The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

The Flying Log Book was used by A315699 Lindsay William Fankhauser from qualifying as a helicopter crewman on 9 Dec 66 until a new Flight Log Book was issued on 15 Feb 74. The Lindsay Fankhauser lived in Gisborne and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association based at Woodend RSL. The Flying Log Book provides a complete record of Lindsay Fankhauser including flying hours, qualifications, annual reports, photographs of crew and aircraft from 1966 until 1974.Blue book held within a brown leather bookcover. Book cover closed with Velcro Strip. Blue book containing flight information, qualifications, posting locations, pasted in photographs. Brown cover with indentity label with name of owner enclosed in plastic cover. Blue book mounted in middle of brown cover with cover closed by overlapping.Blue book - FORM A.73 (June, 1938). Royal Australian Air Force. Observer’s Air Gunner’s and W/T Operator’s Flying Log Book. Name FANKHAUSER.L.W. (on a dymo label). Leather Cover - Aircrew wings for Aircrew members (wreath of wattle surmounted by crown, letter C inside wreath, single wing on right hand side) /LINDSAY FANKHAUSER/ RAAFfankhauser, raaf, flying log book, vietnam, a.73

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of a RAAF 'Slick' Huey helicopter at the 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, preparing to lift out a Special Air Services patrol for insertion into the jungle somewhere in Phuoc Tuy Province. On this occassion, the operation was supported by US Huey 'Cobra' Gunships.photograph, raaf, huey helicopter, 1st atf base, nui dat, special air service regiment (australian army), phuoc tuy province, us huey 'cobra' gunships, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Flyers of Time by Kevin O'Reilly; 400 pages with B/W illustrationsnon-fictionThis publication is a collection of aviation reportings and memorabilia of pioneer aviation in country Victoria and the Riverina. It contains records and photographs from 1910 to 1960, covering both World War periods and the efforts of those who struggled and endeavoured to introduce aviation as a viable method of transport and enjoyment for all. wwii, raaf base, nhill - aviation - history, western victoria, aerospace & air transport industries

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of a Royal Australian Air Force, 9 Squadron 'slick' Huey helicopter delivering a cargo of sandbagged, freshly filled water bottles to a Fire Support Base for distribution to the infantry Diggers in the field. Water was always a major problem for the Diggers.photograph, raaf, 9 squadron, huey helicopter, digger, fire support base, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, infantry diggers, fresh water