Image depicts a group of 11 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2003. They include:- Back Row: VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; Bill WILLIAMS VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX31699 Alan NICHOLSON DOB 27/10/1918 POB Korumburra POW 1/5/1941; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1918 POB England; Front Row: VX44006 Robert CLARKE DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX48597 Dr Guy ROBERTSON DOB 4/7/1918 POB St Arnaud, RMO VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) 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 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Colour photograph of 11 men standing and seated in two rows 2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Band - Winners of the 7th Division Band Contest in Palestine February 1941 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 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of band of soldiers with musical instruments Handwritten on rear - 2/24 Bn Band Winners of 7 Div Band Contest Palestine 19412/24th battalion, wangaratta, palestine, 1941, 7th division band contest

Rifle buckets were used by British and Commonwealth mounted troops from the First World War to around 1941. In the Australian Light Horse units their use did not become common until the end of the First World War. Prior to this rifles were carried slung across the rider's back.Long cylinder shape made from dark brown leather with leather strap and brass buckle at the top of the bucket which attaches it to the saddle .The bucket is missing a leather slide steadying fitting, half way down the bucket which attaches to the surcingle of the saddle.rifle bucket, light horse

Trench Art is the name given to objects manufactured by both soldiers and civilians from shell casings, bullets, shrapnel and miscellaneous battlefield debris, and is predominantly associated with World War I (1914 – 18). The most common material used for trench art are brass shell casings, which, once decorated, can be utilised as vases. Often items will bear an inscription such as the name of a French village or theatre of war and engraved decoration or embossing. There is no known history in relation to this vase.Large brass shell casing with decorative engraving.Engraved - Les Halles D'Ypres 1914-19 with engraving of building possibly town hall or church . Several symbols, numbers and letters imprinted on base of casing. brass shell casing, trench art, world war one, first world war, wwi, ww1, ypres, flanders, vase

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

During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circleRats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branchrats of tobruk, ww2

Soldiers pocket book issued to Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 .Born on 14 July 1909 at Condoblin NSW. Enlisted 23 January 1940 at South Melbourne Served during WW2 An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Burgundy colour imitation leather cover book held together with bandaids pocket book, ww2, muldoon

Brooch attached inside Australian Army Soldier's pocket book belonging to Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 who served during WW2. Born 14/7/1909 at Condoblin NSW but enlisted at South Melbourne in Victoria.Rectangle metal brooch housing three filigree metal circles with red and blue plaited metal surround.leonard francis muldoon, ww2

Photograph of Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 born 14 July 1909 Condoblin NSW. Enlisted at South Melbourne.Black and white photograph of soldier standing in front of house.ww2, leonard francis muldoon, army

Limited edition plaque containing artwork by Dick Evans to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia created exclusively for members of the RSL and their next of kin.Silver plate frame with black mount containing Returned Services League crest above sketch of soldier holding automatic rifle"Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia 1916-1986"rsl, 70th anniversary

This swagger stick belonged to Private Ernest LUCAS who served with the Royal Defence Corps between 17/6/1907 and 18/5/1919 including the 6th Battalion Middlesex Regiment In the British Army before World War I, swagger sticks were carried by all other ranks when off duty as part of their walking out uniform. The stick took the form of a short cane of polished wood, with an ornamented metal head of regimental pattern. The usual custom was for the private soldier or NCO to carry the stick tucked under his arm. Until 1939 swagger sticks were still carried by peacetime regular soldiers when "walking out" of barracks but the practice ceased with the outbreak of World War II. The 6th Battalion Middlesex Regiment can trace its history back to 7 August 1760 as part of the Middlesex Militia. In 1778 it was titled the 1st East Middlesex Militia. By royal order the regiment was later designated the Royal East Middlesex Militia on 24 April 1804. By 1855 it was using the formal title of "1st or Royal East Middlesex Regiment of Militia". In 1900 the number of regular Middlesex Regiment battalions was doubled with the formation of a new the 3rd and 4th battalions; and the two militia battalions were renumbered as 5th and 6th battalions of the regiment. The unit's standing orders of 1863 record the regimental insignia as being somewhat unusual, in that it did not include standard royal crown, but featured a five-pointed Saxon Crown atop a shield with the arms of the East Saxon Kingdom i.e. three stylised Seaxes hilted and pommeledpLong narrow round cane made from polished reddish/brown wood with brass metal tip and embossed silver topSilver metal top embossed with a crown above a shield inscribed 6th Battalion Middlesex Regtswagger stick, 6th battalion middlesex regiment, private ernest lucas

Returned Soldier's Ball held in Wangaratta on 9th August 1937 Captain Mulder and Jim Boyd were floor stewards. A special set of four couples in full regimental dress danced the Quadrilles and other set dances.First Military Ball held in Wangaratta and due to its success it was decided to make it an annual event. Black and white unframed photograph of large group of men and women in front of stage with flags in background mounted on brown cardboardA momento of the Ret. Soldiers Ball Wangaratta 9.8.371937, wangaratta, returned soldier's ball

Australian First World War recruitment poster. This poster was part of the First World War Australian Government Recruiting Kit. Recruitment posters were prolific in Australia throughout the First World War. Australia relied solely on voluntary recruits to serve in the AIF. Compulsory military service, or conscription, for eligible men was in force in Australia from 1911, however, these forces were for home defence and could not be used to serve in a war overseas. Following the initial rush of men to recruit in 1914, enrolments dropped, leaving federal and state governments to devise sophisticated campaigns to boost numbers.Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) was a painter, draughtsman, illustrator, cartoonist, printmaker, writer and sculptor. He joined the Sydney 'Bulletin' magazine as a staff artist, 1901-09, 1910-23 and 1932-58. During the First World War he produced jingoistic cartoons and pro-conscription posters. The is one of the series of six posters by Lindsay constituting the last nation-wide Australian recruiting campaign. A soldier sounds his bugle for assistance on the front line while civilians listen in the background.recruitment poster, norman lindsay, ww1

An excellent example of Australian First World War recruiting posters aimed at women, rather than potential soldiers. The poster suggests that in helping defeat Germany, women were really defending themselves.During the First World War, governments needed to convince their citizens to contribute to the war effort. In the absence of radio and film, the poster was the most effective method of mass communicationDepicts a woman with arms raised, her clothing torn and right breast exposed. Two children lie dead on the round at her feet, while the town behind her burns. Full poster text: 'Women of Queensland! Remember how women and children of France and Belgium were treated. Do you realise that your treatment would be worse? Send a man today to fight for you'poster, ww1, women of queensland

This poster, published by the State Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, depicts Lieutenant Albert JACKA, VC, as a role model for a huge campaign to enlist sportsmen into the Australian Imperial Force in 1917. Jacka achieved instant fame back home when he became the first Australian to win the Victoria Cross during the First World War. It was said that one of the reasons he was such a good soldier, and had such a fighting attitude, was that he had been a boxer before the war. The campaign to enlist sportsmen was fuelled by a strong belief that by playing sport young men developed specific skills and qualities that could be used on the battlefield.Representative of two common recruiting devices used in Australia, a well-known local soldier and a target number of men required for a specially named group.Depicts Lieutenant Albert Jacka, VC, as a role model for a huge campaign to enlist sportsmen. Surrounding Jacka are colourful depictions of healthy young men engaged in a variety of sports: football, rowing, cricket, tennis and golf are amongst the sports.Full Text: Enlist in the Sportsmen's Thousand, Join Together, Train Together, Embark Together, Fight Together, Show the enemy what Australian sporting men can do.albert jacka, ww1, poster

Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster. Released in 1941 before Japan had entered the war, at a time when many Australians were reluctant to enlist to fight on the other side of the world. James Northfield (1887 - 1973) was an Australian graphic artist active from the 1910s through to the 1960s .Northfield created a series of patriotic posters during World War IIDepicts a man donning a uniform, rifle in one hand, his civilian clothes lie in heap on the ground behind him.Full text; Join the AIF: This is serious! Enlist Nowrecruitment poster, ww2, james northfield

On 22 December 1890, the military commanders of the then separate Australian Colonies prior to the Federation of Australia met to discuss the introduction of the khaki uniform throughout Australia. They agreed that all Australian Forces with the exception of the Artillery would wear the slouch hat. It was to be looped up on one side—Victoria and Tasmania on the right and the other colonies (later states) on the left. This was done so that rifles could be held at the slope without damaging the brim. After Federation, the slouch hat became standard Australian Army headgear in 1903Today it is worn by military personnel from a number of countries, although it is primarily associated with Australia, where it is considered to be a national symbol.Slouch Hat - this broad brim hat is made of fur felt with an 8 fold hat band (puggaree) around the outside of the crown and attached to the inside of the crown is a brown leather chin strap. The left side of brim is held up by a gold colour metal rising sun badge.slouch hat, australian army, puggaree, rising sun badge, headgear

Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac. There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun.The Rising Sun badge, also known as the General Service Badge or the Australian Army Badge, is the official insignia of the Australian Army and is mostly worn on the brim of a slouch hat or, less frequently, on the front of a peaked cap for Army personnel filling certain ceremonial appointments.Timber look laminate box with gold colour metal "rising sun" badge on front. The box opens out flat and contains seven metal " rising sun " badges mounted on black felt on the right side. The left side below an image of the rising sun contains a written history of all seven badges from 1902 to the present.The Australian Armyrising sun, badge, australian army, anzac

Black and white group photograph depicting 4 rows of soldiers. Soldier in middle of front row holding chalk board. Image most likely one of four rifle companies that comprised the 2/24 Battalion which was formed at Wangaratta in 1940Reproduced black and white photograph depicting two rows of soldiers standing and two rows sittingC Coy No 4c coy no 4, wangaratta, 2/24 battalion, 1940

This black and white mage depicts large group of men dressed in military uniform of the Light Horse - with most wearing leather leggings, bandolier and slouch hat with emu plumes. "More Majorum" is engraved on the attached plaque which means "after the custom (or manner) of our ancestors" The 8th Light Horse Regiment was a mounted rifles regiment of the Australian Army during the First World War. The regiment was raised in September 1914, and assigned to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment fought against the forces of the Ottoman Empire, in Egypt, at Gallipoli, on the Sinai Peninsula, and in Palestine and Jordan. After the armistice the regiment eventually returned to Australia in March 1919. For its role in the war the regiment was awarded fifteen battle honours. During the inter-war years, the 8th Light Horse was re-raised as a part-time unit based in the Indi region of northern Victoria. It was later converted to a divisional cavalry regiment during the Second World War but was disbanded in 1944 without having been deployed overseas.During WWI three light horse regiments were raised in Victoria for the AIF, the 4th ALH, the 8th ALH and the 13th ALH. These regiments served with distinction at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the Western Front.Wide and narrow rectangle shaped black and white reproduction photograph mounted on plyboard. A small metal plaque is attached in the centre of lower edge.Plaque -8th Indi Light Horse "More Majorum"8th indi light horse, victoria

This black and white mage depicts large group of men dressed in military uniform of the Light Horse - with most wearing bandoliers and slouch hat, some with emu plumes. The 13th Light Horse Regiment was formed at Broadmeadows in Victoria in March 1915; it was the third light horse regiment to have been raised in that state. Its regimental number quickly led to it becoming known as the "Devil's Own" regiment. It left Australia on 28 May and disembarked in Egypt on 29 June 1915. In 1921, Australia's part-time military forces were re-organised to perpetuate the numerical designations of the AIF following its demobilisation. Through this process, the 13th Light Horse was re-raised as a Citizens Forces unit in Victoria, adopting the territorial designation of the "Gippsland Light Horse". In 1939, the regiment was amalgamated with the 19th Light Horse to become the 13th/19th Light Horse.In August 1940, during the opening stages of the Second World War, the 13th was re-formed in its own right. It was later mechanised and re-designated the "13th Motor Regiment". In May 1942, it was converted into an armoured regiment – designated as the "13th Armoured Regiment" – as part of the 2nd Armoured Division's 6th Armoured Brigade, which had been formed for defensive duties to guard against a possible invasion of mainland Australia. After moving to Puckapunyal in July, the regiment was equipped with M3 Grant tanks. Further training was undertaken in Murgon, Queensland, throughout 1943. By that time, manpower within the Army was scarce and as the threat of an invasion by the Japanese diminished during the year, so too did the need for large-scale armoured forces. A number of armoured units were subsequently disbanded as men and equipment were reallocated as the Army reorganised for jungle warfare. As a result, the 13th was disbanded in October 1943. In the post war period, the unit was perpetuated by the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles, which existed between 1948 and 1991–92. During WWI three light horse regiments were raised in Victoria for the AIF, the 4th ALH, the 8th ALH and the 13th ALH. These regiments served with distinction at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the Western Front.Wide and narrow rectangle shaped black painted frame with gold colour mount and four silver metal screws in each corner. The frame contains a black and white photograph depicting a large group of men dressed in military uniform with bandoliers and slouch hat, some with emu plumes. A small black strip of plastic is attached in the centre of lower edge.Front - 13th Light Horse Rear - 2nd Division Cavalry School Broadmeadows 20-09-1935victoria, 13th light horse

Large colour reproduction depicting the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Parade of Guidons at Annual Camp held in 1959 at Beersheba Barracks in Wangaratta.Colour image of soldiers on parade and flag escort mounted on black edged plyboard.Parading the Guidons 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1959 Beersheba Barracks8/13 victorian mounted rifles, 1959, guidons, wangaratta

Black and white image of three armoured vehicles each with soldier escorting large guidon/flags of the 8th/13th/20th Australian Light Horse regiments on parade through township of Wangaratta in February 1959 Gold colour metal frame containing cream mount and black and white photograph depicting three armoured vehicles each with soldier holding a guidon/flag Regimental Parade Wangaratta February 1959 Guidons of the 8th/13th/20th ALH8/13 victorian mounted rifles, 1959, guidons, wangaratta

Black and white image depicting soldier escort of crosses to cenotaph in Wangaratta on Anzac Day 1986Large black and white photograph of 4 men with soldier escort Anzac Day 1986 Wangarattaanzac day, wangaratta, 1986

Original Military Medal issued to Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow, born at Georgetown South Australia who enlisted in Melbourne on the 19th September 1914 and served with the 5th Battalion AIF. He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 20th September 1917 and died of his wounds on 22nd September 1917. His citation reads:- During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. While in the performance of his duty his leg was shot away. He however completed his task. It was largely due to this man's effort that good communication was maintained. Private Sandow died of wounds on 22 September 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Round silver metal disc medals with blue red and white striped ribbon 1120 Pte. R L. Sandow 5 / AUST INF, military medal, private roy l sandow, 5th battalion, ww1, polygon wood

It is not known how these goggles belonging to the late Evan Johns were acquired. Evan did not enlisted in the Defence Forces but did have an interest in aviation.The frame of these goggles is in excellent condition with virtually no paint loss and only minor marking. The pressed brass frame incorporating hinged lens holders is finished in black paint.The nosepiece leather and backing chamois are both good . The original rubber facepads are in excellent shape and remain pliable; The clear lenses do have delamination marks . The strap components are excellent throughout with clear Air Ministry markings. There is the anti-glare screen, commonly known as the flip shield with the short enclosed type spring mechanism. AM REF NO 22C/167 Goggles MarkIVB

Aircraft Gyro Horizon Indicator made by Sperry Gyroscope Co., in 1945. A gyro horizon or artificial horizon is an instrument used in an aircraft to inform the pilot of the orientation of the aircraft relative to Earth's horizon. It indicates pitch (fore and aft tilt) and bank (side to side tilt). Black painted cylindrical instrument with side cutout containing moving metal parts inserted with glass at one end. Indicator Gyro Horizon Manually Caged Electric Type H. 6B (1945)raaf, horizon indicator, gyro, 1945, sperry gyroscope, aircraft

Aircraft air speed indicator made by Pioneer Instrument Company which specialised in aeronautical instruments. Black painted cylindrical instrument with glass face . There is a side cutout containing metal parts . Air Speed Pioneerraaf, aircraft, airspeed indicator, ww2, pioneer instrument co

Black and white image of Pilot Officer Wilkinson 400444 who was seconded from the RAAF to the RAF flying missions over Germany. His gallantry earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1944 for numerous successful missions over Germany. He was Killed in Action on 30th of August 1944.Brown and black marbled plastic frame containing black and white photograph of an Airman in flying suit, flying goggles on head and long gloves holding two round discs.Handwritten on rear - Flt Lieu John Wilkinson j h wilkinson, raaf, dfc, ww2

King's Condolence Letter sent to family of Pilot Officer John Hudson WILKINSON- killed in action in 1944 during WW2Cream note paper with Royal Crest letterhead containing message and signature in black type.Buckingham Place George RIkia, ww2, raaf, j h wilkinson, 1944