The photograph shows the vessel HMAS Warrnambool J202, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy for use as a minesweeper during World War II. The Bathurst Class Corvette, fitted out with a range of armaments, was launched in Sydney 1941. The ship began service in Bass Strait in 1941. At the end of the year it called into its namesake city, Warrnambool, where the crew paraded for the public marching eastwards along Timor Street. A gift of books for the ship’s personnel and a plaque bearing the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms were presented to the ship. The ship was involved in evacuating a family of nine from the Dutch East Indies that was later successful in its challenge of Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Polity). The ship had many other appointments around Australia. On 13th September 1947 HMAS Warrnambool was leading a flotilla of minesweepers in northern Queensland’s coastal waters, clearing mines previously laid to defend Australia. The ship hit a mine, which exploded and very quickly sunk the ship. Boats from the nearby ships rescued most of the seamen although one was killed at the time. The survivors were taken by the HMAS Swan II to Darwin, and they went from there to hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Three of these men later died from their injuries. A number of items were recovered by Navy divers in 1948 including the ship’s bell and a plaque with Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms. In 1972-75 the wreck was sold and other items were salvaged. In 1995 a memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool near the RSL. NOTE: The RAN built a second HMAS Warrnambool FCPB204, launched in 1981 and decommissioned in 2005. There was also a steam ship SS Warrnambool built in London 1892 and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.] This photograph of HMAS Warrnambool is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (J202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance, shown by the significance of the ship’s bell being curated as Military Heritage and Technology at the Australian War Memorial. - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph of HMAS Warrnambool near land. Black and white photograph shows a steam and sail vessel in calm water beside land. Figures are standing on board. A flag flies on a mast. The ship's name is on the stern. The light coloured funnel has emitted a small amount of smoke.On side of ship "WARRNAMBOOL"flagstaff hill, maritime village, maritime museum, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, dedicatory plaque, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, minesweeper

This photograph is connected to the first HMAS Warrnambool J202, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy for use as a minesweeper during World War II. The Bathurst Class Corvette, fitted out with a range of armaments, was launched in Sydney 1941. The ship began service in Bass Strait in 1941. At the end of the year it called into its namesake city, Warrnambool, where the crew paraded for the public marching eastwards along Timor Street. A gift of books for the ship’s personnel and a plaque bearing the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms were presented to the ship. The ship was involved in evacuating a family of nine from the Dutch East Indies that was later successful in its challenge of Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Polity). The ship had many other appointments around Australia. On 13th September 1947 HMAS Warrnambool was leading a flotilla of minesweepers in northern Queensland’s coastal waters, clearing mines previously laid to defend Australia. The ship hit a mine, which exploded and very quickly sunk the ship. Boats from the nearby ships rescued most of the seamen although one was killed at the time. The survivors were taken by the HMAS Swan II to Darwin, and they went from there to hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Three of these men later died from their injuries. A number of items were recovered by Navy divers in 1948 including the ship’s bell and a plaque with Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms. In 1972-75 the wreck was sold and other items were salvaged. In 1995 a memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool near the RSL. NOTE: The RAN built a second HMAS Warrnambool FCPB204, launched in 1981 and decommissioned in 2005. There was also a steam ship SS Warrnambool built in London 1892 and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.] This photograph is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (j202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph, black and white, HMAS Warrnambool J202 in water with land and buildings in background. Ship is flying a dark flag with Union Jack in corner and star below it. Lifeboat suspended above deck in centre of ship. Top of funnel has a black band. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, ship’s bell, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, sea rescue, life saving, lifesaving, minesweeper

1 x 1939 -45 Star. 1 x Pacific Star. 1 x 1939 - 1945 Australian Service Medal. 1 x 1939 - 1945 War Medal.The Star Medals are inscribed on the reverse with the name Itzerott A R and service #401750. The Australian Service Medal shows the Crown of St. Edward ,modified Coat of Arms surmounted by the Australian Defense Force Joint Service emblem. Service # 401750 on edge. The 1939 1945 War Medal shows an effigy of King George the V1. The reverse shows a lion standing on a double headed dragon with the dates 1939 - 1945. Service # 401750 on edge.

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. It is his ID Badge for the Summer Olympics held in Sydney Australia in 2000. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This ID badge is significant because it demonstrates George Shirling's ongoing connection to the Olympic Movement. A ID badge, including a photo of George Shirling, for the Sydney Olympics 2000. It includes the Sydney Olympics Logo as well as the Olympic torch and ringsDown left hand side: CITY OF SYDNEY above Sydney Coat of Arms In Centre: Photo of George Shirling above text GEORGE SHIRLING AUSTRALIA SKIING Top Right: Olympic Torch and rings above text" OLYMPIANS REUNION CENTRE SYDNEY 2000 WORLD OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATION Logos Across Bottom: Sydney 2000, Visa Worldwide Partner, Kodak Worldwide Partnergeorge shirling, sydney olympics 2000

The object is a large, diamond-cut crystal bowl with a lid. The front and back of the bowl are decorated with frosted etchings of the coats of arms of the Royal College of Surgeons in Australia (now Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, or RACS), and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The front-side etching depicts the crest of the RCSI, which comprises of two Irish elks, an eagle above a flag, and a shield with a cross and hand pointing to the left. Above the crest are the words "FACULTY OF ANAESTHETIST / Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland", and, below it, "Bicentenial Year 1988". The back-side etching depicts the crest of the RACS, which comprises of a representation of Chiron on the left side and a representation of Apollo on the right, a shield between them, and a sphynx above the shield itself. Above the crest are the words "FACULTY OF ANAESTHETIST / Royal College of Surgeons in Australia", and, below it, "Bicentenial Year 1988"crystal, bowl, bicentennial, commemorative, royal australasian college of surgeons, royal college of surgeons in australia, royal college of surgeons in ireland, coat of arms, crest, anaesthetist, surgeon

In March 1967, HMAS Hobart became the first Royal Australian Navy combat ship deployed to fight in the Vietnam War. The Latin motto Sic fortis Hobartia crevit ( meaning 'thus in strength did Hobart grow") features on both the Coat of Arms and the earlier Crest of the city of Hobart.Red wooden plaque with metal insignia featuring a crown above the word HOBART, a gold rope circle around a red lion, with a shovel and pick under s raised paw. Beneath that is a boomerang, a nulla nulla, and a woomera over a Latin motto. HOBART/ SIC FORTIS HOBARTIA CREVIThobart, sic fortis hobartia crevit, plaque

After a quiet period, interest in bookplates in Australia began to increase in the early 1970s, This example was commissioned from Andrew Thomas a Ballarat photographer and designer by Michael Taffe owner of Hymettus at Ballarat in the 1990s and is a computer assisted design. It incorporates the generational family home, Hymettus and the family coat of arms with the owner's signature.Bookplate from Hymettus Cottage and Garden, first open to the public in 1917 as champion garden City of Ballaarat. the bookmark indicates the book it is affixed to was part of the family library in the house and represents four generations from 19th, 20th and 21st centuries a rare phenomenon in urban Australia.Bookplate depicts "Hymettus", a weatherboard cottage behind a paling fence with cottage name above image and family crest below.Signature of M. J. Taffe.ballarat, bookplate, hymettus, taaffe, taffe, andrew thomas

A grey coloured cardboard cover with black information on the front. Top right corner reads DSN 7610-66-029-1400. Under the Australian Coat of Amrs is the details of the booklet. There are two punch holes and two metal staples down the left hand side. The booklet is covered with plastic.australian military forces, booklet, signal training, radiotelephone procedure

Port bottle Royal Australian Navy. Light brown body with dark brown top with a picture of a ship on the front.HMAS Derwent Recommissioning Port. Contained 750ml. Wine made in Australia by Brown Bros Pty Ltd at Milawa Vict. Also has a navy coat of arms on reverse.

A blue coloured cardboard cover with information in black. There is the Austrlian Coat of Arms with the title of the booklet under this. The booklet is held together with a blue binding.australia - armed forces - service manuals, infantry training, infantry platoon weapons, 66mm light anti-tank weapon - m72

A blue coloured cardboard cover with information in black. There is the Austrlian Coat of Arms with the title of the booklet under this. The booklet is held together with a blue binding. Amendment No. 1 is inside the booklet.booklet, australian army, infantry training, infantry platoon weapons, 66mm light anti-tank weapon - m72

RAN Winter Ceremonial Officer's Uniform - black colour wool/polyester fabric. 1. Jacket - double breasted style with six buttons, collar, one inset, left breast pocket, two inset lower pockets with flap. Collar with two lapel metal badges - gold colour - Coat of Arms, Australia. Shoulder patch - black fabric, gold lettering "AUSTRALIA". Sleeve rank insignia patch fabric - Coat of Arms Australia = Warrant Officer. Buttons - gold colour metal buttons with shank with raised emblem lettering. Queens Crown, Anchor and "AUSTRALIA". Lining - black colour, polyester cotton fabric. Two concealed pockets. 2. Trousers - with fob pocket, two inset side pockets, one inset back pocket. Belt loops nylon/metal zipper fly and metal hook closer.Manufacturers inscription on back of buttons "STOKES & SONS/ VICTORIA"uniform, ran

This program was given to John Kerr Barnes OAM whose name appears on Page 8 of the awards for "Service to Veterans". Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards. Cat No 8045P for photo of presentation.Program paper 18 pages, all print in blue, rear cover is blank. Front cover has Coat of Arms at the top followed by details of the Presentation of Australian Honours and Awards, pages detail the type of awards, who to and why. The last two pages are re invite to light refershments in the State Apartments and Official photographs of each person."INVESTITURE at Government House Melbourne on Thursday 4th May 1995 for the presentation of Australian Honours and Awards by H.E. the Honorable Richard. E. McGarvie, A.C. Govenor of Victoria" brsl, smirsl, oam

Part of the "Kevin John Herdman", No. 397661 Collection. See cat No. 5942P or details of his service.Green plastic waterproof coat with belt. Belt has a buckle for adjustment. Mesh vent across back covered with a flap. Two vents at shoulder level on front. Metal vent holes under arms. Front closed with buttons. Two side pockets. Sizing label on inside neck. Manufacturers label on inside left.On sizing label: 40L, CLASS 8405, 66-018-1274, 8305-66-018-0450'. Stamped on sizing label: 'BRK, 70, 70". Handwritten on sizing label: 'K. HERDMAN'. On Manufacturer's label: 'M.PENNISI, CLOTHNG CO. PTY LTD, VICTORIA, 1970 (upwards arrow ^).accessory, waterproof coat, australian army, kevin john herdman

John Murphy VX15580 in 2/7 Australian Infantry Battalion, 5th March 1940 and was discharged on 3rd October 1945 at Royal Park. Refer Cat 512.2 for Service Details.Certificate of Discharge No. 193910, Parchment Paper, light yellow colour with black print. Coat of Arms at top with form giving details of Name, No, Unit, Length o Service, Enlistment Date, Discharge Date, Description of Soldier, Location of Discharge & Signature of both Discharging Officer and Soldier Discharged.Some unrelated numbers written on back and front in pencil.discharge certificate, ww2

Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.Certificate - cream coloured paper with black and cream coloured print. Illustrated in colour with Navy, Army, Airforce and Nursing personnel above crossed flags - Union Jack and Australian above scroll work and City of Bendigo. Coat of Arms/crest bracketed by dates "1939 - 1945". Red coloured embossed "City of Bendigo" Seal lower right. Frame - clear varnished timber with cardboard backing, no glass.Inscription on certificate - "TO YOU WHO SERVED/ THE CITIZENS OF BENDIGO/ EXPRESS/ DEEP THANKFULLNESS/ TO "W. THEODORE"/ Long as the heart beats life/ with in the breast/ And Freedom, Love and Plenitude endure/ So may your sacrifice for these/ be Blessed/ And Honour, Pride, Integrity ensure/ "A. Truscott" Mayor/ ??? Town Clerk".framed accessories, certificate, ww2, ran, william anthony theodore dsm

Alan Keith GEIER No 24896 enlisted in the RAN on 24.6.41 aged 19 years. He was posted to HMAS Perth on 11.12.1942. The Perth was sunk in the Sundra Strait on 1.3.42. Alan as one of the survivors was taken POW. An initial Red Cross report stated he was a POW in a Java Camp. Alan died as a result of Cardiac Beri Beri on 30.1.1944. He was buried in Siam. The PERTH was sunk by a Japanese torpedo in the Battle of the Sundra Strait. Approximately half the crew lost their lives and about 2/3rds of the survivors returned home after captivity. Refer Cat No 599P for his photo.Commemorative Scroll, framed re A.K Geier. There is a small B & W photo of Geier in the right hand corner of the frame. The scroll has a large coat of arms at top of sheet with commemorative description under. The frame is a simple gold painted wooden frame."Wireman A. K. Geier, Royal Australian Navy"certificates, ran, hmas perth, scrolls

ANTHONY NEWMAN No 3243 enlisted in the AIF on 28.10.1914 age 22 years 5 months in the 1st reinforcements 2nd FAB AIF as a Gunner. Embarked for Egypt 22.12.1914, embarked for Gallipoli 30.4.1915, transferred to 3rd FAB 6.9.1915. Hospitalised with Jaundice serious enough to be transferred to Malta then England, returned to unit 10.3.1916. Transferred to 12th FAB 26.3.1916 then to 4th Div AHQ 31.3.1916. Embarked for France 2.6.1916, discharged from the AIF 10.5.1919 medically unfit.Timber frame, mid brown with glass front, dark green mount. Discharge Certificate for ANTHONY NEWMAN printed in black & red colour on cream coloured paper, features the Royal coat of arms mounted on 2 columns all in red ink. Illustrated in black is Britannia holding a Union Jack flag & facing 2 soldiers who are presenting arms. At the bottom is a scroll with the recipients name written in black ink. Block print label mounted within dark green mount, centre lower edge. Within the red scroll border: “Anthony Newman Australian Imperial Force Served with honour & was disabled in the Great War. Honourably discharged on 10.5.1919 George R I” Label centre lower edge: ANTHONY NEWMAN Regt No 3243 2nd FAB Enlisted 23.10.194 Discharged 10.5.1919 medically unfit. Donated by R Fair. Stamped at the bottom: V22526 documents - certificates, newman, disabled

John Leonard Stanley Hammill No 1351 AIF. Refer 396.2 for his service history also 368P.Certificate of discharge J S S Hammill AIF, Certificate No V12482. Frame, dark brown timber with gold inner edge with glass front. Discharge Certificate printed in black & red colour. Certificate features a royal coat of arms mounted in 2 columns all in red ink. Illustrated in black is Britannia holding a Union Jack & facing 2 soldiers who are presenting arms. At the bottom is a scroll with the recipient's name written in black ink. J S S Hammill Australian Imperial Force Served with honour and was disabled in the Great War Honourably discharged on 26.6.16 George R I Stamped on bottom of Certificate V12482 documents - certificates, frame accessories, military history-army

The recipient of the certificate is FRANCIS J WILLIAMS Reg No 7326 8th Battalion, from Stawell Victoria. Refer 69.2 for his service details.Honourable Discharge Certificate, FRANCIS J WILLIAMS AIF. Brown wooden frame, glass front & coloured certificate. Recipient's name written in red & black ink. Certificate features the Royal coat of arms mounted on 2 columns, all in red. Illustrated in black ink is Brittania holding a Union Jack & facing 2 soldiers who are presenting arms. At the bottom is a scroll with the recipient's name.Within the red scroll's border: FRANCIS J WILLIAMS Australian Imperial Force Served with honour and war disabled in the Great War Honourably discharged on 11.7.1920 George R Idocuments - military, certificates, aif

William Owen Lewis No 471 enlisted on 10.9.1914 in D Coy 14th Bn age 22 years, embark for Eygpt 22.12.1914, due to factors he finally embarks for Gallipoli 22.7.1915, reported missing 8.8.1915 then reported WIA, rejoin unit 19.9.1915, hospital with Pluerisy 2.12.1915, rejoin unit 4.2 1916, transfer to 46th Bn then to 12th MG Coy, embark for Marseilles 11.6.1916, hospital 1.10.1916 with Synovitis L/Knee, rejoin unit 21.1.1917, hospital 25.7.1917 Abcess Buttock then Fistula, RTA 5.4.1918, discharged from the AIF medically unfit (D.A.H) 4.7.1918.Certificate on light cream parchment paper, outer print is in red showing a Coat of Arms at the top with columns down each side with Dominion/Commonwealth names around, centre in black print shows a soldier standing with a rifle and Brittanica seated with a sword and flag, under is printed wording wording acknowledging a soldier was Disabled and Honourably discharged in the Great War, soldiers name is hand drawn in.In black hand drawn, “W.O.Lewis Australian Imperial Force”, “4.7.18”certificates, disabled ww1

This framed lithograph print in watercolour and gouache was produced on November 19th, 1924, by 20th-century marine artist, Mr R.N. Duffield. It depicts the event of a sea rescue that took place two years earlier. The framer was A.L. Frith of Footscray, Melbourne, who actively advertised from 1933 to 1935. The now disbanded Shiplovers' Society of Victoria (1930-2018) donated the print, and it seems likely that this print was framed for that organisation. This graphic image shows the conditions in which the rescue from the wrecked Helen B. Sterling happened. Captain George Harris was master of the American-owned, four-masted windjammer. His wife Edith and their ten-year-old son Leslie were on board, along with a crew of fifteen seamen. The ship set off from Newcastle, NSW, on January 5th, 1922, loaded with a cargo of coal to deliver to the Society Islands and on to San Francisco. Young Leslie later wrote a lively school composition for his teacher about his experiences on board the Helen B Sterling. He tells of a fire that broke out the day after they departed and burned a hole in a beam. Then another troublesome time on the 9th, when a strong gale blew a sail off the ship. Finally, he tells of the highlight of his voyage when, on the 18th January, the ship was right in the path of a strong cyclone, which broke the mainmast. Huge waves crashed over both sides of the deck, meeting in the middle, and the ship began to sink. The rescue from the wreck was an exciting time for the young boy, and even more so when one of his cats survived after being carefully wrapped in a pillowcase and thrown down from the ship for the boy. Reporters later wrote about Leslie’s comments, “... what had grieved him most was the thought that he might never see his two little sisters again”. Captain Harris said in a published statement, “… the gale was the worst he had met in his 12 years’ experience at sea. All went well for the first week. We then encountered a strong blow from the south-east. We tried the gasoline pump, but the engine broke down, and we had to do the pumping by hand. We at once shortened sail, but the sea increased in fury to such an extent that men were washed from the pumps. I was below at 5:30 on Sunday morning [January 22nd, 1922] when the main mast went over the side, … I at once sent out SOS signals, and got word that HMAS Melbourne was coming to our assistance. I had made a mistake with regard to our position, but did not know it until 11:30 o’clock, when I sent out the correct location. This was picked up by the Melbourne and I received the following reply: “We will reach you about 2 am. Keep a good heart. The Melbourne will do all she can.” Our ship was practically awash when we were taken off.” (Ref: the ‘Helen B. Sterling Disaster’, Maitland Weekly Mercury, NSW, 4-2-1922.) Officers from the Royal Australian Navy, Captain Henry J Feakes (later Rear-Admiral) and Commander Wilfrid Ward Hunt, were on board the light cruiser, HMAS Melbourne (1913-1928), when it left Sydney for New Zealand. After the SOS was received, the ship sped at full steam towards the sinking Helen B. Sterling. They found the vessel at about midnight and shone bright search lights on the distressed ship to illuminate the desperate scene. The Melbourne was unable to move close to the schooner, so sixteen seamen, including Commander Hunt, volunteered to man the Melbourne’s lifesaving 12-oared cutter. They rowed the sea boat with great urgency towards the victims of the sinking ship, keen to save lives no matter what the conditions. When the cutter was close to the Sterling, a line was secured between the Sterling and the cutter. The weary, waterlogged and anxious men on board could be rescued, one at a time, in the breeches buoy equipment, which looked like canvas shorts with a lifesaving ring in the waistband. The victims were hauled along the line and pulled aboard by many willing hands. All eighteen crew and passengers were saved, including Captain Harris and his family. The seamen of the Melbourne received a heroes’ welcome when they arrived in New Zealand. The grateful survivors were taken to Auckland, where they received the care and comfort they needed. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Cr. Swanston, on behalf of the citizens of Melbourne, formally recognised the heroic rescue efforts of the seamen of the HMAS Melbourne on March 2nd, 1922, at a special presentation. Two large flags, a White Ensign and an Australian “Jack" Flag, were presented to the Captain of HMAS Melbourne, and souvenirs were awarded to the sea boat’s crew and its Commander, Wilfred Ward Hunt. Commander Hunt was also presented with an original watercolour depicting the heroic rescue from the wreck of the Helen B. Sterling, painted just after the event by renowned marine artist Arthur V Gregory (1867-1957), and he received a silver cigarette case bearing the City’s coat of arms and the inscription, "To Commander Ward Hunt from the Citizens of Melbourne as a memento of the rescue of the crew of Helen B. Stirling by H.M.A.S. Melbourne, on 23.1.22". Both the painting and the cigarette case are now treasured items inherited by his grandson; a reminder of “… a very fine naval gentleman who believed in leading by example." R.N. DUFFIELD: - The Lithograph print in our collection by 20th-century English artist R.N. Duffield is dated Nov. 19, 1924. It is very similar to, and possibly created from, the original A V Gregory watercolour presented to Commander Hunt and dated 1922. Mr R.N. Duffield has art works in the Yarmouth Museums, Norfolk Museums Collection; “Orient Liner Otranto …,” and "Convoy of six ships at sea", both painted in watercolour and gouache during the 1940s. Some of his other works, also painted in watercolour and gouache, have been advertised for sale on Internet sites. Some details differ between the original A.V. Gregory and this Lithograph Print: - -the words on the bow on the original watercolour are “Helen B. Sterling, Blain”, which is in Washington, USA, where the Sterling Shipping Company was registered from around 1919; the words on the print are “Helen B. Sterling, Halifax, N S”, for Nova Scotia, Canada, which is the hometown of Sterling Shipping Company founder’s wife, Helen B Sterling. -The watercolour is coloured and has fine details; the print is monochrome - The A V Gregory signed the watercolour in 1922, on the lower left; the print is signed with the Lithographer’s name on the lower right; “R N Duffield, Nov. 19. 1924” ARTHUR VICTOR GREGORY (1867-1957): - A.V. Gregory is a renowned marine artist who worked in watercolour and gouache. He painted actively between 1899 and 1932, creating over 3o0 works. South Melbourne, Victoria, was where he lived and worked. This Lithograph print is significant in that it depicts the rescuing of the passengers and crew of the schooner “Helen B Stirling”. At the time this was a significant event that made most Australian and New Zealand papers because of the involvement of the Australian cruiser “Melbourne”. The image demonstrates the perilous conditions experienced by seafarers. It includes an example of the line and breeches buoy method used to save lives at sea from the 1860s and into the 20th century. It reflects a time in our history when sail and steam ships cruised the world’s seas together, the former trading with a cargo of coal from Newcastle, the latter defending our country in World War I. The print is part of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum’s Collection of maritime artworks that depict famous events, vessels and locations, showing the evolution of sea craft, and aiding the interpretation of our maritime history. The Lithograph print is behind glass in a black painted timber frame and mounted under a cream matte. The vivid image depicts a sea rescue in progress. The night scene is illuminated by a light beaming from a steamship, the Cruiser HMAS Melbourne. It reveals figures on the deck of a sinking sailing ship, the schooner Helen B. Sterling, as foaming waves roll across it. The stricken ship has a broken main mast, and a sail has been detached. A small figure is floating in the choppy sea, secured in a breeches buoy that is attached to a rescue line between a lifesaving cutter and the sailing ship. The crewmen in the cutter are ready to haul the shipwrecked victim aboard, while the figures on the foundering ‘Sterling’ watch them. The print’s paper-covered wooden backboard is attached to the frame with small tacks. A metal hanging wire is secured to two dissimilar eyelet screws. Inscriptions include text on the bow of the sinking vessel, a handwritten title below the picture, and a handwritten name in the print’s lower right corner. On the reverse are two oval, black ink stamps and a round cream label with printed text. The hand-painted print was reproduced from a lithograph, signed in the lower right, by R.N. Duffield of England, on November 19th, 1924. A Frith of Footscray, Melbourne framed it. Painted on the ship’s bow: “HELEN B. STERLING / HALIFAX N S” [Nova Scotia, Canada] Handwritten below the print: “AUSTRALIAN CRUISER “MEMBOURNE” (Tons 5600) rescuing crew of sinking four-masted schooner “HELEN B. STERLING” of Halifax NS Canada, Tons 1343 in a gale in the Pacific Ocean.” Handwritten on lower right: “R.N. DUFFIELD / Nov. 19. 1924” (underlined) On paper label: “Phone: / Footscray 398 [some of the text has torn off] / “A. FRITH / PICTURE FRAMER / Manufacturer / 17 Paisley Street / Footscray.“ On both oval stamps: “SHIPLOVERS SOCIETY OF VICTORIA / LIBRARY” flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, lithograph, lithograph print, reproduction print, helen b. sterling, the sterling, american owned schooner, halifax, halifax n s, halifax nova scotia, nova scotia, halifax n s canada, schooner, windjammer, sailing ship, four-masted ship, captain george harris, george harris, edith harris, leslie harris, sterling shipping line, hmas melbourne, hmas melbourne (1), cruiser hmas melbourne, the melbourne, australian cruiser, captain henry j feakes, commander wilfred ward hunt, sinking ship, shipwreck, sea rescue, gale, cyclone, 1922 rescue, shipwreck rescue, breeches buoy, line rescue, rescue line, lifesaving, cutter, cutter melbourne, sea boat, lifesaving crew, 12-oar cutter, shipwreck victim, r.n. duffield, marine artist, nov. 19. 1924, 20th century artist, a frith, footscray picture framer, shiplovers’ society of victoria, shiplovers’ society library, watercolour, a v gregory, arthur victor gregory, melbourne artist, newcastle coal, newcastle nsw, society islands, san fracisco, aukland new zealand, school composition, ship’s cat, sos signal, lord mayor cr. swanston, heroes, cigarette case

Ian Dyett Collection: Fred Dyett Mayoral Reception Certificate a foolscap size cream coloured paper with blue print. A City of Bendigo Coat of Arms at centre top, underneath in cursive script- The people of Bendigo through their Mayor Cr. Clark Jeffery Have this day tendered a Mayoral Reception for (hand written in blue ink and underlined in red) Mr Fred Dyer [Bendigo] V.F.3 of Aust. Coast Guard Auxilary Signed JCM Jeffery MAYOR next to a City of Bendigo Coat of Arms impress into the paper. Underneath there is a blue tinted aerial photograph of Bendig showing Rosalind Park, Post Office, Law Courts, Pall Mall, View St. CITY OF BENDIGO underneath. Cambridge Press Bendigo (in the lower right corner) fred dyett, clark jeffery, australian coast guard auxilary, bendigo

James Pianto “MM” No 2672 AIF. Refer 1904 for his service history. Certificate for the Award of "The Military Medal' to No 2672 Private J PIANTO Australian Imperial Force". Certificate has a coloured Coat of Arms at the top followed by his details in ink. Other details are blue printed. Frame is wood with a gold edge.documents, certificates

The letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth recognised the significance of William’s brave and courageous lifesaving act to the people of Australia; “They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The story of that brave rescue follows on below … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, The company was one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October 1905, the twelve-year-old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia. She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a north-westerly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with seawater and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on the shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11 pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11 pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2 am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise, the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning, Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25-year-old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days, an unidentified body of a young person has washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with the manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. As well as this letter, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and a postcard of William Ferrier with four of the survivors. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. This original congratulatory letter sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia demonstrates the importance attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The letter is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The letter to William Ferrier from the Australian Government acknowledges the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The letter is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it honours William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The letter connects to the postcard of William Ferrier with four of the five rescued crew, the photograph of the wreck of the La Bella and the artefact from the wreck, the rail holder. This letter is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella”. The “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Letter to William Ferrier of South Warrnambool from the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament commending him on his bravery. The printed letterhead includes a coat of arms in the top centre and the official address. The letter is very neatly hand written in black pen and includes 4 signatures of Members of Parliament. The rectangular paper is cream coloured with some yellow/brown discolouring. It has the letterhead on the right hand side of it and the written letter begins below the letterhead. The paper has been folded so that the right side becomes the cover page of the letter. The writing is continued onto the inside right hand page of the folded paper and the writing ends here. There is more recent writing on the bottom right hand corner of the back page. The paper has been officially folded in half a total 3 times and there is heavy discolouration on the sections that form the front and back of the folded letter. There is a 4th fold line that is less pronounced that the other folds and would make the paper the size to fit into a pocket. At several fold creases the paper has worn through. The edges of the paper have minor tears. The printed coat of arms is that of the House of Representatives. Underneath is printed “The Parliament of the Commonwealth, / Parliament House / Melbourne”. The hand written, letter is dated “14th November, 1905” and addressed to “Mr. William Ferrier / South Warrnambool” The letter begins “The Speaker, the Prime Minister and Members of the Ministry and its supporters, the Leader and Members of the Opposition, the Leader and Members of the Labour Party, being all the Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Australia” … It continues “desire to express to you their appreciation of your bravery in skulling out to the wreck of the “La Bella” at Warrnambool on Saturday, 11th November, 1905, and recovering therefrom two of the crew who were in imminent danger of their lives. They all feel that your conduct was worthy of the best deeds done by British sailors in the past and they are proud to know that Australia can produce such as you.” The letter is “Signed on behalf of the Members – Speaker (Frederick Holder ), Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Joseph Cook ), Prime Minister (Alfred Deakin), Leader of the Labour Party ( J.C. Watson)” On the back of the letter is blue ink handwriting “OWNER / G. FERRIER / TO. BE. PHOTOGRAPHED / 27-4-76”la bella, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, prime minister, australian government, new zealand, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village

Pay book issued to Edmond Paget Seymour VX 102658, Serving in Australian Army during WW2. Tracking pay details, next of kin, medical and training.Pay book for Australian Soldier No. 264394. Cover brown. Coat of Arms and Australian Military Forces. 26 pages inside. Rear cover has 2 photos of soldier stapled in. Records inside cover from 15/5/41 to 25/6/43. All pages stamped with "Discharge" in purple. Two small holes punched through bottom of the book 3cm apart.Pages stamped in purple "Discharge". Front cover VX102658, "Edmond Paget Seymour".passchendaele barracks trust, soldiers pay book, e. p. seymour

This is a copy of a very faded red cardboard cover with The RSM near the top. There is the Austrlian Coat of Arms and a picture of a soldier to the right. The booklet is held together by a metal slide.australia - armed forces - service manuals, rsm, regimental sergeant major, infantry, rsm course

Items in the collection re Lt. Col. J.W. Swatton, refer Cat No 6719.2P for his service details.This compendium has numerous weapon pamphlets put together like a manual. They are all held within an overall blue buckram cardboard cover. The whole assembly is held with a black shoe lace. The Aust Coat of Arms is top center. 1. Inf PL weapons PAM 1 1948 General. 2. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 2 1948 Fieldcraft. 3. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 3 1948 Rife & Bayonet. 4. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 4 Aust 1949 Machine carbines. 5. Owen Gun Instruction book (includes exploded diagram of parts) 6. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 6 The light machine gun 1948 - Bren. 7. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 7 Grenades 1951 8. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 7* 1951 Australian supplement. 9. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 8 The 2 inch mortar 1949 10. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 11 Exercising Trained soldiers 1949. 11. Inf Trg Vol 1 PAM 12 Fire Centra & Theory small arms Fire 1949. 12. Small arms Trg Vol 1 PAM 2 Aust - Application of Fire 1945. 13. Small arms Trg Vol 1 PAM 7 - Aust - .303 inch M.G. 1943 14. Small Arms Trg Vol 1 PAM 11 Aust - Pistol 1943. On cover of first manual in ink is "Cpl Swatton" On rear cover is a white sticky label printed on it is ; "On loan from the Estate of Colonel J.W. Swatton" Ref No. JWS M3Y.passchendaele barracks trust, military weapons

Booklet contains photographs of crafts dating from settlement until 1921 in Victoria.Booklet "Colonial Crafts of Victoria" Lemon background with illustration showing coloured pictures with Victorian Coat of Arms.Early Settlement too 1921crafts victoria, colonial crafts