Showing 84 items
matching australian base camp
-
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Plaque, Gull Force
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 -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Video Tape, Ronin Films, Dunera Boys
TV mini series based loosely on the experiences of the Dunera Boys, their shipment to Australia and their life in Hay internment camp.black vhs video tapeThe Dunera Boysthe "dunera boys", mini series, hay internment camps -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photo
Ken Hill was a member of the Australian Army Amenities Service - AAAS Mobil Cinema Unit No. 36 around 1946-47. He was based at Murchison Camp 13 where Josef Thum, an artist, was a Prisoner of War. Hill was a Mobile Cinema Operator during this period, after hostilities had ceased and Thum was permitted to assist in the presentation of "Pictures", to use the common term of the period, each time pictures were screened.Black and white photo of an army truck which was used by Australian Army Amenities Service around 1946/47 which was based at Murchison Camp 13photography, photograph, slides, film -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Glass
Object recovered at POW Camp 13 siteGlass with heavy base. Etched into glass: Refreshment rooms SARdrinking vessel, camp 13, south australia railways -
Sunshine and District Historical Society Incorporated
Galvanised Wash Tub, Probably Circa 1940's
Many displaced people who migrated to Australia after World War 2 brought similar tubs with them as part of their luggage. The tubs were valued by the migrants because they were used for washing clothes and other laundry items, and for bathing children and even adults. The tub in our possession was brought out to Australia in 1950 by the Pierzak family who eventually settled in North Sunshine, Victoria. The following story about the Pierzak family has been provided by the daughter Halina Wlodarczyk (nee Pierzak). The father Stanislaw Pierzak was born on the 26th of July 1916 in Zbrza, and the mother Teodozja (Teodozia) Szalas on the 5th of March 1919 in Goleciny, both villages in the Kielce district of Poland. In 1940 they were both taken by the German Army to work as slave labour on farms in Germany. Stanislaw worked in the Saxonia area and Teodozja near Dillingen. The work was hard, and when Teodozja contracted pneumonia she was told that she would not be given any food if she did not work. After the war the displaced persons, as they were called, were settled in various barracks and camps organised by the United States Army. Stanislaw and Teodozja married in Gablingen, Bavaria, Germany, and Halina was born in the camp at Gablingen in 1949. The displaced people were given the choice of several countries if they wanted to migrate from war torn Germany, and so the Pierzak family chose Australia. The Pierzak family set sail from Naples, Italy aboard the ship General M. B. Stewart and arrived in Sydney on the 17th of April 1950. The men and women had to stay in separate quarters, and many passengers were so sick that they did not think they would survive the journey. In Australia they lived in migrant camps in NSW at Bathurst, Orange, Parkes and Cowra. To pay off their fares to Australia migrants were required to work under contract for 2 years. Stanislaw Pierzak worked in Broken Hill NSW returning to visit his family every 3 to 4 months. The son John was born in the Red Cross building at the Parkes camp in 1952. In 1953 the whole family moved to Melbourne and lived in a converted garage in Victor Street, North Sunshine. In 1954 the family bought a bungalow on a block of land in Compton Parade, North Sunshine, where eventually they built a house. Stanislaw Pierzak worked at Steelweld in Ashley Street, Braybrook travelling there on his bicycle, while Teodozja Pierzak found work at Smorgon in West Footscray. Stanislaw and Teodozja Pierzak lived in North Sunshine for the rest of their lives, and Mrs Pierzak always said that Sunshine was the best place in the world.Tubs like this which belonged to displaced people were highly valued possessions and are of historic significance. They were brought out to Australia after World War 2 by many migrating displaced families. The tubs were used for washing activities in the camps in Germany, and the migrant camps in Australia, and also when people lived in bungalows in Australia before they built houses with laundries and bathrooms.Oval shaped galvanised iron tub with two rigid handles, one at each end. The top of the tub is larger than the base. The galvanising is deteriorating in some parts which show a whitish appearance. There are some small dents, and a few chips in the galvanising where surface rust has appeared.The number 70 is stamped on both sides.washing tub, galvanised tub, laundry, bath, displaced persons, immigration, general m. b. stewart, galvanized tub, pierzak, galvanised wash tub -
Ballarat Base Hospital Trained Nurses League
Muriel Slater, Australian Army Nursing Service Appointment, 22nd May 1917
Muriel Slater, Australian Army Nursing Service Appointment, 22nd May 1917 - Record of Service 24.4.1917 to 16.8.1919. Muriel Matthew Slater started her nursing training the day of her 21st birthday. When she became a fully trained nurse she joined the army nursing service and sailed for India on the Khiva. She was stationed ar Dealali Internment Camp - mostly German and Turkish POW's. After 2 years in India she was sent via Egypt to the UK and spent some months between Harefield Hospital in London and others in the UK. She sailed home on the Karragolia where she met Lt T H. Scholfield MC, MM (21st Bat). They married in 1922 and had a son and 2 daughters. Muriel's younger sister Edna Maude Slater also trained at the Ballarat District Hospital.slater, muriel slater, army, nurse, ww1, sevice record, ballarat base hospital, ballarat, scholfield, khiva, karragolia, dealali, dealali internment camp -
Koorie Heritage Trust
Book, Broome, Richard, Aboriginal Victorians : a history since 1800, 2005
History of interaction between Aboriginal people in Victoria and Europeans from first settlement until present day, based on consultation with Aboriginal people as well as range of historical research; settlement and its effects on Aboriginals and their way of life and culture; race relations; conflict; treatment of Aboriginal people by police, law and settlers; adapting to European life in post-frontier times; reserves; government policy including protectionism and assimilation and legislation controlling Aboriginal people; Lake Tyers; Framlingham; camps; removal of children; Aboriginal activism; Aboriginal autonomy; Aboriginality; argues Aboriginal people have established own place in Victoria, living as Aboriginal people within an altered world and that they are reclaiming their culture. // The fascinating and sometimes horrifying story of Aboriginals in Victoria since white settlement. With painful stories of personal loss as well as many successes, outlines how they survived near decimation to become a vibrant community today.xi-xxv; 467 P.; index; endnotes; reading list; PoRTS.; map; facsimiles; 23 cm.History of interaction between Aboriginal people in Victoria and Europeans from first settlement until present day, based on consultation with Aboriginal people as well as range of historical research; settlement and its effects on Aboriginals and their way of life and culture; race relations; conflict; treatment of Aboriginal people by police, law and settlers; adapting to European life in post-frontier times; reserves; government policy including protectionism and assimilation and legislation controlling Aboriginal people; Lake Tyers; Framlingham; camps; removal of children; Aboriginal activism; Aboriginal autonomy; Aboriginality; argues Aboriginal people have established own place in Victoria, living as Aboriginal people within an altered world and that they are reclaiming their culture. // The fascinating and sometimes horrifying story of Aboriginals in Victoria since white settlement. With painful stories of personal loss as well as many successes, outlines how they survived near decimation to become a vibrant community today.aboriginal australians -- victoria -- history. | colonisation. | government policy - assimilation. | government policy - state and territory - victoria. | settlement and contacts - government settlements, reserves. | habitation - camps - fringe and town. | social identity - aboriginality. | politics and government - political action - activism. | government policy - initial period and protectionism. | race relations. | child welfare - child / parent separation - stolen generations. -
Unions Ballarat
Minutes of meetings. Federated Clothing and Allied Trades Union of Australia, Ballarat Sub-branch, 10 May 1917-8 June 1926
Federated Clothing and Allied Trades Union of Australia was formed in 1907 from amalgamation of a number of small craft-based unions that had been in existence since the mid-1800s. Around this time, membership of these types of unions was predominantly male. The union was amalgamated with the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia in 1992.The minutes are a record of discussion and decision making at the Ballarat sub-branch.Paper, bound, one volume.btlc, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, federated clothing and allied trades union of australia, unions, fcatua, textile, clothing and footwear union of australia, tcfu -
Unions Ballarat
Alphabetical register of members. Federated Clothing and Allied Trades Union of Australia, Ballarat Sub-branch, ca 1917-ca 1930
Federated Clothing and Allied Trades Union of Australia was formed in 1907 from amalgamation of a number of small craft-based unions that had been in existence since the mid-1800s. Around this time, membership of these types of unions was predominantly male.Records names of members of Federated Clothing and Allied Trades Union of Australia for the period ca 1917 to ca 1930.1 bound volume. Paper.membership, fcatu, federated clothing and allied trades union of australia, craft unions, unions, btlc, ballarat trades hall, textile, clothing and footwear union of australia, tcfu -
Unions Ballarat
Alfred Deakin: A biography (Vol 2), La Nauze, J.A, 1965
Alfred Deakin was one of the founding fathers of Federation and was Prime Minister of Australia over the periods 1903-1904, 1905-1908 and 1909-1910. He was the federal member for Ballaarat from 1901-1913 and was attorney general in the Barton government. He also served in the State of Victoria parliament. In his second term, Deakin's government passed the Census and Statistics Act 1905, Papua Act 1905, Representation Act 1905 and Copyright Act 1905. The book is based on Deakin's private papers, writings, private and official materials. This is volume two of a two volume set. Index: 15. Australian Correspondent 16. Three Elevens 17. "A Notice to Quit"? 18. "Nation Building", 1905-1908 19. New Hebrides 20. New Guinea and Hubert Murray 21. Empire 22. London, 1907 23. The Defence of Australia 24. Fusion, 1909 25. "Harvest" and Defeat 26. "Mercy of Release" 27. "A Shadow in a Dream" 28. "Content and more than Content" Appendices: I. Victorian Ministries, 1877-1900 II. Commonwealth Ministries, 1901-1914Biographical interest. Relevance to history of Ballarat and Australia.Hardcover - book; 348 pages. Cover dust jacket: black and white lettering; faded. Cover without dust jacket: green cloth; gold lettering.The book is stamped "The private library of Rex Testro" on title page and on the page following the index.btlc, ballarat trades hall, unions ballarat, deakin, alfred, federation, prime ministers - australia - alfred deakin, biography, politics, members of parliament -
Unions Ballarat
Instructions for American servicemen in Australia 1942 (Don Woodward Collection), 1942
Dated. Cultural guide to Australia for US servicemen who were based in Australia during WWII. Includes descriptions of slang, money, places, Commonwealth, food, economy, etc.Australian culture as perceived by outsiders.Book; 54 pages. Cover: blue background; black lettering; title.btlc, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, social customs, culture - australia, military - usa, war - world war ii, australia - language - vernacular -
Unions Ballarat
Book - Alternatives to Arbitration (D.J. Spiers Collection), Blandy, Richard
Several authors explore practical alternatives to the Australian industrial arbitration system. Based on papers commissioned by the Hancock Committee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hancock_ReportBook.Front cover: author's name and title. Title page: in blue ink, "D.J. Spiers, Ballaarat CAE, November 1986".btlc, ballarat trades and labour council, hancock report, industrial relations, industrial relations - arbitration, industrial relations - industrial action, wages, economics -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Parading guidons
The 1959 regimental camp was based on Beersheba Barracks Wangatarra and included wide ranging patrols in Ferret Scout Cars throughout north east Victoria. A regimental parade was held at the close of the camp and the regimental guidons paraded. This was the last camp before the National Service Scheme (1951-59) was abandoned. The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment.Large coloured mounted photograph of Parading the Guidons 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles annual Camp 1959. Pineboard mounted.Parading the Guidons 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1959 Beersheba Barracksmilitary, vmr, ferret, wangaratta, guidon -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Diorama, 2015
This diorama is the focal point the Prisoner of War Gallery. It was originally designed and installed by a collaborative group of artists and craftsmen, all themselves former Prisoners of War in 1995. Bamboo for the display and replica prosthetics was sourced from Thailand. The mannequins are artistic interpretations of identified POW surgical staff and doctors. The original display was moved and reassembled during the Gallery redevelopment process in 2015. All items presented within the diorama are based on POW recorded drawings and diaries of experiences in the Thai Burma Railway POW camps.1:1 scale diorama showing operating theatre in POW camp on Burma Thai Railway together with reproductions of prothesis and improvised equipmentthai burma railway; -
Colac RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir - Jewlery Box made by ??? in Changi P.O.W camp, Hand made and engraved, 1942
HAND MADE ALUMINIUM WORK BOX MADE BY AUSTRALIAN POW IN CHANGI 1942 A SOUVENIR TO "MOLLY" MAYBE WIFE OR GIRLFRIENDA UNIQUE PIECE OF HAND MADE AUSTRALIAN POW ART WORK FROM CHANGI SINGAPORE 1942Hand crafted aluminum presentation box with wooden base. Hinged lid. Small handle on either sideTop: Changi POW Feb 15th 1942. Front: Military Insignia. Malaya. Singapore. Left side: Elephant. Right side. Buildings, Jasin Johore. Back: Workbox Souvenir With Love To Molly -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Metal water bottle and drinking vessel, Water bottle is dated 1918. Nothing shown on drinking vessel
Used by Lance Corporal W. B. Ashweirth - Signalman in the Australian Army who was held at Changi and later transferred to Osaka in Japan as a slave labourer.Combination military water bottle and panakin with [base metal] fold-away metal handleAustralian Coat of Arms and RIP 'Sig" mascot of 6th Line Section - Signals Regiment - Died at Changi Barracks on 27th February 1942. Also a 'love heart' showing WBA / EHAchangi, changi pow camp, pow, water bottle, world war two, second world war, wwii, ww2, changi barracks -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Leadership group the day before the Battle of Ngok Tavak, 9/05/1968 12:00:00 AM
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Banner - Banner, framed, 11 Co (Nung)
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Captain John White, AATTV, arrives in Vietnam, January 1968, 1/01/1968 12:00:00 AM
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Plaque, Mobile Strike Force Shield
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Sketch of Battle Map, Ngok Tavak, Mary 1968
Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Annotated hand-drawn map of the fort at Ngok Tavak, 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, john white, battle map -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - Royal Australian Survey Corps Surveyors in the Field – Project Cutlass, New Guinea, 1956 – 1957
This is a set of 23 photographs of surveyors and support staff in the field undertaking tasks in New Guinea 1956 – 1957. The surveyors were employed in the establishment of mapping and geodetic control for Project Cutlass, the “Ship-Shore” survey of the New Ireland province. In this survey operation surveyors used theodolites to observe horizontal and vertical angles and chains to measure base line distances between survey stations. Bob Skitch shown in photo .7P was in the 2nd year of his career in the Australian Army. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and his last appointment was the CO of the Army Survey Regiment from 1976 to 1980.This is a set of 23 photographs of surveyors and support staff in the field undertaking duties during Project Cutlass located in New Ireland, New Guinea 1956 – 1957. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1956. Surveyors travelling main road from Kavieng to Namatanai, New Ireland. .2) - Photo, colour, 1956. Unidentified surveyors assessing recovery of their vehicle after bridge collapsed on west side of New Ireland. .3) - Photo, colour, 1956. Unidentified surveyors assessing recovery of their vehicle after bridge collapsed over flooded creek on west side of New Ireland. .4) - Photo, colour, 1956. Survey personnel L to R: Bev Uwins, John Lambie, Bob Thompson, New Ireland. .5) - Photo, colour, 1956. Survey base camp, New Ireland. .6) - Photo, black & white, 1956-1957. Geoff Helsham with possible human remains, New Ireland. .7) - Photo, black & white, 1956-1957. Bob Skitch undertaking survey observations using Wild T2 theodolite, New Ireland. .8) - Photo, black & white, 1956-1957. Chas Beach undertaking survey observations using Wild T2 theodolite, New Ireland. .9) & .10) - Photo, black & white, 1956-1957. Kev Parker (cook) New Ireland. .11) - Photo, colour, 1957. Brian Berkery taking a break, Top Manor Island, Lihir Island Group off New Ireland. Latitude -2° 46”, Longitude 152° 40”. .12) - Photo, colour, 1957. Survey base camp L to R: Chas Beach, Bev Uwins, Feni Islands, New Ireland. Latitude -4° 05”, Longitude 153° 45”. .13) - Photo, colour, 1957. A Hous Kiap. (Kiaps, known formally as district officers and patrol officers, were travelling representatives of the British and Australian governments), New Ireland. .14) & .15) - Photo, colour, 1957. L to R: Joe Farrington, Tom Royle Bob undertaking survey observations using theodolites from an improvised timber tower, New Ireland. .16) & .17) - Photo, colour, 1957. US Army ship FS216 used for ship-to-shore triangulation docked at Rabaul, New Britain. .18) - Photo, colour, 1957. US Army ship FS216 used for ship-to-shore triangulation docked at Kavieng, New Ireland. Sight target on top of mast. .19) - Photo, colour, 1957. Survey personnel onboard US Army ship FS392, L to R: Peter Frodsham, Bob Thompson, Doc Reid, John Underwood, remainder unidentified, New Ireland. .20) - Photo, colour, 1957. Survey base line party heading ashore, New Ireland. .21) - Photo, colour, 1957. Survey personnel rowing US Army assault boat L to R: Kev Parker, Chas Beach, folded up survey beacons overhanging stern, New Ireland. .22) - Photo, colour, 1957. Les Bailey onboard US Army ship departing Rabaul, New Britain for Brisbane. .23) - Photo, colour, 1957. Ron Newman onboard US Army ship departing Rabaul, New Britain for Brisbane. Active volcano in background..1P to .23P annotated on back – ‘Operation Cutlass’, personnel names, the year and the location. royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, fortuna, a, army svy regt, asr, surveying -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - Royal Australian Survey Corps Surveyors in the Field – Northern Territory and Queensland, 1959 – 1960
This is a set of 10 photographs of surveyors and support staff in the field undertaking duties in the Northern Territory and North Queensland in 1959 – 1960. The surveyors were employed in the establishment of mapping and geodetic control. In this era surveyors used theodolites to observe horizontal and vertical angles and tellurometers to measure base line distances between survey stations. Laplace survey observations seen in Photo .1P was a series of precise observations carried out at geodetic survey stations to determine astronomic latitudes, longitudes and azimuths to achieve maximum precision in the survey network. Laplace observations were necessary in a geodetic network at every 6th survey station, however the National Mapping Council specified at this time the spacing would be ideally between 4-6 survey stations. The cairn shown in photo .4P was built by RASvy as a landmark over a trigonometric survey station. It was dismantled in 1960 to enable re-occupation and survey observations. It was not restored to the condition shown in the photo.This is a set of 10 photographs of surveyors and support staff in the field undertaking duties in the Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (QLD) in 1959 – 1960. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1959. Tony Slattery occupying a Laplace survey station on a hill in the Mount Young area of the NT. .2) - Photo, colour, 1959. Surveyors’ camp in the Mount Young area of the NT, L to R: Spencer Snow and Tony Slattery. .3) - Photo, colour, 1959. Surveyors’ camp in the Peckman Hill area, near Katherine in the NT. .4) - Photo, colour, 1959. Cairn on Trig Hill, Borroloola, NT. Built by Spencer Snow, Tom Royle and Jack McCabe. .5) - Photo, colour, 1959. Survey party taking a break next to their Austin Champ vehicle, in transit between Katherine, NT and Wyndam WA. L to R: Tony Slattery, Dave Owens, John Van De Graff. .6) - Photo, colour, 1960. Surveyors’ camp between Mount Isa, QLD and Borroloola, NT. L to R: Pat Cox and John Van De Graff prepare their meal on an open fire. .7) - Photo, colour, 1960. Surveyor - Dennis Woods undertaking survey observations, using MRA1 tellurometer to measure base-line distances NW of Mount Isa, QLD. .8) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyors assessing recovery of their stalled Studebaker truck vehicle after attempting a water crossing in the NT. .9) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyor making batches of bread at a camp in the NT. Seen in the photo placing a lid with hot coals onto the camp oven. .10) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified survey party occupying a survey station on a hill in the Mount near the Lawn Hill area, NW of Mount Isa, QLD. A MRA1 tellurometer to measure base-line distances appear on the right side of the photo. .9) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyors assessing recovery of their stalled Studebaker truck vehicle after attempting a water crossing in the NT. .10) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyor making batches of bread at a camp in the NT. Seen in the photo placing a lid with hot coals onto the camp oven. .1P to .10P annotated on back – personnel names, the year and the location. royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, asr, army svy regt, fortuna, surveying -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Sign: Clara Southern, Heidelberg Artists Trail, Main Road, Research, 2008
Warrandyte artist, Clara Southern, features on the Artists Trail. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p189 Since early in the 20th century this district has attracted artists and other creative people. So much so, that Eltham has been compared to the Left Bank in Paris, New York’s Greenwich Village and London’s Bloomsbury.1 That is until the 1970s when Eltham rapidly expanded into a suburb. However many artists still flourish not only in Montsalvat, Dunmoochin and the Bend of Islands but elsewhere in Nillumbik. Some artists who have worked or lived in Nillumbik are well-known nationally and internationally. Artists are attracted to the hilly district’s subtle colours, unique light and the Yarra River and Diamond Creek. The railway’s extension to Eltham in 1902 brought artists to paint for the day or to camp. Then many settled in Eltham, perhaps also because the poor quality land, far from the city, was cheap. Following World War Two they found they could build houses and studios cheaply by making their own mud-bricks. The flexible material, with its warm tones blending into the bush, also satisfied their aesthetic sensibilities. As early as 1900, Will Longstaff, known for his painting The Ghosts of Menin Gate at the National War Memorial in Canberra, lived at Stanhope in Peter Street, Eltham, later to become the home of intellectuals Clem and Nina Christensen. Members of Australia’s first significant art movement, the Heidelberg School of Artists, painted in Eltham, Warrandyte and Diamond Creek.2 Walter Withers lived at the corner of Bolton and Brougham Street, Eltham and taught Sir Hans Heysen, who for a short while stayed with the Withers family. In Warrandyte were Clara Southern, whom Frederick McCubbin taught at the National Gallery School and Penleigh Boyd, who is represented in all Australian state galleries and the National Collection in Canberra. May Vale, daughter of politician William, lived in Diamond Creek.3 With Jane Price they feature on the Heidelberg School Artists Trail, part of which runs through Nillumbik. The trail includes signs each displaying a reproduction of a painting by an artist and located near where the artist lived or painted. In Nillumbik the trail includes parts of Warrandyte, Eltham in the Alistair Knox Park, Main Road shopping precinct and Wingrove Park, the Research walking track on Main Road and the Diamond Creek Reserve. In 1916 artist William ‘Jock’ Frater lived at the corner of Arthur and Bible Streets, Eltham. Before then, Frater, with other artists including Percy Leason (who moved to Eltham in the mid 1920s) painted in Eltham on weekends. They camped near Bible and Pitt Streets and along the Diamond Creek where the Eltham Retirement Centre now stands.4 In 1921, painter Peter Newbury (father to painter David Newbury, who was born in Eltham) moved to Cromwell Street, Eltham. Max Meldrum, the first Australian painter to formulate a consistent theory of art largely based on tone,5 taught local artists Alan Martin, Clarice Beckett, Peter Glass and Justus Jörgensen. Meldrum visited Eltham then rented a house there for 18 months opposite Wingrove Park. In 1934, artist and architect Justus Jörgensen and his doctor wife Lil and friends built Montsalvat, the artists’ colony. Montsalvat has played an important part in attracting artists to Eltham and its mud-brick, pisé, stone and recycled building materials has had a major influence on Eltham’s built environment. Jörgensen’s students who also helped him build Monstalvat included Arthur Munday, Lesley Sinclair, Helen Lempriere, Joe Hannan, Helen, Sonia and jeweller/sculptor, Matcham Skipper. Among artists who visited Montsalvat were Clifton Pugh and Angry Penguins’ artists Albert Tucker and Arthur Boyd. Some who painted after World War Two were Alan Martin of Eltham and Warrandyte artists Frank Crozier and Harry De Hartog6, one of Melbourne’s first painters influenced by Cubism.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, clara southern, heidelberg artists' trail, main road, research (vic)