Kevin Richard Coombs, OAM (born 30 May 1941) is an Australian wheelchair basketballer and athlete who competed at 5 Paralympics including the first Paralympic Games in 1960. He was the first Australian Aboriginal Paralympic competitor for Australia.Grey plastic case containing silver coloured medal.Medal contains text - Australian Paraplegic Games Melbourne 1960 - Kevin Coombs, Javlin [sic] The lid on the case is inscribed with the word "TROPHY" and a laurel wreath. The bottom of the case is inscribed with "Casecraft. CAT. No 102". The interior of the case includes the text "Stokes (Australia) Limited - medallists and silversmtihs est. 1855:.australian paraplegic games, kevin coombs

Medals awarded for service in the Vietnam War. This set is as presented to Private Lionel Leslie Corrie, Service number 1201398, who served in 9RAR from 09/11/1968 to 09/04/1969 (152 days).A rack of five replica medals attached to colourful striped ribbons. two have silver bars. Silver Australian active service medal 1945-75; Silver Elizabeth Reign DEI GRATIA; Silver Australian defence medal; Bronze anniversary of national service 1951-'72; Gold & Green enamel white star with peace sign. vietnam, adf, medal, awards, corrie, 9rar, service medals, vietnam service

Les Smith died late 2018 after 50 years of dedication to conservation for which he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.Les Smith died late 2018 after 50 years of dedication to conservation.smith, les, environment, city of whitehorse, trees

This medal has been produced in 1953 in Australia to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11 of England in June 1953. Many commemorative medals such as these were distributed in 1953. Queen Elizabeth is still Queen of England today and Australia is a member country of the British Empire.This medal has no known local provenance and is only useful for display.This is a round bronze medal with an image of Queen Elizabeth on one side and the Australian Coat of Arms on the other. It is somewhat tarnished in parts.Side One: ‘Queen Elizabeth 11’ ‘Stokes’ Side Two: ‘Coronation 2nd June 1953 Australia’ queen elizabeth 11, coronation of queen elizabeth 11, history of england

General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'South Vietnam'. Awarded to Army and Air Force for service of 30 days or more, not necessarily continuous , in South Vietnam between December 1962 and May 1964 inclusive, or one sortie or more into South Vietnam by RAAF air crew personnel in direct support of operations. Members of accredited philanthropic organisations serving with the Army - the Australian Red Cross, Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association and Campaigners for Christ - were also eligible. Only 68 clasps were issued and all went to members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV)General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'South Vietnam'. Round silver medal with green and dark blue ribbonElizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina FD South Vietnamreplica medal, general service, south vietnam, aattv

Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905, the daughter of John and Annie (nee Cameron) Gilbert. She had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. She died in 1989 aged 84. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. Mary Gilbert was not only the founder of the Orbost Historical Society and Museum but was a teacher at bhe Orbost High School for many years. She contributed much to the community as she was involved in so many aspects of it. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.A black / white photograph of an elderly women accepting an award from a young womanl. Below the photograph is a medal and inscription on a light blue buff card. This is all inside a light blue wooden frame with gold edging.on front - "British Empire Medal, Miss M. Gilbert for Services to Orbost High School and Education in Greneral"gilbert-mary-orbost

Kevin Richard Coombs, OAM (born 30 May 1941) is an Australian wheelchair basketballer and athlete who competed at 5 Paralympics including the first Paralympic Games in 1960. He was the first Australian Aboriginal Paralympic competitor for Australia.Grey plastic case containing gold coloured medal.Medal contains text - Victorian Paraplegic Games 1963 - Shot Putt [sic] - 1st - Kevin Coombs The lid on the case is inscribed with the word "TROPHY" and a laurel wreath. The bottom of the case is inscribed with "Casecraft. CAT. No 102". The interior of the case includes the text "Stokes (Australasia) Limited - medallists and silversmtihs est. 1855:.australian paraplegic games, kevin coombs

This medal was awarded to the school children of Australia in 1951 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Federation of Australia. The design was chosen after a competition, with the valuable cash prize of two hundred guineas. It was won by John Wolfgang Elischer for his depiction of a man hand-sowing wheat. The wheat has grown to represent the seven States of Australia on the other side of the medal. Elischer was an Austrian sculptor and an Associate of the Royal Academy.Fifty Years of the Commonwealth of Australia 1901 - 1951.This medal was awarded to the school children of Australia in 1951 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Federation of Australia. The design was chosen after a competition, with the valuable cash prize of two hundred guineas. It was won by John Wolfgang Elischer for his depiction of a man hand-sowing wheat. The wheat has grown to represent the seven States of Australia on the other side of the medal. Elischer was an Austrian sculptor and an Associate of the Royal Academy. This is a round medal and is bronze in colour. On the front is a man throwing seed on the ground with the dates, 1901-1951, and on the back the words, "FIFTY YEARS COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA". along with a carving of the sun and seven ears of wheat representing the States and Territory.1901, 1951, commonweath australia medal

Relates to "John James Meade", No.144860 RAAF. Enlisted 29/9/43, age 18. Discharged 20/2/46, Rank L.A.C. No. 2 Operational Training Unit.Two Australian Service medals. 1. Australian Service Medal with Australian Commonwealth symbol on one side and image of George VI on other side. Ribbon attached to Ribbon that is light blue, red, white and dark blue stripes and a large safety pin on top. 2. War Medal 1939-1945. Round silver metal with picture of Rampant Lion standing on a vanquished eagle. Other sign image of George 6th. A ribbon attached to top that is red, blue and white.1. The Australia Service Medal - one side with 1939-45. and George 6th on other side. 2. Image of lion and 1939-45 on one side and George 6th on other.war medal, australia service medal, john james meade, ww2

"The Council Office of Paris in its session of 13th March 1972 awarded Monsieur Hugh Jeffrey the silver medal of the City of Paris." Dated 20th March 1972. Embossed on one side with the City of Paris's motto (Fluctuat nec mergitur) around a sailing ship above three badges (the Legion of Honour, the Croix de Guerre and the Ordre de la Liberation). The reverse side has 'Ville de Paris' (City of Paris) above an inscription 'Paris a Hugh Jeffrey 1972'.1 medallion in blue medal boxFluctuat nec mergitur (Tossed but not sunk)hugh jeffrey, awards

Borough of Wangaratta Medal presented to Sergeant Mervyn Sylvester Walter HARRIS V22764 of the 6 Aux Horse Transport who enlisted on 25/11/1937 at Wangaratta and was discharged on 1/5/1944.Round metal medallion mounted on black plastic base and medal attached with string.Presented by the Borough of Wangaratta inc 1863 (on the back) In grateful appreciation V22764 Sgt M Harris (on the front) World War 1939-1945sgt m harris, v22764, 6 aux horse transport

These medals are part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years. The British War Medal was a medal given to people who had fought in the First World War. The Victory Medal (also called the Inter-Allied Victory Medal) is a First World War campaign medal of Britain and her then colonies and dominions which included Australia.These personal documents, photographs, medals and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.Two medals in recognition of service during WW1. 1846.3 is a silver medal a WW1 1914-18 British War Medal. Obverse: Bare head of King George V facing left; text around, 'GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:'; the artist's initials 'B.M.' (Bertram MacKennal) are on the neck truncation. Reverse: Naked figure of St. George on horseback advancing right trampling a shield bearing an eagle design and a skull and crossbone. It has a blue/white/orange striped ribbon attached. 1846.4 is a gold coloured medal. The obverse in the medal shows the winged, full-length, full-front, figure of 'Victory' with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand. The reverse has the words ‘THE GREAT / WAR FOR / CIVILISATION / 1914-1919' in four lines, all surrounded by a laurel wreath. It has a purple/blue/green/yellow and orange striped ribbon attached.medals ww1 lawless-family

These photographs and medals are of the McIntyre family. Three members of Lara's McIntyre family served during the First and Second World Wars, and two were members of the Lara RSL. John Lachlan McIntyre was born at Beeac, Victoria in December 1890. He enlisted in the 1st AIF in July 1915. John fought on the Western Front, taking part in the battles of Fromelles and the 2nd Battle of the Somme. He was severely wounded at Fromelles and spent 12 months in hospital in England before returning to the front. John returned home in 1919 and was granted a soldier settlement block in Lara in 1937. He was a founding member of Lara RSL and is its longest serving member. John died in 1990. Thomas Gordon McIntyre was born at Lara in 1901. Thomas, known as Gordon, was too young to enlist in the First World War with his brothers. At the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion. He fought in the Syrian Campaign, before being recalled to Australia to fight in the pacific campaign. Gordon was wounded in a battle against the Japanese in Java on the 19/02/1942, and taken prisoner. No record of him after this was ever discovered, and he is presumed to have been killed. Jim McIntyre was born in 1893, and grew up in Lara and Geelong. Jim enlisted in the 1st AIF in 1916, and served with the 14th Battalion through the war. He was wounded twice. Jim died in 1976. The McIntyre family were early pioneers in the Lara district, and the brothers were founding members of the Lara RSL. Their medals and photographs represent a significant link to the history of the town and sub-branch. Three photographs and three sets of medals in a pine wood frame with glass covering. Photographs are black and white portraits of soldiers in uniform mounted on cream card. The medals are mounted on black felt. T.G. McIntyre VX20754 - 35-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and the Australian Service Medal 39-45. J.L. McIntyre 3591 - War Medal and Victory Medal J.W. McIntyre 7049 - War Medal and Victory Medal J.L. McIntyre REG. No. 3591 58th. BATT. 1st A.I.F Foundation Member Lara R.S.L 1890 - 1990 REG. NO. VX20754 T.G. MC INTYRE 2/2nd PIONEERS 2nd A.I.F 7049 J.W. McINTYRE 14th BTN. 1893-1975photograph, mcintyre, medals, wwi, wwii, world war 1, world war 2, aif, pioneers, lara, rsl

Display Gallantry Decorations that have and can be awarded to Australian Armed Forces personnel. Replica Victoria Cross, Replica Cross of Valour, Replica Star of Gallantry, Replica Star of Courage, Replica Medal Distinguished Service Cross, Replica Conspicuous Service Cross, Replica Nursing Cross, Replica Military Cross, Replica Distinguished Flying Cross, Replica Medal of Gallantry, Replica Bravery Medal, Replica Distinguished Service Medal, Replica Conspicuous Service Medal, Replica Military Medal, Replica Group Bravery Citation, Replica Unit Citation for Bravery. One (1) set of 14 replica Australian Gallantry Decorations placed on a display board titled Board No. 1. There is an attached list of these decorations. Each decoration has it's appropriate title placed underneath the decoration.No Inscriptions as these are replica medals. Decorations titles are placed underneath the award. Right hand corner of the Board identifies - from the “Bob English Collection”medals, gallantry, decorations, passchendaele barracks trust

Phillippine To be awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal, a service member must have participated in at least one of the following actions:[2][3][4] Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from 17 October to 20 October 1944. An individual is considered to have participated in such operations if he landed on Leyte or adjoining islands, was on a ship in Philippine waters, or was a crewmember of an airplane, which flew over Philippine territory during the period. Participation in any engagement against hostile Japanese forces on Leyte and adjoining islands during the Philippine Liberation Campaign of 17 October 1944, to 2 September 1945. Participation in any engagement against hostile Japanese forces on islands other than those mentioned above during the Philippine Liberation Campaign of 17 October 1944, to 2 September 1945. Served in the Philippine Islands or on ships in Philippine waters for not less than 30 days during the period.Purple Heart medals were awarded for soldiers injured or killed in WW2Medal Ribbon Noneworld war two, ww2, usa, usa ww2, ribbon, philippine liberation medal, occupation medal, purple heart

Distinguish Flying Cross medal awarded to John Hudson WILKINSON 400444 born 18/2/1914 at Rutherglen. He was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 He was reporting missing during air operations over East Prussia and later presumed to have lost his life on 30/8/1944 Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - citation reads Pilot Officer Wilkinson is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion in March 1944 when engaged n an attack on Stuttgart a Junkers 88 attacked his aircraft five times but Pilot Officer Wilkinson by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire drove ff the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew. The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Black case which opens out from right side. The top affixed by two side hinges on the left and push in pin on the right side. Inside case the top is lined in satin fabric imprinted with a black crest and the base is lined in felt containing a silver metal medal in the shape of a cross attached to a purple and while diagonally striped ribbon.On Top - DFC impressed in gold colour paint. Inside Top - Royal Mint Medal inscriptions -400444 Flt Lt Wilkinson Stuttgart 1944 pilot officer john hudson wilkinson, dfc, ww2, raaf, kia

The Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal was introduced in 2001 to recognise those who completed their obligation under the two National Service schemes that had operated in Australia between 1951 and 1972.The Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal is a bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse depicts an Australian Defence Force emblem with the crossed swords of the Army taking precedence. The Federation Star surmounts the emblem. Anniversary of National Service 1951 - 1972 national service medal, swainston collection, ne swainston

Medal issued to Australian Military Personnel who served between 1914 and 1919HighGold coloured round medal with a multicoloured ribbon (Purple, dark blue, light blue, green, yellow and orange colours.Front:- Angel. Rear: The Great War for Civilization. Rim: - 5594. Pte. W.J. Baird. 14th Bn. A.I.F

Two versions of the British War Medal were produced 6.5 million in silver and 110,000 in bronze. Obverse depicts King George IVs V Britt: Rex Et Ind : Imp. Reverse depicts nude rider on horseback - sword in hand - sun in background. 1914 - 1918.Campaign Medal of the United Kingdom. Medal was instituted on the 26th July 1919 for service between 5th August 1914 the day following the British Declaration of War and the Armistice 11th November 1918. Service # 2320 A-L-CP W. A. Renville. A.I.F.

Certificate - "Earl's Court, London, 1899. Greater Britain Exhibition. Diploma for Gold Medal"EARL'S COURT, LONDON, 1899. / GREATER BRITAIN EXHIBITION / DIPLOMA FOR GOLD MEDAL / AWARDED TO Mr H. Beggs / FOR Wool, Merino / BY THE LONDON EXHIBITIONS LIMITED. / [signature] / Director General. / [signature] / Chairman. / WEINERS LTD LONDON N.W.logo merino: sheep in australian art and design - exhibition (29/07/2000 - 04/02/2001), beggs, mr h.

Object said to be Macedonian Civil Defence MedalMaroon coloured presentation box containing maroon and blue striped ribbon with three metal bars attached above white stone medal.White stone is engraved front and back with black letters in a circle.macedonia, medal

To mark the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria reigning as the monarchy for 60 years. She died four years later in 1901. These medals were mass produces by Stokes & Sons of Melbourne, many of the local government bodies had them made.Marking the 60 years that Queen Victoria was on the throne. A round medal with a young and older faced Queen Victoria on one side. And on the other side is the Shire of Ballarat 's "Coat of Arm". This medal was issued by the Ballarat Shire as did many of the local government bodiesThe two faces of Queen Victoria, one as a young woman, the other later in life with the words, "QUEEN VICTORIA'S 60th YEAR OF REIGN. 1837 TO 1897". On the front. On the back is written "SHIRE OF BALLARAT. E.BUTLER. PRESIDENT". Also there is the Ballarat Shire "Coat of Arms", written underneath is the words "BY THESE WE FLOURISH".queen victoria, shire of ballarat, diamond jubilee

Kevin Richard Coombs, OAM (born 30 May 1941) is an Australian wheelchair basketballer and athlete who competed at 5 Paralympics including the first Paralympic Games in 1960. He was the first Australian Aboriginal Paralympic competitor for Australia.Grey plastic case containing grey/silver coloured medal.Medal contains text - 4th Australian Paraplegic Games Brisbane 1966 - Kevin Coombs, Basketball The lid on the case is inscribed with the word "TROPHY" and a laurel wreath. The bottom of the case is inscribed with "Casecraft. CAT. No 102". The interior of the case includes the text "Stokes (Australia) Limited - medallists and silversmtihs est. 1855:.australian paraplegic games, kevin coombs

Impressed on the edge of medal with "62 W.O J.T.BURNS 1 L.H.F AMB A.I.F

Issued in 2012 by the Reserve Forces Day Council in Memory of the Boer War 1988-1902. To signify memorial of the Boer War of 1899-1902. Issued by Reserve Forces Day Council 2012. An oval shaped medal issued in Memory of the Boer War 1899-1902 "A War Fought By Reservists" issued by the RFD (Reserve Forces Day Council) in 2012. The medal is oval in shape with enamel overlay in red and gold colours with a photograph centrally of a Boer War Soldier (sepia in colour). There is a ribbon attached with the Boer War medal colours being Red, Blue Orange. Dimensions being 30mm x 45mm. Made of gold metal. The Medal has an inscription around the oval outer-side : "A War Fought By Reservists" 1899-1902 RFD 2012. There is a sepia photograph centrally of a Boer War Soldier and above his outline are the words "In Memory". boer war 1899-1902, in memory - boer war medallion, reserve forces day council - boer war commemorative

This medal is a CBE (Commander of the most excellent order of the British Empire). It was awarded to Senator J.F. Guthrie in 1953. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.C.B.E. presented to Senator James Guthrie in 1953. Medal bestowed upon Mr JF Guthrie. Medal bestowed upon Mr JF Guthrie.FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE G R I C.B.E. GARRARD & Co. LTD. / Goldsmiths, Jewellers &c / TO THE KING / By Special Appointment / TO THE CROWN / 24 ALBEMARLE ST, / LONDON, W.I.j.f. guthrie (corriedale) pty ltd, guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e.

Joyce Hayward was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1981 for services to the arts in Warrnambool. The British Empire Medal was instituted in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire and in 1922 became a separate award known as the British Empire Medal. Joyce Hayward came with her husband Cyril to Warrnambool from England in 1955. For 30 years they were the dominant figures in the performing arts organizations in Warrnambool. Joyce Hayward was the Director of the Warrnambool Theatre Company from 1955 to 1985 and directed more than 80 plays and musicals. She founded the Warrnambool Calisthenics Club, helped develop the Holiday Actors organization and was a key figure in the revival of the Warrnambool Arts Council in the 1970s. She was a Life Member of the Warrnambool Theatre Company. She also helped establish the Performing Arts Centre in Warrnambool. She received the Warrnambool City Council Citizenship Award in 1970.It is a significant honour to be awarded a British Empire Medal and the acquisition by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society of the medal awarded to Joyce Hayward is of considerable importance. It is a rare item.This is a silver medal with a bar attached and clip at the back for the wearer and a red corded ribbon in a bow form on the silver attachment at the top. There is also a separate piece of red ribbon. The medal box is red leather material and lined with cream silk and velvet. Side one: E11R, Instituted by King George V., 4 armorial images, crown Side Two: For God and the Empire, For Meritorious Service, image (possibly Britannia) and a sun british empire medal, joyce hayward

Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal

Medal issued to Australian Service Personnel after WW1HighRound British War Medal. Silver colour. Blue, black, white and orange coloured ribbon issued to all Commonwealth Service personnel.Front:- Portrait of King George. Rear:- Man on a Horse. 1914. 1918. Rim:- 5994 Pte W J Baird 14 Bn A.I. F