1914-1918 Memorial Plaque In early 1920 it was announced that the next-of-kin of all Australian servicemen and women whose deaths were attributable to the First World War would receive a memorial plaque and scroll "as a solace for bereavement and as a memento". The memorial plaques were not uniquely Australian. In fact they were designed and produced in Britain and issued to commemorate all those who died as a result of war service from within the British Commonwealth. The idea for the plaques was originally conceived mid-way through the war. In 1917 a competition was announced to obtain a suitable design and 800 entries were eventually received. The winner, Mr. E. Carter Preston of Liverpool, England, was chosen in 1918. He was awarded a prize of 250 pounds. Mr Manning Pike directed the manufacture of the memorial plaques at the Memorial Plaque Factory set up at Acton, London. Some later plaques were also made at the Woolwich Arsenal. The cost of manufacturing so many plaques must have been considerable. Each plaque had the name of the soldier commemorated individually embossed (some were engraved) as part of the design. The full name was given without any indication of rank or honours to show the equality of sacrifice of all those who had lost their lives. The scroll designed to accompany the plaques was of thick paper, headed by the royal coat-of-arms, and bore the following message: "He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those that come after see that his name is not forgotten". Underneath the message the serviceman or woman’s name, rank, honours and unit were written by hand in red ink. Because of the late arrival in Australia of the plaques many scrolls were sent out separately. A message from the King, "I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War", was included with the scroll. The first plaques were distributed in Australia in 1922. Each plaque was sent out from Base Records Office at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne by second-class mail. Approximately 60,000 plaques were issued in Australia. Families of deceased members of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army Nursing Service also received plaques and scrolls Collection of items relating to the death of Private Arthur Ernest Bolger, service number 01338, 14th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces, who was killed in action at Gallipoli on 27th April, 1915. Private Bolger was from Victoria and was recorded as being the first Frankston serviceman to be killed in the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. For more information refer: < > see items 00014.1 and 00014.2

Souvenir tea towels made for the 40th anniversary commemoration of the formation of the Australian Women's Army Service which was formed on the 13th August 1941. These tea towels are linen and are screen printed in olive green on a plain background. The tea towels feature the badge of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. These tea towels have the following screen printed in colour: The 'rising sun' badge of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces with "A.W.A.S." uppermost and "40th ANNIVERSARY" above the badge and "AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S ARMY SERVICE" below the badge. Beneath that "1941 - 1981" and the note "PURE LINEN" world war 2, ww2, awas, a.w.a.s., nurses, service, womens, women's, army, australia,

A pair of souvenir brass ashtrays which were awarded as first prize trophies to Cpl M R Williams The underside of the ashtrays are engraved with details of the award and indicating that they were sports competition trophies. See 00274.1 and 00274.2.world war 2, ww2, sport

, bell-bottoms did not become part of the standard uniform for the Royal Navy until the mid-19th century.These "bell-bottoms" were often just very wide-legged trousers, unlike the modern version of bell bottoms, which are cut with a distinct bell shapePart of complete uniform donated by H.M.A.S.Cerberus on Mornington Peninsula,Many sailors would have spent leave time in this cityA pair of sailor's white bellbottom pants as issued by the RAN for everyday work wear. W J READ WR 1584 not yet logged

Chrome plated solid tapered cylinder replicating an actual 40mm artillery round. Three indents evenly spaced around the cylinder 50mm from the base. A further three smaller tear-drop shaped indents are evenly space around the cylinder 250mm from the base and corresponding to the larger indents. The indents are painted red. The base is a milled protuding rim on the shellcase with some inscriptions on the underside. Between the base of the shellcase and the milled rim is an indented space around the cylinder.Numbers and letters stamped into the underside of the base as follows: 40 MM N2 DRILL in 7mm high letters highlighted with red infill. 9-58 in 4mm high numbers highlighted with red infill. 5mm Circle containing letters BM on either side of a larger T. Defence arrow symbol with equal sides and shaft. 3mm circle containing the letters KW.

One of 2 types of badges issued to female relatives, this one being a round rather than an oval one. It is in good condition, no parts missing although it has not been cleaned or polished in some time. The badge has the Royal Crown at the top of a blue enamelled stirling silver circle . Underneath and attached to the circle is a blue enamelled horizontal stirling silver banner with 2 eyelets at either end of the banner. In the centre of the circle is an anchor with a chain entwined around it.

Locker of wooden construction that has apparently been made to store and carry a serviceman's kit. The locker is stained and polished, has a hinging lid and has two handles for carrying. The lid is attached by three metal hinges and the lid has a hasp for padlocking. The locker has an internal removable shelf for additional storage space (for small items). The locker has external steel strips at the top surface and steel angles at the corners for protection.The name "J. KITT V50015" is stamped into the wood at the inside of the locker.

Pair of Australian Army standard issue brown leather boots. High ankle support, tied with cotton laces.

Example of Australian Army standard issue belt worn by soldiers during the 1970s. This was a USA Army design adopted by the ADF during the Vietnam conflict. The belt is jungle green in colour with multiple mounting points for special clips which hold a variety of pouches.

Example of Australian Army standard water canteen complete with carrying pouch issued to soldiers during the 1970s. This was a USA Army design adopted by the ADF during the Vietnam conflict. The pouch and canteen are jungle green in colour and are worn attached to the webbing belt issued to defence personnel. refer item 00289.1.