Close up of Soldiers’ Memorial inscription. 1999.Black & white detailed photo of the inscriptions on the memorial. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces emblem above the wording "Erected by - The Stawell Girls' Remembrance League to the Honor of the living and the everlasting Glory of the dead who fought in the Great War 1914-1919. - "Lest We Forget." stawell ww1 ww2

1941 40mm 2-pounder brass anti tank gun shell case made into a vase with 5 splayed points at top the casing with the collar insignia badge on front.Insignia - Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (collar badge). Outer edge under shell - 1941 LOT 110 RM/C 2PR No1. Inner area under shell - 1941 113 11-41anti-tank, gun shell, trench art, 1941, vase

The All Australian Memorial (Victorian Edition) A Historical Record of National Effort During The Great War. Australians Roll of Honour 1914 - 1916, Heroes and Helpers.Hard cardboard cover, dark red buckram, gold print on front & spine. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge on front. 158 cut, gold page edges, beige pages. Black / white / sepia photos, drawings, maps & portraits. Many photos mounted on cardboard mounts. Fold out photos & maps. Flyleaf & end papers are dark brown. Dedication page.Dedication page contains a card & printed portrait photo & information on Allan SCHWENNESEN “SCHWENNESEN A W, L-Cpl D Coy; 5th Batt; s. of Henry and Harriet Schwennesen 13 Arthur-St; Bendigo b. at Petersburg, S.Aust Sept 30 1897; educ. Talbot SS; clerk; enl. Bendigo, April 25, 1915 War Service; Gallipoli (Landing Evacuation); France”book, memorial, all australian

Square silk embroidered wall hanging with light and dark blue triangles. In multi colours with cream cotton lace borders on all sides."Australian Commonwealth 1919 Military Forces, Souvenir of Egypt, 4th L.H. " To my Dear Wife From Your Loving Husband Dick" souvenir, textile, silk, lace

The man on the right is Thomas Tuckerman. His cousin is on the left.The photo is in a frame of different layout. Frame: Metal frame with decorative edges. At the top is a Rising Sun Army Badge. The badge is marked "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" It has a vertical perspective. Photo: Black and White photo of the two men seated. One is holding a book, probably a marriage register. There is a small table between them. Their clothing appears to be 1910-1930 vintage, neither have a R.A.S. badge on. On the right side is printed the photographer's name: R. Dermer Smith, Bull Street, Bendigo photo, wedding party

Items are classed as WW 2 trench art..1) Perspex brooch, half round in shape, green colour. Inlaid is a rising sun lapel badge with is gold coloured. the writing on the badge "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" has been coated in red. 2 pins have been attached. .2) Perspex brooch, oval shape, clear from the rear a crown and wings has been pressed into to giving a clear shape from the front. trench art, brooches

Refer to Dean. Cat 4575P Copper cigarette case. One end has a hinge assembly. The other end has a catch. On the front cover, two horizontal bands ending in a semi circular pattern. In the centre is a small rising sun badge with enamel inserts. In the blue section can be seen the phrase - "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Behind the crown in the Rising Sun, is red enamel. The whole surface is "dimpled" with a regular pattern.case, metal

The 8th Light Horse was initially raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following Federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. The Regiment was disbanded in 1919 but soon after was re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, with the territorial title Indi Light Horse. The Indi Light Horse consisted of 3 squadrons. A squadron consisted of troops in Corryong, Walwa, Tallangatta, Eskdale and Wodonga. After an extensive recruiting campaign in January 1939 a new troop was raised in Bethanga, Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.This photo represents a group of Bethanga men who committed to service during World War 2A framed Black and white photograph of Bethanga members of the Australian Light Horse in uniformBack row (left to right), Troopers Keith Cadman, Arthur "Friday" Dower, Bert Sommer, Norm Martin, Andy Mitchell, Tom Pearce; Middle row (left to right). Troop Leader Sergeant Edward "Ted"Davies, Troopers Jack Mortlock, Albert "Ab" Bohun, Aub Cadman, Les Freyer Front row (left to right), Troopers Henry Trenchard, A."Ed" Hertzog, Doug Dower, Nelson "Manny" Green, Eric Wheller, J. Parker.indi light horse, bethanga light horse troop, bethanga history

The 8th Light Horse was initially raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following Federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. The Regiment was disbanded in 1919 but soon after was re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, with the territorial title Indi Light Horse. The Indi Light Horse consisted of 3 squadrons. A squadron consisted of troops in Corryong, Walwa, Tallangatta, Eskdale and Wodonga. After an extensive recruiting campaign in January 1939 a new troop was raised in Bethanga, Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.This article is significant because it depicts horses being loaded at the Wodonga Railway Station to despatch to the training camp at Broadmeadows. Two black and white images from the Border Morning Mail Friday March 10, 1939. One image shows horses being loaded on to trains in Wodonga to be sent to the base at Broadmeadows, Victoria. The second image depicts two leaders of the 8th Light Horse Regiment.Caption with Photo 1 WODONGA AND DISTRICT SOLDIERS OF THE KING Top: Wodonga railway station presented busy scenes on Monday when the lighthorsemen and their mounts took possession of it. Bottom- Although the men were jubilant at boarding the train for Broadmeadows the horses did not like the idea. This horse was no exception. Photo 2 TWO LIGHTHORSE LEADERS Lieutenant L. W. Welesmith, Tallangatta (left), discussing the entraining of horses for Broadmeadows at Wodonga, with Lieutenant J. A. Mc-Geoch (Wodonga), before the departure of the 8th Light Horse troop.australian light horse, peter frawley, light horse wodonga

A collection of items owned by Leonard James Baker who enlisted in the British Army in WWI then migrated to Australia and enlisted in the Australian Army in WWII. The period covered by the collection is 1918-1971.1. Photograph of Len Baker in WWI British Army uniform 2. Certificate of Transfer to Reserve 1918 3. Photograph of Len and Edie Baker's wedding in 1932 4. Letter from St Paul's Church of England, East Kew vicarage 1940 5. Letter from City of Kew 1941 6. Wallet from City of Kew given in WWII 7. 2nd Australian Imperial Force Certificate of Discharge, dated 7 May 1941 8. Australian Military Forces Volunteer Defence Corps Certificate of Discharge dated 15/3/42 - 9/10/45 9. British Passport issued 20 April 1971 from British High Commission Canberra 10. One original and two copied photographs of his wedding. The items were donated by the great-niece of Len Baker. Many can be viewed in the image carousel above.ww1 (1914-1918), second world war (1939-1945), first world war (1914-1918), ww2 (1939-1945), wwii (1939-1945), wwi (1914-1918), len baker, city of kew

WW1 photos and drawings.Grey cardboard cover with black and red writing on cover.Minnie Dunn of Waldon Hill dated 23/21918 and the name David Kelly is printed in pen inside the front cover. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Rising Sun badge printed on rear. Interior is mainly of photos and drawings.

1941 40mm 2-pounder brass anti tank gun shell case made into a vase with 5 splayed points at top the casing with the collar insignia badge on front.Insignia - Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (collar badge). Outer edge under shell - 1941 LOT 113 RM/C 2PR No2 Inner area under shell - 1941 110 11-41 No/2 MK1gun shell, anti-tank, trench art, 1941, vase

Christmas card sent from the Middle East, Dec 1941 from Trooper J.A. Martindale, 9th Australian Divisional Cavalry Regiment A.I.F.; to "Fellow Members of the A.N.A. wishing you all A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year" Two shhets of beige card a Christmas card front, with Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge b central message, hand written from Trooper J.A. Martindale9th Australian Divisional Cavalry Regiment A.I.F.

20th Light Horse Regiment serving in a infantry role was posted to Merauke on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea (now the Indoneasian province of Papua) in 1943. It was the only Australian Light Horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII. Sergeant Adrian Dunne, a native of Tocumwal NSW, was killed in action 12 November 1944. He was aged 25.Rare evidence of the service of the only Australian Light Horse regiment to serve overseas in World War II (1939-45). Timber framed display panel containing Australian Commonwealth Military Forces hat badge (Rising Sun), 'Australia' metal shoulder title, 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 British War Medal and 1939-45 Australian Service Medal; and Colour patch of 20th Light Horse Regiment, black over gold. Objects are protected by a Perspex front cover sheet. Sgt Dunne's name is spelled incorrectly on the panel.20th Light Horse / Sgt Adrian Dunn / VX81616 Tocumwal / Killed Dutch New Guinea 1943.military, world war two, wwii, dunn, merauke, new guinea

PBT No 21Collection of 5 badges mounted on purple velvet with metal reinforced corners. 1. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Badge. 2. Purple/red felt 38th Battalion colour patch. 3. Chevron stripes 3 x blue stripes - Overseas Service, 1 x red stripe for 1914 enlistment. 4. Gold metal Empire Wounded stripe. 5. Gold metal Returned from Active Service Badge. "The Wounded Stripe No 4", stamped on backing of Wounded Stripenumismatics-badges-military, uniforms - badges, passchendaele barracks trust

WW1.1 Envelope and leave papers Sgt. T W Lewis 23 Jun 1919 .2 Brass military button, Navy .3 Brass military button, Army .4 Hand compass in brass case .5 Pin with Crown and ribbons (red, white, blue) .6 Legacy badge with safety chain marked President's Trophy" .7 Rising sun badges x 2 marked Australian Commonwealth Military ForcesOn back of Legacy Badge "Robin Lewis"lewis, v1353, ww1, rising sun, compass, buttons, legacy

Hand theatre made "trench art", utilising used artillery brass shell casings, of various calibres, hand made with such "tools" as were available at the time. They have been decoratively trimmed at the mouth of each with a "scalloped" pattern, the shallowest casing mounted on small arms casings as "feet" and the large casing inverted engraved and embossed with a depiction of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces "Rising Sun" badge.This "Dinner Gong" and "Striker" are significant Historically and Socially, as it is believed to be the only example of a dinner gong and striker made in theatre as contemporary "trench art" by serving members of this group. Around the top of the main part of the Gong are stamped the initials of the Australian members of the Royal Flying Corps at the time, it is of possible National historical significance, as they were such a small group at best, and a highly vulnerable group, quite likely to not survive the conflict. This group and their desendants went on to be a part of the formation of the Australian Flying Corps, the beginings of the Royal Australian Air Force. It relates to the embrionic stages of a part of the now Australian Defence Force.A commemorative Dinner Gong construted from Artillery Shell Casings of various sizes. The largest cut short at the bottom, mounted on rifle or machine gun casings cut short as 'feet'. A slightly smaller diameter inverted as the 'gong' with decorative engravings depicting, a Rising Sun emblem on a decorated back ground, 'AFC' (Australian Flying Corps) crowned wings, on the same decorated back ground. The open ends of these larger casings is 'scalloped' and decorated beautifully, while the closed ends have a 'pie crust effect around the flanged edge. There is a biforcated mount at the top to hold the 'striker' made from white metal ballastered rod with a wooden eliptical knob. On the top around the striker mount are stamped the initials of those believed to be the first Australian Aviators in the then AFC.

Three military operation and maintenance handbooks including Mechanical Vehicle Training, Tractors, Artillery and Tyres Care and Maintenance.1. "Notified in G.O's, dated 31st July, 1942/ *NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/The information given in this document is not to be communicated, either directly or indirectly, to the Press or to any person not holding an official position in His Majesty's Service/ MECHANICAL VEHICLE TRAINING/PAMPHLET No.1/DRIVER'S ROUTINE MAINTENANCE/1942/Crown Copyright Reserved/*A.M.R. & O 1588 B./Allied Land Forces Headquarters,/May 1942/ By Authority: W.A Hamer Pty. Ltd, Printers." 2. "NOT TO BE PUBLISHED Notified in A.A.Os, October 1939/AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES/ Mechanization Pamphlet No.2/Tractors, Artillery, F.W.D., L.P (Ford V8)/DESCRIPTION, OPERATION/AND MAINTENANCE/1939/ (Reprinted with Amendments, 1940)/ Prepared by the Directorate of Mechanization, Army Headquarters, October 1939./ *A.M.R and O. 1588 B./ Bu Authority: The Specialty Press Pty Ltd., 174 Little Collins Street, Melbourne" 3. "NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/ (A.M.R. & O. 1588B)/Notified in G.O's dated 31st July, 1942/ AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES/ TYRES/CARE & MAINTENANCE/ Including Tyres used on Armoured Fighting Vehicles and other Vehicles with Split Wheels/ MECHANIZATION PAMPHLET No. 19/1942/ Prepared by/ DIRECTORIATE OF ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLES PRODUCTION/in collaboration with/DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY"handbooks, maintenance, mechanical, training

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. James Northfield (1887 - 1973) was an Australian graphic artist active from the 1910s through to the 1960s .Northfield created a series of patriotic posters during World War IIDepicts a man donning a uniform, rifle in one hand, his civilian clothes lie in heap on the ground behind him.Full text; Join the AIF: This is serious! Enlist Nowrecruitment poster, ww2, james northfield

Australian manufactured clasp knives were a standard issue to Australian Military Forces during World War 2. The most commonly encountered knife was an all metal model with a canoe shaped body. This knife was a Whittingslowe first pattern clasp knife which included a blade, a tin opener and a marline spike as well as screw driver and shackle to attach the knife to a lanyard or belt clip. These knives were given a dull Nickel plating to protect them. William Thomas Whittingslowe was born in Wales in 1888, he was educated in England and at 18 migrated to Canada and then to Australia, arriving in about 1912. After working in various states, he settled in South Australia and in the 1920s set up his own business, Whittingslowe Engineers Limited. He specialised in ironworking and knife manufacturing. His firm produced a large amount of blade ware during World War 2. He also designed and built manufacturing equipment for General Motors Holden. He died at Murray Bridge (SA) in 1956.This item is significance because it was donated by a member of the community of Wodonga which has a strong connection to Australian military history.A clasp knife made completely from metal with nickel plating. The accessories all fold into a canoe-shaped body. It included a knife, can opener and marlin spike.On knife blade: WE over a broad arrow/I\australian army equipment ww2, thomas whittingslowe, australian army

The Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia was formed in 1916 to support servicemen returning from World War 1. In 1940 its name was changed to Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia and again in 1966 to Returned Services League of Australia. Arthur Ernest Beard enlisted in the 10th Battalion in 1914 and was discharged as medically unfit in 1918. His service included three years and 115 days of overseas service. He was gassed during his war service, resulting in ongoing health issues. Beard received an incapacity pension. Despite his ill health, Arthur dedicated many years of service to the committee of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia Wodonga branch. At various times he served as President and secretary. He was on the committee when the branch was lobbying for the construction of a Soldiers' Memorial and also a Soldiers' Memorial Hall for Wodonga. Arthur also participated in groups and community activities, including the Wodonga Boys’ Club, Wodonga Public Library Committee and the Wodonga and District Progress Association. Arthur died on 29 Jun 1940 in Wodonga, Victoria, aged 46 years. This certificate is significant as it recognises service to the Wodonga Branch of the RSSILAA coloured certificate on heavy card presented by the Wodonga Branch of the Returned Sailor and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. It features an archway imprinted with the name of the RSSIL with the League emblem surrounded by the flags of England, Australia and the Royal Australian Navy. It is adorned with an anchor and rifle and the words "Great War 1914 - 1919. An image of Anzac House, the headquarters of the R.S.S.I.L.A. in Melbourne is on the lower left hand side. The words of appreciation are printed in the centre of the archway. The insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces is in the centre at the bottom. WODONGA BRANCH / Presented to A. BEARD As a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as PRESIDENT Year 1922 - 23 A. A. Reid President R. S. Benson Secretaryreturned sailors & soldiers imperial league, wodonga rssila

A framed Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster by Richard Haughton James (source AWM). The poster is an offset lithograph on paper framed by a blue border, mounted in a black frame. It is an early example of the work of the Commonwealth Advertising Division, set up in 1941 within the Department of Information, primarily to advertise recruitment drives for men's and women's services, munitions work, war loans and national savings campaigns.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Black and white sketch of a wartime lady holding a soldier's hat used as a recruiting poster in a black frame.Test of the poster "Mister, here's your hat! JOIN THE AIF NOW!"world war two, recruitment, aif

Aboriginal soldiers 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. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of all aboriginal unit on paradeAttached to rear - Changing of the Guard at Wangaratta end of 1940 - J A Wright 1940no 9 camp wangaratta, ww2, aboriginal soldiers, 1940

Aboriginal soldiers 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. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of 7 aboriginal soldiers with rifles on grass ridge.Attached to rear - Posting sentries - Wangaratta end of 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Aboriginal soldiers 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. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of aboriginal soldier holding rifle and young girlAttached to rear - Little girl asking Guard if she can go into Showgrounds Wangaratta end of 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Aboriginal soldiers 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. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of all aboriginal platoon on parade in two row formation during Officer's inspection.Attached to rear - Inspection Platoon by Colonel Rogers Wangaratta Dec1940 - J A Wright 1940no 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Aboriginal soldiers 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. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of all aboriginal platoon in single file holding rifles.Attached to rear - Platoon by Colonel Rogers Wangaratta Dec 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

The three soldiers, all from Ithaca, served with the Australian Civilian Military Forces during World War 2. They are pictured at Camp Pell, Royal Park Melbourne where a large military camp was located during World War 2. Naki Raftopoulos is the man being shaved. He migrated as a young boy in the early 1930. Initially the family settled in the Mildura area where other members of the Raftopoulos family were established. Eventually they moved to Melbourne.During the period of the second world war, Ithacans who were unnaturalised were recruited into the Civilian Military Forces as 'Allied Aliens' and served the war effort on the home front. Naturalised Ithacans saw active service. A black and white photograph of three soldiers standing around a fallen tree trunk in a camp. One man is shaving himself while the man in the middle is being shaved. A tent is visible in thew background.army