On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber frame with gold coloured inner edge containing badge and tribute on grey backgroundGull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha In memory of and tribute to the Officers and Men of "Gull Force" comprising of 2/21 Battalion and attached Units.gull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

The Rising Sun crafted from timber by Alan Darwin of Wangaratta Woodworkers Inc., and presented to the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch to commemorate the 100 year ANZAC campaignProudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of AnzacCarved timber badge in the shape of the Rising Sun above crown and bannerCarved "The Australian Army" Gold plaque engraved"To commemorate the 100 year ANZAC campaign "rising sun, anzac

Dark timber frame with gold edging depicting sketch of Aussie Diggers with campaign ribbons 1901-2001. Image of Rising Sun Badge centered at top , Australian Flag left top corner, three rows of campaign ribbons either side of circular map of the world across the bottom.The Australian Army 1901-2001 "The Spirit - Ordinary people - Extraordinary Service"campaign ribbons, australian army, 1901-2000

Limited edition poster displaying images of Australian Victoria Cross recipientsThe Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the Australia Armed Forces. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and to civilians under military command. Being the highest award in the Australian Honours Order of Wearing, the Victoria Cross takes precedence over all other postnominals and Australian orders and decorations. Timber frame containing images of Victoria Cross Medal recipients AUSTRALIAN VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Limited Edition Seriesvictoria cross, vc

On the night of August 24, 1941 HMS Kanimbla, with 300 Indian troops on board led a flotilla in a surprise attack on the Iranian port of Bandar Shahpur capturing eight German and Italian merchant vessels all containing valuable cargoes, as well as two Iranian gunboats and a floating dock. Kanimbla went alongside the burning Italian tanker Bronte and fought the fires while engaging a train with her main armament and with her 3-inch guns. She remained in the region until October 11, supervising the port and carrying out salvage work on the captured vessels, including salvage work on the German freighter Hohenfels. After further work in Indian waters during the latter part of October and November, Kanimbla proceeded to Singapore and escorted the first convoy out of that city after the Japanese attack on Malaya. She arrived in Melbourne on Christmas Day. She carried out further convoy work off the Australian coast and in both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. At the end of the war HMAS Kanimbla was employed in repatriating Australian servicemen from the Pacific Islands and also in returning Dutch dependents to the East Indies (Indonesia). Between October 1946 and June 1948 she sailed between Australia and Japan transporting British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. MS Kanimbla was unique for many reasons, she was the only passenger liner in history to have a fully operational radio broadcasting station built into the ship at the time of construction. The equipment was manufactured by AWA in Australia and had been shipped to Ireland for installation whilst the ship was still under construction.Brown timber frame housing white mount and dark blue print with grey ship in the centre above list of names below and top right and left corners.THE GREAT GREY RAIDER Captured 22 Ships, / Floating Dock, / 1Train Ships captured: Weissenfels, Wildenfels, V. Mayakovsky, Sheng Wha, Marienfels, Karakoram, Hathor, Winford, Sturmfels, Hohenfels, Store Nordiske, Tonjer, Chahbaaz, Barbara, Talisman, Corona, Carboto, Dah Pu, Sygna, Gabon, Bronte, Agnes Pre War: M.V. Kanimbla, McIlrath McEachern Line, 12000 Tons War: Commissioned as H.M.S. & Later H.M.A.S as armed Merchant Cruiserkanimbla, great grey raider, hohenfels, bronte, ww2, 1941

Two up is a traditional Australian gambling fame involving a designated "spinner" throwing two coins or pennies into the air. Players bet on whether the coins will fall with both heads up both tails up or with one coin head and one a tail. It is traditionally played on Anzac day in pubs and clubs throughout Australia in part to mark a shared experience with diggers through the ages.Green cardboard package containing two coins and three timber paddles.1955 and 1984 pennies in a wooden board made in the Perth Mint Logo of Perth Mint embossed on board. Perth Mint EST 1899 together with Bird two up, anzac day

This black and white image taken of Australian soldiers at the Headquarters of the AIF Overseas Training Brigade based at Longbridge Deverell in Wiltshire England prior to distribution of Comfort Funds Xmas Boxes in 1918. One of the soldiers in the image is Private Llewellyn EVANS 5335 of the 24th Battalion. EVANS was born on the 9/8/1879 at Moyhu in Victoria. He was a farmer and enlisted on the 8/2/1916 at the age of 36 years. He embarked on the 1/8/1916 and was wounded twice, first in 1917 receiving a gunshot wound to the right leg and again in 1918 receiving a gunshot wound to the right arm and leg. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 30/4/1919.Sand Hill (Longbridge Deverill)- Sand Hill camp was built in 1914 to accommodate infantry units. Australian troops arrived at Longbridge Deverill in October 1917, when their Overseas Training Brigade was moved from Perham Down and established there to train soldiers who had recovered from illness and wounds for a return to active service. Brown timber frame containing photograph of large group of soldiers and band members in an open field.Distribution of "Comfort Fund" Xmas Boxes to A.I.F. Longbridge Deverall, March 1918 comfort fund, ww1, llewellyn evans, 24th battalion, longbridge deverill

MARSH VX132480 was born on 8/1/1915 at Bendigo and joined the Army May 1941, served with Survey Battery Unit at Buna and Finschaven New Guinea. Joined Wangaratta Sub-Branch 1946. Delegate to the 34th Dist. Board and delegate to State Conference on several occasions. Received Life membership in May 1970.Timber framed photograph of Sydney MARSHJOHN S. (Syd) MARSH john s. (syd) marsh, new guinea, wangaratta rsl, ww2, australian army

Joined R.A.A.F. 1943. Served in Australia and S.W.P.A with the 8th Airfield Construction Unit. Joined Wangaratta Sub-Branch in 1947. Served as RSL State Councillor, Past President of 34th Dist. Board and member of Legacy for ten years. Made life member in 1987Timber framed photo of Life Member - Gordon BARNARDGORDON BARNARD Joined R.A.A.F in 1943. Joined Wangaratta Sub-Branch in 1947. Served on the committee for many years and was made a Life Member in 1987gordon barnard, 8th airfield contruction unit

Poster displaying WW1 Distinguishing badges colours and patches of the AIF. These colour patches identified units and formations of the Australian Army which fought during World War 1Poster is a tribute to the soldiers of WW1Carved timber framed poster with rising sun crest with flags and columns of coloured symbols and shaped badges.The Great War 1914-1918 Colours & Patches Distinguishing Badges of the Australian Imperial Forcesww1, great war, aif, colours & patches, distinguishing badges, 1914-1918

Recruitment poster urgently calling for enlistments to the AIF during World War Two. The poster depicts a man donning a uniform, rifle in one hand, his civilian clothes lie in heap on the ground behind him.Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster released in 1941 before Japan had entered the war, at a time when many Australians were reluctant to enlist to fight on the other side of the world. Dark timber frame containing poster of a soldier JOIN THE A.I.F THIS IS SERIOUS ENLIST NOWrecruiting, oster, ww2

Item donated by Eric Hamilton VX42389 who served with the 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion in the Middle East and at the battle of Tobruk which lasted 241 days in 1941. Brown timber frame containing poster with Map in centre and circles in each corner with images of soldiers and one symbol on light blue background Siege of Tobruk April- Dec 1941tobruk, ww2, 1941

Poster displaying colours and symbol patches of A.I.F Units who fought at the Seige of Tobruk between APRIL-DEC 1941A chart showing the "Tobruk T" patches of the Australian units that took part in the siege of TobrukTimber framed poster of Army colour patches with AIF Badge and two flags centered at topSeige of Tobruk A.I.F April-Dec 1941seige of tobruk, ww2, unit colours and patches, army, rats of tobruk

Record of Australia's Voluntary Effort in the Great War (AIF) AUG 4TH 1914 to JUNE 28TH 1919 During the the First World War General Sir W.R. Birdwood, was Commander of the Australian Imperial Forces and Lieutenant General Sir J. Monash, Commander of the Australian Army Corp.A commemorative colour poster published c.1920 as a record of Australia's voluntary effort in the Great War. The composition is similar to that of an Honour Roll and features a depiction of the rising sun badge within a wreath. Listed are each Australian Division, the Light Horse and the AIF Corps Headquarters. Each is headed with a portrait of the Division's Commanding Officer, and includes depictions of colour patches, followed by principal engagements and a summary of causalities suffered.Carved brown timber framed poster of rising sun, two flags and images of Army Commanding Officers, Awards and Badges Plaque reads ...Presented to Wangaratta RSL by Eric Hamiltonww1, great war, commemorative poster, australia

Sketch Map of Bulldog-Wau Road New Guinea drawn to scale by 2/1 Aust Fd Coy dated 23.7.43 and signed by soldiers together with related newspaper article. Hand sketched by Peter Muncey VX10042 a Draughtsman who served in the Middle East Ceylon and New Guinea with the 2/2 and 2/1 Field Coy Royal Australian Engineers. The sketch contains 26 signatures including:- S/Sgt Raymond Hector Ibbotson NX14112 who served in the Middle East and New Guinea Lt Col Jack Graham Wilson NX 130646Bulldog Track also known as Bulldog-Wau road was longer, higher, steeper, wetter, colder and rougher than Kokoda Track. In 1943 Australian Army engineers; the 2/1 and 2/16 Field Company RAE, 9th Australian Field Company (AIF), veterans of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Greece and Crete, the 1st and 3rd Australian Pack Transport Companies and local Papuan labour cut the road with pickaxes and dynamite over a period of eight months. During five months of operations over seventy per cent of the 2/1 Australian Field Company contracted malaria.Seventeen bridges were constructed; mostly single, but at least one with multiple spans. More than two thousand Australian army personnel and over two thousand Papuans and New Guineans were involved during nine months of construction. Thus the road, acclaimed as the greatest military engineering feat ever, was completed and for the only time in history motor vehicles crossed the high rugged mountains of Papua New Guinea. Carved brown timber frame with cream mount containing hand sketched map with soldiers signatures and two newspaper articles.Sketch Map of Bulldog-Wau Road 23.7.43 2/1 Aust Fd Coy Newspaper - Diggers pushed on with pick and shovelbulldog-wau road, map, new guinea, ww2

Poster displaying 56 Australian Army Corp BadgesBrown timber frame containing poster displaying 56 badges on red backgroundArmy The Career Servicearmy, australian, badges

Item displays images of Australian Army badges of rank and special qualifications.The rank system forms the backbone of the Australian Army’s structure and defines a soldier or officer’s role and degree of responsibility. The ranks are based upon those of the British Army, although there are some differences in the way they are displayed. Brown timber and gold painted frame containing poster showing Australian Army badges against a white background. Badges arranged by rank as follows: commissioned officers, warrant and non-commissioned officers and specialist qualification badges.Australian Army Badge of Rankarmy, australia, badges of rank

A limited edition framed collection with service medals presented over the past one hundred years to our dedicated service men and women, meticulously mounted and displayed on quality backing. Includes: 36 medals, 53 current bars and 12 World War II barsBrown timber frame with gold painted inner edge containing a poster headed with two springs of wattle either side of three flags above four rows of medals and ribbons on a white background edged with photograph negatives of soldiers and wartime.Australian Service Medals Centre of bottom edge - Christie's Pty Ltd Registered Design Number 1/2500australian, service medals

Women’s Auxiliaries were formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the First World War. In May1918 a small band of women from the "Friendly Union" organised themselves,under the leadership of Mrs F C Purbrick, into a Women's Auxiliary of the Wangaratta Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). Their first task was to furnish club rooms for the RSA and this was achieved by seeking donations and raising money by selling jams, jellies and posies of violets by selected girls wearing special badges in the street. Over the years funds have been raised through raffles, competitions, street stalls and catering at numerous events to assist the aims of the Returned Services League. In 2018 the Wangaratta RSL Women's Auxiliary celebrated its centenary. Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community. Today, there are more than 1200 auxiliary members in Victoria.Red timber shield mounted on brown laminated base of particle board in a larger shield shape with metal emblem. Women's Auxillary RSL on metal logo with Crown and Australian Flag mounted on red shieldwomen's auxiliary, wangaratta rsl

First President Wangaratta RSL 1928 Colonel H J Shannon D.S.O., V.D.Brown timber frame containing sepia photograph of Army OfficerCol. J. J. Shannon D.S.O., V.D. - First President Wangaratta RSL. 1928 Colonel Shannon became the 1st President of the Wangaratta RSL when it was organised under Anzac House and the present constitution. He was born at Bowman's Forest in 1874 and died in Wangaratta in 1960. He served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles at the turn of the century, rose to the rank of Captain and commanded the Wangaratta Detachment and Company - this later became the 8th Light Horse Regiment. In 1915 he embarked as Major in the 8th Light Horse and served in Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and Syria whee he commanded the 8th Squadron. Later he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and commanded the Regiment. During the Amman raids, he won the D.S.O at El Salt. This award was presented to him by the Duke of Clarence. In post war period he commanded the 8th Australian Light Horse and later as Colonel of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade During the second world war Colonel Shannon came from retirement to organise the V.D.C in North East Victoria.wangaratta rsl, h j shannon

Lieutenant Albert Sargent VX15290 was 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. Official Japanese records state that the ten men of the contingent captured were beheaded at Pasir Panjang on 7 July 1945, approximately one month before World War II in the Pacific came to an end.Brown timber frame and green mount containing a copy of photograph of soldier and map showing RIMAU battles and listing RIMAU personnel.Lt Albert Sargent Operation RIMAUoperation rimau, albert sargent, z special unit, vx15290, wangaratta, ww2

Cameron Stewart Baird, VC, MG was a soldier in the Australian Army who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in the Australian honours system. Cameron enlisted on 4/1/2000 and was posted to the 4th Battalion (Commando) RAR now known as the 2nd Commando Regiment. He was deployed on 7 operations including Operation TANAGER - Timor Leste in 2001 Operation BASTILLE and FALCONER - Iraq in 2003. Cameron resigned from the ADF in 2004 re enlisting in 2006 and again posted to 2nd Commando Regiment. In 2007 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed on Operation SLIPPER - Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry. In 2008 he was promoted to Corporal and deployed again on Operation SLIPPER in 2009 2011 and 2013. He was killed in action on 22 June 2013 and was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions in the Khod Valley Uruzgan province AfghanistanCorporal Baird is the 100th Australian to receive a VC since the award was first created by Queen Victoria in 1856. Brown timber frame and dark green mount containing photograph of soldier alongside poem with image of Victoria Cross medal in backgroundCAMS Cause - Commando for Lifecameron baird, victoria cross, medal for gallantry

The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion Association was uniquely granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 - to our knowledge the only/first Battalion Association in Australia to be granted this honour. Council acknowledges its appreciation of the contribution made by this Unit to community peace and national democracy and congratulates “Wangaratta’s Own” 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association on its Fiftieth Anniversary since formation.The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion Association was uniquely granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 - to our knowledge the only/first Battalion Association in Australia to be granted this honour. Council acknowledges its appreciation of the contribution made by this Unit to community peace and national democracy and congratulates “Wangaratta’s Own” 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association on its Fiftieth Anniversary since formation.Brown timber and gold gilt edged frame containing document with three signatures and red seal. A plaque is attached to glass on lower edge below document.Plaque reads - On 18 November 1994 the City of Wangaratta the Shires of Wangaratta, Oxley and part of the Shires of Benalla, Yarrawonga and Beechworth were amalgamated to create what is now the Rural City of Wangaratta. On 9 November 1996 the Commissioners and Citizens Proudly conferred "Freedom of Entry to the Rural City of Wangaratta" on the 2/24th Infantry Battalion Association.freedom of the city of wangaratta, 2/24th australian infantry battalion association

From the bequest of the late K. Lewinski, a German Ort boy from Berlin, refugee in England 1938 - June 1940. Interned and transported to Australia 1940, interned in camp 2. Released in January 1942 to 8th employment co at Tocumwal.Wooden sculpture featuring a man wearing a peaked cap, pushing a wooden wheel barrow filled with round logs, fixed to a wooden rectangular base. 2 pieces.K. Lewinski 1998 Timber: man - kwila, barrow - blackwood, firewood - teak kurt lewinski, wood sculptures, ort boy, internment camp 2, 8th employment co

Framed reproduction of sepia photograph of Pte. Alfred John Evans in full WW1 Australian Army uniform printed on canvas - timber frame has gold-toned insert.Metal Plaque attached reads "3139 Pte. Alfred John Evans, 58th Bn. A.I.F / Born, Anglesea River, 20 January 1893 / Died, Ville-sur-Ancre, France, 4 July, 1918".ww1, evans, military

The images depict the formal signing of the surrender of the Japanese Forces at Morotai on September 9 1945.The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. There were a number of surrender ceremonies including Morotai on September 9 1945. Morotai Island, was headquarters of the Australian forces in the Netherlands East Indies and before an assembly of more than l0,000 Australian and allied troops the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces (General Sir Thomas Blamey) accepted on the 9 September the formal surrender of all Japanese in the eastern half of the Netherlands East Indies. The instrument of surrender was Japanese signed by Lt-General Teshima, commander of the Japanese Second Army, comprising about 126,000 Japanese.Brown timber frame containing 7 photographs copied on papermorotai, ww2, japanese surrender