The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year in the lead up to Remembrance Day 11th November.Certificate, frame is timber brown colour, certificate colour with ornate edge RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", under is details of the award, signed, dated and red seal in RH corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL Sub Branch - In recognition of your achievement in being top seller for the 2008 Poppy Appeal in the country area - dated 11th November 2008"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

These membership cards were used pre 1990, from then on the League became known as The Returned & Service's League of Australia. These were filled in by a prospective new member and forwarded to RSL HQ in Melbourne for approval.Membership cards, blue with black text double sided, front has spaces for the person to fill in details re name address, and financial to service number, rank, unit, time in service. The rear has space for approval, badge number and financial to."Returned Services League of Australia - (Victorian Branch) - Application for Service Membership"brsl, smirsl, membership

In the top photo there are only a couple who are identifiable, 3rd from the left is Jack Swatton, (refer Cat No 6719.2P), 4th from left is George Lansell, (refer Cat No 8012P), there is one other from the left being possibly Les Morey The same Les Morey is in the bottom photo 8th from the left. These images are a copy of of the originals which were joined together and laminated as one. They were not taken the same year. Just by appearance the top photo is a number of years earlier than the bottom. There is an original of the top photo still in its cardboard cylinder for postage. Refer Cat No 8238.2TWO PHOTOGRAPHS WITHIN ONE FRAME. Anzac Day photos in black and white. Top Photograph - In front of Memorial Hall, Pall Mall (1949/1950) Lower Photograph - At the Upper Reserve (later renamed Queen Elizabeth Oval) At the bottom is a description. Frame- timber, mid brown colour with decorative edge. Glass front, Mount - dark green cardboard.On photos in the centre hand written is “Anzac Day 1951”brsl, smirsl, anzac day framed photos

This plaque was placed at 18 - 22 High Street Eaglehawk which was the HQ off the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8110 for the Sub Branch History.Plaque granite construction rectangular shape with gold inscriptions relating to the donation of the building to the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch by Mathew’s Bros during WW2“24.4.43”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl

This building was a Nissan Hut which was opened in 1957 and was then the HQ of Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8110 for the Sub Branch History.Plaque granite construction rectangular shape with gold inscriptions relating to the official opening of the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch in 1957.“12.10.1957”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl

As the plaque states it is a depiction of the Australian Army over a 100 year period from 1901 - 2001. This item is on display in the Bendigo District RSL Havilah Road..Framed images of the Australian Army over 100 years, frame is brown timber with a gold edge, background is green with a Rising Sun center top, in top LH corner is the Australian flag, central is a intermixed depiction taken from photos of the history of the Australian Army with a larger colour depiction of a modern soldier to go with the time 2001.Under this is a oval shape with a map of the World centre on each side of the map is 3 rows of campaign ribbons from 1901 -2001. At the bottom on the frame is a small plaque with text in Black.On the plaque,, “The Australian Army 1901 - 2001 - The Spirit - Ordinary people, extraordinary service”brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc

This item is on display in the Bistro area of the Bendigo District RSL Havilah Road. Refer Cat No 8173.2 for an actual propellor in the same venue. Due to the position and light a good photo was not possible.Framed colour photo, brown timber frame with photo in a white inset, the photo shows a ships shaft and propellors under going a 300 hour spin test inthe Ordnance Factory Bendigo, under the photo is a description detail of the test procedure, where built and for which RAN ships.brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc

As per the explanation the HMAS Sydney II was launched in Sept 1934, sunk by the German Raider Kormoran on 19 November 1941, the wreck was discovered in March 2008. This item is on display inn the Bistro area of the Bendigo DRSL in Havilah RoadPhotos framed, the frame is timber Brown colour, at the top is the main photo of the ships crew on the decking of the HMAS Sydney II, centre is an explanation of the “Sydney’s building, commissioning and fate, at bottom LH side shows the “Sydney” at sea, the RH photo shows “Sydney” in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge“HMAS SYDNEY”brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc

The painting is of John Henry Lockett (Jack) Refer Cat No's 8143, 8144, 8145.10P for awards and service history.Framed water colour portrait painting showing a man sitting with walking stick, in the background is a frame with a soldier in. The frame is gold with a black streak, painting is set in a white backing with a gold edge. under is a brass plaque with details.On plaque, "John Henry (Jack) Lockett OAM - 1891 - 2002 - On loan courtesy of the Lockett Family"brsl, smirsl, painting lockett

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

John Kerr Barnes. This is the highest award in the RSL for 25 years outstanding service. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch.Certificate framed, frame is timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow with an ornate edgeing, gold RSL Logo at the top followed by the wording "The Meritorious Medal" to "John Kerr Barnes", all print in black with red seal bottom RH corner, signed and dated."Meritorious Medal - awarded to - John Kerr Barnes by the National Congress in appreciation of 25 years outstanding service" Dated "Canberra this 2nd day of March 1989" Signed "................." National President Signed ".... Gollings" National Secretary. brsl, smirsl, meritorious

The letter to William John Turner relates to his resignation from the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Committee and was accepted with reluctance and regret and that his health improves. Refer Cat No's 8029 and 8030 for his awards, volunteer and committee work with the sub branch and WW1 service details.Letter yellowed paper, top has the letter head of the "R.S.S.A.I.L.A" followed by the telephone No "95" and the RSL Logo, date then text typed in black, signed at the bottom."21 June 1951" "W.J. Turner Esq - 121 Barnard St Bendigo" "Yours sincerely - Vic Palmer - Honorary Secretary"brsl, smirsl, letter

The letter is to William John Turner in appreciation of him conducting the Ritual (ODE) on numerous occasions. Turner is a Life Member of the Bendigo Sub Branch. Refer Cat No's 8029 & 8030 for details of his volunteer/committee work, Life Membership and his WW1 service records.Letter off white colour, letter head of the "Returned Services League of Australia" - Bendigo Sub Branch, all type in black, signed in blue pen. The letter is to "Mr W. Turner" of 121 Barnard St Bendigo."Bendigo 18th June 1969" "President C.J. Plant" "Secretary J.K. Barnes" "Mr W. Turner"brsl, smirsl, letter

Jack received his OAM on Australia day 1995 from the Honourable Richard McGarvie (refer Cat No 8045P) for his work as a volunteer with ex service personnel in the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch at the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, his Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub Branch of the RSL.Wooden frame, glass front, cardboard backing, White certificate to John Kerr Barnes printed in red, blue / gold emblem with crown on top,stamp top LHS. This is a copy of the original.“To John Kerr Barnes, 26th Jan 1995. The Order of Australia. In the General Division. Given with the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. Signed by: Bill Hayden - Governor General Signed by: .................. Secretary of Order of Australia”brsl, smirsl, oam

John Kerr Barnes OAM. Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch plus his WW2 service details.Certificate framed, frame is brown timber colour, certificate yellow colour with ornate edgeing, RSL logo at the top followed by in red "Returned and Services League of Australia", in blue "Victorian Branch Inc", text of award follows, signed and with red seal at RH bottom corner."Awarded to Jack Barnes as a token of Appreciation and in grateful recognition of services rendered to the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch as Secretary over 43 years".brsl, smirsl, appreciation

John Kerr Barnes. The items relate to "Jack" as he was known. The photo is Jack in uniform, the central Medal/Ribbon is the "Meritorious Service Medal", see Cat No 8042, The RSL Badge is a Life Members Badge. You have to be a Life Member to be awarded the "Meritorious Service Medal". Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch.Framed Memorabilia, frame is brown timber, item backing green with 4 insets, top is a photo, under is a gold medallion, medal with ribbon, RSL badge.On Medal, "For Merit", On Medallion, "World War11 - Service to Australia", On RSL badge, "Life Member"brsl, smirsl, meritorious,

John Kerr Barnes (Jack) Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch receiving his award of OAM Australia Day 1995, refer Cat No 8044 (Certificate). Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Sub Branch and his WW2 service.Photograph colour framed, frame is timber, photo backing is green, photo shows the award of an OAM. At the bottom is a small section attached with text."John Kerr Barnes: Order of Australia awarded by Honorable Richard McGarvie Government House Australia Day 1995".brsl, smirsl, oam

John Kerr Barnes OAM. This award is a yearly one by the Victorian Licensed Sub Branches Association for 10 years exemplary service. Licensed Sub - Branches can nominate members for this award. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Sub - Branch and his WW2 service.Award, framed, frame is timber/plastic brown & black colours, there are two insets in a black backing. Top has a ribbon red white and blue with a medallion goldish colour with black text with central part is the RSL Logo, bottom has text re the award to.On medallion, "RSL Licensed Sub Branches Association Victoria" On bottom inset, "Hall of Fame Inductee2002 presented to Jack Barnes Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch INC"smirsl, hall of fame., brsl

Evening performance of a band on the Portico of Soldiers Memorial Institute post 2000.Bendigo RSL and Soldiers Memorial Institute Hall Pall Mall. Colour night time photograph of Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Hall. White cardboard border surrounds photograph, light wooden frame, glass protection.brsl, smirsl, photograph

The service being held is in the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo post 2008.Photograph - colour copy of a photograph of a Cenotaph assembly on ANZAC Day. In background is a catafalque party with assembled public. Frame - brown colour moulded plastic frame with MDF back and glass front..brsl, smirsl, anzac day

This plaque was originally in the Foyer (vestibule on the original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo to compliment framed photos of Soldiers who never came home from the Great War. This was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1927. After the closure of the SMI for renovations 2016 - 18 the plaque was placed in what was originally called "The Writing Room" now called "The Building and RSL history Room"Plaque brass with curved corners with inscribed text in black with several scrolls around. Plaque is attached via 4 screws to a backing board onto a wall.“THIS GALLERY of HONOR Instituted by the Bendigo Branch of the RS&SILA exclusively contains portraits of members of the AIF who in the service to King and Empire made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914 - 1919 into the imperishable memory of the priceless heritage beqeathed by them to the nation. This Gallery is dedicated in reverent gratitude”brsl, smirsl, plaque

This map originally came via Mitiamo East Loddon RSL who when they closed their Sub branch the map and their records were handed to the Bendigo RSL for safe keeping. It was framed and was hanging in the Office of the SMI until the renovations to the building in 2016.Dark green mount with brown wooden frame. Brown printing on cream paper. Perspex covering map.Top centre of map: “Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia Map of Victoria showing Sub Branches 1949” Stamped on rear: Bethany Gallery. Traditionally a touch of Excellence Terry ? Jarvis, 116 Bridge Street, Bendigo Vic 3550 Ph (03) 5442 4771brsl, smirsl, map rsl's

The program details the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Institute conducted by his Excellency the Earl of Stradbroke Govenor of Victoria on Tuesday 21st of November 1921. Contains information and photos of Office Bearers of the Returned Soldiers Association, Diggers Business Association and Memorial Hall Concert night. Advertisements for local Business sponsors appear on the last 3 pages. The Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch took occupancy of the building on the day as Tenants and remains so till now. Refer Cat No’s 8222 and 8224 for the original “Indenture” re the use of the Soldiers Memorial Institute by the Bendigo R.S.S.I.L.A (RSL) signed on 22.4.1920 by the Mayor, Councillors, RSL and witnesses. .1) Souvenir program all paper blue covers with window inset published for the opening of the "Soldiers Memorial Institute" in Pall Mall Bendigo Victoria. .2) Same as above but has grey covers.brsl, smirsl, pamphlet

These Office chairs were originally placed in the front Office of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in 1921funded by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund" and remained in use till approx 2012 when the Office was renovated. After the renovations to SMI in 2016 -18 they were then placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room".1) & .2) Captain style chairs, solid timber construction, curved arm rests and heavy back rest. .3) .4) Padded cushions of white colour, one is very old the other purchased about 2007 to match.Under both seats just readable, "Melbourne ------ Co PTY --2 Down St Collingwood - European labour only"brsl, smirsl, comforts

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer (or vestibule on the original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1921. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was placed in what was originally called "The Writing Room" now named "The Building and RSL History Room"Plaque brass with engraved writing in black attached by 4 screws to a backing piece on a wall."This Lounge was furnished by the Municipal Branch of the Australian Comforts Fund"brsl, smirsl, comforts

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer (Vestibule on original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1921. After closure in 2016-18 for the renovations to SMI the plaque was then placed in what was originally called the "Writing Room" now called "The Building and RSL History Room". The plaque had the gold paint renewed about 2012 - 15.Plaque marble, grey with streaks of white through, inscription is engraved with Gold paint. The plaque is attached via 2 screws to a backing board on a wall."38th BATTALION COMFORTS FUND supplied portion of the funds for this building. Rene Neill Hon Sec"brsl, smirsl, 38th

GEORGE VICTOR LANSELL is the longest serving President of the Bendigo RSL 1925 - 1952 and then 1954 - 57. He was awarded Life Membership and Life Membership with Gold Badge in 1956. This photo was originally hanging in the Billiard Room SMI. It was moved to the Foyer post 2000 to be with a plaque Cat No 8013. After the renovations to SMI 2016 -18 it was then placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room". This is not the original photo that was placed in 1926. George Victor Lansell had prior service in the 67th Militia BN before WW1. He enlisted in the AIF with A Coy 38th Bn on 1.5.1916 age 32 years 7 months. He was appointed Coy Commander of A Coy. Embark for England 20.6.1916, hospital 19.8.1916 with Influenza, rejoin unit 25.8.1916, embark for France 22.11.1916, WIA 1.12.1916 grazed by a bullet to right forehead, suffering from concussion and other complications he was returned to Australia on 12.5.1917 and discharged from the AIF on 11.8.1917. Timber frame painted gold, black & white portrait of Sir George Lansell wearing a suit and tie, RSL badge on coat. Below photo: "Sir George Lansell KB CMG VD MLC President Bendigo Sub Branch RSSAILA” 1926-1951"brsl, smirsl, 38th

Thomas William Francis No 2584. Enlisted on 7.7.1915 in 4th reinforcements 29th Batt AIF age 25 years 6 months. Embarked for Eygpt 14.3.16, embark for France 16.6.1916, reported missing 19/20.7.1916, listed as KIA 20.7.16 (Fromelles) no known grave. The photo is one of a number that originally hung in the "Gallery of Honour" foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo now the Bendigo Military Museum. In 2008 a mass grave was found with 250 remains in. On 12.4.2013 it was announced that the remains of Thomas Francis had been identified. Francis is now buried in the new Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery. Refer Cat No 8003.Portrait photo B &W of a soldier in uniform, Great coat and peak hat re T.W Francis. Photo is set in a grey background with a dark stained wood frame."Pte T.W Francis 29th Batt D Coy A.I.F, enlisted July 1915, embarked March 1916. Killed in Action July 1916". brsl, smirsl, fromelles

This cabinet with the "Book of Remembrance" (refer Cat No 8010) was originally placed in the foyer (vestibule) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1926. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was then placed in what is now the "Building and RSL History Room"Cabinet heavy timber construction with four legs, has a glass top that opens at the front and lockable. Has a red felt inset for the "BOOK of REMEMBRANCE". At the back of the cabinet set at an angle is a brass plaque with an inscription in black and red with scrolls around. The plaque is on a timber backing attached to the cabinet."THIS CABINET and BOOK of REMEMBRANCE inscribed with the revered names of members of the AIF who enlisted from the Bendigo Military District and served in the GREAT WAR of 1914 - 1919 together with the names of those who subscribed to defray the cost of the Roll of HONOR on the FRONTAGE of this HALL were donated by MAJOR GEO.V.L. LANSELL, V.D. PRESIDENT of the BENDIGO R.S & S.I.L.A as a token of gratitude for the generous and spontaneous public response to the appeal launched and conducted by him for the completion of the BENDIGO SOLDIERS MEMORIAL"brsl, smirsl, remembrance

Walter Peake No 6/1688 N.Z.E.F. He was from Bendigo and enlisted in New Zealand. He was " Mentioned in Despatches". This framed photo was one of a number that originally hung in the foyer "Gallery of Honour" at the Soldiers Memorial institute Pall Mall Bendigo which is now the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8003. Refer also 1794, 1793.2, 1791.3, 1792P. These items came into the Museum since it opened in 1998.Portrait photo, B & W set on a cream background re W Peake. Photo is in a dark stained wood frame. Brown wooden frame - glass front - cardboard backing. Head and shoulder, sepia photo in uniform. Mounted on fawn cardboard. By Bartlett Bros, Bendigo"Cpl Walter Peake Died of Wounds received in action 1.6.1917"brsl, smirsl, n.z.e.f