This cabinet with the "Book of Remembrance" (refer Cat No 8010) was originally placed in the foyer (vestibule) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1926. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was then placed in what is now the "Building and RSL History Room"Cabinet heavy timber construction with four legs, has a glass top that opens at the front and lockable. Has a red felt inset for the "BOOK of REMEMBRANCE". At the back of the cabinet set at an angle is a brass plaque with an inscription in black and red with scrolls around. The plaque is on a timber backing attached to the cabinet."THIS CABINET and BOOK of REMEMBRANCE inscribed with the revered names of members of the AIF who enlisted from the Bendigo Military District and served in the GREAT WAR of 1914 - 1919 together with the names of those who subscribed to defray the cost of the Roll of HONOR on the FRONTAGE of this HALL were donated by MAJOR GEO.V.L. LANSELL, V.D. PRESIDENT of the BENDIGO R.S & S.I.L.A as a token of gratitude for the generous and spontaneous public response to the appeal launched and conducted by him for the completion of the BENDIGO SOLDIERS MEMORIAL"brsl, smirsl, remembrance

The beautifully hand written details contain the names of those who's names appear on the bronze plaques on the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. Each entry has the Soldiers name, person nominating the Soldier, relationship to and address. There are 2972 names entered. The entries were written by Mrs M Collins (nee Stephens) who worked for the Bendigo Advertiser. The work was finished by ANZAC Day 1926. A page was meant to be turned every day. The book and cabinet (Cat No 8011) were placed in the Foyer (Vestibule) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was repositioned in what is now called the Building and RSL History Room.Book of Remembrance blue leather covers hinged by 2 brass rods, the inside off the covers has a gold pattern edge, pages are light blue colour, ruled lines and hand written in blue pen and ink.On book front in gold, "Book of Remembrance"brsl, smirsl, remembrance

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. After the restoration to the SMI in 2016 - 18 it was then placed in what is now called the Building and RSL History Room. Refer Cat No 8012P re George Lansell's service and RSL history.Plaque brass rectangular shape, has inscriptions in black, has six screws securing it to a timber backing board on a wall."This tablet placed here by the Members as a mark of esteem and respect. Col. Sir George V. Lansell President Bendigo Sub Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A 1920 - 52. A Soldiers Friend"brsl, smirsl, plaque

This table was installed originally in the front office of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo 1921 funded by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund". It was still in use up till approx 2012 when the office was renovated. After the renovations to SMI in 2016 - 18 it was installed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room"Office desk, heavy timber construction rectangular shape, has two pull out side drawer's that originally had a filing system in, one pullout drawer central in the sit position. Side drawers have steel handles, central one timber.brsl, smirsl, comforts

This item was hung in the Gallery of Honour, foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute since 11.11.1929. Commissioned by Drum Major WM DARWIN to comrades & citizens of his native city, Bendigo. After closure of the SMI for renovations 2016 - 18 the item was placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room" William Darwin No 780 enlisted on 18.8.1914 age 22 years in G Coy 7th BN AIF. Embark for Eygpt 19.10.1914, Hospital 15.3.1915 - 3.5.1915, embark for Gallipoli 5.4.1915, promoted to Act/Sgt 28.8.1915, on 28.9.1915 he was buried in an explosion and dug out 3/4 hours later, was unconcious for 2/3 days and had a leg wound. In amongst this he appears to have got Typhoid and never comes out of Hospital till 13.3.1916. He is returned to Australia and discharged medically unfit classed "Shell Shock".Rectangular dark brown ornate frame with glass, displaying a luminous painting. Pictured are 2 torches, a cross, a ship & a battlefield scene.“AIF. Bendigo Mourns Its Dead. Lest We Forget”brsl, smirsl, honors

The formation of the Bendigo Sub Branch goes as far back as 1915 - 16. Sub Branch Charters began in 1920Charter, timber frame with gold edge, the charter is ornate re the R.S.S.I.L.A Bendigo Sub Branch established and constituted. Has the "State of Victoria" at the top with 3 flags and RSL Badge central followed by various text styles and colours regarding the establishment of a Sub Branch. A red seal in the bottom left hand corner.Main points, "Doth hereby establish and constitute the Bendigo Sub Branch" "Dated this first day of July 1920" "Jas Martin President" "AM David Secretary"brsl, smirsl, charter

William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership

Refer Cat 8021 for details re Bendigo Women’s Auxiliary.Framed certificate, frame is plastic, black with gold colour edge, certificate whitish background, all print blue and black, at the top badge of “RSL Women’s Council of Victoria” followed by details of the certificate.Main points. “Presented to Bendigo Auxiliary as a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as an Auxiliary for 60 years of the RSL Women’s Council” - “Year 1996” “Judy Murdoch - President RSL Women’s Council” “Joan Russell - Secretary RSL Women’s Council”brsl, smirsl, auxiliary, wabrsl

Framed certificate, frame is timber brown colour, no glass in frame,certificate is yellow colour, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch” “For Commendable increase in Membership- Winner Country group 501 - 1,000” “Bruce Ruxton State President” “..................... State Secretary” “Dated 1st July 1981”brsl, smirsl, membership

Framed Certificate, light brown timber frame, certificate yellowish background, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, "Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch - For Commendable increase in Membership" "Winner Country group 501 - 1,000" "......................... State President” ..............................State Secretary” “ Dated 4th July 1979"brsl, smirsl, membership

Framed certificate, frame is brown colour timber, certificate is cream background with the RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the Achievement. A red seal is at the bottom LH side.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement - Bendigo Sub Branch for the highest increase in membership, an increase of 14.17% in the category of 501 - 1,000 country group for the year 2005” “David McLachlan State President” “...................... Chief Executive Officer” “Dated 29th June 2006” brsl, smirsl, membership