Prior to the end of WW1 many members of the 4th Light Horse Regiment had been repatriated to Australia because of illness or wounds. These men were the originators of the Regimental Association. Some men are in uniform but most in civilian dress. This would suggest that they may have been discharged from the AIF.B&W photo (20.5 x 16 cm) of members and guests seated at dining tables. In black painted wooden frame.photo, 4th light horse, reunion

Newsprintaif, alan johnston, alexander johnston, bob johnston, early settlers, eltham railway station, first world war, george johnston, horse drawn carriage, houses, isabel johnstone, kangaroo ground, kangaroo ground state school, les johnston, mary ann johnston, military medal, ww1

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

WW1 German Shell Casing. Height 200mm, Diameter 80mm. 2 Decorative Handles added (1 missing). Top flaired. Lid itemised and described separatelyOn Base: Centre- Nov 917. Above date- Rh MF (Rheinische Munitionsfabrik). Below Date- Dusseldorf. Other markings- 07%CU Sp67. AIF (unclear?)ww1 1917 shell

By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).This WW1 item is a reminder of the roles that men from Orbost played in that conflict.Large brown leather saddle used by the Light Horse Brigade in WW1. The saddle is built on a pair of felt-padded wooden "bars" which sat on either side of the horse's spine. These are joined by steel arches with a shaped leather seat laced between them. C G H F The saddle also has a few other numbers on it which are difficult to read with accuracy. saddle military-history army transport horse

Born 5th October 1895 in Adavoyle, United Kindom Occupation Grocer and later horticulturalist Married after WW1- Wife - Daisy Florence Barclay World War One Staff Sergeant Regimental Number 2139 Enlisted AIF in Melbourne 29th December 1914, having previously served 3 months with the Ulster Volunteers and to camp Broadmeadows, to depot Battalion 29th December 1914. Embarked from Melbourne for the middle East with 3rd reinforcement group for the 5th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 25th February 1915 per transport 'Runic'. Disembarked Alexandria and to camp Heliopolis, Egypt. Operation Gallipoli from 5th May 1915 with 5th Battalion. Sick with dental problems 2nd Field Ambulance 17th September 1915. To hospital Lemnos 20th December 1915. To Alexandria hospital with pluerisy 12th January 1916. Returned to Australia with enteric per 'Nestor' 9th February 1916.To duty Broadmeadows 4th April 1916. Wmbarked with 4th reinforcements group for the 58th Battalion, 15th Brigade per transport 'Themistocles' 1st August 1916 Returned to England 14th September 1916. Operations France and Flanders from 6th December 1916. To 59th Battalion 29th December 1916. To 5th Division Infantry School 18th February to 28th March 1917 as Lance Corporal. Corporal 7th April 1917. Sergeant 2nd May 1917. To 3rd Southern General Hospital Oxford 4th October 1917. Returned to Melbourne per Transport 'Persic' 12th February 1918. Discharged 14th March 1918. Second World War. Regimental Number V5571 Emlisted in the Australian Military Forces in Royal Park, Melbourne 22nd August 1940 and to 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, Fyansford. Staff Sergeant 24th August 1940. To 2/14th Training Battalion Wangaratta 11th October 1940. To 2/23rd Training Battalion, Wangaratta 18th October, 1940.To Southern Command Training School 26th May 1941.to Camp Bonegilla 15th May 1942. To Camp Caulfield 11th November 1942. Discharged to Reserve Occupation 19th November 1942. Remarks. Awarded 1915-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal 1914-1919 Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal as Lance Corporal vide London Gazette 30111 of 31st July 1918. Citation for action on 9th July 1917 during the third Battle of Ypres reads- " For conspicous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rendered invaluable service during operation in carrying important messsages through heavy fire" Awarded War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45 in 1951. Described as 71.5inches tall, medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He died 11th September 1962.WW1 - Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914/15 Star 1914/18 British War Medal Victory Medal WW11 - 1939/45 British War Medal Australian Service Medal 1939/45 All medals with associated coloured ribbons. These are replica medals made in the exact metals as the originals. Also in display is a record of War Service which can be found in the narrative. Noneservice, medal, 1918, citation, ww1, military, gazette, london, ww11, medals, 30111, 31st, july, ypres, distinguished

A plaque beside the photograph tells us it was taken on Hill 60, Galipolli. It also states that Sargent West returned with a seed from pines at Lone Pine and from that seed the Pine at the Cenotaph in Barclay Square Red Cliffs grew.A framed balck and white photograph of Sargent W.T. West, cleaning his rifle infront of his tent, the photo clearly shows his rank insignis and uniform and hat details, as well as his Lee Enfield rifle.of, australia, ww1, commonwealth, gazette, london, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc, collection, 24th, battalion, aif

Attached to his R.S.L. Membership Card along with the funeral notice, is a subsequent newspaper article written at the time of Walter West's death, which reads: Death of Pioneer Settler/ A pioneer settler of/ the Red Cliffs irigation/ district and one of the/ last men to be evacuated/ from Gallipoli, died sud/denly on Saturday night/ aged 84./ In 1922 Mr. Watler Thomas/ West came to Red Cliffs/ where he established Block/ 86 in the irrigation district./ He lived there until his/ death on Saturday after playing bowls at the Red/ Cliffs rinks on Saturday/ afternoon./ Mr. West was born in Jeparit and served with the/ 24th Battalion in Egypt and/ Gallipoli./ He was awarded the Mili/tary Medal in France in/ 1917 and the Military Cross/ in 1918 when he captured/ single handed an enemy/ machine gun post./ He settled at Red Cliffs/ on his return when the/ area was placed under irri-/gation./ For 25 years he operated/ a unique partnership with/ the late Mr. Martin Nippe, his adjoining property/ owner. The pair pooled their/ horticultural equipment for/ joint use./ Mr. West joined Mildura/ Legacy in 1942 and was an/ active member until his/ death./ The funeral will be held at the United Church, Red/ Cliffs this morning at 10.30Type written obituary, presumably used when Walter West,MC,MM, died.Walter West MC,MM/ Red Cliffs residents were saddened to learn of the sudden passing on Saturday last/ of Walter Thomas West MC,MM., a Pioneer/settler and well respected citizen./ "Wal" as he was affectionately known, was/ born at Dandenong some 84years ago./ He served with distinction in World War 1/ with 24th Battalion. He was an original ANZAC, and also saw service in/ Egypt and France. He received two awards for gallantry in the field - The Military/ Medal in France 1917 and the Military Cross in France/ in 1918 when he was responsible for the/ single handed capture of an enemy gun and crew./ He was an original soldier settler and developed/ his fruit block in Red Cliffs which is still/ operated by his son Tom. In 1922 he/ became an original Trustie of the Methodist/Church and was the last surviving original/ Trustie. He served on the Board of/ directors of the Red Cliffs Co-Operative Co.Ltd/ from 1954 to 1967, and was Chairman of Directors/ in 1963 and 1964. He showed a keen interest/ in youth activities and some excellent cricketers/ were produced as a result of his coaching of/ the Methodist Junior Cricket Team. He was an/ active and keen member of Mildura Legacy/ for 34 years, serving as President in 1947 and 1948./ He was secretary of the Cemetary Trust for many years, served on the Hospital Committee/ was a member of Memorial Lodge, a member of Red Cliffs Senior Citizens Club and a /member of Red Cliffs Sub-Branch R.S.L. since / it's inception./ He was a keen member of the Red Cliffs/ Bowling Club and took part in a club event on/ the day of his passing./ It was the pioneer settler and men with ability/ and initiative of Walter West that brought/ out the Community Spirit which resulted in/ the Red Cliffs we know today.1918, 1917, ww1, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc, 24th, battalion, aif, gallipoli, bullecourt

John Hughes was Awarded the Military Medal: "for conspicuous good work during operations at/ GIRD TRENCH, near LE SARS, on 14.11.1916./ This N.C.O. was in charge of a party of men engaged in digging a communication trench from/ our jumping off trench to the newly captured GIRD TRENCH. He displayed great courage and coolness under very heavy fire, and his personal efforts were mainly responsible for the completion of the task allotted to his party."// Service number: 3044 Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: 2nd Pnr Bn Service: Army Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918 Award: Military Medal Date of London Gazette: 22 January 1917 Location in London Gazette: Page 836, position 34 Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 29 June 1917 Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1395, position 37A framed embroidered cushion cover from WW1. Sent or brought home by Lt. Jack Hughes. Contained within the same frame is a paper clipping and a photo.1.Cushion cover: from the top down- Egypt.... 1914/ Rising Sun/ scrolls with Australian Commonwealth/ Military Forces/ Aust Div Train/ Palestine Sinai Syria/1919. 2.Newpaper clipping with photo: John Hughes (left) 81, and Hugh Mont/gomery, 87, are the two oldest veterans who/ will be taking part in the Frankston ANZAC/ Day March on Tuesday. Mr Hughes served/ in France and Belgium in WW1 and/ in Darwin in the Second World War. He is a/ holder of the Military Medal./ Mr. Montgomery served with the 29th Bat/talion AIF in France during WW1/ Both men have been residents of the RSL park War Veterans Home for the past eight years.// 3. Photo: Mr. John Hughes.belgium, france, ww1, lt, mm, jack, hughes

The Butcher Mr Bill Ellin delivering meat to Mrs J.L.Smith in front of the house Law Muir Den 510 Centre Rd Bentleigh c 1915. Groceries, Ice, Milk, Bread, Eggs, Poultry were delivered to housewives by the traders in horse drawn carts, Also Hawkers and Pedlars plied their wares by visiting the cottages. John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.A Black and white photograph c 1915 showing the Butcher delivering meat to Mrs J.L Smith Bentleighsmith j l, smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, bent thomas, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards, william ellin, butcher

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & white photograph of the Hay & Grain Store of John Logan Smith 1860-1932 on the corner of Jasper Rd and Centre Rd Bentleigh ( East Brighton) c1910. A Horse drawn cart loaded with hay and another outside the first building used by J L Smith

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 JL Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.Black & White photograph of J L Smith Hay & Grain Store and Crushing Mill Jasper Rd / Centre Rd Bentleigh 1916. A veranda has been added to the store, new signage attached and a Gas light and hitching post are in foreground. 3 Horse drawn carts loaded with grain bags and drivers sitting on top of loadV. Smithgas street light, hitching posts, smith vic, photography, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

John Logan Smith 1860-1932 , the son of Irish immigrants James and Marianne Smith was born at their home near the 'Toll Gates' on Point Nepean Road and Dendy Street. East Brighton. At that time the area had many orchards that were later replaced by market gardens. J.L.Smith at first rented a cottage 'Law Muir Den' & Shed from Mr Box and commenced business as a wood merchant - sawing logs into shorter pieces using one horse to power the saw. He purchased the property, added to the buildings , began trading in fuel and fodder as well and installed a chaff cutting mill powered by 10hp steam engine. The business prospered 1909 following the death of Tommy Bent, J/L Smith was nominated for Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin. WW1 1914 - 18 both John and Mary Ann supported local War Relief Auxiliaries and their son Vic served as a Signaler in AIF. As Motor transport was increasing 1926 J L Smith built a small Garage on the opposite corner (Woolworths Supermarket 2005) , employed a good mechanic ( Reg Hunt ) and developed another successful business. The Grain Store was managed by family until 1930. In 1932 J L Smith assisted a man whose car had broken down, pushing it to the garage and sadly suffered a heart attack and died. He is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery. J.L.Smith was an early settler in East Brighton now Bentleigh and established successful Wood cutting, Grain & Chaff cutting and Motor garage businesses in Centre Road . He was elected Councillor of the Shire of Moorabbin and, with Mary Ann, his family were involved with local Church, Red Cross, and other community organizations.2 x Black & White photographs showing horse drawn carts loaded with (a) Hay and (b) bags of grain outside J.L.Smith Grain & Chaff Store Centre Rd Bentleigh c1920smith frank, smith arch, smith tom, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, smith harry redvers, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman s, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone 1916 during WW1 was arranged to showcase the local activities and raise funds for the 'Discharged Wounded Soldiers Fund' = £140 was raised. As elsewhere in Australia most of the local young men had enlisted in the AIF and some were coming home wounded - many were killed on overseas battlefields. This Parade was led by the Cheltenham Brass Band with the following Friendly Societies AOF, IOR, HACBS, PAFS, and ANA. The PAFS - Protestant Alliance Friendly Society - had 2 entries 'Fruit & Vegetable Display' and 'The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' both floats won their category. The Carnival gave prizes for sports events on the Mentone Oval and a concert was held at night at the Mentone Ice Skating Rink.World War 1 1914-1918 had a devastating impact on many early settler families whose sons had volunteered to serve in AIF. 1916 many of these young men were returning injured or had been killed overseas The Community rallied around to support these men and their families by holding fund raising events like the CarnivalBlack & White photograph of a horse drawn wagon displaying Fruit and Vegetables for a procession c 1916Handwritten ; Decorated wagon possibly part of a procession of market gardeners cartsfriendly societies cheltenham 1916, nurse edith cavell, cheltenham brass band 1916, ww1 1914-1918, wounded soldiers fund, allnutt ella, smith j l; smith mary ann, stanley helen, smith vic, chaff cutter, horse drawn carts, toll gates brighton, motor cars 1900, steam engines, early settlers, bentleigh, mckinnon, parish of moorabbin, city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, market gardeners, vineyards, orchards

The Friendly Societies Carnival at Mentone 1916 during WW1 was arranged to showcase the local activities and raise funds for the 'Discharged Wounded Soldiers Fund' = £140 was raised. As elsewhere in Australia most of the local young men had enlisted in the AIF and some were coming home wounded - many were killed on overseas battlefields. This Parade was led by the Cheltenham Brass Band, followed by the Friendly Societies AOF, IOR, HACBS, PAFS, and ANA. The PAFS - Protestant Alliance Friendly Society - had 2 entries 'Fruit & Vegetable Display' and 'The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' both floats won their category. Ella Allnutt portrayed Nurse Cavell. The Carnival gave prizes for sports events on the Mentone Oval and a concert was held at night at the Mentone Ice Skating Rink. World War 1 1914-1918 had a devastating impact on many early settler families whose sons had volunteered to serve in AIF. 1916 many of these young men were returning injured or had been killed overseas The Community rallied around to support these men and their families by holding fund raising events like the CarnivalBlack & White photograph of a decorated float with a Tableau ' The Murder of Nurse Edith Cavell' in the Friendly Societies Carnival Cheltenham 1916Front Handwritten ; Procession ( part of ) to honour Sister Edith Cavell an English nurse executed by the Germans in Brussels (BELG.) in 1914 (1st World War)cheltenham brass band 1916, ww1 1914-1918, cavell edith, friendly societies, protestant alliance friendly society, moorabbin, cheltenham, dendy henry, dendy's special survey 1841, assisted emigrants early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, marigold flowers, pharmacy, charman stephen, gettens mary, charman harriet, methodist church, primitive methodists, box william, box elizabeth, state schools, education, moorabbin shire, moorabbin roads board, city of moorabbin, kingston city council

1916 William Henry Thomas of Keys Road , South Brighton (now Moorabbin ) in WW 1 1914 -1918 1st AIF uniform. William was born in 1894 , Christened at the Wesleyan Church. (Methodist), Wickham Road, South Brighton and attended Moorabbin State School. . Private Thomas was a market gardener in Moorabbin prior to his enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force on 19 July 1915. Both his parents wrote separate letters giving their consent for their son to serve overseas due to " the pressing request of my son William Henry, also the urgent need of recruits do give my consent that he shall go to the front." September 29th 1915 he left Australia with the 5th Reinforcements of the 24th Battalion for Egypt. March 1916 he was hospitalised with Mumps and shortly after left Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force for France where he transferred to the 6th Australian Machine Gun Company.. Whilst on leave in England he received medical attention before returning to France and 13 November 1918 he spent a week in the care of the 7rh Field Ambulance suffering with influenza . Private Thomas returned to Australia on the hospital transport Castalia 13 April 1919 and his enlistment was terminated 26 September 1919Private William Henry Thomas and his family are examples of the patriotism exhibited by the market gardeners, and indeed throughout Australia, during the World War 1 1914-1918. Photograph is black and white. William Henry Thomas is standing straight and tall in the centre of the photograph, looking directly at the photographer while holding a weapon in his right hand. He is in his military uniform (WW1) .Front of Mount : Ainor Studio Auburn Back of Mount : William Henry Thomas / 1st World War 1916 / Keys Rd., Moorabbin / Born 1894 / Christened at Wesleyan ( Methodist ) Church / Wickham Rd., / South Brighton / now Uniting Church unsigned undatedwilliam henry thomas, 1916, 1894, first ww, world war one, uniform, wickham road, south brighton, moorabbin, world war 1 1914- 1918, thomas street,early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, australian infantry force, soldiers, key's cup, victorian war memorials, cheltenham, mckinnon,, keys road moorabbin, ss castalia, british expeditionary force ww1 1914- 1918, 24th battalion 1st aif, 6th australian machine gun company 1st aif, influenza epidemic 1919, alexandria egypt, methodist church,

The City of Moorabbin Historical Society was formed c 1960 by a group of Moorabbin residents who were concerned that the history of the area should be preserved. A good response to a call for items related to the historical area of Moorabbin Shire brought donations of a wide variety of artefacts which are now preserved by the current members of CMHS at Box Cottage Museum . Helen Stanley, Secretary of CMHS, began producing a Newsletter for members in April 2007 to provide current information and well researched items of historical interest. Helen Stanley has produced a bi-monthly Newsletter, 2007 - 2013, for the members of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society that contains well researched interesting historical items, notification of upcoming events, current advice from Royal Australian Historical Society , Museums Australia Victoria and activities of Local Historical Societies. The Newsletter is an important record of the activities of the CMHS Local newspaper reports about the ‘discovery’ of Box Cottage’ 1977 3 x A4 paper printed on 1 side Issue 16 of the bi-monthly, City of Moorabbin Historical Society Newsletter produced by Society member and Secretary, Mrs Helen Stanley in April 2010.. Notice for the meeting on Anzac Day, Sunday 25th , 3 photocopied photographs taken by 2nd Lieutenant Vic Smith aboard the troopship “Port Sydney” coming home from WW1 in 1919. An article ‘Re-visiting some ‘Box Cottage’ Facts recounts the discovery of the ‘Cottage’ in a shed on the property purchased by Mr Laurie Lewis from the Reitman family in 1977. Thankfully Mr Lewis appreciated such a find and donated it to the City of Moorabbin, and together it was dismantled and re-constructed in Joyce Park, Ormond in 1988 – 100 yards from the original site. Excerpts from 3 articles in ‘The Moorabbin Standard’ and ‘Chadstone Progress’ Newspapers 1977 describing the newly discovered early settler cottage on the Lewis Timber Pty Ltd property in Jasper Road, Ormond. A photocopied photograph of the ‘Box Cottage’ June 1977 when used as a storage facility. CITY of MOORABBIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY / APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTERcity of moorabbin historical society, stanley helen, lewis laurie, lewis grace, lewis timber pty. ltd., melbourne, moorabbin, cheltenham, ormond, bentleigh, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin shire, box cottage museum, smith vic, ss port sydney, world war one 1914 – 1918, soldiers, aif, reitman j., box john, box william, dendy henry, bullock drays, moorabbin roads board 1862, dendy’s special survey 1841, mclean n, box henry, joyce park ormond, city of moorabbin

Female Relative Badges were issued to the nearest female relative (usually wives or mothers) of those who engaged in active service overseas during the First and Second World Wars. Two Female Relative Badges were issued during the First World War. One was issued to the nearest female relative of soldiers, airmen, nurses, and masseuses who left Australia for active service abroad; the other to the nearest female relative of members of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) who had enlisted for general naval sea service for at least a period of the war, and who performed service outside Australian waters. A bar was suspended below the badge to indicate additional relatives involved in the war effort. The Female Relatives Badge was promulgated under Military Order 280 of 1917 and superseded by Military Order 1818 of 1918. (Australian War Memorial )So many Moorabbin Shire young men volunteered to serve in 1st AIF during WW1 . This caused great hardship for farming families especially due to the heavy manual labour that the Women had to undertake to maintain food production for Australia and overseas . This medal may be associated with Alonzo Sheldrake Box who served at Gallipoli and France Circular Silver medal with Crown , Blue engraving and pin clasp on back . A silver bar is attached Around edge ; Issued by Dept. of Defence to Women of Australia Centre cut out : A I F On Bar : For Duty Done On Back : Stokes & Sons 57691world war 1914-18, moorabbin shire, early settlers, pioneers, box alonzo, box william, australian military medals, anzac, gallipoli, sheldrake martha, box elizabeth, box mary louisa, closter mary, war memorials, a

AIF Artillery group. Training in Australia.photo, ww1, army

Enfield. 1907 pattern, AIF Manufactured 02-1945weapon, ww1, army

Picture of the AIF Colour Patches (also see Pic 102)poster, ww1

Colour Patches of the First AIFposter, ww1, army