Sent to Mrs McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta from soldier during second world warVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured drawing of small boat and three huts on stilts in water with palm trees and two mountains in background.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Right side Mrs M acDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australiaww2, envelope art

Sent to Mrs McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta from a soldier during second world warVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with hand drawing of palm tree and thatched hut with stick figure in centre.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Middle - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australiaww2, envelope art

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

Hand made plaque commemorating 22 Repair and Servicing Unit RAAF 1943-45Rectangular timber top mounted on timber base which has inscription in gold coloured paint.This silver poplar is dedicated to 22 Repair and Servicing Unit, RAAF 1943-45 The unit serviced aircraft and transport in South West Pacific area, New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Noemfoor, Morotaia, and Labuan LEST WE FORGET 22 R.S.U. Nazab, Cape Gloucester, Noemfoor, Morotai, Brunei Bay.22 repair and servicing unit raaf 1943-45, ww2

Map of the Kokoda Trail terrain to scale with approximate travel times depending on fitness and conditions.Black frame containing map of terrain in black on white paperThe Kokoda Trailkokoda, new guinea, ww2

Instrument of Surrender of Japanese Fores under the Command or Control of the Supreme Commander Japanese Expeditionary Forces Southern Regions within the Operational Theatre of the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia. Signed at Singapore on 12/9/1945 by Louis Mountbatten Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia.Gold coloured metal frame containing document with logo at top and signatures and red stamp belowInstrument of Surrender of Japanese Fores under the Command or Control of the Supreme Commander Japanese Expeditionary Forces Southern Regions within the Operational Theatre of the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asiajapanese surrender, ww2, singapore, 12/9/1945

Item detailing events of the 19th February 1942 when Darwin was bombed on two separate occasions by Japanese air raids.On 19 February 1942 Darwin was bombed by two separate Japanese air raids becoming the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia. The attack left hundreds of servicemen and civilians dead, and countless others injured.Brown timber frame and green mount and cream colourd paper with green text and sketches of flying planes The Battle of Australia Bombs Over Darwindarwin, australia, bombing, ww2, japanese, 1942

Book is a register of the names of those who fell in the 1939-1945 War and are buried in cemeteries in Belgium.Grey coloured paper book with black type on cover.1939-1945 The War Dead of the British Commonwealth and Empire Heverlee War Cemetery Heverlee Churchyard Top right hand corner handwritten Mavis E Emery 1958ww2, register of deaths

Drawing by Sgt Stewart Allan Chambers VX77754 Born 23/7/1902 at Toongabbie Enlisted 11/3/1942 at Caulfield at the age of 39 years 7 months He served in the AIF from 11/3/1942 to when he was discharged on 14/2/1946 He was attached to the 2nd Ambulance Car Coy and 3rd Australian Air Maintenance Coy. Sgt Chambers was posted to Wangaratta prior to embarking on 14/8/1942 for New Guinea during World War Two.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper with drawing by hand in pencil of soldier looking up at plane and parachutes attached to boxes falling to ground with palm trees and hills in backgroundChristmas Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year To Mrs McDonald From Stewart Drawing - verse on box Rear - VX77754 S A Chambers 3rd Aust Air Maint Coy Australia stewart a chambers, vx 77754, ww2

On 12 August 1940, SS Orduna sailed from Liverpool with a privately organised party of 16 children from Belmont Preparatory school, Hassocks Sussex to Nassau. It was part of a wider British Government children's evacuation program during World War II, when the prospect of imminent invasion threatened Britain. In 1941 with the need for military transport in the Second World War, she was put into service by the British government as a troopship. Another task during the Second World War was that of an evacuation transport. In 1945 the Orduna brought back Prisoners of War and internees from the Far East. A memorial to the ships involved in the repatriation was unveiled on the Liverpool waterfront on 15 October 2011. Black and white photograph of ship at sea alongside populated coastline.In pencil on rear - SS Orduna - We escorted her from Panama to Valparaisoss orduna, ww2

Table Tops was a free daily newspaper produced for Australian Army personnel, published in the Atherton Tableland Training Area in Queensland, Australia, with regional editions produced abroad for serving personnel. Table Tops was produced by the staff of the AIF News, who were part of the First Australian Army Printing and Press Unit.The newspaper was produced seven days a week: weekday and Saturday editions were four pages long while Sunday editions were eight pages. The pages were demy quarto size. Occasional special editions were produced in addition to the daily editions. It contained news on the progress of the war, as well as home news such as current events in Australia and sport results.Two page cream coloured newspaper with rising sun badge top left corner of heading Table Tops - Free to the Troops Air Special No 501 Issued Daily by the Australian Military Forces Tues 3 Oct., 1944table tops, ww2

Demobilization Procedure Book issued to Private John Brian MURRAY VX142238 of Moyhu VictoriaThe Demobilization Procedure Book was developed and issued as a handbook by the Australian Military Forces to service men and women once they became available for dispersal. The handbook was used to facilitate the action necessary for demobilisation following the end of World War II in 1945. The completion of the handbook and instructions were required before a Certificate of Discharge could be issued.Brown cardboard covered book with black printNo 145950 VX 142238 Pte MURRAY John Brian - Moyhu Victoriaprivate john brian murray vx142238, demobilization procedure book, ww2

Table Tops was a free daily newspaper produced for Australian Army personnel, published in the Atherton Tableland Training Area in Queensland, Australia, with regional editions produced abroad for serving personnel. Table Tops was produced by the staff of the AIF News, who were part of the First Australian Army Printing and Press Unit.The newspaper was produced seven days a week: weekday and Saturday editions were four pages long while Sunday editions were eight pages. The pages were demy quarto size. Occasional special editions were produced in addition to the daily editions. It contained news on the progress of the war, as well as home news such as current events in Australia and sport results.Four page cream coloured newspaper with rising sun badge top left corner of heading Table Tops - Free to the Troops No 92 Issued Daily by the Australian Military Forces Sun., 22 Aug.,1943table tops, ww2

Photographs of the German ship Admiral Graf Spee which was involved in the Battle of the River Plate, the first naval battle in the Second World War and the first one of the Battle of the Atlantic in South American waters. The German panzerschiff Admiral Graf Spee had cruised into the South Atlantic a fortnight before the war began, and had been commerce raiding after receiving appropriate authorisation on 26 September 1939. One of the hunting groups sent by the British Admiralty to search for Graf Spee, comprising three Royal Navy cruisers, HMS Exeter, Ajax and Achilles (the last from the New Zealand Division), found and engaged their quarry off the estuary of the River Plate close to the coast of Uruguay in South America. 12 black and white unframed photographs of ship at seaInscription in pencil on rear of each photographadmiral graf spee, ww2, montevideo, battle of the river plate

AMF Record of Service book issued to Private John Brian MURRAY VX142238 born Moyhu VictoriaItem issued to Private John Brian MURRAY detailing his record of service.Brown cardboard covered booklet with Australian Coat of Arms and black print.VX 142238 Pte MURRAY J.B. Record of Service bookprivate john brian murray vx 142238, record of service, ww2

Plaque present to Corporal Sperry BODSWORTH MID who served with the 2/21st Battalion and involved with the Battle of Ambon. On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber in the shape of a shield mounted with a metal a coat of arms depicting white seagull above black and orange diamond within pale blue oval shape.Gull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha Plaque - Cpl Sperry Bodsworth VX23435 MIDgull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS DISCUSS THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN.Black and white photograph of uniformed men around table on board ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

Printed Address made to the AIF by General Sir Harold R.L.G Alexander, DSO, MC Commander in Chief The Middle East Forces at a parade of the AIF (9th Australian Division) held in Palestine on 22nd December,1942, in commemoration of Fallen Comrades. Item belonged to Lieutenant Colonel George Watson BLACKWOOD OBE born Glasglow Scotland who immigrated to Western Australia in 1911 aged 4 years. He moved to Victoria prior to being demobilized in 1945 as an Engineer with the Australian Army Field Workshop. The 9th Division sustained more casualties and won more medals than any other Australian Division with seven of its members receiving the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for gallantry.Cream paper with crest and four lines running top to bottom down left side of printed black typed text. 9th australian division, palestine, ww2

Issued for internee use at Camp 3, Tatura, by the Australian Young Mens' Christian AssociationChristmas greeting notelet, front "cover" features cut-out map of Australia, picture of a kangaroo in bottom left hand corner and of an emu in bottom right hand corner. Painted red bow at "spine"|Second page features sketch of internment camp trees and barracks. Part is seen through a cut out on front page. Printed on Page 3 in German : Christmas /New Year greeting and organisation responsible for production of notelet. Stapled togetherww2, camps, documents, cards

John Eric Wiles VX16067, refer Cat No 5410P for his service details.Set of 7 medals mounted in a brown wood frame with red backing, brass label under the medals. 1. 1939 - 45 Star. 2. Africa Star. 3. Pacific Star. 4. Defence Medal. 5. British War Medal 1939 - 45. 6. Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. 7. Greece & Crete Commemorative medal.On brass label, " VX16067 Pte John Eric Wiles, VX16067 Capt J. E. Wiles 2/7th INF BN 2/AIF"medals, awards, wiles

Brown woven handle 250mm in length brass hand web protector with floral imprint damaged blade edge. Scabbard - metal & brown in color slightly curved. Belt metalic ring with copper end chape & mouth piece. regimental property, ww2, japanese sword, war in the pacific, ija

"A Higher Call/ The Incredible true story of Heroism and Chivalry/ During the Second World War".Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, gold, red, black and red print on front, spine and back. Illustrated - front, top - two aircraft in battle colours. Lower - black and white portrait photographs of two airman. Back - black and white group photograph of ten airmen. 392 pages - cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated black and white photographs.publications, book, biography, ww2

"THE GREAT BETRAYAL/ BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA/ AND THE ONSET OF THE PACIFIC WAR/ 1939-42".Hard cover book with dust cover. Hard cover - cardboard, dark brown colour buckram. White colour print on spine. Dust cover - paper, black and red colour print on front, spine and back. Front illustrated with black and white photograph "Surrender at Singapore, February 1942". White colour background. 388 pages - cut, plain white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and illustrations. publications, book, ww2, pacific war

Copy supplied by Great Niece of Beatrice McGregor (wife of Bill)Photograph of Charles in uniform Plus copy of despatch 8th November 1944stawell, ww2

Uniform re Bertram Charles (Bluey) Addington. Initially enlisted No S5269 on 20.4.1942, discharged as a Pte on 13.5.1943 in 4th Bn Volunteer Defence Corps. Re enlisted No 140422 on 25.5.1943 in the RAAF, discharged 5.5.1948 with the rank of Cpl in Laverton Transit Departure and Reception. At some point enlisted in the Army No 41843 and served Vietnam in Aust Force Provost Corp from 19.4.1967 - 19.4.1968, Aust Army Training Team Vietnam 4.8.1970 - 14.10.1971. Awarded U.S Army commendation for Service, Vietnam Armed Forces Honor medal 2nd class. Service ribbons on jacket. 1. British Empire medal. 2. British War medal 1939 - 45 3. Aust Service medal 4. Vietnam Campaign Medal 5. Long Service and good conduct Medal 6. South Vietnam Campaign Medal. .1) Jacket, woollen. Four breast pockets. The top two pockets are held shut with a button. Has woven WO1 metal badges. There are four brass buttons holding the front shut. It has a detachable collar system (white). The collar badges are a laurel wreath, topped with a crown and 2 crossed swords in the centre. The motif on the buttons is similar, but, without the wreath it has a ribbon bar with six medals. .2) Trousers, woollen. Black with white stripe down each leg. .3) Swagger stick. Dowel with woven leather cover.ww2, vietnam war, passchendaele barracks trust

"Guinea Gold" newspaper produced for Australian troops in New Guinea. Articles consist of reports from various war zones plus Australian home news. Paper collected by "Arthur Ward Cooper" No. VX132160. Part of the Cooper Collection.Four page newspaper with black text. paper is light brown in colour. Black and white photograph on page one. Banner bears the title "Guinea Gold" in large black type.cooper collection, newspaper, arthur ward cooper, guinea gold

Refers to a collection of Bendigo Voluntary Aid Detachment. See Cat No 7028 for all the collection.1. This is a pocket sized bank book. Printing on front is in a dark blue ink. The cover is blue buckram. inside are bank, branch details and hours, plus a line by line bank financial record of deposits and withdrawals. The first record is a deposit of 35 pounds in April 1943. The last balance is shown as 3 ponds 5 shillings and 10 pence. 1 June 1955 Interest. 2. This is a stout khaki bank book holder. Printed articles on it are: - "State Savings Bank Victoria" plus seven reasons for saving money.1. Inside the book is No. “S1287” written in ink. The depositors title written in ink is :- Bendigo Voluntary Aid Detachment No. 352 stamped inside back cover is number “C968324” 2. Nil.ww2, bank book, vad

VAD. To supplement the medical services of the Navy, Army and Air Force in time of War. Part of a collection re Bendigo Voluntary Aid Detachment. Refer Cat 7028 for the collection.1. This is a small pocket book. The cover is a light Khaki. Printing is in black ink. Title - Handbook of Voluntary Aid Detachments, Aust. Part 1, 1942. It has 23 pages of plans, army org and uniforms for VAD girls. 2. Small pocket book as above. Dated 1943. It has 24 pages of plans, Army Org and uniforms for VAD girls.1. Written on front cover is “D. M. Guest” Inside are numerous pencil amendments to regulations. 2. On front cover is a fraction of a black rubber stamp like a Post Office stamp.ww2, vad, booklets

Refer Cat No. 7944. Item in the collection of "Arthur E. Tranter". V50166 - VX52843 2/29th Bn. P.O.W.Hard cover book with dust cover. First Edition Book. Hard cover - cardboard, black colour buckram adhered cover. Dust cover - paper, with black print on front and spine. Cover ilustration - muted green colour tones of a tank and roadblock - "Muar Road Battle". Plastic cover - clear soft plastic - protective cover with adhesive tape. 224 pages, cut, plain white paper. Illustrated with black and white photographs and maps. A number of pages have handwritten notes in grey lead pencil and blue ink pen. P.186 has an added note on paper. Handwritten owner's name front end paper. Page 186 - note on paper, blue ink pen. "P.186/ This section by R.F. Nelson/ describes my experience/ fairly well./ I was with him throughout the whole/ term of imprisonment". Front end paper - handwritten owner's name - blue ink pen "Arthur E. Tranter/ 24-4-83".plublications, book, 2/29 battalion, ww2, arthur e tranter