Caricature image of war hero and Australia's most decorated servicewoman Nancy Wake Australian born Nancy Wake AC, GM, was the most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War. She was nicknamed the 'White Mouse' for her ability to consistently evade and outmanoeuvre the Gestapo as a secret agent for British forces.Brown timber frame containing caricature of female in uniform wearing a beretMedals and Decorations: France: U.S.A War Hero - Australia's most decorated woman Great Britain - George Medal/1939-45 Star Legion de Honneur Freedom Medal France & Germany Star Croix de Guerre Defence Medal/Victory Medal Medal de Resistancenancy wake, ww2, white mouse, australian servicewoman

Image of gravestone in memory of Lieutenant Albert Sargent VX15290 born on the 3rd of November, 1918 at Wangaratta in Victoria. He was a member of Z Special Unit and involved in Operation RIMAU when he was captured and executed by the Japanese in Malaya on the 7th of July, 1945 during WW2. Operation RIMAU - In September, 1944, 23 British and Australian members of Z Special Unit travelled from Australia by submarine to the outskirts of Singapore Harbour then under Japanese occupation. Their mission was to attack and destroy enemy shipping from small submersible boats using magnetic limpet mines.Brown timber frame with green mount containing two photographs - one of plaque and one of gravestonePlague - In memory of the members of Operation RIMAU Gravestone VX15290 Lieutenant A.L. SARGENT "z" Special Unit 7th July 1945 Age 26singapore, operation rimau, z special unit, japanese occupation, vx15290 lieutenant a.l. sargent, ww2

After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia. The Militia was organized to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. The Militia units were distributed in the same areas the original AIF units were raised. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, the Victorian 37th Infantry Battalion was the "Hunt Regiment", while the 52nd Infantry Battalion was the "Gippsland Regiment". Both were raised in 1921 and linked in 1930, forming the 37th/52nd Infantry Battalion. In 1937 the battalion was separated but merged again in August 1942, after Japan's entry into the Second World War and the subsequent reorganisation of the Australian Army. carved gold coloured metal frame with green mount containing 3 silver and 2 green badges 8 large and 7 small gold coloured buttons on tartan cloth background.37th-52rd Australian Infantry Battalion Affilitated with The Queens "Own" Cameron Highlanders 37th/52nd australian infantry battalion, cameron highlanders

United Nations peace keeping mission - F324093 Sgt C A Frawley 'Kookaburra' ASC IV UNOSOM 19 May 1994 - 25 Nov 1994brown timber frame with off white mount containing six photographs and camouflage lanyardF324093 Sgt C A Frawley 'Kookaburra' ASC IV UNOSOM 19 May 1994 - 25 Nov 1994united nations, asc iv unosom, kookaburra

Grey and white distressed style frame containing coloured print of four planes flying over land and water at sunrise/set.air force

The 59th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised for service during World War I, the battalion fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium between 1916 and 1918, before being disbanded in 1919. In 1921, it was re-raised as a part-time unit of the Militia in Victoria. They remained in existence until 1942 when, due to a manpower shortage in the Australian economy, the decision was made to amalgamate the battalion with the 58th Battalion to form the 58th/59th Battalion. Together they remained linked throughout World War II, serving in New Guinea and Bougainville in 1943–1945. In 1952, the 59th Battalion was re-raised and subsequently was absorbed into the Royal Victoria Regiment in 1960.Brown timber frame containing cream coloured mount and photograph of large group of soldiers and bandsmenPlaque -59th Militia Circa 193959th militia, ww1, ww2, 1939

Newspaper article from The Argus dated 5-11-1929 showing Major General Grimwade taking the salute at the Voluntary Artillery Camp of the 2nd Division at Broadmeadows. Black plastic frame with black mount with newspaper article depicting mounted soldiers and horse driven cannons.The Argus, Tuesday November 5 1929 Voluntary Artillery Camp at Broadmeadowsthe argus, 5-11-1929, 2nd division, voluntary artillery camp, broadmeadows

The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s–40s that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. for service with the Royal Air Force. Due to its lightweight, yet robust, construction and ease of maintenance, the Hurricane had a long operational life in many theatres of war. It was also built by, or exported to, several other countries.. The Hurricane was unusual in that it was flown operationally by both the Allies and the Axis during the WW2.Brown timber frame with cream coloured mount containing print of fighter plane flying over field.Hawker "Hurricane" Mk 11b G-TWTD S/N AE77hawker, hurricane, ww2

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. No. 243 Squadron was a flying squadron of the Royal Air Force. Originally formed in August 1918 from two flights that had been part of the Royal Naval Air Service, the squadron conducted anti-submarine patrols during the final stages of World War I. The squadron was later re-raised during World War II, operating initially as a fighter squadron in Malaya and Singapore during 1941–42. It was briefly disbanded just prior to the fall of Singapore, and was re-formed in mid-1942, again as a fighter squadron, and fought in the Tunisian and Italian campaigns in 1942–44, before being disbanded in October 1944. In 1945, after training on transport aircraft in Canada, the squadron moved to Australia where it operated in support of the British Pacific Fleet before disbanding in mid-1946 Spitfire, also called Supermarine Spitfire, the most widely produced and strategically important British single-seat fighter of World War II. The Spitfire, renowned for winning victory laurels in the Battle of Britain (1940–41) along with the Hawker Hurricane, served in every theatre of the war and was produced in more variants than any other British aircraft.Brown timber frame with white mount containing photograph of fighter plane in sky.Spitfire by Barrie Clark Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB of 243 Squadron Royal Air Force 243 squadron royal air force, spitfire

Image of RAAF Radio & Radar Trainee Mechanics taken at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne in 1941-42. In 1940, in the months after the outbreak of WWII, the Exhibition Buildings complex was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Air Force and used as a barracks and training facility. By 1942 more than 2000 men of the RAAF had been stationed there, alongside members of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force.Brown timber frame and cream coloured mount containing photograph of large group of airmen Plaque -RAAF Radio & Radar Trainee Mechanics 1941-42 at Exhibition Building Melbourneraaf, radio & radar, exhibition building, melbourne, ww2

Siege of Tobruk 1941 Limited Edition Poster No. 0768 produced for the World Reunion of the Rats of Tobruk Association 1980Commemorates the Battle of TobrukBlack plastic frame containing photocopy of Map in centre with circles in each corner with images of soldiers and a symbol in lower right corner.Biographies of: Major General Leslie J Morshead - Tobruk Fortress Commander and Lieut General Erwin Rommel - Commander, German Afrika Korps. Map of Battle Zone. Lithographic of Corporal J.H.Edmonson VC - 2/17 Battalion.tobruk, 1941

The Bathurst-class corvettes were a class of general purpose vessels designed and built in Australia during World War II. Originally classified as minesweepers, but widely referred to as corvettes, the Bathurst-class vessels fulfilled a broad anti-submarine, anti-mine, and convoy escort role.The corvettes were handy and reliable, and in addition to minesweeping, patrol and escort work they were employed on an endless variety of tasks including the carrying of troops and stores, participation in bombardments and assault landings, surveying and towing operations.Brown timber frame with grey mount containing print of ship at sea HMAS Corvette Presented to Wangaratta RSL by HMAS Mildura Association in Appreciation for honour of leading ANZAC Day March 1999ww2, corvette, minesweeper, ran

To commemorating 40 years since The Dawn Of a New Era for the Royal Australian Navy - 1965-2005 - A limited release of a graphite print of Guided Missile Destroyers HMA Ships PERTH (38), HOBART (39) and BRISBANE (41) served the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1965 and 2001.These ships were the first for the RAN to have been designed for the 'Missile Era' and were also the first to be not of a British design instead they were purchased from the United States of America. All 3 served with distinction on the 'Gun Line' during the Vietnam War and the BRISBANE also saw operations of the First Gulf War.Framed print drawn in graphite depicting three Guided Missile Destroyers at sea RAN - Commemorating 40 years since The Dawn Of a New Era for the Royal Australian Navy - 1965-2005 Limited Edition 3/50ran, hmas perth, hobart and brisbane, guided missile destroyers

Khaki Army Backpack used during WW2 at the battle for Tarakan by ROBERT HENRY SLOAN : Service Number - VX94408 : Date of birth - 01 Dec 1925 at WANGARATTA VICTORIAKhaki canvas bag with large pocket and two side pockets - backpack on a metal triangular frame with three leather strapsarmy backpack, ww2, robert sloan

Commemorative spoon presented to Lt R B HARRIS VX 798Silver plated teaspoon with rising sun badge "Teamwork Courage Initiative / 1901-2001 / 100 years service to the nation"spoon, teaspoon, commemorative spoon, 100 years of service, rising sun

MV ETTRICK was a British Passenger Motor Vessel of 11,279 tons built in 1938 by Barclay Curle & Company, Glasgow, for the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company. The Vessel was on charter to the Admiralty as a Troopship. On the 15th November 1942 she was torpedoed by German submarine U-155 at 0315, 150 miles W of Gibraltar. She sank at 0836. She was on a voyage from Gibraltar to the Clyde in ballast, with a crew of 204, 66 naval ratings, and 41 gunners. 18 naval ratings and 5 Asian crew were lost; another Asian seaman died of his injuries. Survivors were taken to Gibraltar by the Norwegian destroyer Glaisdal and returned to the UK in P&O´s Mooltan the following day.Silver plated salt and pepper shakersSalt and pepper shakers with embossing showing Flag and M.V. ETTRICK.mv ettrick, ww2, troopship

A field ration, combat ration or ration pack is a canned or pre-packaged meal, easily prepared and eaten, transported by military troops on the battlefield. They are distinguished from regular military rations by virtue of being designed for minimal preparation in the field, using canned, pre-cooked or freeze-dried foods, powdered beverage mixes and concentrated food bars, as well as for long shelf life.Most armies in the world today now field some form of pre-packaged combat ration, suitably tailored to meet national or ethnic tastes.AMF Emergency Ration Pack ContainerOn front: To open pull ring this way. Retain portion for handling contents when cooked. Gadden container On back: AMF Emergency Ration. To be consumed only when no other rations of any kind are procurable. Consumption of this ration must be reported at first opportunity. Instructions for use are printed under cover of container and also on paper slip within can. Gadden container.ration, container, food, ring pull, emergency

Tribute of honor from the Carboor Welcome Home Committee and surrounding district, to Mr and Mrs John Nolan in appreciation of the service rendered to the Empire by their son Pte Evan Nolan who made the supreme sacrifice.- dated 1st February 1921. Service number 3436 Pte Evan Nolan aged 21 years died of wounds on September 20th 1918 in hospital at Rouen France. He served with the 59th Battalion and is buried at St Sever Cemetery in Rouen. Black leather bound folder with gold coloured writing in centre front of border. Folder contains a tribute document and photograph of soldier.To Mr & Mrs John Nolan Carboor 1st February 1921.pte evan nolan, carboor, wwi, 59th battalion

Badge commemorating the Sandakan death marches, one of the worst atrocities suffered by Australian troops during WWII.Australian prisoners were sent to Sandakan in 1942 to build an airstrip. At first they were treated reasonably well. Gradually, however, rations were reduced and bashings increased. By late 1944, with Allied forces advancing toward Borneo, the Japanese decided to send about 2,000 Australian and British prisoners westward to Ranau, in Borneo’s rugged interior. Weak and sick prisoners staggered for about 260 kilometres along jungle tracks. Many died on the way, their bodies never recovered. Those unable to continue were killed; those too weak to march had been left behind in Sandakan, where all died or were killed. Only six – all Australians – out of about a thousand sent to Ranau survived the war. The Sandakan “death march” remains the greatest single atrocity committed against Australians in war.Circular badge with green background and black text and figures. Six soldiers are silhouetted next to a tree. Safety pin clasp on back."LEST WE FORGET" "Sandakan Ranau / Death March"pow, world war two, death march, sandakan death marches, borneo

The Sailors and Soldiers Fathers' Association was established in the First World War and appears to have had branches in most states. The group was active (and often outspoken), involving themselves with hospital visits, repatriation issues, employment of returned servicemen and the establishment of returned servicemen’s rights relating to principles such as pensions and housing. There appears to be a close co-operation between this group and the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in forming a group with strong lobbying abilities. Similarly, they were active in raising funds to build Memorials after the war. The Association remained active after the First World War in pursuing returned soldiers’ rights. They appear under a slightly different name during the Second World War (Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Fathers' Association) but their goals were identical........The Sailors and Soldiers Fathers' Association, established during the First World War, was active in fundraising, establishing memorials and advocacy for issues such as the repatriation and employment of returned servicemen. The group worked closely with the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, now known as the RSL.Round bronze and enamel badge badge with blue circular border enclosing a white and red diamond. Crown on top. In white border: "Sailors & soldiers Assoc.n of Vict." In red diamond: "Fathers" On back: "167 / Stokes Melb."badge, sailors and soldiers association of victoria, sailors and soldiers fathers' association

Round white ceramic plate with various royal, imperial and military gold emblems bordering an image of a brown building. Original cardboard box has also been retained.Front: "Commemorative Plate for the official opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum 15th October 1978" Back: "Queen Elizabeth II / Army Memorial Museum Plate / This plate has been created as one of 2,000 only, to commemorate the official opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum in Waiouru, by the Governor-General, Hist Excellency the Rt Hon Sir Keith Holyoake, GCMG, CH, on the 15th October 1978. / This plate design was authorised by the Chief of General Staff, Major General R.D.P. Hassett, CB, CBE, and approved by the New Zealand Herald of Arms. / 319"ceramic, commemorative plate, army memorial museum plate, army memorial museum

To the ex service men and women of Love & Pollard Pty Ltd Stores and served in WWII. Has the names of those who served and died and the dinner menu.Bone coloured card with red and blue stripes at right hand side. Australian and Union Jack flags at top with blue writing.On cover: Welcome Home Dinner to Ex-Service Men & Ex-Service Women of Love & Pollard Pty Ltd Stores. Lower Melbourne Town Hall June 19th, 1946. Inside left: Honour Roll. Inside right: Dinner Menu. On back cover: Autographs. Also with 10 signatures written in pencil.world war 2, love & pollard pty ltd stores, welcome home dinner

From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Two newspaper cuttings Distinquished Flying Cross Awarded to Flying Officer J H WILKINSONpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

Dedication to the Aboriginal soldiers who formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. Aboriginals from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940. 7 of the 13 who enlisted in June 1940 were discharged as members of the 2/23rd Battalion. 10 were discharged on the 22/3/1941 as Services No Longer Required, 1 discharged in November 1940, 1 in January 1941 and another in April 1941. Dedication to Aboriginal soldiers who formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time.Large timber frame with orange mount containing boomerang three flags six photographs and narrative plaques9 Platoon Wangarattaaboriginal, 9 platoon, wangaratta, no 9 camp

The embroideries were machine chained onto colourful cotton sateen (often mistakenly thought to be silk) and usually bear the words 'Souvenir of Egypt' and a year date. Most have a distinctly Egyptian flavour and show the pyramids, camels or date palms. Others show images associated with different armies (such as the Australian Rising Sun Badge, New Zealand General Service Badge or British unit badges) or nations (such as the Australian coat of arms). However, during WW2 they were usually embroidered on black velveteen and the variety of images was not as great as had been available during the First World War. These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message.Black and gold timber frame containing rectangular black cloth edged in light blue fringe. Machine embroidered on the cloth is image of rising sun badge with a camel and pyramids either side. Souvenir of Egypt 1941 Australian Commonwealth Military Forces1941, ww2, embroidered souvenir, egypt

Landing of ANZAC's at Gallipoli April 25 1915Brown timber frame with light brown mount containing print depicting soldiers landing on shore from ships at sea.The landing of the New Zealand and Australian Expeditionary Forces,Gallipoli,April 25,1915anzac, gallipoli, 25/4/1915

Private Robert Ernest Payne 5125 from Killawarra. Enlisted on 29/1/16 aged 20 years and 9 months and served with the 28th Battalion during WW1. Killed in action in France on 15/4/1918 aged 23 yearsBrown timber frame with grey mount containing ornate certificate of serviceFOR KING AND EMPIRE Private R E Payne 28th Battalion B Companyrobert ernest payne, 28th battalion, wwi, kia, france

Brown timber frame containing black and white map. Has two squares top left side and lower half contains three circles. The Kokoda Trailkokoda trail, papua new guinea, world war 2

Large brown timber framed black and white map with dotted lines arrows and circles.The Kokoda Trail First Half Kokoda to Efogi Second Half Efogi to Owers Cornerkokoda trail, papua new guinea, world war 2

A related souvenir from the Second Word War is the colourful 'Souvenir of Palestine'. Like the First World War Egyptian embroideries, they used cotton sateen in a range of bright colours (although sometimes velveteen was used instead) and bear the words 'Souvenir of Palestine', a year date, and sometimes a personal message, as well as images of specific mosques or landmarks, camels, goats and date palms. The Palestinian souvenirs were often seen displayed for sale outside houses in country villages These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message. Brown timber frame containing dark green square silk cloth edged with gold fringe, embroidered with two flap poles either side of rising sun crest/badge above two red heartsSouvenir Of Palestine 1941 Australia Commonwealth Military Forcespalestine, 1941, souvenir, embroidered cloth