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Clayton RSL Sub Branch
soft cover non-fiction book, In Good Company, 1987
Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Poster - Poster, Information Board 5RAR
An Poster, Information Board on 5 RAR 1st Tour 1966 to 1967. Below a black and white photograph reads: 5 RAR Operation Canberra 6th to 10th October 1966. Lance Corporal Shoebridge and Lance Corporal Brian supporting Private Riik and Private Birties securing weapons. Resulting from a booby trap explosion, 7 members of C Company 8 platoon were wounded when ascending the Nui Thi Vai mountain on the 8th Oct 1966. Overcoming difficult terrain, C Company prepared a landing zone (LZ) on the slopes for evacuation of the wounded - (Medevac). Under a coloured photograph of sodliers reads; 5 RAR - Bush Bashing 1966. Members of C Company 9 platoon after days of bush bashing - a soldier's term used to describe days of navigating dense terrain and vegetation while being always at the ready for enemy contact. Under a coloured photograph of APC reads: 5 RAR - Operation Hayman 8th to 12 November. Armoured Personnel carriers supporting 5 RAR during staging/forming mode prior to being air-lifted on to the summit of Nui Nua on Long Son Island. The Battalion's objective was to capture or eliminate the Chau Duc District VC Company that had been restricting movements of the local regional force. Thirteen Viet Cong survived and surrended days later to mainland police. Under a coloured photograph of soldiers walking on a log over water reads: 5 RAR - Hat Bands. The Viet Cong occasionally wore the same or similiar headgear as the Australian forces in an attempt to create confusion when contact was made. In the short term this was remedied by threading a coloured ribbon around the Australian bush hat. The ribbon served as an identification marker so as to quickly identify an Australian soldier from the enemy. Colours were regularly changed.5 rar, c coy, operation canberra, operation hayman, pte riik, l/cpl shoebridge, l/cpl brian -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Boothey Family Photo Collection -- Eight sleeves of Photos, 28 photographs
Boothey Photo Collection. Eight sleeves.-1 Black Memorial Card John Boothey January 14, 1908 -2 Marble Gravestone for John Boothey & Hannah Boothey buried at Stawell -3 John & Ann Boothey Family -4 Wedding Photo Son of John & Hannah Boothey (seated) and his wife in wedding dress -5 Wife of John & Hannah's son -6 Mrs J Boothey -7 Mrs J Boothey -8 Boothey House Lake Road Stawell -9 Boothey House Napier Street, Stawell -10 Boothey Home Napier Street, Stawell -11 Left to Right Mrs Boothey, J Robson, W Boothey, L Robson, E Boothey, D Boothey, c 1940's -12 Sent By Cpl. Boothey E B V240192. Left Myself, Bill Cairns, Sgt Mc Nell, Lieut. Izod, Ken Cullen, Reg Kelso -13 Myself & Bob Richards. New Guinea 1945. -14 Stawell Cenotaph Main Street. Lawson's Model Bakery at left. -15 Erin, Daisy, Walter -16 Daisy 15 Years -17 Mrs W B Boothey 1934. nee Ursula Harris -18 W B Boothey in suit with Bicycle -19 Man with two Puppets on knee -20 Five puppets -21 Walter Boothey & dancing dolls 1941 -22 Daisey Boothey -23 Soldier in uniform WW2 in Card Folder Ern Boothey -24 Soldier in uniform WW2 Ern Boothey -25 Man in suit with Gladston bag in front of tree foliage. Mr E Boothey left Stawell for camp 19 December 1941 -26 Soldier with parents. To Ern from Mum & Dad. May 1942. -27 Early truck. Ern Truck Boothey -28 Ern Boothey in uniform.-1 The Australian Card Company, 49 Elizabeth Street Melbourne -3 Stawell Photographic Co, Close Railway Station, C Hewitt, Manager -12 PHOTOGRAPH No 15587, Supplied by Military History Section (S.D.9), General Staff L.H.Q. -15 W. J. Chapman, Stawell. -23 Chapman Photo Stawell -25 Mr E Boothey left Stawell for camp 19 December 1941 -26 To Ern from Mum & Dad. May 1942. -27 Ern Truck Boothey stawell -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - 4th Field Survey Squadron Regimental Training - Exercise ‘Fuggy Hollow’ in SA, 1994
This is a set of 30 photographs of 4th Field Survey Squadron personnel undergoing regimental training in 1994, at Second Valley Conservation Park in South Australia. The aim of Exercise ‘Fuggy Hollow’ was typically to provide personnel a practical knowledge of infantry and minor tactics (IMT) at the section level, navigation and map reading, RATEL and survival in the Field.This is a set of 30 photographs of 4th Field Survey Squadron personnel undergoing regimental training in 1994, at Second Valley Conservation Park in South Australia. The colour photographs are on 35mm negative film and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 96 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1994. Unidentified soldier. .2) - Photo, colour, 1994. CPL Phuc ‘Charlie’ Tran. .3 to .5) - Photo, colour, 1994. CAPT Chris Topovsek. .6) & .7) - Photo, colour, 1994. Unidentified soldiers. .8) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: SPR Fran Calvert, unidentified (x2), SPR Mark Linford, unidentified. .9) to .17) - Photo, colour, 1994. Unidentified soldiers. .18) & .19) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: LT Andrew Caudle, SSGT Brian Collings, OC Maj Peter Demaine. .20) - Photo, colour, 1994. WO2 Peter Hammer. .21) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: CAPT Chris Topovsek, SSGT Brian Collings, WO2 Peter Hammer .22) - Photo, colour, 1994. SSGT Brian Collings. .23) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: unidentified, SPR Fran Calvert. .24) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: SPR Mark Sinderberry, SGT Steve McGuiness, unidentified. .25) - Photo, colour, 1994. SPR Mark Linford. .26) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: unidentified (x2), SPR Fran Calvert, unidentified. .27 & .28) - Photo, colour, 1994. L to R: SSGT Brian Collings, WO2 Peter Hammer. .29) - Photo, colour, 1994. WO2 Simon ‘Andy’ Capp. .30) - Photo, colour, 1994. SGT H. Evertz..1P to .30P – There are no personnel identified. ‘1994 EX FUGGY HOLLOW (IMTs) Second Valley Conservation Park’ annotated on negatives sleeve.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, 4 fd svy sqn -
Bendigo Military Museum
Programme - AWARD OF THE FRENCH LEGION OF HONOUR, Department of veterans Affairs, pre 21 7.1998
The program outlines the proceedings of the award of the French legion of Honour to Sgt John Henry Lockett age 107 years by the French Ambassador His Excellency Dominique Giraud at the Soldiers Memorial Institute Main Hall in Pall Mall bendigo on July 21 1998 beginning at 11.30 am. The MC on the Day was Bendigo RSL President Mr Alan Holmes. The Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard to make the speech in response. Refer Cat No 8143 re the initial outline from the Office of the Prime Minister, Cat No 8145.10P for photographs on the day.Souvenir program 4 pages folding. Front page in colour with the Australian and French Flags followed by details. Page two details the history of the award and Jack Lockett's WW1 service. Page 3 outlines the proceedings from 11.30am in the morning. Page 4 is sponsorship by the Department of Veterans Affairs.brsl, smirsl, french, legion of honour -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, Medal 1939-1945, Post 1945
This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool.A common item which commemorates the service of many military personnel which fought in World War 2.This medal is round and silver metal with a crowned image of George VI on the obverse and the reverse side has an image of a lion standing on top of a dragon like creature. The edge is plain with name and number of the recipient engraved. A bar is attached at the top. VX 88010 E. H. Swan -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED WW1, Post 1916
The photo has H. R. ROACH when it is actually R. H. ROACH. Robert Hartley ROACH enlisted on 28.1.1916 in the AIF in 17th reinforcements to the 6th Batt age 24 years 9 months. Embarked for Egypt 4.4.1916, embarked for England 31.5.1916, embarked for France 16.9.1916.hospitalised 4.12.1916 with Influenza, WIA Belgium 16.9.1917 GSW, to buttocks which penetrated through to the abdomen. Admitted to No 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station same day but DOW’s same day. His name is on the Honour Roll at the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. ‘Sepia photo on white background, mounted on grey cardboard fawn backing. Head & shoulders portrait of a solder without head gear, two Rising Sun badges on jacket collar. On backing LHS: "6TH BATT" On backing bottom centre: "PTE H R ROACH"photography-photographs/mounting accessories, 6th -
Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Craft - Model Ship Made By Australian POWs, WW2 Ship made by Australian POWs, Estimated date 1945
During World War II, over 22,000 Australian became prisoners of war to the Japanese. Most of them were captured at the fall of Singapore in February 1942 and were forced to march to Changi (the major Prisoner of War camp). Later on, the soldiers would be dispersed throughout South East Asia. Upon their return to Australia, very few of them told talked about their experience as prisoners (they often felt ashamed). It took almost 30 years before testimonies, books and documentaries would be published. This ship model was built by Australian prisoners of wars.Model of a Spanish or Portugese 18th Century sailing ship, manufactured from timber, fabric and string. Natural timber colours as well as white, blue, red, green and gold.'To Auntie Helen, many thanks for everything from P.O.W.s Singaporesingapore, war, ships, second world war, model, 1945, models, p o w s, prisoners -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Book, Don Mackay, The Troopers' Tale - The History of the Otago Mounted Rifles, 2012
The Otago Mounted Rifles served in the Boer War. In World War 1 the Regiment fought at Gallipoli, then, later, on the Western Front they were part of 1 ANZAC Corps with elements of the 4th and 8th Australian Light Horse Regiments. Later the OMR was reorganised into II ANZAC Corps with B and D Squadrons of the 4th Australian light Horse. Featuring nearly 400 photographs, illustrations and maps. "The Troopers' Tale" records the history of the regiment from the 1860's to the present day, and tells the personal stories of many previously unknown New Zealand soldiers. Hard cover book. 382 pagesISBN 978-0-47320462-4book, otago mounted rifles, history, south african war, world war 1, book, otago mounted rifles, history, south african war, world war 1 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, Campaign Stars & Medals, C 1945
This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool.A common item which relates to a local soldier and World War 11.Round white metal medal with bar at top. Australian Coat of arms on front with image of George 6th on the reverse. Flat edge on medal with recipient's name and number engraved. it is housed in small cream card box with a small sheet of paper with summary of conditions of campaign stars and medals. The Australian Service medal 1939-1945. George VI G Br OMN Rex Et Indiae Imp VX88010 E H Swanwarrnambool, ernest henry swan -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, And We Who Followed, 1988
This book contains a history of the Shire of Heytesbury from 1921 to 1987. It is written by Jack Fletcher and follows on from his book ‘The Infiltrators’ which is the history of the Heytesbury region from 1840 to 1920. The Heytesbury area in the Western District of Victoria was named after the village of Heytesbury in England and the first Baron Heytesbury, Sir William A Court, who purchased the village in 1828 and was a distinguished public figure in Great Britain at the time. The area, largely forested, was cleared in 1960 to establish the Heytesbury Soldier Settlement Scheme and is today an important dairying area centred around the town of Simpson.This book is of some interest as it details a history of an area adjoining the Warrnambool district. The Heytesbury Settlement farmers are predominantly dairy producers, similar to those in other districts around WarrnamboolThis is a hard cover buff-coloured book with a dust cover sealed down onto the hard cover. The front and back covers have a sepia coloured photograph of the Heytesbury Settlement Park.Front of dust cover – ‘And We Who Followed - A History of the Heytesbury 1921-1987-Jack S. Fletcher Spine – as above (plus a library classification) heytesbury region, victoria, heytesbury soldier settlement -
Orbost & District Historical Society
documents, 1932 - 1965
The Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights and in 1929 the band played at the official opening of the Buchan Caves, by Sir Albert Lind. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A plastic pocket containing cheque butts, credit books and account books. All contain hand-written details and relate to the Orbost Municipal Band.On front covers - "ORBOST MUNICIPAL BAND" in black pen. orbost-municipal-band -
Orbost & District Historical Society
books, 1938 - 1980
The Orbost Workers' Band and the Orbost Town Band amalgamated in 1913 to form the Orbost Municipal Band under the conductorship of Mr Charles Spink. The Orbost Municipal Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights and in 1929 the band played at the official opening of the Buchan Caves, by Sir Albert Lind. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.Two hard back minute books with black covers and red spines. There is a white paper label with details of dates and the title "ORBOST MUNICIPAL BAND MINUTE BOOK".orbost-municipal-band -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of a monument/cenotaph and lawn grave sites with white crosses.Handwritten on rear - Tarakan Cemetery2/24th battalion, wangaratta, tarakan -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Image, Ballarat Town Hall and Sturt Street Gardens, 1922, 1922
The Sturt Street Gardens run down the centre of Ballarat's main street. It boast many statues. In front of the depicted Ballarat Town Hall is the Boer War Memorial which commemorates soldiers who have taken part in the South African War. The scuplture is by James White, and it was proposed by Cr J.J. Brokenshire, and was approved at the Council meeting on 31 May 1900. The foundation stone was laid on May 1901 but was relocated to the present site and re-laid by the then Mayor Brokenshire. The stature was unvelied on 01 November 1906 by the Governor General Baron Northcote.Copy of a photograph showing Ballarat Town Hall, Sturt Street gardens, and the Boer War Monument. ballarat, ballarat town hall, boer war monument, sturt street gardens, boer war memorial, statues -
RMIT Design Archives
Textile pieces
Michael O’Connell (1898-1976) arrived in Melbourne in 1920 with no professional training apart from that of a soldier on the Western Front. During the 1920s however he discovered a talent for design and, returning from a visit home to England via France and Italy in 1929, focussed on textile design with his wife Ella. This fragment of a wall hanging shows clear indebtedness to the School of Paris, Matisse in particular, and other designs from the early 1930s indicate that O’Connell was familiar with the work of Raoul Dufy who had created some successful and popular fabric designs for Paul Poiret.Textile piece featuring women and geometric patterntextile design, rmit design archives, mid-century modern -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Document, Gerald Jenzen, Henry Hannington
Biography of Henry Hannington who was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland on 17 March 1819 and died in Ballarat at his residence in Crompton Street, Soldiers Hill on 1 January 1893 aged 73 years. Henry married Jane Crabb in the Independent Church in Melbourne in 1853. Jane died in Ballarat on the 23 January 1887,. Henry Hannington had various occupations including Shepherd, Miner, Trooper and Bricklayer. He was also listed as a Ballarat Pioneer who was resident in the District before the first Gold Licence was issued on 20 September 1851.Document on the history of early member of the Old Colonists' Association, Henry Haningtonhenry hannington, old colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, jane hannington -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Seymour Camp 1910
Seymour was selected as the site for a military training camp by General Kitchener during his 1909 visit to Australia to advise the government of defence needs. Space for light horse training and areas for artillery training were factors in the choice of location. Soldiers thought to be Beechworth Troop, 8th Light Horse (VMR). 8th Light Horse (VMR) was raised following Federation from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles throughout North-east Victoria. 8th regiment was renumbered 16th Light Horse (Indi) in 1912 and reverted to 8th Light Horse (Indi) in 1920.Black and white photograph of thirteen members of a light horse troop at Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910 posed for photograph. Photograph is professionally mounted on card.In manuscript: "Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910"; faint ink stamp: " James Colquhoun / Photographer / Donald Street / Prahran"light horse, seymour, 8th, vmr, indi, beechworth, kitchener, uniform -
Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Photograph - gelatin silver photograph, Brighton Artillery Corps showing Adam Lindsay Gordon as a member of the Corps, 1870
In 1936, a plate commemorating Adam Lindsay Gordon's service as a soldier of the Queen was installed in the Wilson Memorial Hall— formerly known as the Brighton Drill Hall— recording that the poet was sworn in there as a member of the Brighton Artillery Corps in 1869. Gordon lived in Brighton for only 14 months, but took an active interest in the Artillery Corps. In addition to the memorial plate, two photographs of the Brighton Artillery corps, were unveiled by Mr A. C. Wilson, a son of the Councillor Thomas Wilson before whom the poet took the oath of allegiance to the Queen. This photograph shows a group of the corps, with Gordon in uniform.brighton artillery corps, soldier, adam lindsay gordon, a.c. wilson, cr. t. wilson, poet -
Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Photograph - gelatin silver photograph, Officers of Brighton Artillery Corps, 1870
In 1936, a plate commemorating Adam Lindsay Gordon's service as a soldier of the Queen was installed in the Wilson Memorial Hall— formerly known as the Brighton Drill Hall— recording that the poet was sworn in there as a member of the Brighton Artillery Corps in 1869. Gordon lived in Brighton for only 14 months, but took an active interest in the Artillery Corps. In addition to the memorial plate, two photographs of the Brighton Artillery corps, were unveiled by Mr A. C. Wilson, a son of the Councillor Thomas Wilson before whom the poet took the oath of allegiance to the Queen. This photograph shows a group of the corps.brighton artillery corps, soldier, adam lindsay gordon, a.c. wilson, cr. t. wilson, poet -
Melbourne Legacy
Certificate, Junior Legacy Club, 1940
A Junior Legacy Certificate presented to Valma Wigg on 12 July 1940. The text says 'During the Great War many men offered themselves for Service in the Forces of the Empire. To assist the children of those who fell, or who have died since, the Melbourne Legacy Club was formed. The Children of deceased sailors and soldiers constitute the Junior Legacy Club.' It was part of a collection of Legacy items from Valma Hutchinson (nee Wigg), a former junior legatee. Valma was accepted into Junior Legacy club in 1940 when she was about 10 years old.An example of the formality surrounding enrolment into Junior Legacy.Buff colour Junior Legacy membership certificate with black printing.Typed 'Valma Wigg' and '12.7.1940' and signed in black ink.junior legatee, girls' classes, jlc -
Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society Inc.
Photograph, Sunbury Red Cross 1915, 1915
The women in the photograph were members of the Sunbury Red Cross in 1915 and was taken during the years of World War 1 at 'Rupertswood Mansion' one of the Clarke family's homes. Over those four years the local people supported the war effort in many ways. School children knitted garments for the soldiers, Food parcels were sent away to the Front. Local events were held to raise money for the war effort. Many events supporting the war effort took place at Rupertswood and the Sunbury Red Cross frequently gathered at the mansion.On the Homefront members of the Sunbury community worked tirelessly to support the war effort and leading this movement was the local Red Cross.A non-digital sepia photograph with a narrow cream border of a group of well-dressed women posing for a photograph in front of a large mansion. A note on the back states that it is an original photograph which was taken in 1915. sunbury red cross, red cross, world war 1, rupertswood mansion, sir william clarke -
National Wool Museum
Tool - Stencil, 1938
The story of 90 years of wool classing between father & son begins in 1936, when a young boy by the name of Stanley James Hucker walked through the doors of the Gordon Technical School in Geelong. Born in 1921, Stanley was 15 years of age when he began his 3-year course in Wool Classing. 30 years later, Stanley’s second son Denis completed the same 3-year wool classing course. Beginning in 1966, Denis attended the same Gordon Technical School and walked the same halls as his father before him. Stanley finished his course in 1938. He went back to the family farm in Lake Bolac for a brief period before enrolling in the Second World War. At the completion of the war, Stanley returned home and married before gaining a soldier settler allotment, north of Willaura. This enabled Stan to use his wool classing knowledge. He ran between 1,500 and 2,000 sheep for many years, while his wool classer stencil also allowed him to go out and class at various sheds around the area. He held his stencil from 1938 until he retired at the age of 60 in 1981. On retirement, his second son Denis was working in the district, managing a local property while also leasing land himself. Upon his father’s retirement, Denis had the opportunity to lease his father’s farm, an opportunity he could not refuse. Denis had finished his wool classing course at the Gordon Technical School in 1968, graduating dux of his class. He began working with a local contractor and started classing wool in his team. Denis gained a great deal of experience working as part of this team in big sheds of up to 8 stands servicing between 10 & 20,000 sheep. It was not all smooth sailing for Denis however, and he soon learnt an important lesson. Class wool the way you’re taught, don’t listen to the owner standing over your shoulder. At a clip of Corriedales near Casterton, Denis was pushing too many fleeces into the line of fine wool. This resulted in a notice from the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) “mixing counts too much, submit three clips for inspection”. Denis was able to submit 3 clips with no further complaints, however, this proved a valuable lesson he would never forget over his long career classing wool. In the early 1980s, when Denis was leasing two properties including his father’s, things were going well until drought struck. February 1983 was the date of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, and saw Melbourne have three days over 40 °C for only the second time on record. This period saw Denis give away farming, turning towards contracting work instead. After the difficult times of the early 1980s, the next two decades were a good time for the sheep industry. 15 micron wool was selling for prices between 4 to 5,000 cents per kilo, double what you’d expect for the same wool in 2022. In 1995 a single bale of wool sold for a million dollars. This was a good time for Denis too. His contracting work saw him employing local shearers and shed staff. His team was involved with the shearing and classing of more than 130,000 sheep. After 20 years of contracting, it was time for Denis to transition into the next phase of his life. He gave up independent contracting, preferring instead to return to being a member of someone else’s team. In 2018, having completed 50 years of wool classing, it was time to call it a day and retire completely. At the annual Gordon Wool School Old Students Association dinner held in 2018, Denis was presented with his 50 years as a registered wool classer stencil awarded by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). This is a rare honour achieved by few. As of February 2020, a total of 430 wool classers had achieved this 50-year milestone. For Denis however, his proudest achievement is achieving 90 years of wool classing with his father. The National Wool Museum is proud to share the collection of objects gained from 90 years in the wool classing industry by Stanley and Denis. This ranges from Stanley’s first stencil and Wool Sample book, started when he first attended the Gordon in 1936. The collection concludes 90 years later with Denis’ 50 years of wool classing Stencil. The collection contains many more objects, all telling the story of these 90 years, and the hard work invested by this dedicated father and son duo. Thin sheet of metal with letters cut to produce a consistent pattern for the surface below through the application of ink. This wool classing stencil belonged to Stanley Hucker. It was his first Wool Classing Stencil. It was used on Stanley’s property named “Yohhatnbu” in Willaura. Stanley gained the property as part of the Returned Soldiers Settlement Scheme for his service in World War 2. The role of a Wool Classer is to sort, classify, and grade wool into various ‘lines’ so that it can be sold for best market price. Wool Classers are typically also tasked with the managing and supervising of wool-handling teams. The stencil is used in the final step of preparing a bale of wool for sale. It is branded across the front of a wool bale to indicate the quality of the wool, with the classers number used as a seal of guarantee.Cut letters. “SJH / BOLAC ”wool classing, stencil, 90 years wool classing between father & son -
Melbourne Legacy
Letter, To Robert Bowring from Rob C. Allison, 2000
A file copy of a letter sent from Legatee Rob Allison to Robert Bowring (6th November 2000) in answer to a request regarding the origins of the first Dawn Service. Legatee Rob Allison signed himself as the Chairman, Advisory Tradition and History Committee. To research his response he consulted the AWM and summarised the content in the letter and enclosed four articles. Unfortunately the four articles sent to Robert Bowring are not included here. L/- Rob Allison makes reference to information obtained from Dr Richard Reid (historian at the Australian War Memorial and then the Commonwealth Branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs). Also Rob Allison makes reference to Lyn Witheridge (Australian War Memorial and later with the Centenary Federation Secretariat). He was addressing the rumour that there was a Dawn Service held in Albany WA in 1914 when the first convoy in WW1 from Australia was about to sail from Albany. The letter also makes reference to a gathering at Toowoomba QLD on Anzac morning 1919, however that rumour suggest that flowers were placed on returned soldiers graves, L/- Allison cast doubt about the placing of flowers on graves of returned service personnel, because only Major General Bridges and the Australian Unknown Soldier were the only two WW1 troops killed in action, to be returned to Australia.A record that members of the public approached Legacy with questions about military and post war history. Legatee Allison made an effort to research and base his reply on evidence.White paper with black type, a facsimile of a letterTelephone No 61395620309 top right.research, world war one -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Poster - Digital poster, A ball on board M.V. "Kanimbla", 1936
The motor vessel "Kanimbla" from Mcllwraith, McEacharn Ltd was brand new in 1936 and was used several times for charity balls. "Kanimbla Ball" (Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), Saturday 28 November 1936, page 12) Over 1,000 people were present at a very successful ball given on board the m.v. Kanimbla this week, to aid the funds of the Limbless Soldiers' Association and the Victorian Mission to Seamen. The ship was gaily decorated with balloons and international code flags, while vases of mixed flowers gave charm to the supper tables in dining saloon. His Excel- lency the Governor and Lady Huntingfield attended by Lieutenant A. W. P. Robert-son, were present, and were received by the chairman of the ball committee (Major-General Brand) and Mrs. Brand, Admiral Sir Francis and Lady Hyde, Com- mander and Mrs. Smith, the chaplain of the mission (the Rev. F. L. Oliver), Mr. and Mrs. James Kelso, the president of the Limbless Soldiers' Association (Mr. T. S. Gray) and Mrs. Gray, and the honorary secretary of the ball committee (Mr. C. R. Laragby) and Mrs. Laraghy. Lady Huntingfield wore a becoming gown of copper-red crepe, with a faint silver stripe. and was presented with a bouquet of deep red gladioli.Padre Oliver had a friendly relationship with the captain of the Kanimbla.Digital copy of a colour poster advertising for a ball on board the MV Kanimbla.m.v. kanimbla, ball, mission to seamen, 1936, mcilwraith mceacharn ltd, frank leslie oliver, lord huntingfield, limbless soldiers association -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - BACK PACK KIT, Military Trade Partner's, 2011
Items in the collection re Craig Triffett. Refer Cat No 5997.5. for his service details.This is a soldiers back pack with additions. It has the Australian Army Disruptive Pattern, Camouflage markings. it has an upper and lower internal components. On the upper external corners are two fixed pouches. Additions to the back pack are two large ammo pouches and a large water bottle (plastic) and it's carrier. The system uses plastic snap lock catches. The pack has extra bands of 55mm wide webbing, to mount extra items. Loose ends of straps have been rolled up and held with black pvc tape to suit the user.At top, bodyside, is phrase " Hol846".aust army, military backpack -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PORTRAIT IN A PATRIOTIC FRAME, 1914-1918
Passchendaele Barracks TrustPicture - This is a black and white "chest up" portrait of an Australian soldier. He is in uniform wearing a slouch hat, Rising sun badges are on his collar. The photo is oval shaped. Mount - This is a cardboard sheet. It has a rectangular hole in the centre. On top LHS is the Union flag, RHS has places of various allies. The top shows a small primitive bi-plane. Top Centre is an 18 Pdr Cannon firing. Photos of Kitchener, French, Jellicoe and Churchill are in each corner. A ship is at the bottom centre. The photo has detached from the frame.passchendaele barracks trust, ww1, soldier portrait -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, CREATION of WW1 WAR GRAVES, CRANE David, "Empires of the Dead", 2013
"EMPIRES OF THE DEAD" - HOW ONE MAN'S/ VISION LED TO THE/ CREATION OF WW1'S/ WAR GRAVES"Hard cover book with Dust Cover. Hardcover - cardboard, black colour buckram, gold print on spine. Dustcover - Paper, white, red and black print on front, spine, back and front and back flaps. Illustrated front, black and white photographs (top) soldiers from the rear, (bottom) war graves. Back cover - colour copy of oil painting "The Cemetery, Etaples" 1919 by Sir John Lavery. 289 pages, paper, cut, plain, off white. Illustrated black and white and colour photographs. End papers - red.ww1, books, war graves -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, BLACK & WHITE, R.A.F, c1946
Relates to the service of R.A.F. SQNLDR VMK James, in Hong Kong 1946.Seven Black and white photos. 1. Japanese war criminals lined up with RAF guards 8 Sep 1945. 2. Pix of a building Pan Yuen (Officers Mess). 3. Pix of three men, two Europeans, one Chinese. 4. Pix of bogged "Blitz Truck" on beach. 5. Pix of UK Soldiers in font of Japanese truck. 7 Sep 1946, looking for an American Airman. 6. Portrait of Chan Chung Hang given to SQNLDR VMK James. 7. Pix of Chinese children at a Christmas party.ww2, hong king, kowloon -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK WW1, Eugene GORMAN, "With the Twenty - Second", Original Edition 1919, Revised Edition 2001
"This is a revised edition of the original 1919 Regimental History" "From the beaches of Anzac Cove to the gas ridden trenches of the Western Front" "The pyramids to the rolling plains of Stone Henge" "Ground traversed by the Twenty-Second (Victorian) Infantry Battalion during World War One"Hard cover book with dust cover. Hard cover cardboard with grey coloured buckram , gold coloured print on front and spine. Illustrated with purple over red diamond colour patch. Dust cover, paper, pinkish/orange glossy coloured background, purple coloured print on front, spine and back. Illustrated with purple over red diamond colour patch (small) front and back and black and white photograph of a group of soldiers 'somewhere in France. 245 pages, cut, plain, semi gloss white. Illustrated - black and white photographs and maps.Front fly leaf - printed donation label - "Donated by 39th Australian Infantry Battalion (1941-43) Association Inc www.39battalion.com" Top right front flyleaf - printed label with handwritten in black ink "No. 120 of 500"books, military, history, wwi