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

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

Doctor HAROLD ROBERT CATFORD was the first to be made a Life Member of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. The certificate was signed on the 8th Day of May 1947. He was first elected to Committee of the Bendigo Branch in 1918 and retired after 29 years at the AGM 1947 serving the whole time as Vice President. Doctor Harold Robert Catford enlisted as a Captain on 23.6.15 age 41 years and attached to HQ 29th Batt AIF. Embarked for overseas 10.11.15, transfer to 8th Field Ambulance 6.10.16. At various times he was attached to 5th Div Ammunition Column and 2nd A.C.C. Station, promoted to Major 24.8.17. He returned to Australia on 26.9.17 for personal reasons and his appointment in the AIF was terminated on 11.12.17. from 1.1.18 he was RMO to several military units including the 38th Batt in Peace time. Promoted to Lt Col on 19.4.23, placed on the AAMC reserve list 30.1.30 and then the retired list 30.1.1934. Life membership certificate of the Bendigo RSL awarded to Dr HR Catford. Certificate is set in a yellowish cardboard frame inside a silver wooden frame. The certificate is in colour with a red seal and signatures of Federal President and Secretary of the RSSILA. A set of WWI ribbons has been placed in the frame.brsl, smirsl, life membership

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

These two images are most likely at the opening of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club after the renovations finished early in 1994. On the left is Bill Clarke, next to him is Max O’Haloran. William (Bill) Clarke was President of the Servicemen’s Club from 1992 - 96. Max O’Haloran was President of the Club 1991 - 2, he was also President of the Bendigo RSL on two occasions. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2.1) Photograph colour showing the front of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club, a ballon is showing overhead. .2) photograph colour showing an advertisement for some of the Clubs attractions. .3) & .4) photographs colour shows the same two men from different angles in front of the Servicemen’s Club.brsl, smirsl, bdsc

These 3 images show the new renovations to the bar, dining area of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in early 1994. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2.1) - .3) Photographs colour showing the Bar and 2 areas of the newly renovated bar and meals area of the Servicemen’s Club.brsl, smirsl, bdsc

The photo in .2) cylinder is an original of the top photo in .1) in front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute. Even though it says 1951 this is not a certainty for both. It has not been taken out for proper photography due to its fragile state. There are a few that have been identified in both who were well known. Top photo. Standing 2nd from the left is Jack Swatton, next to him is George Lansell, further along standing at rear is a tall man Les Morey with black hair and greyish suit. Bottom photo. On the far right standing is Jack Swatton, in the front row sitting central is possibly George Lansell, two men to his right are looking at him, in the rear 8th from the left is Les Morey. There is one very tall man in the rear central which his identity is being checked. Refer also Cat No 8229P. .1) Photographs B & W panorama, two laminated together. The top photo shows a large group of men and some ladies lined up in front of the Soldiers memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo, there are 5 large wreaths and a big white Cross central. The bottom photo shows a larger group of men and 3 young lads on the "Upper Reserve" in Bendigo. .2) Shows a cardboard photo cylinder with address paper around with text showing a section the rolled photo out at one end of the cylinder.On .1) written over in black is hand written, "1951 ANZAC DAY", on .2) hand written, "G.B. ... 541 High S.....et Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, anzac day

This is the eigth in a series beginning with Cat No 8255 showing the progress towards the Restoration of the Bendigo Cenotaph over the Bendigo Creek. The small inset photo is Max O'Halloran while delivery his address, the large photo shows the gathering under lights around the Cenotaph. The article is dated Friday 22nd of April 1988. There was a Cenotaph Guard from the local 15th Transport Sqd based at Mollison Street Bendigo. There was a gathering of some 100 people. The Mayor Cr Colin Nankervis welcomed former Mayor Alex Craig who was at the original Dedication on June 2nd 1957 with Sir George Lansell handing the Cenotaph to the City of Bendigo. Cr Nankervis praised the efforts of Bill Barton for his work in the Cenotaph Restoration. The proceedings were marred by two Veterans and a Women who yelled abuse during the Dedication, Max O'Halloran urged the crowd to ignore them with the gathering applauding and booing the 3 people. Newspaper cutting, front page of the Bendigo Advertiser No 38,882, all print in black, a small red circle in top RH corner re Property guide. There a two photos, one a small inset and one much larger.Top heading of the Article, "The Cenotaph has been remade, but the sprit is still there: we honour our dead" - "Bendigo RSL President Max O'Halloran"brsl, smirsl, cenotaph

This is the 3rd document following on from Cat No's 8255 & 8256. The letter is addressed to Mr J.K. Barnes Secretary Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. The letter confirms the points made at a meeting between Mr Barton City of Bendigo and the Bendigo RSL regarding the Restoration of the Bendigo Cenotaph. It outlines the following points; 1. Materials to be used. 2. Faults. 3. location. 4. Restoration. 5. Time of construction. 6. Work progress. 7. Chemical preservation. The foolscap page supplied to Council by the RSL outlines the timeline of the Cenotaph coming into being from Wednesday 6th May 1953 the first meeting to the 2nd of June 1957 when Sir George Lansell officially gave the Cenotaph to the Citizens of Bendigo.Document 3 pages stapled together. The first 2 pages are A4 and the 3rd is foolscap. First page has in blue at the top a symbol of a Mine Poppet Head and the Coat of Arms of the City of Bendigo, rest of the document is in black print.Font page at top' "6874/86", on main letter, "WB: gt - 32.7.1" - 10 December, 1986". On 2nd page signed by "C.C. Campbell : City Engineer"brsl, smirsl, cenotaph

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

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

Hubert Valentine Gould enlisted as 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th reinforcements 4th Batt AIF on 12.2.15. Promoted to Captain 1.4.16. WIA 25.7.16 remaining on duty. Promoted to Major transferring to 17th Field Coy Engineers 9.5.17. WIA on 6.5.18 shell wound to back and leg he DOW's 8.5.18. This is one of a number that originally hung in the "Gallery of Honour" foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute" Pall Mall Bendigo now Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8003.Portrait photo B &W of an Officer in uniform no hat re H. Gould. Set on a light coloured background in a dark stained wood frame."H.V Gould"brsl, smirsl, 4th