The ANZAC Appeal is conducted every year leading up to ANZAC Day April 25th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colours, certificate in colour white background 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 and dated with red seal in RH corner."Awarded to - Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Top seller 2005 ANZAC Appeal country area 25th April 2005"brsl, smirsl, anzac appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year leading up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown/gold colour, certificate in colour white background ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned and Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", signed and dated with red seal in RH Corner."Awarded to - Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch Inc - Top seller 2006 Poppy Appeal country area - date 11th November 2006brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

The Poppy Appeal is conducted every year in the lead up to Remembrance Day November 11th.Certificate, frame is timber brown colour, certifcate colour with ornate edge with RSL Logo at the top followed by "Returned & Service's League of Australia (Victorian Branch) Inc", under is details of the award, signed and dated, red seal in RH corner."Awarded to Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch - In recognition of your achievement in obtaining the highest sales for the 2007 Poppy Appeal in the country area - dated 27th February 2008"brsl, smirsl, poppy appeal

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

.1) This one was used in the Writing room which later became a Meeting room then finally the RSL Building & History room. it was attached to the LH side of the Fire Place and ran an old Electric Heater on the Hearth. It was used up to about 2005. .2) This one was in the Old Kitchen built on the side of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in the mid 1960's This one ran the Electric stoves used by the Womens Auxiliary of the Bendigo RSL and to make the Rum & Coffee for the ANZAC Day Dawn service. The kitchen was removed as part of the Renovations in 2016 - 18..1) Heater meter, metal construction black coating, top face has a glass section with a "usage meter" saying "coins paid, unused", metal plate under with details re numbers, maker, coins per hour, on right side slot for "Shillings only" with knob, removeable lockable tray at bottom for coin storage and removing. .2)Same style as .1) but a different glass face style metering, it has 11 circular dials with one hand, these show "Coins paid, coins unused", this one shows the round meter going around when in use. The only differance between to two shapes is at the top re fixing to a wall..1) On plate, "Remote Control Switch - for alternating switch No 26 204 020 - Type Wik 36.1 - Adjustable 1-6 coins per hour, Adjusted for 1 coin per hour" On stickers, "insert 10 cents - Turn knob to right". .2) On glass section, "230/240 revs per KWH - 1200 - Serial No 8338380 - 5 - 50". On label stuck on, "10 c equals 1/2 hour"brsl, smirsl, shilling

This Typewriter was last used by Jack Barnes OAM at the Bendigo RSL Office at the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall until he retired after 43 years as Secretary in early 2006.Typewriter, heavy metal construction, body is light grey colour, keys are black with white lettering, there is one key with red lettering. The brand "Olivetti 82" is centre of the Typewriter.brsl, smirsl, olivetti

This chair was possibly donated as a "Presidents Chair" by Bill Nicholls. Refer Cat No 149 for Bill Nicholls service history and Cat No 8073P for RSL history.Swivel Chair, timber construction light brown stain, arm rests, chair swivels on 4 legs with castors. One arm has a small brass plaque on. Seat and back rest are dark blue vinyl.On brass plaque, "Presented to Bendigo RSL by Mr W.B. Nicholls 10th. Feb. 1969"brsl, smirsl, chair

These Constitutions dated 14.11.1952 with the name's , "A.V. Palmer - President" (Bendigo RSL) "N.D. Wilson - President - Vic Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A". The small booklets were headed "Rules of the Bendigo Returned Servicemen's Club - 1956" As far back as 1950 there was discussion within the Sub Branch re a Club in suitable premises. A property was purchased being 11 McKenzie Street Bendigo with the title dated 9.2.1951, the facility opened on 1.6.1951 but without a Liqueur Licence. Years followed with a failure to be granted one. Finally the facility was sold to Bendigo Legacy and they occupied the building on 7.6.1959 which became known as "Legacy House". This is a very brief version of the events from the Book by Murray Poustie, refer Cat No 8093, The history of the Bendigo RSL. .3) The Rules of the Welfare Committee were in .1) folded in half. There is 6 paragraphs with a total of 18 Clause's..1) Folder cardboard covers light brown colour with taped binding, cover has typed black heading underlined in red, hand written notes in black pen added, 15 typed pages in black stapled inside with a hand written note in black written on one page. Inside the front cover stapled in is a small grey booklet with 24 pages in black text. .2) Same as .1) but without any hand written notes. .3) Two pages stapled together typed in black re "Welfare Rules".1) .2) Typed text on covers underlined, " Constitution - Bendigo - Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia". Hand written on .1) "Do not take this out of Office - See change of Constitution paragraph 25 Clause 1". .3) Heading, Rules for the Conduct of Welfare Committee"brsl, legal, smirsl

These renovations were first discussed by the Bendigo RSL in 1962 - 1963. This Document is headed, “Specifications of Workmanship and Materials required for Painting and Renovations etc, at R.S.S.A.I.L.A Hall, Pall Mall, Bendigo” There are 3 parts to the documents. First section has 22 parts, everything from “Tender - Insurance - Materials - Liability - Condition of Contract to the use of Sanitary conveniences. Second section has sections re “Carpenter and Joiner - Brick work - Plastering - Electrician - Painter and Glazier”. Each has sections under re their work to be done. Third section is a technical drawing of the Soldiers Memorial Institute minus the Main Hall, it shows scopes of work. The main works covered a new false ceiling in the Office, a new front door entrance to the Foyer in a different position, exhaust fan in the Billiard room, removal of a gate at the Stairwell entrance, fire place repairs, adding chair rails to walls to foyer, Committee room. These works were carried out. There was a false ceiling in the Meeting room but there was no mention re this in the above plans. This ceiling was removed during the 2016 - 2018 major renovations to the SMI. The false ceiling in the Office was removed in a major renovation to the room in 2011 - 2012 and taken back to original.Folder brown card covers with six typed in black pages and one map all black print, pages stapled in with 2 binder holes in.On front cover in black pen. "Specifications - Painting & Renovations R.S.L. Premises Pall Mall, Bendigo"brsl, renovations, smirsl

This scrap book has been divided into 4 parts with different Cat No's to give better coverage of the articles & photos. There are 3 photos in the book that were loose in other material as well and are covered in Cat No's 8094, 8148.2P, 8149P. some pages have been cropped to give a better view. Page 1. The article covers the award of a Life Membership to Samuel John Ryan for his years and work in Committee, Executive, Welfare and State Council. Sam as known served on the Committee of the Bendigo RSL from 1963 - 1968, 1970 - 1973, President 1964 - 1967, Snr Vice President 1973. He was made a Life member in 1968, awarded the BEM (British Empire medal) in 1973 for his untiring RSL Volunteer work. Page 2a. Shows people in attendance at a Remembrance Day Service 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month in Bendigo, year unknown. The man on own with the Cross is Sam Ryan President Bendigo RSL Page 2b. Shows two unknown men with and ANZAC Appeal poster. Page 3a. The Winston Churchill Memorial Appeal from the Bendigo angle, from the left Sam Ryan Bendigo RSL President, The Mayor Cr N.J. Oliver and Mr R.. Shelmerdine National Deputy President and Victorian Chairman of the Appeal. Page 3b. On the left is Mrs H. Morey President of the Bendigo RSL Ladies Auxiliary, centre is Mrs W. Waters being presented with a Life Membership of the Auxiliary by the President of the Bendigo RSL Jack Plant. the year was 1969. Page 4a. Poppy Appeal shows Mr H. McDougall Committee Bendigo RSL selling Poppies pre Remembrance Day to Mrs S. Reilly and Mrs J. Johnson. Mr Ernie Jackman Appeals Officer states he is very happy with the results. Mr McDougall served on Committee Bendigo RSL from 1964 - 1969. For Ernie Jackman refer Cat No 8133.2P. Page 4b. A brief service "Battle of Britain" service held at the Soldiers memorial Institute, Mr Ray Rood (Foreground) read a message from Lord Tedder Marshall of the RAF. The men left to right are: Mr R.R. Anderson, Mr F Wright, Mr R.V. Brock, Mr A. Ramage and Mr G. Baker. Page 5a. Article re Bendigo RSL Appeals re nearly 500 collectors set to start tomorrow morning. On the right Mr Sam Ryan President Bendigo RSL handing out Authorisation sheets and Receipts to area captains. From the left, Messrs E.J. Bass (Air Force Association), R Patterson (Bendigo Jaycees) Aenior Constable A Booth (Police)and Mr J. Hall (YM Vikings) Page 5b. Presentation of two "Easy Chairs" to the Repatriation Centre Bendigo Base Hospital, From the left E. Jackman (Appeals Officer) J.T. Sullivan Snr Vice President, A.l. Nelson (Welfare Officer) J.K. Barnes (Secretary) S.J. Ryan (President) and Cr Alec Craig (President of the Hospital Management Committee). Patients trying out the new Easy Chairs are Mr V. Steinhauser and Mr R. Pearson. Page 6a. Presentation of Life Membership to H.A.W. Morey (Bert) by the State President of the RSL Brigadier W.H. Hall at the Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner in 1967, to the left of Bert Morey is Sam Ryan President of Bendigo RSL. Bert Morey joined the RSL back in 1921, became a member of Bendigo RSL in 1923, served on the Committee from 1938 - 1960, Snr Vice President 1958 - 1960. Page 6b. Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner 6.7.1968. The New President Mr W.B. Nicholls was unable to attend, the Snr Vice President C.J. Plant deputised for him. From the left front row, J.K. Barnes Secretary, S.J. Ryan Immediate Past President, C.J. Plant, The Mayor Cr R.W. Cambridge, D.J. Osborn Jnr Vice President. Back Row, J. King Treasurer, John Osborne & D. Mattiske representing the State President and Mr T.M. Stephens Deputy Commissioner Repatriation Department.Spiroflex sketch book with blank white pages used as a scrapbook with newspaper cuttings and photos relating to the Bendigo RSL, all are pasted in except one with stick tape, all photos are B & W, newspaper cuttings have turned a brownish colour. Page 1 inside cover, article re the award of a Life membership. Page 2. Article with two pictures and text re Remembrance Day, picture re poster for the Anzac Appeal. Page 3. Two articles with pictures re the Churchill Appeal and a Life Membership. Page 4. Articles with pictures re Anzac Appeal and Battle of Britain. Page 5. Two articles with pictures re Appeals and Welfare. Page 6. Two articles with pictures re Life Membership and RSL Annual Dinner.On Page 6 top article in blue pen, "67", on bottom article in red pen, "6.7.68"brsl, smirsl, scrap book

This is the 2nd set of 6 pages from Scrap book Cat No 8225. Page 7a. Photo and article re Sam Ryan receiving a Life Membership of the RSL. Refer Cat No 8225. Page 7b. Photo and Article of Sam Ryan President Bendigo RSL receiving a cheque from Mr W.P. Casey Chairman of Directors of the Bendigo Easter Fair. Page 8. Phot and article 1969 re the planting of an Aleppo Pine tree from the original on Gallipoli. On the Left is Jack Plant President Bendigo RSL, the other two persons unknown as section of the text is missing. Page 9a. Anzac Appeal 1969, Mr John Ogden pins an Anzac token on the coat of Phillip Rice. Page 9b. From the "Mufti" RSL Magazine showing Delegates to the RSL State Conference 1969. Three of the six are known, W.B. Nicholls, D.J. Osborn, J. Hipworth State Councillor. Page 9c & d. Jack PLant in both photos on the left, other man unknown as well as place. Page 10. From the bendigo Advertiser relating to the Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner held on Saturday 10th 1971. From the left is G. Garth President Kangaroo Flat RSL, Lt Col W. Howarth Commanding Officer AHQ Survey Regiment, T. Shaw State Executive of the RSL, J Plant President Bendigo RSL, T Stephens Deputy Commissioner Repatriation Department and Cr N.J. Oliver the Mayor of Bendigo. Page 11a. Photo from a Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner year unknown, 2nd from the left is Bruce Ruxton State President of the Victorian RSL, 2nd from the right is possibly W.B. Nicholls, others onknown. Page 11b. This is a photo of RSL Annual Dinner 1971, same as per Page 10 for details. Page 12. Photograph of Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner year unknown. 2nd from the left is Jack Plant, the man to the left of man standing is possibly W. Howarth CO Survey Regiment.Six articles and Spiroflex sketch book. Page 7. Photo and article re the award of a Life Membership. Page 8. Photo and article re planting a Lone Pine tree. Page 9. Two articles and two photos re Appeals and State Conference. Page 10. Photo and article re RSL Annual Dinner. Page 11. Two photos re RSL Annual Dinners. Page 12. One photo re RSL Annual Dinner. Page 8 hand written, "1969". Page 9, hand written names as per "Context"brsl, smirsl, scrapbook

This is the final 4 pages of the Scrap book Cat No 8225. Page 17. The article refers to Mrs Doreen Crawford having spent 12 years as Assistant Secretary at the Bendigo RSL Memorial Hall until 1967, on leaving this job she took on a Visiting Officers role with Legacy in McKenzie Street Bendigo where she be looking after and visiting approximately 200 War Widows in their own homes as well as Homes & Hospitals. Page 18 & 19. The two photos re building sites pertain to the construction of the War Widows Flats in Kangaroo Flat about 1971/72. Page 20a. The B & W photo shows the completed War Widows Flats in Kangaroo Flat in 1973. This was a project by the War Veterans Homes Trust and the Bendigo RSL. Page 20b. The article is re the newly installed Bendigo RSL President Jack Plant receiving a Life Membership in 1974 from Robert Temple immediate past President. The article goes on to outline Jack Plants RSL work with the RSL, he first joined the RSL in Chinkapook in 1944, Committee and President Raywood RSL 1956 - 1958. Refer Cat No 8129P for his Bendigo RSL involvement.Four pages from a Spiroflex sketch pad. Page 17. Article with a photo of a female as main item. Page 18. B & W photo of a building under construction. page 19. B & W photo of cleared ground with building beginnings. Page 20. one B & W photo showing several buildings in a row. Article with two persons re award of Life membership.On page 17 in blue pen, "Advertiser 11.9.76", page 18 in blue pen, "War Widows Flats at Kangaroo Flat"brsl, smirsl, scrap book

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

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

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 clock was placed in what was called the "Writing Room" of the Soldiers Memorial Institute when it was opened in 1921. After the renovations to the SMI in 2016 - 18 the clock was placed back in the same position in what is now called "The Building and RSL History Room".Pendulum Wall Clock, timber frame with glass front insets in door, clock face has Roman Numerals, chimes on the hour and half hour, wind up key inside. A small silver plaque is on the front bottom space.On clock face under hands, "J.T. Knowlton & Co watch makers Bendigo". Around edge of clock face, "W.M.L Gilbert Clock Co Winsted Conn U.S.A" On small Plaque, "Presented by Pioneer Comforts Fund 15.11.1921"brsl, smirsl, domestic

This clock was placed originally in what was called the "Billiard Room" of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. There is no apparent connection to the RSL or Military service of F. Prescott. Frederick Napoli Prescott was a prominent Bendigo Optician and Jeweller at the corner of Mitchell and Hargreaves Street Bendigo. He was later in partnership with Mr C.M. Dawe trading as Prescott & Dawe. Mr Prescott died in 1913. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 this clock was placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room"Pendulum wall clock timber frame with door on front, door has glass inset, each side has a glass inset, clock numbered 1 - 12, wind up key is inside, a small silver plaque is on the bottom front face.On clock face, "Prescott & Dawe". On plaque, " Presented by Mrs F Prescott in memory of F Prescott"brsl, smirsl, domestic

This item was placed in what was originally the "Writing Room" of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo when it was opened in 1921. After the renovations to SMI 2016 - 18 it was placed back in the same position. This room is now called the "Building and RSL History Museum.Coat and hat rack timber construction rectangular shape, has six hangars at top and six at the bottom. Each hangar holds two items, top hangars are different style to the bottom. A small silver oval plaque is central at the bottom.On the plaque, "Presented by the Pioneer Comforts Fund"brsl, smirsl, comforts

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 table was installed originally in the front office of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo 1921 funded by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund". It was still in use up till approx 2012 when the office was renovated. After the renovations to SMI in 2016 - 18 it was installed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room"Office desk, heavy timber construction rectangular shape, has two pull out side drawer's that originally had a filing system in, one pullout drawer central in the sit position. Side drawers have steel handles, central one timber.brsl, smirsl, comforts

The beautifully hand written details contain the names of those who's names appear on the bronze plaques on the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. Each entry has the Soldiers name, person nominating the Soldier, relationship to and address. There are 2972 names entered. The entries were written by Mrs M Collins (nee Stephens) who worked for the Bendigo Advertiser. The work was finished by ANZAC Day 1926. A page was meant to be turned every day. The book and cabinet (Cat No 8011) were placed in the Foyer (Vestibule) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was repositioned in what is now called the Building and RSL History Room.Book of Remembrance blue leather covers hinged by 2 brass rods, the inside off the covers has a gold pattern edge, pages are light blue colour, ruled lines and hand written in blue pen and ink.On book front in gold, "Book of Remembrance"brsl, smirsl, remembrance

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

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. After the restoration to the SMI in 2016 - 18 it was then placed in what is now called the Building and RSL History Room. Refer Cat No 8012P re George Lansell's service and RSL history.Plaque brass rectangular shape, has inscriptions in black, has six screws securing it to a timber backing board on a wall."This tablet placed here by the Members as a mark of esteem and respect. Col. Sir George V. Lansell President Bendigo Sub Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A 1920 - 52. A Soldiers Friend"brsl, smirsl, plaque

The formation of the Bendigo Sub Branch goes as far back as 1915 - 16. Sub Branch Charters began in 1920Charter, timber frame with gold edge, the charter is ornate re the R.S.S.I.L.A Bendigo Sub Branch established and constituted. Has the "State of Victoria" at the top with 3 flags and RSL Badge central followed by various text styles and colours regarding the establishment of a Sub Branch. A red seal in the bottom left hand corner.Main points, "Doth hereby establish and constitute the Bendigo Sub Branch" "Dated this first day of July 1920" "Jas Martin President" "AM David Secretary"brsl, smirsl, charter

The formation of the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch was an amalgamation of the 3 RSL Sub Branches in Bendigo, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk. In 1978 a "Servicemen's Club" was formed by the 3 Sub Branches as a Social venue which included lawn bowls. In year 2000 this venue became the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch INC of the 3 Sub Branches. Kangaroo Flat retained their own Sub Branch HQ same as Eaglehawk, Bendigo’s HQ became the Sub Branch at the venue instead of the SMI at Pall Mall.Charter, timber framed with gold edging, the charter is various colours with the RSL badge central at the top with the flag either side with the word Charter in big letters under followed by the wording to establish a Sub Branch. A red seal is at the bottom RH side.The main points are, "Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc" Dated 26th day of October 2000" "Bruce Ruxton State President" "John Deighton State Secretary"brsl, smirsl, charter

JOHM ADAMS was President of the Bendigo RSL from 1917 - 1921. He was one of the movers and mainstays in the formation of the Bendigo Sub Branch. It was also stated that his determination had carried into effect the plans for the "Soldiers Memorial Institute" Pall Mall Bendigo. John Adams had extensive service pre WW1 with Bendigo Volunteer Rifles,4th Militia BN, Victorian Cavalry,5th Militia and the 67th Bn. Appointed Lieutenant 25.11.1900, Capt 1.7.1907, Major 16.4.1913. He applied for a Commission in the AIF on 26.11.1914 and embarked on 22.12.1914 with the 14th BN for Gallipoli Campaign, WIA 3.5.1915, apon return to duty he took command of the 14th Bn for a period until invalided to England with chest and cardiac problems. He returned to Aust in Feb 1916 and his appointment was terminated on 22.4.1916. Post War with a change in retirement age he was invited to recommence service with the temporary rank of Lt Col to Command the 38th Bn when it returned to Aust in 1919. He retired on March 1st 1920 age 57. Framed photograph, timber brown colour with gold edging. At the top a colour enhanced portrait against a soft yellow background, under is text relating to the portrait and his service.Main point, "Lt Col John ADAMS" brsl, smirsl, portrait

Framed Certificate, light brown timber frame, certificate yellowish background, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, "Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch - For Commendable increase in Membership" "Winner Country group 501 - 1,000" "......................... State President” ..............................State Secretary” “ Dated 4th July 1979"brsl, smirsl, membership

Frame timber with no glass front, rear plywood. Square black &white photo of a WWI soldier looking through a telescope, sitting on ammunition boxes in a muddy trench. Photo top right: “IDA POST” Frame bottom left: “E1834” (maybe an AWM collection number) Frame bottom centre: “Observation post, in the Ploegsteert Sector, Belgium, Jan 1918”brsl, smirsl, trench

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