 9 series. royal australian air force, photo flash cartridge ejector, night aerial photograph

A black and white photograph of two diggers with the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, an M60 machine Gun on the Company, perimeter defence, in a night location, North East of the Australian Task Force Base, brew up a quick cup of coffee, only minutes before they have to 'stand to'photograph., 9 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, 9th battalion, m60 machine gun, australian task force, diggers

This flying suit would have been worn by a pilot of the Royal Australian Air Force. It is a drill suit and most likely was not used in active service. This flying suit dates to 1988. It is no longer manufactured and is an historically significant article of military clothing. It is also in good condition.Olive drab coloured overalls. Full length sleeves and full length legs. Two pockets on the front of each leg. One zip at the front of each leg with extra fabric in the interior for fabric width enhancement. One access zip on each hip. Two diagonal breast pockets, either side of chest. One small pocket on each arm. All pockets are fastened with metallic brass colour zips. Another pocket on the left upper arm with stitched sections for storing pens. A silver coloured metallic pen holder is clipped and stitched into this section. One epaulet on each shoulder, each fastened with a brass coloured metallic stud. Regular shirt collar. One long zip at the front from the groin to the collar. This has two zip handles, each with a thin piece of leather attached to aid zipping. A patch with inscriptions machine stitched to nape of neck interior. Three brass coloured metallic studs, with a small piece of size adjustment fabric (and the clipping stud attached to this) on each sleeve. Three brass coloured metallic studs, with a small piece of size adjustment fabric (and the clipping stud attached to this) on each side of the waist. One rectangular leather clip attached to the upper right leg pocket. Patch stitched to nape of neck interior has the following inscriptions: A.G.C.F. VIC 1988 (symbol of broad arrow) SIZE.3 8415.66.013.1557 NO NAMEflying suit, royal australian air force

A black and white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea South East of the Australian Task Force Base, at Nui Dat, gently place their wounded mate Private Ken Mathieson on the ground as they wait to be picked up be an American Dustoff helicopter.photograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, gibbons collection catalogue, pte ken mathieson, australian task force, nui dat, dustoff, digger, helicopter

A black ans white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea, south East oof the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, carry one of their wounded mates Private Ken Mathieson into an American Dustoff helicopter for casevac to hospital.photograph, 11 platoon, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, dustoff, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, australian task force, helicopter

A black and white photograph of Diggers from 11 Platoon, D Company, 6 RAR on Operation Portsea South East of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, carry one of their wounded mates Private Ken Mathieson, to be picked up by and American Dustoff helicopter for casevac to hospital.photograph, 11 platoon, 6 rar, d coy, operation portsea, pte ken mathieson, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, australian task force, nui dat, dustoff helicopter

A black and whitie photograph of Armoured Personnel Carriers from the 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam ferry infantry elements across a swollen river whilst conducting search and destroy operations South East of the Task Force Base.photograph, apc, 1st australian task force, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, infantry

A black and white photograph of Diggers from 9th Battallion, Royal Australian Regiment enjoy a cool bath during operations South West of the Australian Task force at Nui Dat. The Diggers were allowed, six at a time to complete their ablutions. The battalion had been in the field for three weeksphotograph, digger, 9th battalion, 9 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, australian task force, nui dat

A black and white photograph of diggers from 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, battle their way through mangled vegetation following massive artillery fire on a bunker complex in the Hat Dich arae South West of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Provincephotograph, 8 rar, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, 8th battalion, australian task force, phuoc tuy province, hat dich

This coat was issued to Airman Bernard Farley in 1976 as an initial issue of uniform. Bernard was enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Warrnambool on 26th January 1976. This item is a Royal Australian Air Force uniform that was issued for the airman Bernard Farley. It has historic and social significance as an item of local military history. It is also in near perfect condition.RAAF Blue Gaberdine Greatcoat/Overcoat. Double Breasted. Belted at waist. Partly lined inside body; sleeves fully lined. Two vertical pocket openings at belt height give access to large inner pocket and to separate inner clothing. Double line of 5 Gold coloured plastic(?) buttons with Crown and Wingson on left and right front of coat. Single black plastic button on inside of coat immediately behind top left gold button. Epaulettes on shoulders are attached at outer end and have a small gold coloured button and button hole attachment at inner end; 'RAAF' sewn in lighter blue thread on outer end of each epaulette. Sleeves have 3 small gold buttons on cuffs.Attachment inside collar reads; A.G.C.F. (Australian Government Clothing Factory) Vic 1976. Broad Arrow Symbol. 8405.66.013.6603. Size 3L. No. NAME. Attachment inside lower left reads; handwritten, 17481, E746813, 3L,30560. 27.Blue Stamp - S broad arrow Nraaf, great coat, royal australian air force, r.a.a.f., air force, uniform, coat, bernard farley, farley, airman, warrnambool, warrnambool rsl

A black and white photograph of RAAF No: 9 Squadron, Huey "Slick" Helicopters, pickup Diggers at Kanga Pad, 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, for a heliborn assault into their area of operation. A "stick" of seven fully combat ready Diggers loaded into each chopperphotograph, raaf, 9 sqn, kanga pad, 1st australian task force, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue