Rain cape, also used as a groundsheet, issued Australian servicemen. Purchased for the donor from an "Army Surplus" store and re-purposed for camps as a Scout in the late 1960s. The MK VII Groundsheet (Rain Cape / Poncho) was introduced in October 1917 during WW1. They were made from dyed cotton, proofed with a rubber compound, "well vulcanized" on one side. Weight 3lb. 8oz;. 78 inches long by 36 inches wide and made by the Victoria Rubber Co. Edinburgh. They were used again during WWII 1939-45 Today the Army uses the hootchie - a sheet of 70D nylon or PU-coated cotton with various press snaps and webbing tape loops attached around the outside which allow it to be used in a variety of configuration. During WWII Australian forces fighting the Japanese in the Islands had an urgent requirement for a decent individual shelter. The rubberized canvas groundsheets and rain capes continued to be used, but these were less than effective in the tropics. Towards the end of the war in the Pacific Australia began issuing its troops a lighter weight version of the groundsheet manufactured from polyurethane-coated cotton – During the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s, Australian troops were issued with hooded ponchos. Unlike the WWII US pattern ponchos which always had a hole in the dead centre of the poncho sheet, the Australian-issue hooded ponchos made an effective shelter – especially when two where clipped together. The problem of course is that the rubberized canvas ponchos were far too heavy for jungle use. 1960s Australian units in Borneo were issued with the first pattern lightweight hootchies. 1 Kg. 1970 the Vietnam War, a second pattern lightweight hootchie was issued made from nylon, but retaining the hardware and loops. This lightweight hootchie weighed a mere 680 grams, still heavy, but suitable for tropical use. Currently the hootchie is made from AUSCAM nylon material . Historic significance; representative of the type believed to have been issued to Australian servicemen in World War II, possibly in World War I.Waterproofed Canvas rain cape, also used as a groundsheet in the Australian Army, press studs to close as a cape, collar to cover neck.NILuniforms, australian army, world war ii, army surplus, scouts australia, bentleigh, moorabbin, world war 1, hooded ponchos, borneo, auscam nylon material, hootchies, malayan emergency, vietnam war, groundsheets

This jacket is part of a winter mess dress uniform belonging to Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. Worn in 1978, this jacket style was first developed in the 1950s and continues to be worn as mess uniform in the present day.This item has aesthetic significance and is a representative example of uniform design from the 1950s to present day. This item has clear provenance, having been donated by RSL member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley after its use during Bernard’s service in the Airforce. As a former member of the Australian Airforce and member of the Warrnambool ex-service community, Bernard’s uniform has great social significance, telling a broader story of life after service.Dark navy blue dress jacket with long sleeves ending at waist height. Jacket is double breasted with eight metal buttons; two buttons are larger and held on by safety pins. Buttons are gold in colour and marked with a crown and eagle motif. Lapels on jacket are of a lighter, grey-blue. Jacket is adorned with epaulettes on both left and right shoulder, attached with a cotton loop on each shoulder and held in place with a screw-in gold button. Jacket has synthetic lining in cream colour and an interior pocket on the left hand side; lining is detatched on both the left and right sides at the base. Label on interior collar reads “C.G.C.F” Epaulettes bear three lines in gold embroidered stitching and a badge depicting an eagle underneath a crown, also in gold. dress uniform, airforce, commonwealth government clothing factory, uniform, epaulette

By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).This WW1 item is a reminder of the roles that men from Orbost played in that conflict.Large brown leather saddle used by the Light Horse Brigade in WW1. The saddle is built on a pair of felt-padded wooden "bars" which sat on either side of the horse's spine. These are joined by steel arches with a shaped leather seat laced between them. C G H F The saddle also has a few other numbers on it which are difficult to read with accuracy. saddle military-history army transport horse

Buff coloured telegram form with blue printing and black ink writing.Ballarat. E J Kinnerseley. Spring Vale. Learmonth. Meet Mother and Lil North Learmonth arrival today's Train. Chas A Barklay. Learmonth Post Office Stamp dated My 10 06. Oval stamp, 6 black lines and "176".telegram, learmonth post office, kinnersely, e j kinnersely, telegraphic communication, communication form

Emergency survival kit made safe and watertightThe kit represents equipment used around the time of World War II to aid the safety and survival of seafarers.Survival kit, 1973. Rectangular metal box with round screw top lid that has wing handles with a red cross on both ends of box (one end is heavily rusted). Contents of box includes booklet 1943 "Advice to Those in Lifeboats and Rafts of Merchant Ships" and one rectangular piece of water resistant paper with "Advice-books" written on it (separated from booklet), cylindrical stainless steel container with wire handle, cotton bandage. Also inside, one Sun-flash Distress Signal Mirror (instructions adhered to back) with padded pouch, labelled "MIRROR" in white paint, and a card inside pouch, adhering to insides. Metal is corroding.White painted label on pouch 'MIRROR". Paper instructions on back of mirror headed "_ _ FSON SUN-FLASH DISTRESS, SIGNAL DEVICE". Printed on waterproof cover "ADVICE BOOKS". warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, survival kit, commonwealth of australia, sun-flash distress signal mirror, survival advice book, military supplies, emergency kit, survival kit.

Book has been completed in 1916 by Warrnambool's Lighthouse KeeperThe weather records are a significant part of Warrnambool's history, helping to tell the story of local weather patterns on land and sea. The records can be used for understanding the events of wrecks and accidents at sea.Warrnambool Lighthouse Register of Meteorological Observations 1916 July Hardcover book, green with red binding and reinforced corners. Pages have printed lines for rows and columns. Figures handwritten on each lineHandwritten recordswarrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, meteorological observations, 1910, lighthouse register, weather records, lighthouse keeper

Associated with BDR. Joseph Moore grouped framed certificatesPhotocopy of original dispatch notice for Military Medal to No 1272 BDR J. Moore, 13th F.A.B.No 1272, BDR. J. Moore, 13th F.A.B./ On 24th April, 1918 whilst the 51st Battery was/ in acrion N.E. of Cordie it was subjected to a very heavy hostile/ bombardment of H.E. and gas shells. This N.C.O.'s duries as a/ specialist required the maintenance of communications between the/ Battery an C.P. The line was frequently cut and required several/ trips, all of which took some considerable time. The whole area/ was very heavily shelled as was the vicinity of the C.P. and this/ N.C.O.'s tasks were performed under heavy shell fire ar great/ personel risk. Throughout the periods Bdr. Moore displayed great/ coolness and total disregard of personal danger thus setting a/ splendid examplemedal, 1918, military, moore, joseph, world, war, 1, corbie, 51st, battery, 4th, district

Wooden Ammunition Box with webbing & metal handles with metal spring lock clip. Canvas hinge painted brown. Webbing carry straps in 3 locations. Box assembled with wood and small nails. Inside box is a wood divider running length ways .Unpainted.side 303cc (in White), rectangle with 500 cartges,.303 ball, MF cc 9-4-52 MK7 (in Yellow) Governement Explosives W^D 6 six (in White) Opposite side; Tropic Treated Charger clips (inred/pink paint) 500 cartges/.303 Ball/MF cc 9-4-52/ MK7ammunition, 303, ball, 1952, mk7

1939 - 1945 Australian Army Sewing Kit. This kit is just one of many different brands of sewing kit - issued to Australian troops during the Second World War. Containing the standard requirements for uniform/clothing repair in the field. Items include:- assorted sewing needles,spare metal (quad hole) buttons and spare cotton/wool thread. Originally the "hold-all" (or pouch) was manufactured using leather, which was in plentiful supply in Australia and is quite durable. The major problem with leather however, especially in tropical or damp conditions - is it's susceptibility to moisture. This will then have an adverse affect upon the metal items contained within the kit, obviously resulting in corrosion to the metal sewing needles and buttons. This sewing kit hold-alls was manufactured from a khaki cotton or similar material. The metal thimble is missing.Standard issue sewing kit for Australian Soldiers serving in WW2 1939-45 in New Guinea and tropical areasA rectangular khaki cotton pouch containing wool and cotton threads, needles, metal buttons, folding stainless steel scissors that rolls up and is tied by two cotton bands.world war 11 1939-1945, cotton, khaki, soldier field kit, sewing kit, new guinea, army supply department, australian army, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham,

AMF Operational Ration This ration pack was developed by Sir Stanton Hicks. It contained three meals, each waterproofed (a vital consideration for the tropics), which offered a balanced selection of meat, vegetables, fruit and vitamin supplements. Before the development of this ration pack, Australian soldiers were supplied with quantities of preserved food that were difficult for a man to carry and divide, and which often did not provide a nourishing diet. Sir Cedric Stanton Hicks (1892-1976), university professor and army catering officer, was born on 2 June 1892 at Mosgiel, New Zealand. University of Otago (B.Sc., N.Z., 1914; M.Sc. Hons, 1915; M.B., Ch.B., 1923) 1916-18 Hicks served as a non-commissioned officer in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and he assisted Professor J. K. H. Inglis in the synthesis and production of Chloramine-T for use against meningitis among the troops. Hicks was appointed government analyst in 1918. On a Fellowship 1923, he travelled to England and studied at Trinity College, Cambridge (Ph.D., 1926) and caried out research in Switzerland, Germany and the United States of America. 1927 he was appointed to the new chair of physiology and pharmacology at Adelaide University, which he was to hold until 1957. During the Depression he studied the dietary patterns of five hundred families receiving relief. 1940 Hicks was appointed temporary captain, Australian Military Forces, and performed part-time duty as catering supervisor. Moved to Melbourne as chief inspector of catering, he began a campaign for applying scientific principles to the feeding of troops. 1943 the Australian Army Catering Corps was formed. Hicks altered the basis of the allowance for military rations from a monetary to a nutrient entitlement, improved the pay and promotion opportunities of cooks, established schools of cooking and catering, devised new methods for preparing food, supported the service's adoption of the Wiles steam-cooker, and designed jungle-patrol, emergency and air-drop rations. His 'Who Called the Cook a Bastard?' (Sydney, 1972) gave an account of his experiences in military catering.Men from most families in the City of Moorabbin area served in the Australian Military Forces during World War 2.A tin container , khaki colour, used for the storage of a food ration item for a soldier serving in the Australian Military Forces World War 11.TURN KEY ← TO OPEN CAN / diagram of key / A.M.F. / OPERATION/ RATION/ 02 / D↑Dworld war 11, australian military forces, sir cedric stanton hicks, army catering corps, soldier rations, food supplys, australian diggers, food preservation

A Gaiter or Puttee covers the lower leg and boot lacing and are a type of protective clothing for the ankles and legs below the knee.. These long woollen wrap around Gaiters were issued 1943 to a serving Australian Soldier in World War 2 1939-45 This pair of Australian Army Gaiters were issued in 1943 to one of the many young men from City of Moorabbin who volunteered to serve during WW2 1939-45 WW2 extra long wool wraps /gaiters / puttees Australian Army issue 1943 MADE IN AUSTRALIA / N466 D D / REGIMENTAL NO. ......./ NAME ... C.M / 1943australian army, world war 2 1939-45; gaiters, puttees, woollen goods, protective gear, uniforms, australian infantry forces, moorabbin, bentleigh , cheltenham

Perforated pro-forma call-up card from Department of Labour and National Service : National Service Registration Office addressed to Mr N E Swainston, 37 Leamington St, Reservoir Vic, dated 01/10/70 with Registration Number 21765955. Specific details are typed in black ink, and the document is signed by registrar W K Allen. Back of card advises recipient that he will be given at least 7 days' notice of the time and place for the medical, and that it is his responsibility to notify changes in marital status or address. Envelope is marked O.H.M.S, National Service Registration Papers and torn open at bottomnational service - australia, conscription, call-up, swainston collection

Two-part perforated document from Department of Labour and National Service signed by P H Cook, Secretary, bearing Registration Number 21765955. Addressed to Mr N E Swainston, 37 Leamington St, Reservoir, Victoria and date stamped 18 Feb 1971. This typed pro-forma document is a call-up notice instructing the receiver to appear at the Combined Services Recruiting Centre, 301 Flinders Lane, Melbourne at 7:30 pm on 25 February 1971 to appear before a medical board. Reverse side of document advises what to take to the appointment, what actions the receiver should take, and advises that failing to comply with the notice is an offence under the National Services Act.national security - australia, conscription, call-up, medical, swainston collection

Pro-forma document from Department of Labour and National Service advising NE Swainston that he has been found fit for service and can expect to commence with the army on 21st April 1971. Details have been typed in and document has been stamped in purple with the address and date- 10 Mar 1971, and signed by PH Cook - Secretary. Document informs recipient of what action he should take, including conditions by which an application for deferment may be made. Details of this are on the back of the document.conscription, national service - australia, call-up, swainston collection

Pro-forma Certificate of Registration for Neil Ernest Swainston,born 17/07/1950, signed by him in blue ink with Army registration number 3801127 written onto the document in red ink.Signed by N E Swainston in blue ink. Army registration number 3801127 written onto the document in red ink.conscription, call-up, national service - australia, swainston collection

Receipt for monies received from Pte NE Swainston on 05/07/1971 for items of clothing.1 Sweater P'Over $5.45 / 3 Sock Khaki @ 80c PR $2.40army receipt, uniform, training, swainston collection

Proforma acknowledgement slip claim form from Department of Supply, Stores and Transport Branch, for loss and damage of goods. Print is green.Date stamped 6 Mar 1972claim form, department of supply, swainston collection

Brown vinyl covered Australian Military Forces Soldier's Pay Book ( 48 pages with crest on front cover) issued to Neil Ernest Swainston on 21/04/1971, Cash Office 30, Paymaster Wendy A Sherwell. Details of payments made are written in pen.Inside front cover lists 'Instructions to Soldier'; back cover has pocket containing green-printed Paybook Variation Authority slips. Small ID photo of Private Swainston stapled to page 48.Hand-written in black marker pen:S16/ Army No. 3801127/ Swainston Neil Ernestpayments, national service - australia

Sixteen cheque stubs for Army Allotments and FRB Benefit Refund Gratuity Recovery issued by Commonwealh Treasury, Canberra to N E Swainston between 09/09/71 and 06/11/72army allotments, frb benefit, refund gratuity recovery, swainston collection