Showing 770 items matching bravery
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Letter - William Ferrier, 14th November 1905
The letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth recognised the significance of William’s brave and courageous lifesaving act to the people of Australia; “They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The story of that brave rescue follows on below … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, The company was one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October 1905, the twelve-year-old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia. She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a north-westerly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with seawater and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on the shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11 pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11 pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2 am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise, the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning, Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25-year-old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days, an unidentified body of a young person has washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with the manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. As well as this letter, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and a postcard of William Ferrier with four of the survivors. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. This original congratulatory letter sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia demonstrates the importance attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The letter is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The letter to William Ferrier from the Australian Government acknowledges the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The letter is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it honours William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The letter connects to the postcard of William Ferrier with four of the five rescued crew, the photograph of the wreck of the La Bella and the artefact from the wreck, the rail holder. This letter is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella”. The “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament commending him on his bravery. The printed letterhead includes a coat of arms in the top centre and the official address. The letter is very neatly hand written in black pen and includes 4 signatures of Members of Parliament. The rectangular paper is cream coloured with some yellow/brown discolouring. It has the letterhead on the right hand side of it and the written letter begins below the letterhead. The paper has been folded so that the right side becomes the cover page of the letter. The writing is continued onto the inside right hand page of the folded paper and the writing ends here. There is more recent writing on the bottom right hand corner of the back page. The paper has been officially folded in half a total 3 times and there is heavy discolouration on the sections that form the front and back of the folded letter. There is a 4th fold line that is less pronounced that the other folds and would make the paper the size to fit into a pocket. At several fold creases the paper has worn through. The edges of the paper have minor tears. The printed coat of arms is that of the House of Representatives. Underneath is printed “The Parliament of the Commonwealth, / Parliament House / Melbourne”. The hand written, letter is dated “14th November, 1905” and addressed to “Mr. William Ferrier / South Warrnambool” The letter begins “The Speaker, the Prime Minister and Members of the Ministry and its supporters, the Leader and Members of the Opposition, the Leader and Members of the Labour Party, being all the Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Australia” … It continues “desire to express to you their appreciation of your bravery in skulling out to the wreck of the “La Bella” at Warrnambool on Saturday, 11th November, 1905, and recovering therefrom two of the crew who were in imminent danger of their lives. They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The letter is “Signed on behalf of the Members – Speaker (Frederick Holder ), Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Joseph Cook ), Prime Minister (Alfred Deakin), Leader of the Labour Party ( J.C. Watson)” On the back of the letter is blue ink handwriting “OWNER / G. FERRIER / TO. BE. PHOTOGRAPHED / 27-4-76”la bella, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, prime minister, australian government, new zealand, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal - Medals WW1, R.A.Hose, 1919
These medals were awarded to Robert Andrew Hose, enlistment number 114 was born in Warrnambool in 1892 (parents George and Janet Hose). Prior to enlistment in World War One in 1914 Sergeant Robert Hose served with the permanent armed forces at Maribyrnong, Melbourne. He saw war service in Egypt, Gallipoli and the Western Front. In May 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal for his courage and resourcefulness and being a fine example to his men in an incident near Beaumetz les Cambrai in France. He died of his wounds a few days later. He is buried in France. These World War One medals are of high significance, particularly the Military Medal awarded for bravery to Robert Andrew Hose, a soldier born in Warrnambool. The Military Medal is a treasured item in our collection because of its rarity and association with a local World War One hero. .1 A bronze medal with a laurel wreath and printing on one side and the figure of Winged Victory on the other side. There is also an inscription around the edges. .2 A silver-coloured medal with the image of King George V of Britain on one side and the image of a figure on horseback. The medal has a metal bar at the top to which is attached a multi-coloured ribbon. .3 A silver medal with a laurel wreath, a crown, initials and printing on one side and an image of King George V of Britain on the other side .4 A black and white photograph of a soldier (R.A.Hose) with handwriting on the front and handwriting and printing on the back. This photograph is a post card. .1The Great War For Civilisation 1914-1919 .2 1914-1918 114 SJT R.A.Hose 1st F.A. Bde. A.I.F. .3 For Bravery In The Field 114 SJT. R.A. Hose 1st F.A.Bde Aust. P.A. .4 Sgt. R.A. Hose MM robert andrew hose, world war one, history of warrnambool, r a hose 114 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Medal - GALLANTRY DECORATIONS, Replica Australian Gallantry Decorations
Display Gallantry Decorations that have and can be awarded to Australian Armed Forces personnel. Replica Victoria Cross, Replica Cross of Valour, Replica Star of Gallantry, Replica Star of Courage, Replica Medal Distinguished Service Cross, Replica Conspicuous Service Cross, Replica Nursing Cross, Replica Military Cross, Replica Distinguished Flying Cross, Replica Medal of Gallantry, Replica Bravery Medal, Replica Distinguished Service Medal, Replica Conspicuous Service Medal, Replica Military Medal, Replica Group Bravery Citation, Replica Unit Citation for Bravery. One (1) set of 14 replica Australian Gallantry Decorations placed on a display board titled Board No. 1. There is an attached list of these decorations. Each decoration has it's appropriate title placed underneath the decoration.No Inscriptions as these are replica medals. Decorations titles are placed underneath the award. Right hand corner of the Board identifies - from the Bob English Collection.medals, gallantry, decorations, passchendaele barracks trust -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Collections of Medals and Decorations
52 Decorations and Campaign Medals awarded to Australians for bravery and service in theatres of war from1860Gold and brown coloured frame containing 52 medals and decorations with written explaination for eachDecorations and Campaign Medals AUSTRALIAcampaign medals, australlia, decorations -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK - PROTOCOL & PROCEDURES, JOEL Asher, Australian Protocol & Procedures, 1982
Illustrated in colour - photographs of National and State Symbols, The Order of Australia, Australian Bravery Decorations, Personal Arms. Handwritten inscription, reverse side of front end paper.Hard Cover book. Hard cover - cardboard, green buckram with gold print on front and spine. Gold decorative edge on front and spine. 371 pages, cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated in colour - photographs of National and State Symbols, The Order of Australia, Australian Bravery Decorations, Personal Arms. Handwritten inscription, reverse side of front end paper. Front and back end papers in green and gold coloured designs. Illustrated in colour - photographs of National and State Symbols, The Order of Australia, Australian Bravery Decorations, Personal Arms. Handwritten inscription, reverse side of front end paper. books, australia, symbols, decorations -
Greensborough Historical Society
Booklet, Southdown Press, For valour: the story of the Victoria Cross, 1960s
Story of the highest military award for bravery, with stories of 16 Australian soldiers and citations of all 119 ANZAC Victorian Cross recipients.Booklet, 40p, col. cover, black and white and brown print, photographsvictoria cross, albert jacka -
Bendigo Military Museum
Medal - MEDAL, REPLICA
This is a replica of the Distinguished Conduct Medal which is awarded to soldiers for actions of bravery in the field of battle. Original will have persons name engraved.Medal is a silver medallion and a solid silver chain on top connecting to a cloth ribbon and a pin at back. Ribbon is red, black and red vertical bands.On back engraved ""For distinguished Conduct in the Field". on front engraved "George VS V Britt. OMN: REX ET IND: IMP". Image of George V.passchendaele barracks trust, dcm replica -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - PHOTOGRAPHS, FRAMED, H O'Donnell, Post WW1
The soldier in the large photo is PRIVATE ARCHIE PRIME Reg No 933 D Company, 24th Battalion 6th Infantry Brigade. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery at Ville-Sur-Ancre near Albert on 14-15 June 1918. The soldier in the smaller photo is PRIVATE H PRIME Reg No 5202 8th Battalion. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery at Lihons on 11 August 1918.Mounted & framed black & white poster featuring photos of two 1st AIF soldiers. Printed on the poster are portraits of the Kings & President of allied countries. Scenes depicting stages from enlistment to embarkation are included. The poster is topped with an image of Britannia surrounded by flags. Top of poster: Australia's Sons Answer the Call Handwritten under main photo of PTE PRIME: PTE ARCHIE PRIME Reg No 933 D Coy, 24th Batt 6th Inf Bgde. Handwritten under small photo of PTE H PRIME: Enlisted July 1915photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history-army, military medal -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Campaign Ribbons for medals and awards WW1 : Military Cross, 1914 Star, French Croix de Guerre, 2 ANZAC Corps colours (The Joseph Nott Collection), Circa 1914 - 1919
Associated with WW1 campaign medals and bravery awards. Items from the Joseph Nott collection WW1 soldier. Joseph Nott was a Military Cross recipient. WW1 colored ribbons associated with campaign medals and bravery awards. The Joseph Nott collection (Chiltern and Rutherglen resident). Medal and Award ribbons associated with WW1 : 1 x bright green with thin red striping (French 1914-1918 Croix de Guerre), 1 x red, cream, white and blue stripes (the 1914 Star), 1 x red and white flag shape cloth patch (2 ANZAC Corps)), and 1 x cream, purple and cream striped ribbon (The Military Cross). The thin ribbon strand consists of cream, crimson and royal blue colored ribbons (Empire colors and the 1914 Star colors). 2 anzac corps colours (light horse unit), joseph nott colleciton ww1 soldier rutherglen and chiltern resident., military cross, croix de guerre and 1914 star ribbons ww1, ww1 medals and awards ribbons -
Victoria Police Museum
Certificate and Scroll (Robert Graham), 1888
Black embossed leather scroll with printed and handwritten Royal Humane Society Award Certificate awarded to Robert Graham for rescuing sufferers from the flood at the Goulburn River at Shepparton on 7th November 1887robert graham, greta, kelly gang, ellen kelly, royal humane society, bravery, awards, shepparton -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - MONTAGE, FRAMED MEMORABILIA
Framed memorabilia of "WORLD WAR ONE /THE ANZAC LEGEND". Frame: Moulded timber frame, dark brown, coloured with gold painted inner edge. Glass front. Mount: dark green cardboard with gold inner individual mounts. Memorabilia: top - a colourised black and white photograph depicting a large group of soldiers on a pyramid. Middle: Collection of black & white photographs of various ANZAC locations. Lower section: Service and Bravery Award medals with two Rising Sun badges.Gold coloured information label within the mount with the heading "WORLD WAR ONE"AND "THE ANZAC LEGEND" with black printed information on back of frame - handwritten, blue felt tip pen "DONATED TO BGO RSL/ BILL YATES" .framed memorabilia, ww1, anzac -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Medals - Miniature Set
Miniature Set of - Military Medal; 1914-15 African Star; British War Medal; Victory MedalFrom right to left: (Medallion one) "GEORGIVS V BRITT REX ET IND IMP" (reverse) "FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD" (Medallion two) "1914-1915" (Medallion three) "1914-1918" (reverse) "GEORGIVS V BRITT OMN REX ET IND IMP" (Medallion four) (reverse) "THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919"first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article and Photograph, Michael Kenneth Pratt, 2016_
Article from the London Gazette, relating the bravery of off-duty police officer Constable Michael Pratt, stationed at Heidelberg and Greensborough resident. He was wounded as he attempted to stop a bank robbery. This text was copied from a Facebook site. Members are people who lived in the Greensborough area and share their reminiscences of the area with others. The site is administered by a GHS member but is not officially affiliated with the Society. Any information is the opinion of the contributor. Article sourced from social media.michael kenneth pratt, greensborough police -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Booklet, Australian in Action: the story of Gallipoli, May 1915
Published in May 1915 from reports of the landing by Ashmead Bartlett and Chas E Bean. Booklet to be issued to Senior Pupils at Public Schools of NSW in proud and grateful memory of the bravery of the Australian troops.A well preserved example of patriotic endeavour by the Department of Education in NSW. Published within a month of the landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915.Plain paper booklet published by the Department of Public Education , New South Wales; 32 pages, saddle stitched with two staples.gallipoli, education department nsw, schools -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Medal, Military Merit Medal (Austria - Hungary)
The Military Merit Medal was founded by Emperor Franz Joseph 1st on March 12 1890. The Medal was awarded in both peacetime for meritorious service and in wartime for outstanding acts. ( Including bravery or military merit).Historic Significance.Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal with bust of the reigning Emperor on the obverse side. The words "SIGNUM LAUDIS" (Latin for "Sign of Praise") on the reverse. It is surrounded by a wreath of half - laurels and half- oak leaves. The medal is surmounted by a dual crowns "Karl 1st type" and worn from a tri-fold ribbon. On the ribbon there are two crossed swords. -
Victoria Police Museum
Certificate (Robert Graham), 1888
Printed and handwritten United Grand Lodge awarded to Robert Grahamrobert graham, greta, kelly gang, ellen kelly, grand lodge, free masons, bravery, awards, shepparton -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
artefact, VC Medal
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for “... most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre -eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy” to members of the armed forces of Commonwealth countries. This item is part of a collection of items relating to Cpl Alexander Burton.VC No 384Two items Medal on wooden display stand, Medal hangs on red ribbon with the words: The Victoria Cross; on label at base. Information board gives details of the history of the Victoria Cross. The medal is a replica.Front: For Valour Back: COPYvc -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph, Alex Wadsworth, c1916
Alex Wadsworth was born in Maryborough. He nl fpr service during World War One on 19 July 1015. On 02 July 2017 he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery. He returned to Australia in May 1919.Photograph of an Australian World War One Soldier, Alex Wadsworth. em22, carisbrook, maryborough, alex wadsworth -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - black and white, Private Charles Edwin Williams, 1900
Private Charles Williams was born in Nalinga and at the age of 16 joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles. He was one of the first from his district to offer his services at the outbreak of war. It was noted that Williams conducted himself with the greatest bravery and died facing his foe.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".private, charles williams, nalinga, victorian mounted rifles -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
soft cover non-fiction book, Ice Water Press, Victory In Europe, 2010
The final crossing of the Rhine and the advance into Germany changed the course of European history forever. Introduces men and women from bith sides - British, American and German soldiers and civilians - whose bravery and endurance made the final push through Europe the defining drama of WW2.Soft cover book with 144 pagessticker on inside page P Cooper (personal contact details included on sticker) -
RSL Victoria - Anzac House Reference Library and Memorabilia Collection
Photograph of John William Alexander Jackson, July 1917
William Jackson (588 - 17th Battalion, B Company) embarked from Sydney onboard HMAT Themistocles on 12th May 1915. Awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery in France in June 1916. Died in 1959, aged 61 years. Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. On the return from a successful raid, several members of the raiding party were seriously wounded in "No Man's Land" by shell fire. Private Jackson got back safely and, after handing over a prisoner whom he had brought in, immediately went out again under very heavy shell fire and assisted in bringing in a wounded man. He then went out again, and with a sergeant was bringing another wounded man when his arm was blown off by a shell and the sergeant was rendered unconscious. He then returned to our trenches, obtained assistance, and went out again to look for his two wounded comrades. He set a splendid example of pluck and determination. His work has always been marked by the greatest coolness and bravery.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: 14 December 1916 Photograph of Australia's youngest Victoria Cross winner.WW1 photograph of William Jackson (17th Battalion, B Company) taken on "France's Day 13-7-17".france, ww1, victoria cross, william jackson, 17 battalion -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - Sepia phtograph/postcard, Unknown
WWII historical significancePortrait of Vivian Bullwinkel AO, MBE (1915 - 2000)Vivian Bullwinkel, a Second World War army nursing sister, is best known as the sole survivor of the infamous Banka Island massacre, in which 21 of her colleagues were killed by Japanese troops. Her courage while a prisoner pf the Japanese for over three and a half years exemplified the bravery of Australian women in war, and her distinguished postwar career was marked by many humanitarian achievements. -
Australian National Surfing Museum
Video Clip, Bells Beach - Big Easter Sunday 1965
On Easter Sunday 1965 competitors in the Bells Beach Surfing Contest were greeted with the sight of 15-18 foot waves marching into Bells Beach. Riding 9-10 foot boards with no legropes the bravery of many surfers was challenged on this day. A day when reputations were made.Easter Sunday 1965 went down in Australian surfing history as the day when the largest waves were ridden in a surf contest outside of Hawaii. It was a significant day in establishing the reputation of Bells Beach as a big wave surfing location.Bells Beach - Big Easter Sunday 1965 is a short video which features an interview with Torquay surfer/photographer Barrie Sutherland describing the huge surf at the 1965 Bells Beach Surfing Contest. The video also features a number of photographs by Barrie Sutherland taken on Easter Sunday 1965. Duration: 03.28 Available as an MP4 Video. Surf World Museum logo, Bells Gold logo -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Statuette, Simpson and His Donkey, Unknown
John Simpson Kirkpatrick enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Corps serving as a stretcher bearer at Gallipoli. With the help of a donkey he recovered wounded from the battlefield, often under fire. He was killed in action on 19 May 1915 and was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his act of bravery.Simpson and his donkey has become the most famous of the images arising from Australia's Gallipoli Campaign in the First World WarA small statuette depicting a World War 1 Australian serviceman assisting a wounded comrade who is riding on a donkey. This statuette is made from pewter and symbolises the brave deeds of Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick who, during the early days of the Gallipoli campaign, similarly assisted a number of wounded servicemen. This Army Medical Corps serviceman was a stretcher bearer and commonly known as "Simpson". The statuette is mounted on a stained wooden base which has a small title plate at its front edge.Title plate inscribed "SIMPSON AND HIS DONKEY" -
Sunshine RSL Sub Branch
pocket knife, cammilus, 1962
this pocket knife is imoportant because it was used by AB Bloggs (Navy Medal) to splice lines on the HMAS Vampire. Donated by daughter Louise. AB Bloggs died from wounds received during sea battle in April 1942 in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Navy Medal for bravery.This item is significant because it is a remaining item of an award winning navy man who gave his life for his country.metal pocket knife: ( multitool - knife, bottle opener,screwdriver, and skewer), in black leather embossed case with belt loop and press close stud and plaited carry cord on pocket knife handle."U S"embossed, knife, leather, metal, south, pocket knife, pacific, multi tool, bottle opener, screwdriver, skewer, belt loop, louise -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Award - Document, 21/1/1893
The name on the letterhead, “Canning Pierhead North” is the name of the Liverpool Pilot Authority, which was situated in 1883 at Cannon Pier on the River Mersey where ships entered to travel to Liverpool. The logo on the letterhead belongs to the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society. The letter is addressed to “Mr Peter Carmody, Port Campbell, south coast of Australia”, and reads as follows: “January 21st 1893, Dear Sir, I have the pleasure to forward to you by post herewith a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Thanks, voted to you by the Committee of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society for your courage and humanity in going out into the surf to rescue the survivors of the crew of the barque “Newfield” which vessel was wrecked near Port Campbell on the 29th of August last. Be kind enough to send a few lines acknowledging receipt of the testimonials. I am Dear Sir, Yours Faithfully, Robert P. J. Simpson, Secretary.” The medal accompanying the letter is the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society’s “Bramley-Moore medal for saving life at sea 1872”. The Society was formed in 1839. In 1872 Mr John Bramley-Moore donated £500 on condition that the medal have the specific inscription above on its reverse. The Bramley Morre medal was first awarded in 1874 and records show that since that time only one gold medal has been awarded, twenty-two silver medals and seventeen bronze medals, the last being in 1945. This Bromley-Moore medal was awarded to Peter Carmody for his bravery in saving lives on the Newfield shipwreck. The Newfield was a three-masted iron and steel barque, built in Dundee, Scotland, in 1889 by Alexander Stephen and Sons. It was owned by the Newfield Ship Company in 1890 and later that year It was registered in Liverpool to owners Brownells and Co. The Newfield left Sharpness, Scotland, on 28th May 1892 with a crew of 25 under the command of Captain George Scott and on 1st June left Liverpool. She was bound for Brisbane, Australia, with a cargo of 1850 tons of fine rock salt, the main export product of Sharpness. At about 9pm on 28th August 1892, in heavy weather, Captain Scott sighted, between heavy squalls, the Cape Otway light on the mainland of Victoria but, due to a navigational error (the ship’s chronometers were wrong), he assumed it to be the Cape Wickham light on King Island, some 40 miles south. He altered his course to the north, expecting to enter Bass Strait. The ship was now heading straight for the south west Victorian coast. At about 1:30am the Newfield ran aground on a reef about 100 yards from shore and one mile east of Curdie’s Inlet, Peterborough. The ship struck heavily three times before grounding on an inner shoal with 6 feet of water in the holds. Rough sea made the job of launching lifeboats very difficult. The first two lifeboats launched by the crew were smashed against the side of the ship and some men were crushed or swept away. The third lifeboat brought eight men to shore. It capsized when the crew tried to return it to the ship for further rescue The rescue was a difficult operation. The Port Campbell Rocket Crew arrived and fired four rocket lines, none of which connected with the ship. Peter Carmody, a local man, volunteered to swim about one mile off shore to the ship with a line to guide the fourth and final lifeboat safely to shore. He was assisted by James McKenzie and Gerard Irvine. Seventeen men survived the shipwreck but the captain and eight of his crew perished. The Newfield remained upright on the reef with sails set for a considerable time as the wind slowly ripped the canvas to shreds and the sea battered the hull to pieces. The Marine Board inquiry found the wreck was caused by a "one man style of navigation" and that the Captain had not heeded the advice of his crew. According to Jack Loney ‘… when the drama was over . . the Newfield was deserted except for the Captain’s dog and two pigs.’ Peter Carmody was awarded the Bramley-Moore medal by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society for Saving Life at Ssea, which he received by mail on January 21st 1893. The medal and letter of congratulations were donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum by Peter Carmody’s grand-daughter Norma Bracken and her son Stuart Bracken on 25th May 2006. The Medal and Letter of Congratulations join other items in the Newfield collectionlFlagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Newfield is significant for its association with the shipwreck Newfield, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Registry. The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects. The Newfield collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international cargo ship. The Newfield collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its association with the shipwreck. The Letter accompanying the Medal for Bravery awarded to Peter Carmody is significant because the attempt to save lives is associated with the shipwreck Newfield.A copy of a letter from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society to Peter Carmody in reference to the bravery of Peter Carmody over the wreck of the "Newfield". The letter is divided into 2 columns and is written in longhand using black ink on both columns. There is a letterhead in the centre of the left hand page and a round logo printed or stamped on the top of left of the left hand page. The centre of the logo shows a design of a man kneeling on a floating part of a wreck. He is rescuing a child from the sea. On the top of the circle of the logo a design shows a long-legged hen cormorant with extended wings holding an olive branch in its beak. There is also the name of a city printed onto the page under the letterhead. The letter has been folded into half along its long side, then in half again along its long side then into thirds. The letter is dated January 21st 1893. “CANNING, PIERHEAD, NORTH” and “LIVERPOOL” are printed on the top left hand page. The logo “LIVERPOOL SHIPWRECK AND HUMANE SOCIETY” is printed or embossed on the paper.28 august 1892, bramley moore, carmody, certificate of thanks, curdie's river, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, gerard irvine, james mckenzie, liverpool shipwreck and humane society, maritime museum, medal, newfield, nineteenth century, norma bracken, peter carmody, port campbell, rescue, robert simpson,, shipwreck, ship wreck, stuart bracken, victorian shipwrecks -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW11
Robert James Lee VX65555 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 3.11.41. According to his birth date he was aged 17 years. He was a "Gunner" in the 4th Field Regiment Artillery. Awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field. He was discharged from the 2nd AIF on 18.6.46. Refer also 728.2, 1814.3. Medal set, court mounted, set of (6)re R.J Lee MM. 1. Military Medal. 2. 1939-45 Star. 3. Pacific Star. 4. War Medal 1939-45. 5. Australian Service Medal. 6. Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp "PNG"Military Medal has "VX65555 GNR RJ Lee AIF" Others have "VX65555 RJ Lee"numismatics-medals, military, metalcraft -
Victoria Police Museum
Photograph (police car), Kodak
Photo taken in 1942 of damage caused by bullets to a Mercury Wireless Patrol car. White tape has been placed where the bullets struck the car. All five crew members were awarded the Valour Badge for bravery during the pursuit. Photo shows the headlights covered during the Melbourne "brown out" period during WW11.A 1940 Mercury, registration number CW-394, circa 1942police vehicles; transport branch; wireless patrol; motor police branch; motor traffic section; ford mercury car; -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOKS WW1
1.) & .2) Soft cardboard cover, glossy finish. Black print on front, spine, & back. Cut, plain, white, glossy pages. Illustrated black / white / colour photos of portraits, medals & scenes. No page numbers. .1) Title - White Hills - Sixty Four Local Heroes. Illustrated black / white / sepia photo of Arch of Triumph, White Hills. 8 portraits of uniformed soldiers superimposed on front, back. Small colour photo of Arch of Triumph. .2) Title - Borough Bravery. Eaglehawk - Possibly Australia's Most Decorated Municipality in the Great War. Illustrated colour / sepia photo of map superimposed with numerous portraits of soldiers on front & back.books, white hills, eaglehawk -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - James E Newland VC, Early 21st Century
James E Newland VC was born in Highton, Victoria and served in the AIF during the Boar War, WW1 and WW2. James E Newland was awarded the VC in April 1917 'for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, in the face of heavy odds, on three separate occasions.' James E Newland was presented his award by His Majesty King George V.James E Newland VC was born in Highton, Victoria and served with the AIF for over 40 years and obtained the highest honour that can be bestowed for bravery. James enlisted in the Australia Army as a Private and on discharge held the rank of Lt Col. A black and white photograph, oblong, James E Newland in Military Uniform on paper.newland, boer war, ww1, ww2, geeloing rsl, vc