This book is not an official history, but mainly a pictorial record of the Battalion's Tour of Active Service in South Vietnam.australia - army. royal australian regiment battalion 6th, australia. army. battalion, 6th

When the Australian Army is deployed to an area of Conflict they are said to be on 'Active Service'. For the ones left behind their service is not called "Active". this book was written to show that our 'Inactive Services' is definitely not Non-Production. It takes Fourteen Soldiers 'Left Behind' to keep One Soldier in the field.australia - armed forces - military life - biography, soldiers - australia - biography

Between 1951 and 1972 some 287,000 young Australian men were called-up in two separate schemes for compulsory military service. Of them 212 died and 1479 were wounded on active service.national service-- australia - history, draft - australia - history, australia - armed forces - recruiting, enlistment, etc

On active service, most soldiers dream about coming home and Tony, a young Australian officer with a migrant background, was not much different. There was a difference though, tony found out about himself and his relationships in a way he never dreamt possible.vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- fiction

This book is a recollection depicting aspects of the life of a soldier and in particular men serving in 86 Transport Platoon during their time of active service in Vietnam.vietnamese conflict, 1961-1971 - personal narratives, australian, australia. army. royal australian army service corps. 86 transport platoon, 86 transport platoon, national ser, national service, peter (sharky) whale

This book is a recollection depicting aspects of the life of a soldier and in particular men serving in 86 Transport Platoon during their time of active service in Vietnam.vietnamese conflict, 1961-1971 - personal narratives, australia. army. royal australian army service corps. 86 transport platoon, national s, national service, peter (sharky) whale, 86 transport platoon

This book is a recollection depicting aspects of the life of a soldier and in particular men serving in 86 Transport Platoon during their time of active service in Vietnam.vietnamese conflict, 1961-1971 - personal narratives, australia. army. royal australian army service corps. 86 transport platoon, 86 transport platoon, peter (sharky) whale, national ser, national service

These men were either born, worked or enlisted at Wangaratta prior to serving their country in the First World War. There names also appear on the South Wangaratta School and District Honour Board (27) Private William John LAW 1221 - 19 years - Born Murchison in Victoria. Occupation Carpenter Next of Kin - Father John Wilson LAW of Wangaratta Joined 2-3-1916 Enlisted at Wangaratta Unit 37th Battalion. Embarked Melbourne 3-6-1916 HMAT Persic A34 Discharged 21-9-1919. Private Joseph Henry LAW 986 - 21 years Born Euroa in Victoria Occupation Labourer Next of Kin - Mother Mrs Robert (Esther) LAW of Yatte Yattah - 18 NSW Joined 29-3-1915 Enlisted at Wangaratta Unit 24th Battalion. Embarked Melbourne 10-5-1915 HMAT Euripidies A14 Killed in Action 29-7-1916 France. Private Norman William FOSTER 7785 -18 1/2 years - Born Wangaratta in Victoria Occupation Labourer Next of Kin - Sister Mrs William (Florence) McLean of Wangaratta Joined 15-7-1915 Enlisted at Melbourne Unit 54th Battalion Killed in Action 1-9-1918 France Private James Archibald McCORMICK 3195 - 19 years Born Wangaratta Occupation Engineer Next of Kin Father Samuel McCormick Enlisted Melbourne 27-7-1915 Embarked 26/11/1915 Unit 24th Battalion Killed in Action 5-8-1916 France Private Roland Caractacus HUGHES 3134(3131) - 20 years 5 months Born Wangaratta Occupation Blacksmith Next of Kin Father Roland W Hughes Joined 21-10-1915 Enlisted at Seymour 7th REIN 24th Battalion Embarked 26-11-1915 Wounded - GSW Leg and thigh RTA Discharged 11-10-1917 Private James Kelly O'CALLAGHAN 1250 - 22 years Born Mansfield Occupation Labourer Next of Kin Father John O'Callaghan Swanpool via Benalla Joined 6-3-1916 Enlisted at Wangaratta 37th/59th Battalions Embarked 3-6-1916 Wounded GSW Face and arm. RTA 30-1-1918 Discharged 2-7-1918 Private Samuel William DAVISON 6793 - 22 years 5 months Born Benalla Occupation Baker - Employer A Watson of Wangaratta Next of Kin Mother Mrs Ellen Tutty of South Wangaratta Enlisted Melbourne 3-1-1917 21/24th Battalions Embarked 11-5-1917 Wounded 9-8-1918 GSW Arm RTA 16-4-1920 (with wife) Discharged 26-7-1920 Private William Leslie HUNTER (Depot) 18 years 2 months Born Yan Yean Occupation Farmer/Labourer Next of Kin Father William James Hunter of Wangaratta Joined 18-2-1916 Enlisted Wangaratta 3-4-1916 Discharged at Seymour on 26-5-1916 Medically Unfit due to DiabetesThe school was completed in May 1875 and commenced operating as South Wangaratta State School No 1580, on the 15th June 1875 with 47 children in attendance. By the end of that year the number had grown to 72. The pupil recorded as number 98, in the school register of 1876, was Stephen Hart from the Three Mile Creek. He first attended the school at the age of 17 years and within two years he was a member of the infamous Kelly Gang. During World War I, 22 former pupils volunteered for active service and four gave their lives. Brown timber frame and mount containing eight photographs of soldiers.Photos of the following Soldiers: Pte J H Law, Pte J McCormick, Pte N Foster, Pte R Hughes, Pte W J Law, Pte J O'Callaghan, Pte S Davison, Pte W Hunterlaw, mccormick, foster, hughes, o'callaghan, davison, hunter

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

Borough of Wangaratta Certificate of Thanks and Apppreciation presented to Private Sydney Spencer Plum. 3431 1st Pioneer Battalion A.I.F, Born January 3rd 1894 at Dockers Plains. Father's name Albert F Plum. Mother's name Mary Plum. He was educated at North Wangaratta and Docker's Plains State School. He was a blacksmith when he enlisted June 12th 1915. He trained at Flemington Racecourse and embarked on SS "Nestor" October 11th 1915. He fought in battles; Peronne, Cambrai, Somme. Being wounded 3 times. He embarked for home per SS "Orontes"; disembarked January 28th 1919 and was discharged March 16th 1919. Later, he entered the service of the Victorian Railways Department.Oak framed certificates were presented by the Borough of Wangaratta to the relatives of soldiers killed in action and returned soldiers who enlisted from the Borough during the First World War. These ceremonies were well attended by the local communities and held at intervals when the soldiers and nurses returned home from active service.Burgandy wooden frame with sand coloured mounting of a certificate of thanks and appreciation from Borough of Wangaratta to Pte Sidney S PLUM. At the top of the certificate, it has the Australian and Union Jack flags entwined over some wattle. At the bottom it has the rising sun surrounded by a wreath with two crossed rifles underneath. To the bottom right there is a large red leather seal. Mounted beneath the certificate is a black plaque. On the back is a typed history of S.Plum.Plaque is inscribed: 3451A Pte Sydney Spencer Plum. 1st Pioneer Battalion A.I.F. Served 12/6/1915 to 16/3/1919. Peronne, Cambrai and Somme. Born 3/1/1894 - Died 25/7/1958. Certificate: For King & Empire, Borough of Wangaratta. The Mayor, Councillors, and Ratepayers of the Borough of Wangaratta hereby place on record their Thanks and Appreciation for the conduct of S.S.Plum who served his King and Country in the Great War, which commenced 4th August 1914. In Witness Whereof the Corporate Seal of the Municipality is hereto attached in the presence of Mayor, Town Clerk. He answered his country's call. D.W Patterson Co PTY LTD 495 Collins St Melbsidney, plum, wangaratta, wwi, world war 1, peronne, cambrai, somme, north wangaratta, dockers plains

Citation of Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to JOHN HUDSON WILKINSON: Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN Victoria - tragically killed in action over Germany on 30th August, 1944. Citation reads: - "Pilot Officer WILKINSON is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion, in March 1944, when engaged in an attack on Stuttgart, a Junkers 88 attacked the aircraft five times, but Pilot Officer WILKINSON, by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire, drove off the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew." The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Original typed document on blue/grey parchment with blue letterhead containing crestGovernor General Commonwealth of Australiapilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, wilkinson

The Queen's relationship with the Armed Forces began when, as Princess Elizabeth, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. During her time in the ATS, the Princess learnt to drive and to maintain vehicles The Queen has a long and close relationship with the Armed Forces, both in the United Kingdom and in the Commonwealth. As Sovereign, The Queen is Head of the Armed Forces, and is also the wife, mother and grandmother of individuals having served in the Forces.Brown ridged timber frame containing print of lady wearing evening dress and a tiara standing beside floral display on pedestal table.Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II queen elizabeth ii, armed forces

The Queen's relationship with the Armed Forces began when, as Princess Elizabeth, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. During her time in the ATS, the Princess learnt to drive and to maintain vehicles The Queen has a long and close relationship with the Armed Forces, both in the United Kingdom and in the Commonwealth. As Sovereign, The Queen is Head of the Armed Forces, and is also the wife, mother and grandmother of individuals having served in the Forces.Light brown timber and gold gilt inner edge frame containing print of lady wearing evening dress with diamond and ruby tiaraHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Plaque - Present to Wangaratta RSL by Ken S Jasper MLA 31-8-79queen elizabeth ii, auxiliary territorial service, ww2

Distinguish Flying Cross medal awarded to John Hudson WILKINSON 400444 born 18/2/1914 at Rutherglen. He was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 He was reporting missing during air operations over East Prussia and later presumed to have lost his life on 30/8/1944 Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - citation reads Pilot Officer Wilkinson is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion in March 1944 when engaged n an attack on Stuttgart a Junkers 88 attacked his aircraft five times but Pilot Officer Wilkinson by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire drove ff the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew. The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Black case which opens out from right side. The top affixed by two side hinges on the left and push in pin on the right side. Inside case the top is lined in satin fabric imprinted with a black crest and the base is lined in felt containing a silver metal medal in the shape of a cross attached to a purple and while diagonally striped ribbon.On Top - DFC impressed in gold colour paint. Inside Top - Royal Mint Medal inscriptions -400444 Flt Lt Wilkinson Stuttgart 1944 pilot officer john hudson wilkinson, dfc, ww2, raaf, kia

Symbol: A crown, symbol of authority, indicated that the wearer has occupied the chair of King Arthur. This was worn over the emblem of any office to which he may have been appointed to later. How elected: Automatically, by virtue of having been a Knight/Esquire/Page Commander. Duties: To share with his successor the advice and experience gained during his own term and to set an example to more junior members. The reward for loyal Christian service is more service and it is the duty of the Past Knight Commander to make available his counsel and experience to his successor. This does not mean running the Court from the back seat. It means taking an active interest in the Court and Companions and being always readily available to help where required. [Leadership Training Handbook 1968, pg 15]Metal crown x 4.methodist order of knights

Brian Leslie Howe, AO (born 23 January 1936), is an Australian former politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia in the Labor government under prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating from 1991 to 1995. Howe was born in Melbourne. He spent his early childhood in the suburb of Malvern and was educated at Melbourne High School and the University of Melbourne. He later studied theology in Chicago (1967–69) and then returned to Australia. He served as a minister with the Methodist Church and the Uniting Church in various parts of Victoria – Morwell, Eltham and Fitzroy. Howe was elected to the House of Representatives in 1977 representing the northern Melbourne metropolitan electoral Division of Batman. He defeated the incumbent Horrie Garrick for Labor preselection in a hard-fought contest.[1] A member of the Socialist Left faction of the Labor Party, he was Minister for Defence Support in the government of Bob Hawke from 1983. In 1984 he became Minister for Social Security and carried out various radical reforms to Australia's welfare system.[2] Howe appeared to face significant opposition within his electorate in 1988, when up to 60 members of the Greek Westgarth branch of the ALP defected to join the Australian Democrats. One of the defectors, tram-conductor George Gogas, contested Batman as a Democrat candidate in 1990, but polled only 12.9 per cent of the vote.[3] After the 1990 election Howe was appointed to the post of Minister for Community Services and Health. When Paul Keating resigned from Cabinet in 1991, Howe succeeded him as Deputy Prime Minister. He became Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services in the Keating government in December 1991, dropping the health part of the portfolio in 1993. In June 1995 he resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and was succeeded by Kim Beazley. He did not stand for re-election at the 1996 election. Following his parliamentary career, Howe has been appointed as an Associate Professor for Melbourne University and continues to work with social policy and related fields. He is a member of the Church of All Nations in Carlton, and active in the Uniting Church. A full biography in his own words can be found in the Proceedings of the Uniting Church Historical Society, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Vol. 21, No. 1 for June 2014.Howe standing by a window in his office 1986.Identification of Howe.

Brian Leslie Howe, AO (born 23 January 1936), is an Australian former politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia in the Labor government under prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating from 1991 to 1995. Howe was born in Melbourne. He spent his early childhood in the suburb of Malvern and was educated at Melbourne High School and the University of Melbourne. He later studied theology in Chicago (1967–69) and then returned to Australia. He served as a minister with the Methodist Church and the Uniting Church in various parts of Victoria – Morwell, Eltham and Fitzroy. Howe was elected to the House of Representatives in 1977 representing the northern Melbourne metropolitan electoral Division of Batman. He defeated the incumbent Horrie Garrick for Labor preselection in a hard-fought contest.[1] A member of the Socialist Left faction of the Labor Party, he was Minister for Defence Support in the government of Bob Hawke from 1983. In 1984 he became Minister for Social Security and carried out various radical reforms to Australia's welfare system.[2] Howe appeared to face significant opposition within his electorate in 1988, when up to 60 members of the Greek Westgarth branch of the ALP defected to join the Australian Democrats. One of the defectors, tram-conductor George Gogas, contested Batman as a Democrat candidate in 1990, but polled only 12.9 per cent of the vote.[3] After the 1990 election Howe was appointed to the post of Minister for Community Services and Health. When Paul Keating resigned from Cabinet in 1991, Howe succeeded him as Deputy Prime Minister. He became Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services in the Keating government in December 1991, dropping the health part of the portfolio in 1993. In June 1995 he resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and was succeeded by Kim Beazley. He did not stand for re-election at the 1996 election. Following his parliamentary career, Howe has been appointed as an Associate Professor for Melbourne University and continues to work with social policy and related fields. He is a member of the Church of All Nations in Carlton, and active in the Uniting Church. A full biography in his own words can be found in the Proceedings of the Uniting Church Historical Society, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Vol. 21, No. 1 for June 2014.Full-face, looking into the camera 1984 - part of an advertisement for Wesley Church's 126th anniversary 9/9/1984.Identification of Howe

Brian Leslie Howe, AO (born 23 January 1936), is an Australian former politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia in the Labor government under prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating from 1991 to 1995. Howe was born in Melbourne. He spent his early childhood in the suburb of Malvern and was educated at Melbourne High School and the University of Melbourne. He later studied theology in Chicago (1967–69) and then returned to Australia. He served as a minister with the Methodist Church and the Uniting Church in various parts of Victoria – Morwell, Eltham and Fitzroy. Howe was elected to the House of Representatives in 1977 representing the northern Melbourne metropolitan electoral Division of Batman. He defeated the incumbent Horrie Garrick for Labor preselection in a hard-fought contest.[1] A member of the Socialist Left faction of the Labor Party, he was Minister for Defence Support in the government of Bob Hawke from 1983. In 1984 he became Minister for Social Security and carried out various radical reforms to Australia's welfare system.[2] Howe appeared to face significant opposition within his electorate in 1988, when up to 60 members of the Greek Westgarth branch of the ALP defected to join the Australian Democrats. One of the defectors, tram-conductor George Gogas, contested Batman as a Democrat candidate in 1990, but polled only 12.9 per cent of the vote.[3] After the 1990 election Howe was appointed to the post of Minister for Community Services and Health. When Paul Keating resigned from Cabinet in 1991, Howe succeeded him as Deputy Prime Minister. He became Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services in the Keating government in December 1991, dropping the health part of the portfolio in 1993. In June 1995 he resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and was succeeded by Kim Beazley. He did not stand for re-election at the 1996 election. Following his parliamentary career, Howe has been appointed as an Associate Professor for Melbourne University and continues to work with social policy and related fields. He is a member of the Church of All Nations in Carlton, and active in the Uniting Church. A full biography in his own words can be found in the Proceedings of the Uniting Church Historical Society, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Vol. 21, No. 1 for June 2014.Howe alighting from a car at Williamstown dockyards March 1985.Identification of Howe.

Brian Leslie Howe, AO (born 23 January 1936), is an Australian former politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia in the Labor government under prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating from 1991 to 1995. Howe was born in Melbourne. He spent his early childhood in the suburb of Malvern and was educated at Melbourne High School and the University of Melbourne. He later studied theology in Chicago (1967–69) and then returned to Australia. He served as a minister with the Methodist Church and the Uniting Church in various parts of Victoria – Morwell, Eltham and Fitzroy. Howe was elected to the House of Representatives in 1977 representing the northern Melbourne metropolitan electoral Division of Batman. He defeated the incumbent Horrie Garrick for Labor preselection in a hard-fought contest.[1] A member of the Socialist Left faction of the Labor Party, he was Minister for Defence Support in the government of Bob Hawke from 1983. In 1984 he became Minister for Social Security and carried out various radical reforms to Australia's welfare system.[2] Howe appeared to face significant opposition within his electorate in 1988, when up to 60 members of the Greek Westgarth branch of the ALP defected to join the Australian Democrats. One of the defectors, tram-conductor George Gogas, contested Batman as a Democrat candidate in 1990, but polled only 12.9 per cent of the vote.[3] After the 1990 election Howe was appointed to the post of Minister for Community Services and Health. When Paul Keating resigned from Cabinet in 1991, Howe succeeded him as Deputy Prime Minister. He became Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services in the Keating government in December 1991, dropping the health part of the portfolio in 1993. In June 1995 he resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and was succeeded by Kim Beazley. He did not stand for re-election at the 1996 election. Following his parliamentary career, Howe has been appointed as an Associate Professor for Melbourne University and continues to work with social policy and related fields. He is a member of the Church of All Nations in Carlton, and active in the Uniting Church. A full biography in his own words can be found in the Proceedings of the Uniting Church Historical Society, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, Vol. 21, No. 1 for June 2014.Howe at Williamstown dockyard with an exploded view of a frigate September 1984.Identification of Howe.rev brian leslie howe, deputy prime minister of australia

Mr John P. Adam was a member of the Kew Presbyterian Church. He was born in Scotland and came to Australia at the age of 13 when his father was appointed Professor of Divinity at Ormond College. John Adam studied law and commenced practice in 1924. He served on the Council of the Law Institute of Victoria and was President in 1949. He gave a lifetime of service to the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and Australia. He was law agent of the Victorian Church for 20 years and was foundation Convenor of the Donald Cameron Homes Committee for elderly people. He was a member of the Council of Presbyterian Ladies' College for 20 years and Chairman from 1958 to 1965. He was also a member of the Ormond College Council. He was an active member of the Kew Presbyterian Church , serving on the Board of Management and Session for 47 years. John Adam was also Superintendent of the Sunday School for 19 years and a leader of the Young Men's Bible Class. He died aged 78 on 11 March 1973.B & W head and shoulders photograph of Mr John P. Adam wearing a dark suit and buttonhole in his lapel.john p. adam, scotland, ormond college, law, law institute of victoria, presbyterian church, kew, donald cameron homes committee

Published to help the war effort and contribute to the defence of the country. Patterns selected in collaboration with the three services-colours and garments by active services in air,on land or at sea.Green-grey light card cover. 32 pages compiled by the Country Womens Association of Victoria sponsored by the Wool Board.J.Tatebooks, handcrafts

Jill Giles is a potter who was active in Geelong from the mid 1970s until the mid 1990s. Her work may be marked 'J Giles' (painted), 'Giles Geelong Australia' (impressed) or G over J (impressed). Her daughter Melinda Solly also makes ceramics.Photograph of a hand thrown and decorated ceramic teapot by Jill Giles. ceramics, studio pottery, teapot, jill giles, coffee pot

Central Highlands Historical Association [CHHA] is a vital link in the regional history network being the umbrella association for over 30 historical societies, museums and family history organisations in the central highlands region of Victoria. CHHA continues to be an active and innovative organisation. It is represented at Local and State levels on matters of joint concern to its members. Aims and Purposes: Formed in 1984 the inaugural CHHA meeting was held on Saturday 23 June 1984, at the Ballarat City Library in Camp Street, Ballarat. A main focus of CHHA is to assist its member societies by developing and maintaining resources and information networks. To promote history and heritage in the region To encourage the preservation and conservation of heritage To promote and encourage easier public access to records through local museums and societies 6 coloured photographs postcard sizenonechha, central highlands historical association, dorothy wickham, clare gervasoni, raymond shuey

The 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (1st RANBT) was formed in Melbourne on 28 February 1915 and was intended to be a horse drawn engineering unit attached to the Royal Naval Division (RND), then serving as infantry on the Western Front. The term ‘train’, in its title, was a direct reference to the horse drawn wagons that would, in theory, form and move ‘in train’ to carry the unit’s heavy lumber, building materials and engineering equipment to the front. The unit was manned by members of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve for whom there were no available billets in seagoing RAN ships. Many of the sailors serving in the 1st RANBT were rated ‘drivers’, and again, this refers to wagon drivers as opposed to motor vehicle drivers. Other seamen were rated as ‘artificers’ or ‘sappers’, the latter being a military term traditionally used to describe army engineers. Appointed in command of the 1st RANBT was Lieutenant Commander Leighton Seymour Bracegirdle, RAN. Bracegirdle was ideally suited to command the unit, having seen active service with the NSW Naval Brigade during the Boxer Rebellion in China as well as serving as a military officer in the South African Irregular Horse during the Boer War in 1901. He had also recently returned from German New Guinea where he had served as a staff officer in the joint Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) responsible for the capture of the German colonies in the Pacific in September 1914. Three hundred naval reservists, including 50 men who had recently served in New Guinea, were selected for the 1st RANBT and they began their training in horsemanship, engineering and pontoon bridging at the Domain in Melbourne. By late May 1915 a decision was made to send the unit to Britain to complete its training and then to join the RND on the Western Front. The plan, however, never eventuated. The complaints about the non-combatant work being done by the men had been raised in Federal Parliament and following consultation with the senior Australian officer in the Middle East, Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel, a recommendation was made that the unit be disbanded and its men used as reinforcements for the AIF. Consequently, Lieutenant Commander Bracegirdle was advised that his unit was to be dispersed; its men transferring to the AIF or being returned to Australia for discharge. On 27 March 1917 the 1st RANBT was officially disbanded.Oxidised brass anchor shaped collar badge.ww1, world war 1, first world war, ranbt, ran bridging train, royal australian navy bridging train, collar badge