In July 1909, a modest 12-page booklet was put together by members of the fledgling Old Ruytonians Association (ORA) and distributed to the Ruyton Girls' School community. It was one of their first projects, and their aim was to nurture continuing interest in the School among former and current students. They named it "The Ruytonian." At first, The Ruytonian was produced twice yearly, and always bore a plain cover with a simple name banner. Initially, it was the work of volunteer editors from the ORA, but in 1913 they handed the publication over to the first student editors, Esther Gibson and Lucy Tickell. Since that time, the style and content of The Ruytonian has continuously evolved. The biggest shifts occurred in 1942 when it transitioned to a yearly publication, and in 1969 when it moved to a larger A4 format with a cover image specifically selected for that year.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to the fourth oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Due to the age of the record dating back to 1917, we can infer it is one of the few remaining complete, intact and original examples of The Ruytonian from this period. Therefore, it can be considered an outstanding representation of its type, and is a reference example for research in early Victorian school history. The date of the record also aligns with the First World War, and thus can offer interesting insight into how schools prepared for potential air raids, which was widely considered a threat at the time. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on papyrus coloured paper. 23 pages.Front Cover: W. Armstrong. / THE / RUYTON / IAN / RECTE ET FIDELITER. / DECEMBER, 1917. /ruyton girls' school, the ruytonian, kew, old ruytonians association, yearbook, school, publication, girls school, junior school, senior school, journal, students, teacher, wwi, world war i

In July 1909, a modest 12-page booklet was put together by members of the fledgling Old Ruytonians Association (ORA) and distributed to the Ruyton Girls' School community. It was one of their first projects, and their aim was to nurture continuing interest in the School among former and current students. They named it "The Ruytonian." At first, The Ruytonian was produced twice yearly, and always bore a plain cover with a simple name banner. Initially, it was the work of volunteer editors from the ORA, but in 1913 they handed the publication over to the first student editors, Esther Gibson and Lucy Tickell. Since that time, the style and content of The Ruytonian has continuously evolved. The biggest shifts occurred in 1942 when it transitioned to a yearly publication, and in 1969 when it moved to a larger A4 format with a cover image specifically selected for that year.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to the fourth oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Due to the age of the record dating back to 1917, we can infer it is one of the few remaining complete, intact and original examples of The Ruytonian from this period. Therefore, it can be considered an outstanding representation of its type, and is a reference example for research in early Victorian school history. The date of the record also aligns with the First World War, and thus can offer interesting insight into how schools prepared for potential air raids, which was widely considered a threat at the time. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on papyrus coloured paper. 26 pages.Front Cover: TD / THE / RUYTON / IAN / RECTE ET FIDELITER. / DECEMBER, 1917 /ruyton girls' school, the ruytonian, kew, old ruytonians association, yearbook, school, publication, girls school, junior school, senior school, journal, students, teacher, wwi, world war i

In July 1909, a modest 12-page booklet was put together by members of the fledgling Old Ruytonians Association (ORA) and distributed to the Ruyton Girls' School community. It was one of their first projects, and their aim was to nurture continuing interest in the School among former and current students. They named it "The Ruytonian." At first, The Ruytonian was produced twice yearly, and always bore a plain cover with a simple name banner. Initially, it was the work of volunteer editors from the ORA, but in 1913 they handed the publication over to the first student editors, Esther Gibson and Lucy Tickell. Since that time, the style and content of The Ruytonian has continuously evolved. The biggest shifts occurred in 1942 when it transitioned to a yearly publication, and in 1969 when it moved to a larger A4 format with a cover image specifically selected for that year.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to the fourth oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Due to the age of the record dating back to 1918, we can infer it is one of the few remaining complete, intact and original examples of The Ruytonian from this period. Therefore, it can be considered an outstanding representation of its type, and is a reference example for research in early Victorian school history. The date of the record also aligns with the First World War, and thus can offer interesting insight into how schools prepared for potential air raids, which was widely considered a threat at the time. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on papyrus coloured paper. 26 pages.Front Cover: TD / THE / RUYTON / IAN / RECTE ET FIDELITER. / MAY, 1918 /ruyton girls' school, the ruytonian, kew, old ruytonians association, yearbook, school, publication, girls school, junior school, senior school, journal, students, teacher, wwi, world war i

In July 1909, a modest 12-page booklet was put together by members of the fledgling Old Ruytonians Association (ORA) and distributed to the Ruyton Girls' School community. It was one of their first projects, and their aim was to nurture continuing interest in the School among former and current students. They named it "The Ruytonian." At first, The Ruytonian was produced twice yearly, and always bore a plain cover with a simple name banner. Initially, it was the work of volunteer editors from the ORA, but in 1913 they handed the publication over to the first student editors, Esther Gibson and Lucy Tickell. Since that time, the style and content of The Ruytonian has continuously evolved. The biggest shifts occurred in 1942 when it transitioned to a yearly publication, and in 1969 when it moved to a larger A4 format with a cover image specifically selected for that year.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to the fourth oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Due to the age of the record dating back to 1918, we can infer it is one of the few remaining complete, intact and original examples of The Ruytonian from this period. Therefore, it can be considered an outstanding representation of its type, and is a reference example for research in early Victorian school history. The date of the record also aligns with the First World War, and thus can offer interesting insight into how schools prepared for potential air raids, which was widely considered a threat at the time. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on papyrus coloured paper. 29 pages.Front Cover: THE / RUYTON / IAN / RECTE ET FIDELITER. / DECEMBER, 1918 /ruyton girls' school, the ruytonian, kew, old ruytonians association, yearbook, school, publication, girls school, junior school, senior school, journal, students, teacher, wwi, world war i

Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket"To Patricia and John. With happy memories of many years of friendship, Denis Warner 30/8/2000"australian biography, world war ii, air pilots, military, walsh st library

Flight Sergeant Ian Lerwick Mainland, Service no 408815, Unit Royal Australian Air Force No 8 Squadron died in Bismarck Archipelago, New Ireland, New Guinea on 4 December 1943, aged 28 years.Small brass plaque with black text.'PRESENTED IN THE MEMORY OF FLIGHT SGT. IAN L. MAIINLAND"glen iris presbyterian church, ian lerwick mainland 1915 - 1943, world war 1939-1945

Robert Edward Davies CBE (30 July 1913 – 17 May 2002) was the Anglican Bishop of Tasmania from 1963 to 1981. Educated at Queensland University, he was ordained in 1937 and began his career as an assistant priest at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW. After World War II service as a chaplain with Toc H and the Royal Australian Air Force he became Warden of St John’s College Brisbane. After this he was Archdeacon of Canberra, then Wagga Wagga. He became an assistant bishop of Newcastle and Warden of St John’s Theological College, Morpeth in 1960 and three years later the Tasmanian diocesan bishop. B&W head and shoulders studio photograph of Right Reverend Robert Edward Davies, Bishop of Tasmania."The Right Reverend RE Davies Bishop of Tasmania"davies, r. e., bishop

Rev Ira Menear (1901 - 1977). Born at Kapunda. Worked at the Kimba and Pt Neill mission stations on the west coast of South Australia before studying at the Brighton Training College and Adelaide University. Graduated B.A. Adelaide University 1928. After completing his theological training he was appointed to the Norwood Circuit before being appointed to take charge of the Methodist Inland Mission at Cloncurry. Minister at Crow's Nest, Gympie & Rockhampton 1936 - 1940. In 1940 he was accepted as a pilot officer in the RAAF, having been given leave of absence by the Methodist Conference. Menear enlisted RAAF air crew but was later transferred to the administrative staff. He rose from A.C.1 to the rank of Acting Wing Commander. He served in many parts of Australia, including the Darwin area. After the war Rev Menear took charge of the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Centre at Mount Osmond and later Mount Breckan, Victoria Harbour Rehabilitation Centre. B & W waist length studio portrait of Rev. Ira Menear dressed in his RAAF Flt. Lt. uniform."Seasons Greetings I Menear F/LT Control Officer Operations Room Pearce W.A."ira menear, methodist, minister, adelaide university, brighton training college, methodist inland mission, cloncurry, raaf, commonwealth rehabilitation centre

Date is approximate. William and May Palstra were married in 1920; 60 Guildford Road was their first and only home. William was with the university when he joined the Australian Flying Corps in WW1. He went back to university on his return from the war but in 1926 when the RAAF was formed he joined it as he had enjoyed flying. He took his family to England while he did 2 years training at the Imperial College in London under Air Vice-Marshall Jones. He was chosen as the Australian representative on a special flight of an experimental airship designed to fly over long distances. The test flight was destined for India, then on to Australia. Its passengers were high level British officials including the UK Secretary of State. It struck bad weather after crossing the Channel, clipped a hill and crashed in France. Some of the crew survived but William Palstra was killed. Mrs Palstra did not receive any compensation; only a small allowance, then cut during the Depression. She was given some support from the Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's association. Donor, Margaret Thornton was a daughter of William and May Palstra; one of her daughters, Julia Thornton still lives in the house in 2009. Donation form signed by Julia Thornton. Margaret and Jocelyn had a brother, also William. The house remains in 2009 with extensions to the rear and side.Black and white photo of William and May Palstra and 2 of their children in the garden of their home. William is in the uniform of the RAAF. He is holding Margaret's hand; Jocelyn is in her mother's arms.guildford road, raaf, australian flying corps, uniforms, william palstra, may palstra, margaret palstra, margaret thornton, jocelyn palstra, julia thornton

non-fictionLife and work in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force

"Presented in 2005 by Australian Government on behalf of Australian people, to those who served this nation and her allies during the war from 1939 to 1945" AWM.gov.auCoin commemorating 60th Anniversay of the end of WW2 1939-1945 in commemorative presentation box. Obverse - Commonwealth Coat of Arms - Reverse Symbolises service in Navy, Army and Air Force through its depiction of sea, land and air. inscription: 60th Anniversay of the end of World War II - For Service to Australia

Book

non-fiction

Booknon-fictionLife and Work in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force

In 1942, the expansion of the war into the Pacific expanded wartime operations in Australia and some of the RVIB buildings were comandeered for house military staff. This plan, drawn up in March 1942 by J.G. and authorised by the Superintending Architect and (W. Dale)Works Director Air Services show the layout of the main building at 557 St Kilda Road as well as that of the babies nursery. Doorways, cupboards and stairwells are annotated in this carbon copy, as well as the layout of Ormond Hall.1 architectural plan of St Kilda Road layoutmyer house, royal victorian institute for the blind, plans, raaf

Neville Mirvane BUNNING (1902-1990) During World War Two Neville Bunning served with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He was an Art Teacher at the Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines) from 05 February 1946 to 22 September 1964. Neville Bunning formed the Ballarat Artist's Society (later the Ballarat Society of Artists), a group that sponsored art and which invited modernist artists to speak to students and to the public of Ballarat. He also wrote a weekly column in the Ballarat Courier. Bunning produced a bust of Australian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable J.A. Lyons from Tasmania, who died in office. Neville Bunning died in Subiaco, Western Australia on 29 April 1990. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed painting of a surrealist inspired painting of a person with a horse. art, artwork, neville bunning, horse, oil painting, oil on board, bunning, available

Neville Mirvane BUNNING (1902-1990) During World War Two Neville Bunning served with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He was an Art Teacher at the Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines) from 05 February 1946 to 22 September 1964. Neville Bunning formed the Ballarat Artist's Society (later the Ballarat Society of Artists), a group that sponsored art and which invited modernist artists to speak to students and to the public of Ballarat. He also wrote a weekly column in the Ballarat Courier. Bunning produced a bust of Australian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable J.A. Lyons from Tasmania, who died in office. Neville Bunning died in Subiaco, Western Australia on 29 April 1990. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Portrait of a girl in a yellow jumper art, artwork, available, neville bunning, boy, portrait

Peter CHURCHER (28 February 1964- ) Born Brisbane, Australia 2006 moved to Barcelona, Spain After studying Music at Trinity College, London Peter Churcher completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) at Victoria College (know Deakin University) in 1991. He is now considered one of Australia's leading figurative painters. Peter Churcher's work was represented in the prestigious Archibald Prize on nine occasions. In 2002 Peter Churcher was commissioned as an Australian War Artist documenting the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force enduring the Australian involvement in the coalition war against terrorism. His works are held in many Australian collections. Professor Kerry O. Cox was Vice Chancellor at the University of Ballarat from 2001 - 2005. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Framed academic portrait of Vice Chancellor Professor Kerry Cox art, artwork, portrait, academic portrait, peter churcher, kerry cox, vice chancellor, academic regalia

Neville Mirvane BUNNING (1902-1990) During World War Two Neville Bunning served with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He was an Art Teacher at the Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the Ballarat School of Mines) from 05 February 1946 to 22 September 1964. Neville Bunning formed the Ballarat Artist's Society (later the Ballarat Society of Artists), a group that sponsored art and which invited modernist artists to speak to students and to the public of Ballarat. He also wrote a weekly column in the Ballarat Courier. Bunning produced a bust of Australian Prime Minister, The Right Honourable J.A. Lyons from Tasmania, who died in office. Neville Bunning died in Subiaco, Western Australia on 29 April 1990. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Small framed self portrait of the artist Neville BunningLL Neville M Bunning signature in red oil paint art, artwork, neville bunning, available, self portrait, portrait

This tunic was worn by Sir David Fairbairn KBE DFC when Honorary Colonel of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment 1981-83. Sir David served with 21st Light Horse prior to World War Two. During WWII he served with the Royal Australian Air Force flying Spitfires in Britain and Europe and later in the war, in the Pacific theatre. Following the war, he entered politics, holding the federal seat of Farrer from 1949-1975. He was Minister for Defence 1971-73. Sir David was Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands 1977-1980.This object is well provenanced, complete and representative uniform worn by an honorary colonel of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment, a man who gave exemplary service as a serviceman, politician and diplomat.Service dress tunic, polyester summer, with yellow cord lanyard, officer badges of rank, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles collar badges, silver Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) buttons, and pilot qualification badge (wings). Neck decoration Knight Commander of British Empire (KBE) (Civilian list) (replica); ribbon bar denoting: Order of the British Empire (Civil), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 39-45 Star, Europe and Germany Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, British War Medal 1939-45, Australian Service Medal 1939-45, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. uniform, fairbairn, vmr, raaf, honorary, ambassador, wwii, spitfire, world war two, parliament

Officer's dress boot worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representarive example of officer's dress boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in good condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Brown leather officer's dress boots with strap-on spurs and leather instep patch and under sole chain. Matching left and right wooden stretchers with metal handle on spreader wedge. boot, street, spur, stetchers

Officer's stable boot worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representative example of officer's stable boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in good condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Leather and canvas boots with leather boot and canvas upper calf legging. Leather strap at instep and leather stiffened back seam to canvas section; Leather edging at top of canvas upper legging together with adjustable strap. Foot of boot is stabilised by a metal 'Dasco' insert. On metal heal protector "704603"boot, street geoffrey a brigadier

Officer's campaign boots worn by Brigadier Geoffrey Austin Street MC who served in WWI at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Following the war he was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He returned to military service in 1931 as Squadron Commander in the 4th Light Horse. He was promoted to the command of the regiment after l8 months' service, and finally to the command of the Third Cavalry Brigade which included the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Brigadier Street had entered Federal Parliament in 1934 and in November 1938 was seconded from military duties to serve as Minister for Defence in the Lyons Government . He was serving in this capacity in the Menzies government when he was killed in an air crash near Canberra on 13 August 1940.Representative example of officer's leather campaign boots from the 'between the wars' period. Well preserved example of the boot makers art, complete and in fair condition. Owned by well known Australian soldier and politician tragically killed at commencement of Second World War.Brown leather officer's campaign boots with hook and eye fasteners and fabric laces.Stamped on inner side of legging section "W Abbott & Son London & Paris"boots, street geoffrey austin brigadier, minister for defence, 3rd cavalry brigade

The 8/13 VMR was raised in May 1948 and was a participant in the Anzac Day marches in the district from that day forward. The sailor is John Neale wearing his WWII RAN uniform; the airman is Jack Larkin wearing his WWII RAAF uniform. The soldier (as yet unknown) also had WWII service. The colour party commander is Lieutenant Ian (Kiltie) McKie; the flag bearer is Hal Slaney.Photograph of social and historic interest to the Albury community showing citizen soldiers including returned servicemen who had volunteered for the Citizen Military Forces in the period immediately following the Second World War. It signifies the return of citizen soldiers to Albury following the war.Two black and white photographs (one framed) of colour party drawn from 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment at the Anzac Day march at Albury NSW 1951. Three members of the front rank are dressed in WWII uniforms representing Navy, Army and Air Force. The flag bearer is carrying a Union Jack. The party photographed forming up in Dean Street near the intersection with Spencer Street and later passing Albury landmark, Mates Corner in Dean Street.Panel at lower centre of frame: "ANZAC Day Albury 1951 / All services represented by serving members of 8/13 VMR"anzac day, albury, neale john, larkin j d jack, slaney hal, mckie, mate's corner

The 8th Light Horse Regiment was raised at Broadmeadows Camp in 1914 and served at Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine, Transjordan and Syria. At Gallipoli the regiment took part in the ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 and suffered horrendous casualties including the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White. Following the evacuation the regiment was brought up to full strength under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC and went on the participate in all the major actions of the desert campaign culminating in the capitulation of Turkey in October 1918. The regiment was in reserve at Beersheba and came under air attack resulting in the death of Lieutenant Colonel Maygar. The post-war regimental association met regularly until the late 1970s when dwindling numbers brought about its closure.A rare document relating to a Victorian mounted regiment of World War 1 (1914-1918) with the thank-you cards providing a unique method of recording the passing of this proud regiment into history.Blue hardback scrap book containing a roll of members of the 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF Association, some newspaper clippings about Light Horse in the Middle East campaign, collection of return-thanks cards for deceased members of the regiment pasted in, and hand written letter to Matthew (Matt) Maynes thanking him for his sterling service as secretary of the association.8th light horse, association, wwi, world war one

Elizabeth Morrison, was born in 1874 and died in 1963, aged 89 years. She was the schoolteacher at Warrigal until she married the donor's grandfather and moved to Melbourne to take up residence with him. Her husband Edward was a porter on the train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Together they had three children: two boys and a girl.  The donor's father was the youngest who was born in 1911.  The eldest son, Kenneth Morrison, was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, and an Air Force Chaplain during the Second World War, while the daughter was a spinster who owned a few haberdashery and children’s clothing stores. The donor's father had a newsagency in Bridge Road, Richmond. He and his wife lived in Carson Street, Kew for about 50 years and had four children, two of whom were to become lawyers, another a surgeon and the final child social worker/family therapist.The donor's father lived until he was 100 years of age.Copy of a photograph of the owner of a 19th Century dress in the collectionPhotocopy of a photograph of Elizabeth Morrison (nee Fitzgerald) in c.1892. australian fashion - victorian era - 1890s, elizabeth morrison

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

Leslie William Cole was born in January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an aircraft mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honor. In retirement he also worked as a volunteer community driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. This item represents Mr. Cole's service during World War 11.This item is significant as it represents the service of a respected Wodonga resident during World War 11.This item includes a cloth patch of the crest of the 6th Squadron RAAF as well as a printed menu from the Passing out dinner for fitters held at the Federal Hotel Melbourne. It has been autographed by the attendees acknowledged at this function.On the Insignia 6 SQUADRON ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE / NOUS REVIENDRONS (WE WILL RETURN) 6th squadron raaf, military service ww11

This cap potentially belonged to Ronald Edward Smith, Service number 419886. Date of birth - 30 Jun 1916 : Place of birth - MELBOURNE VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - SMITH ETHELThis hat holds representative significance as a generic RAAF officers forage cap. Further research into the potential owner could uncover other significance.Dark blue cap with medal ribbon attached to the side. RAAF eagle badge attached to peak of cap left hand side. Two buttons at peak of cap. The cap is lined with brown polished cotton twill and has a light brown cotton velveteen sweatband.Tag inside cap: 330 1944/Made in Australia / Size 1/8 Service number written in pen: 419886 (or 419856)raaf, australia, air force, cap, hat, beret, wwii, world war two

Various War heritage from different wars and Army Units.1# 2 x shoulder insignia 'Australia'. 2# Bar and medal - 'National Medal for Service'. 3# 1 x Special Air Service Regiment Shoulder insignia. 4# 1 x red patch 'A.I.F. crossed swords. 5# Crossed swords over crown. 6# Victory Medal 1945.1# Resolute. 2# Victoria. 3# Vigilant. 4# Duty First. 5# Australia Parutas. 6# Royal Australian Army Service Corps. 7# Rising Sun. 8# Royal Australian Regiment 'Duty First'. 9# 'WRAAC' Hat- Badge.