Showing 652 items
matching australia -- armed forces
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Kew Historical Society Inc
Book, Australian Military History Publications, Country Victoria's Own: 150-year history of the 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment and its predecessors 1858-2008, 2008
... victoria -- armed forces -- history. victoria -- history australia ...History of the 8th/7th Battalion and its predecessors 1858-2008Loftus, N.S.W. : Australian Military History Publications, 2008 xxi, 352 p. : ill., ports. ; 26 cm. History of the 8th/7th Battalion and its predecessors 1858-2008victoria -- armed forces -- history., victoria -- history, australia. army. royal victoria regiment. battalion 8th/7th -- history. -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
Medal, Peace Medal, 1919
Awarded to: School Children of the Commonwealth of Australia Other Details: Of the commemorative medals issued to mark the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called 'Peace' or 'Victory' medal issued to every child in Australia aged 0-14 years (and aged up to 16 if parents were in the armed forces). The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, better known for his work as a sculptor. Time constraints as well as pressure from the production of other victory medals meant that no single manufacturer could make the 1,670,000 medals. Six were therefore selected: Amor, Stokes, Schlank, Parkes, Angus & Coote (who later withdrew) and Platers. The medals were silvered bronze, with silver issues for special presentations. The Defence Department supplied a red, white and blue striped ribbon and pin. Distribution began in March 1919. Victorian school children received their medals on Friday 18 July and on 'Peace Day' on Saturday 19 July.To commemorate the end of World War 1Round white metal medals issued to mark the end of WW1. On the front "PEACE 1919", and on the reverse, "VICTORY", middle of the medal "THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE". on the bottom "THE PEACE OF 1919". With a plain edge.Peace with two flying doves on pedestal inscribed, PEACE / 1919 below AUSTRALIA; figure in chains on left and another entangled in bush to right (obverse) Australian sailor and soldier support wreath; above, VICTORY; within, THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE; below on plaque, THE PEACE OF 1919(reverse) -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, A Banker All At Sea: being World War II naval memoirs (1941-1946) of F. S. Holt, 1983
... world war, 1939-1945 royal australian navy navies armed forces ...Biographical note: Fred Holt (1914-1993), a son of Edmund and Ruby Holt, joined the Bank of Australasia (now ANZ) as a clerk in 1933. His banking career was interrupted at age 26, in 1941 when he volunteered for services in the Royal Australian Navy. Fred Holt grew up in Surrey Hills; brother of Alan Holt. At the time of enlistment he was living with his parents at 9 beatrice Avenue, Surrey Hills. He married Euphemia Craig in 1945. This is a personal account of Lieutenant Frederick Sutton Holt's service in World War II from 1940 onwards, as a member of the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve. He served on HMS Terpsichore. He was mentioned in dispatches for skill, determination and bravery in anti-U-boat operations whilst serving with HMS Troubridge, Terpsichore and Vetch. (REF: Commonwealth Gazette 13/3/1945). A personal account of Fred Holt's service in World War II from 1940 onwards, as a volunteer in the Royal Australian Navy.Title page: signed Fred Holt(mr) fred s holt, great britain, royal naval, world war, 1939-1945, royal australian navy, navies, armed forces, returned servicepeople, frederick sutton holt, hms terpsichore -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, George Leslie Rayment of Surrey Hills, AIF serviceman in WW1
George's grandfather was James Rayment Snr (1817-1890). He was born in Essex, England. He arrived in Melbourne aboard the “Bengal” in 1840. He married Jane McKnight on 12 March 1861. She died in 1871. James lived in South Melbourne until he married Elizabeth Brown in 1873. He moved to “Spenceycroft” at 654 Canterbury Road in 1880 - the property had a dairy. He moved to 85 Croydon Road, Surrey Hills (the house still stands) in 1886 but still ran the dairy. He moved back to South Melbourne and died there in 1890. His son James Rayment Jnr (1862-1916) was born in Emerald Hill. He married Harriet Ratten in 1882 and lived at 85-87 Croydon Rd Surrey Hills until 1914. He also owned properties at 70,72,81 and 83 Croydon Road. Harriet died in 1897. He married Victoria Benbow in 1898. In 1912 his occupation was fishmonger. In 1914 he moved to “The Wattles” at 95 Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills. In 1919 his wife Victoria owned lots 45,47,49,51,53,55 Durham Road. Surrey Hills. He died 1916 and Victoria died in 1939. James, the third, lived in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills where he and his wife had a flower and vegetable farm. His brother was George Leslie Rayment (1894-1976), known as Les, the subject of this photo. He was born in Boroondarra. He lived at 85 Croydon Road, Surrey Hills. In 1914 he enlisted and served in the HQ staff 3rd Light Horse Brigade and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. In 1916 he was discharged for family reasons, those being that his father had died and there was no-one at home to support the family in Middlesex Road. In 1918 he married Grace Lewis at the Highfield Methodist Church. In 1919 they moved into “Clovelly”, 94 Durham Road, Surrey Hills. In 1927 his wife Grace died and in 1933 he married Celia Lewis. In 1936, with the help of his brother James, they built their new house at 14 Benwerrin Road, Surrey Hills. Celia died in 1967 and Les in 1976. Les had 2 children Dr Dulcie Grace Rayment and Norma Lesley Rayment. (Information courtesy of Mel Constable; Mel's wife is a Rayment descendant). Les' brother, James Arthur Rayment, was born in Balwyn in 1889. His A.I.F. record states - he joined on the 14 July 1915 to the 5th Field Company Engineers. His father was living in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills at the time of his enlistment. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 22/7/1919. His occupation was carpenter; his religion, Methodist. He was 26 years and 2 months at enlistment and left Australia on 23/11/1915. James Arthur Rayment married Lilian Sarah Smith in 1920 (Ref: Victoria 1920/6780). REF: Mrs Dorothy Legg - James Rayment and his wife Elizabeth lived and farmed in Russell Street in the 1860s. The land was a dairy property and may have included some of the land later owned by the Presbyterian Church. Their sons James and Alex walked to the Balwyn State School. James married and lived at 'The Wattles' in Middlesex Road.Black and white photo of George Leslie Rayment in AIF uniform, standing with his hands behind his back. armed forces, world war, 1914 - 1918, clothing and dress, (mr) george leslie rayment, les rayment -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Private William Stanley Paull, 1915
W S Paull was born 12/01/1893 and was known as Stan. His name is listed on The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. He was severely wounded at the Gallipoli landing on 25/04/1915. He was repatriated to Malta, spent time in 8 different hospitals in England, returned to Australia on 8/10/1915 and discharged medically unfit. He died 19/04/1949. The photo was possibly taken in England and sent home to family.Sepia studio photo of Private William Stanley Paull, No 431 of the 7th Battalion. He is wearing WW1 army uniform with the jacket buttoned to the collar and a peaked hat with a rising sun badge. There are 2 similar badges on the point of each collar. The (brown and red) patch of the 7th Battalion is visible on his right shoulder. He is standing 'at ease'.armed forces, world war, 1914-1918, uniforms, surrey gardens, shrine of remembrance, 7th battalion, monuments and memorials, stan paull, william stanley paull -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Photograph, Royal Australian Naval Reservists
Royal Australian Naval Reservists, possibly including local men. Taken either in the Botanical Gardens or near the Consolidated School where members of all branches of the armed forces regularly camped for training.Black and white photographdefence, royal, naval, reservists -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Harry R Howe Metals
First to the right Australian service awarded for full time duty let then 18 month 2 from the rightwar medal 1939-45 awarded for full time duty in the armed forces for not less then 18 days in continuous service 3 from the right defence metal awored six months in non operation to or closely threatened by air tack 4 from the right pacific star Africa star 1939-45 star Replica set of Court mounded medal bar containing 6 medals, Australian Service Medal; 1939/45 Medal, Australian Defence Medal; Pacific Star, Africa Star with Eight Army Clasp and 1939/45 Star. with broach clasp on the reverse side for wearing.wwii war medals, court mounted medals, australian service medal -
Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub-Branch
Weapon - M16 Rifle, c2010
... and other elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam. vietnam ...A faithful depiction of an M16 automatic rifle that gradually partnered the SLR rifle as the typical weapon for riflemen and other soldiers.The model represents the M16 automatic rifle that, with the SLR rifle, became the 'best friend' to many infantry soldiers and other elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam.The M16 rifle is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. Wikipedia Length: 38.81 in (986 mm) (M16A1); 39.63 in (1,007 mm) (M16A2); 39.37 in (1,000 mm) (M16A4) Caliber: 5.56 mm (.223 in) Designed: 1959 In service: 1964–present Muzzle velocity: 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s) (M855A1 round) Produced: : 1963–present; Sights: Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip; Front: wing-protected post; Various aiming opticsM16 automatic rifle; made of metal, plastic.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, The Australian Serviceman, 1995?
Advertising for a sculpture of an Australian Digger that was produced as a commemorative piece by a Melbourne firm called Ceramic Innovations. It is filled with Tawny Port and is part of a wider set of bar pieces. The three pieces held at Melbourne Legacy are tributes to the three armed forces and are called 'Digger', 'RAAFIE' and 'Jack Tar'. They were once in the comradeship room and now stored in the archive. An advertising flyer found shows the RRP was $110 with $5 of each 'Digger' being donated to Legacy Australia. There was a special price for Legacy members of $78.95 so this brochure may have been distributed with the Answer or Bulletin. The date is unknown.An example of fundraising for Legacy Australia.Colour A4 brochure advertising the ceramic sculpture 'Digger'souvenir, sculpture, bottle -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Medal - Colonial Auxiliary Forces Forces Long Service Medal . Presented to 54 COL SGT J.Stevenson 5th Australian Infantry Regiment
Presented to Colonial Armed Forces for Long Service. Member had served in the 5th Battalion Awarded to a member of the 5th BattlSilver medal with image of King Edward VIII on obverse hanging from a dark green ribbon No 54 Colour Sergt J.Stevenson 5th Australian Infantry Regt.5/6 rvr, long service medal, king edward viii, officers and sergeants mess -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Functional object - Wooden work boat, 1942
... for the Australian armed forces during world war 2 Military boat work Wooden ...A utility boat used mainly by the army around the islands to the North of Australia. They were used for the transport of food, ammunition, troop movements and as ambulancesBuilt by GMH for the Australian armed forces during world war 2Wooden hulled work boat with maranised diesel engine forward control cabin with accomadation for two, rear deck set aside for work spacemilitary, boat, work -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Certificate - Recognition of Service World War II - Ian Darnton Watson, 1946
Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Regiment. He embarked for overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15 April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22 April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, De Kerilleau in Wodonga. De Kerilleau was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as mayor. Ian was past President of the RSL branch at Wodonga, Captain of the Wodonga Rural Fire Brigade, and President of the West Wodonga Primary School Committee. He also served on Wodonga Council from 1974 until his death on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it acknowledges the War Service of a prominent member of the Wodonga communityA colour printed certificate presented to Ian Darnton Watson in appreciation for his service for "King and Empire" during World War II. The text is surrounded by columns and an arch. The Australian and British flags are at the top as well as representations of the Navy, Army and Air Force. It also features the logo of the Shire of Wodonga above the text. The badge of the Commonwealth Armed Forces is at the centre bottom of the certificate. This small collection also includes black and white photographs of Ian Watson from his Service Records and another photo in uniformOn Certificate: PRESENTED TO Ian Darnton Watson BY THE PRESIDENT, COUNCILLORS AND CITIZENS OF THE SHIRE OF WODONGA as a record and an appreciation of Your Services to King and Country during the Great War which commenced 3rd September, 1939. Given under the Common Seal of the Shire of Wodonga by the President, Citizens this Councillors and Citizens this 26th day of February 1947watson family wodonga, ian darnton watson, de kerilleau -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Certificate - Recognition of Service World War II - James S. N. Harris
James Stewart Noel Harris was born in Rutherglen on 21 March 1905 to John Richards Harris and Jessie Lily nee Prentice. His father was a doctor in Rutherglen. John later entered politics and was knighted for his services in May 1937. After finishing his secondary schooling James (Stewart) Harris moved to Melbourne to study law, becoming a resident of Trinity College in 1925 and rising to become Senior Student in his final year, 1928-29. He enlisted in the Air Force Cadets at Point Cook in 1925 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1930. On 7th October 1940 James transferred to active service as a Flight Officer. He worked his way up the ranks, being appointed Wing Commander in 1944. He also served as Chief Instructor of the RAAF School of Administration, receiving the RAAF Long Service Commendation. The RAAF School of Administration and Special Duties had moved from Ascot Vale to Trinity College in 1942 meaning that James Harris' service career had returned to the place it began in 1925. In 1945 he requested to be transferred back to the Reserve so that he could resume his civilian life. On discharge, James returned to Wodonga and resumed his legal career. In the early 1930s he had joined the legal practice of Mr. Edmondstone which had opened for business in High Street, Wodonga in 1886. The practice continued to develop and in 1966 was joined by Lou Lieberman, becoming known as “Harris Lieberman & Co”. Harris Lieberman still operates in Wodonga and Albury. James Stewart Noel Harris died in Wodonga on 30th November 1978.This item is significant because it recognises the War Service of a prominent citizen of Wodonga.A colour printed certificate presented to James S. N, Harris in appreciation for his service for "King and Empire" during World War II. The text is surrounded by columns and an arch. The Australian and British flags are at the top as well as representations of the Navy, Army and Air Force. It also features the logo of the Shire of Wodonga above the text. The badge of the Commonwealth Armed Forces is at the centre bottom of the certificate. This small collection also includes black and white photographs of James Samuel Noel Harris in uniform and also saluting on presentation of an award recognising his service in 1942.On Certificate: PRESENTED TO James S. N. Harris BY THE PRESIDENT, COUNCILLORS AND CITIZENS OF THE SHIRE OF WODONGA as a record and an appreciation of Your Services to King and Country during the Great War which commenced 3rd September, 1939. Given under the Common Seal of the Shire of Wodonga by the President, Citizens this Councillors and Citizens this 25th day of February 1946 C F Pollard, Presidentjames stewart noel harris, servicemen wodonga wwii, harris lieberman -
Melbourne Legacy
Sculpture, Ceramic Innovations Pty Ltd, Digger
A sculpture of an Australian Digger that was produced as a commemorative piece by a Melbourne firm called Ceramic Innovations. It is filled with Tawny Port and is part of a wider set of bar pieces. The three pieces held at Melbourne Legacy are tributes to the three armed forces and are called 'Digger', 'RAAFIE' and 'Jack Tar'. They were once in the comradeship room and now stored in the archive. An advertising flyer found shows the RRP was $110 with $5 of each 'Digger' being donated to Legacy Australia.A record that the items were souvenirs as tributes to the three armed forces.Ceramic sculpture of a digger with a separate hat that is made as a bottle and contains Tawny PortGold inscription under the hat says 'Bullocks Tawny Port. Bar Piece No 4. Produced by Ceramic Innovations Pty Ltd.'souvenir, bottle, sculpture, legacy australia -
Melbourne Legacy
Sculpture - Sculpture, ceramic, Ceramic Innovations Pty Ltd, Jack Tar
A sculpture of an Australian navy man that was produced as a commemorative piece by a Melbourne firm called Ceramic Innovations. It is filled with Tawny Port and is part of a wider set of bar pieces. The three pieces held at Melbourne Legacy are tributes to the three armed forces and are called 'Digger', 'RAAFIE' and 'Jack Tar'. They were once in the comradeship room and now stored in the archive. An advertising flyer for 'Digger' found shows the RRP was $110 with $5 of each 'Digger' being donated to Legacy Australia.A record that the items were souvenirs as tributes to the three armed forces.Ceramic sculpture of the head of a naval person with a separate hat that is made as a bottle and contains Tawny PortGold inscription under the hat says 'Bullocks Tawny Port. Bar Piece No 17. Produced by Ceramic Innovations Pty Ltd.'souvenir, bottle, sculpture -
Melbourne Legacy
Sculpture - Sculpture, ceramic, Ceramic Innovations Pty Ltd, RAAFie
A sculpture of an Australian air force man that was produced as a commemorative piece by a Melbourne firm called Ceramic Innovations. It is filled with Tawny Port and is part of a wider set of bar pieces. The three pieces held at Melbourne Legacy are tributes to the three armed forces and are called 'Digger', 'RAAFie' and 'Jack Tar'. They were once in the comradeship room and now stored in the archive. An advertising flyer for 'Digger' shows the RRP was $110 with $5 of each 'Digger' being donated to Legacy Australia.A record that the items were souvenirs as tributes to the three armed forces.Ceramic sculpture of the head of a airforce person that is made as a bottle, with a separate hat, and contains Tawny PortGold inscription under the hat says 'Bullocks Tawny Port. Bar Piece No 14. Produced by Ceramic Innovations Pty Ltd.'souvenir, bottle, sculpture -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Audio - PMHPS Meeting, Harder than Football, VFL players who served in the Armed Forces, Barbara CULLEN, John Kirby, 27 Jun 2016
Barbara CULLEN discussing her book "Harder then Football" where she documents VFL players and stories of those who served in the Armed Forces. Duration 0:15:13 (?) incudling meeting preliminariessport - australian rules football, victorian football league, vfl, australian football league, afl, barb cullen, armed services -
Returned Nurses RSL Sub-branch
Book, James Y Harvey, Mercy trains, 2001
'Mercy trains - Australian Army Ambulance trains during World War II recounts the hitherto untold story of trains provided by Australia's State railway departments to convey the tens of thousands of the armed force's sick and wounded needing transportation across the continent. Conceived as large-scale ambulances to evacuate battle casualties suffered on Australian soil in the event of a landing by enemy forces, their role changed when Australia was spared the trauma of invasion. Instead, the trains becam mobile hospitals: their task to convey invalids from all allied (and enemy) forces to medical centres throughout the nation. One major assignment was to bring south from Queensland casualties evacuated from the battlefields of Papua-New Guinea, whose numbers reached crisis proportions at the close of 1942 and into early 1943. The trains were operated by United States Army personnel for twelve months, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland. Author Jim Harvey spent three years searching through Army (both Australian and U.S.) and railway department files and what he found was a story of demanding military, a penny-pinching government prepared to endanger the lives of train staff rather than permit necessary improvements, some railway operating problems, fires, more than a fair share of floods, a bombing attack, examples of a generosity from caring local communities, a dexicated staff of doctors, nurses, medical orderlies and cooks, supported at all times by sympathetic railwayment of all grades.' [from inside front dust jacked]Black bound book with silver writing on spine. Dust jacket has collage of photographs on front, spine is black with white writing on it.non-fiction'Mercy trains - Australian Army Ambulance trains during World War II recounts the hitherto untold story of trains provided by Australia's State railway departments to convey the tens of thousands of the armed force's sick and wounded needing transportation across the continent. Conceived as large-scale ambulances to evacuate battle casualties suffered on Australian soil in the event of a landing by enemy forces, their role changed when Australia was spared the trauma of invasion. Instead, the trains becam mobile hospitals: their task to convey invalids from all allied (and enemy) forces to medical centres throughout the nation. One major assignment was to bring south from Queensland casualties evacuated from the battlefields of Papua-New Guinea, whose numbers reached crisis proportions at the close of 1942 and into early 1943. The trains were operated by United States Army personnel for twelve months, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland. Author Jim Harvey spent three years searching through Army (both Australian and U.S.) and railway department files and what he found was a story of demanding military, a penny-pinching government prepared to endanger the lives of train staff rather than permit necessary improvements, some railway operating problems, fires, more than a fair share of floods, a bombing attack, examples of a generosity from caring local communities, a dexicated staff of doctors, nurses, medical orderlies and cooks, supported at all times by sympathetic railwayment of all grades.' [from inside front dust jacked]australian nurses, world war two, wwii, ww2, papua new guinea, pacific theatre, homefront, australia -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Battle, Captain M.R. ed, The Year of the Tigers: The Second Tour of 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in South Vietnam, 1969-70. (Copy 2)
... Vietnam War 5 RAR Australian Army Armed Forces ...On the 15th February, 1969, 5 RAR returned to South Vietnam for its second tour of operations.On the 15th February, 1969, 5 RAR returned to South Vietnam for its second tour of operations. vietnam war, 5 rar, australian army, armed forces of the united states, south vietnamese, royal australian air force, phuoc tuy province -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Walker, Frank, The Tiger Man of Vietnam. (Copy 2)
... Petersen Barry -- Career in armed forces Vietnam ...As he flew over South East Asia towards Vietnam, Captain Barry Petersen struggled to keep an aura of calm. Inwardly he was incredibly excited. Age 28, highy trained, with experience in anti-communist guerill warfare, he was about to embark on the biggest and most important mission of his life.As he flew over South East Asia towards Vietnam, Captain Barry Petersen struggled to keep an aura of calm. Inwardly he was incredibly excited. Age 28, highy trained, with experience in anti-communist guerill warfare, he was about to embark on the biggest and most important mission of his life. petersen, barry -- career in armed forces, vietnam -- officers -- biography, australia. army. australian army training team, vietnam -- officers, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, montagnard (vietnamese people), captain barry petersen, aattv, cia -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Walker, Frank, The Tiger Man of Vietnam. (Copy 1)
... Petersen Barry -- Career in armed forces Australia. Army ...As he flew over South East Asia towards Vietnam, Captain Barry Petersen struggled to keep an aura of calm. Inwardly he was incredibly excited. Age 28, highy trained, with experience in anti-communist guerill warfare, he was about to embark on the biggest and most important mission of his life.As he flew over South East Asia towards Vietnam, Captain Barry Petersen struggled to keep an aura of calm. Inwardly he was incredibly excited. Age 28, highy trained, with experience in anti-communist guerill warfare, he was about to embark on the biggest and most important mission of his life.petersen, barry -- career in armed forces, australia. army. australian army training team, vietnam -- officers -- biography, australia. army. australian army training team, vietnam -- officers, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, montagnard (vietnamese people) -
Forests Commission Retired Personnel Association (FCRPA)
Uniform - Safety Boot (Yellow back), Oliver Stevens in Ballarat, circa 1982
These boots were manufactured by Oliver Stevens in Ballarat to the Forests Commission's own specification. Safety boots were a bit "hit and miss" back in 1981. As well as the steel toe caps these boots had a screwed, glued and stitched Sherpa-pattern rubber nitrile sole. The sole was oil resistant and didn't melt on hot coals. The yellow heels signified safety boots. There were two styles with different leather and staff were all personally fitted and given their choice of style. The only thing that has fundamentally changed over 40 years is there is much more choice and comfort in boots today. These boots proved to be the catalyst for boot manufacturers realising there was a market outside of the armed forces not being served. Ankle injuries along with elastic sided boots were virtually eliminated by these boots. The iconic Tasmanian company, Blundstone, had a work boot called "Forester" at the time. It had won an Australian Design Award and had a bonded Sherpa sole. Unfortunately, the soles tended to separate from the boot under field test conditions. Eventually they perfected the process Oliver Stevens' main issue was not being able to recruit enough workers to meet the increased demand. Info: Trevor Brown.First safety boots issued to Victorian forest firefightersYellow Back safety boots with leather laces. FCV marked on the heel fire fighting, bushfire, forests commission victoria (fcv), protective clothing