Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

Department of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia CollectionDepartment of Health & Human Services - Dr John A Forbes Fairfield / Gull Force 2/21 Bn AIF / Ziarah Caltex & Rumah Sakit Ambon Hospital Indonesia Collection

This former King's Colour was originally authorised by King George V in 1919 in recognition of services of 11th Battalion (AIF) during the Great War. Presented by HE the Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, PC, CGMG at a parade in King's Park on 2 October 1920 and handed over to 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment (Perth Regiment) of the Citizen Forces. In 1921 this unit became re-designated 11th Battalion (The Perth Regiment) (The title was changed to "The City of Perth Regiment" in 1933). Subsequently consecrated by the Chaplain General, Archbishop COL Riley, OBE, VD, DD at a parade on the Esplanade, Perth, 15 November 1924. At the time of presentation this colour was a plain union flag with no central devices or other distinctions included on it. Following Military Board approval given in 1925 the centre circle and Crown were later added, in accordance with the approved design for a King's Colour. With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 11th/44th Infantry Battalion (The City of Perth Regiment) was raised as a linked battalion in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 11th and 44th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions. With the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, all Colours that had originally been presented as King's Colours, and were still carried by units on the current Order of Battle, were automatically deemed to be Queen's Colours. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. Battle Honours for the Second World War were promulgated under Australian Army Order 135/1961 and the 10 selected honours approved for emblazoning on the Queen's Colour were subsequently added in 1962 These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. Union flag with gold fringes. In the centre the Arabic numeral "11" on a red background within a gold circle inscribed "ELEVENTH INFANTRY - PERTH REGIMENT", surmounted by the Crown. Emblazoned on the colour are the following Second World War Battle Honours:- BARDIA 1941, CAPTURE OF TOBRUK, DERNA, BRALLOS PASS, RETIMO, LIBERATION OF AUSTRALIAN NEW GUINEA, MATAPAU, ABAU-MALIN, WEWAK, WIRUI MISSION

With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 16th/28th Infantry Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia) was raised in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 16th and 28th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions It was decided in 1950 that a new set of Colours would be presented to 16th Battalion. For reasons that still remain unclear, these were manufactured under local arrangement by "cannibalising" the original 1933 set of colours and transferring the devices and battle honours (in the case of the Regimental Colour) to the new Colours. (Reported by Western Command to the Adjutant General -reference file A 107/1/11 dated 30 April 1952). These new colours were presented by Major-General JS Whitelaw, CB, CBE at a parade of the 16th/28th Infantry Battalion held on the Esplanade, Perth, 26 August 1951. (For details of Colours previously presented to 16th Battalion see separate section below). 16th/28th Infantry Battalion became unlinked in March 1952 with both 16th and 28th becoming independent battalions within their own right. With the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, all Colours that had originally been presented as King's Colours, and were still carried by units on the current Order of Battle, were automatically deemed to be Queen's Colours. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. Battle Honours for the Second World War were promulgated under Australian Army Order 135/1961 and the 10 selected honours approved for emblazoning on the Queen's Colour were subsequently added in 1962 These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project Previous Colours presented to 16th Battalion The designation "16th" was allocated to several different infantry battalions that had been raised at different stages during changes to organisational structure of the Citizen Forces during the 1920's and 1930's. The original King's Colour awarded for service of 16th Battalion (AIF) and received in 1920 by the Citizen Force unit 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment was later passed on to 16th Battalion (The Goldfields Regiment) which had been raised in the Kalgoorlie area in 1921. This unit became inactive and this Colour was later laid up in the Kalgoorlie Council Chambers. In order to maintain the identity of 16th Battalion as a Citizen Force unit, in 1930 11th Battalion (The Perth Regiment) was reformed as a linked battalion under the designation 11th/16th Battalion. As the 11th Battalion had already received its set of colours in the 1920's, it was decided that a set of King's and Regimental Colours be presented for 16th Battalion. These were presented by HE the Lieutenant-Governor Sir James Mitchell, KCMG at a parade of 11th/16th Battalion held at Perth Oval on 15 October 1933. The colours were consecrated by the Chaplain General, Archbishop COL Riley, OBE, VD, DD. In 1936 16th Battalion was re-established as a separate battalion within its own right, being formed as 16th Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia). The colours presented in 1933 were passed on to this new battalion and were also initially carried by the post-World War Two unit 16th/28th Infantry Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia) as already mentioned. Union flag with gold fringe. In the centre the Arabic numeral "16" on a red background within a circle inscribed "SIXTEENTH BATTALION", surmounted by the Crown. Emblazoned on the colour are the following Second World War Battle Honours:- NORTH AFICA 1941, SYRIAN FRONTIER, THE LITANI, SIDON, WADI ZEINI, DAMOUR, KOKODA TRAIL, BUNA-GONA, LIBERATION OF AUSTRALIAN NEW GUINEA, BORNEO

This former King's Colour was originally authorised by King George V in 1919 in recognition of services of 28th Battalion (AIF) during the Great War. Presented by HE the Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, PC, CGMG at a parade in King's Park on 2 October 1920 and handed over to 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment of the Citizen Forces. This colour was passed on to 28th Battalion, which was created, from other units in 1921. The colour was subsequently consecrated by the Chaplain General, Archbishop COL Riley, OBE, VD,DD at a parade on the Esplanade, Perth, 15 November 1924. At the time of presentation this colour was a plain union flag with no central devices or other distinctions included on it. Following Military Board approval given in 1925 the centre circle and Crown were later added, in accordance with the approved design for a King's Colour. With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 16th/28th Infantry Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia) was raised as a linked battalion in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 16th and 28th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions. The above battalion became unlinked in March 1952 and 28th Infantry Battalion (The Swan Regiment) became an independent battalion within its own right. The former colours of 28th Battalion were handed back at a parade at Northam Camp on 24 August 1952. With the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, all Colours that had originally been presented as King's Colours, and were still carried by units on the current Order of Battle, were automatically deemed to be Queen's Colours. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. Battle Honours for the Second World War were promulgated under Australian Army Order 135/1961 and the 10 selected honours approved for emblazoning on the Queen's Colour were subsequently added in 1962 These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. Union flag with gold fringes. In the centre the Arabic numeral "28" on a red background within a circle inscribed "TWENTY EIGHTH INFANTRY ", surmounted by the Crown. Emblazoned on the colour are the following Second World War Battle Honours:- DEFENCE OF TOBRUK, DEFENCE OF ALAMEIN LINE, QATTARA TRACK, EL ALAMEIN, LAE-NADZAB, BUSU RIVER, FINSCHHAFEN, SIKI COVE, BORNEO, LABUAN

This former King's Colour was originally authorised by King George V in 1919 in recognition of services of 44th Battalion (AIF) during the Great War. Presented by HE the Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, PC, CGMG at a parade in King's Park on 2 October, 1920, however was not passed on to any AMF counterpart unit of the Citizen Forces, as one did not exist at the time. 44th Battalion (AMF) was formed in 1921 from elements of 16th and 51st Infantry Regiments and was presented with this colour by the Governor of Western Australia Sir Robert Furse McMillan at the Anzac Day parade on the Esplanade, Perth on 25 April 1922. The colour was subsequently consecrated by the Chaplain General, Archbishop COL Riley, OBE, VD, DD at a parade on the Esplanade, Perth, 15 November 1924. At the time of presentation this colour was a plain union flag with no central devices or other distinctions included on it. Following Military Board approval given in 1925 the centre circle and Crown were later added, in accordance with the approved design for a King's Colour. With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 11th/44th Infantry Battalion (The City of Perth Regiment) was raised as a linked battalion in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 11th and 44th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions. With the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, all Colours that had originally been presented as King's Colours, and were still carried by units on the current Order of Battle, were automatically deemed to be Queen's Colours. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. Union flag with gold fringes. In the centre the Arabic numeral "44" on a red background within a circle inscribed "FORTY FOURTH INFANTRY ", surmounted by the Imperial Crown.

John Alexander Spence was born in Fremantle 2nd July 1893. In 1912 he joined the Australian Navy as a Stoker and was posted to H.M.A.S. Australia. He was on this ship when it sailed at the head of the convoy into Sydney Harbour in 1913. At the outbreak of WW1, his ship was sent to German New Guinea where he saw conflict with the enemy and received a gunshot wound to his hand. This required him to be returned to Australia and the Naval doctors considered him unfit for further Naval service. When his hand healed Spence joined the AIF on the 2 August 1915 and was posted to the 52nd Battalion and embarked on the “Benalla” on the 1 November 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 1 June 1916 on 9 September was promoted to Corporal and the next day to Sergeant. At Messines Ridge he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. At Dernancourt, a village near Villers he was awarded the Military Medal on 6 April 1918. Subsequently he was badly injured. He had captured four German soldiers and one Officer. While marching them back to the Allied lines the Officer grabbed one of the patrol member’s gun and fired three shots at Sergeant Spence which smashed his hip. Despite his injuries Spence managed to bring the Officer down with a revolver shot. On the 30th April he was repatriated to England and admitted to the Alexandria Hospital at Cosham. He did not return to the western front as his injuries were too severe. He returned to Australia on board the Somalia arriving home on the 21st December 1919. Before joining the forces he was a prominent amateur boxer, a pupil of the renowned heavyweight Bill Doherty. During WW1 he won the Army lightweight championship, competing against professionals as well as amateurs. He defended the title successfully for three successive years. On his discharge from the Army he fought under the name of Sonny Kidson. He also turned to coaching and had remarkable success having coached the Army and Navy boxing teams. John Spence died on the 20 November 1962 at Hollywood Repatriation Hospital aged 69. Post card sized photo of 3400 Sergeant John Alexander Spence DCM, MM, 52 Battalion AIF. Photo shows medal ribbons of Distinguished Conduct Medal (awarded June 1917) and Military Medal (awarded April 1918), 2 wound stripes, 5 service stripes, 52 Battalion AIF colour patch and soft style forage cap.spence, 52 battalion, aif, dcm, mm

The photo shows a Junior Legatee, now Captain Len Frazer being inducted into Melbourne Legacy as a senior legatee by L/- Stan Savige on 26 January 1943. Notes with another photo taken at the event (see 01368) identifies the man as Captain Len Fraser, who had been a Junior Legatee after his father died in the first World War at Ypres. He then served in World War 2 and on his return qualified to become a member of Melbourne Legacy. His service number was VX15205, full name Leonard Thomas Frazer. From Trove a newspaper article describes his background. "Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 27 January 1943, page 5 FIRST JUNIOR LEGATEE IN SENIOR CLUB Capt L. T. Frazer was initiated to membership of Legacy Club by Maj-Gen S. G. Savige, founder of the club, at a simple ceremony yesterday. He was the first returned soldier of this war, and first junior Legatee, to be admitted to membership. Joining junior Legacy in 1928, Capt Frazer, whose father was killed in the last war, was a foundation member of the Intermediate Club, of which he became president, and he gained the right to admittance to the senior club by having seen active service with the AIF. Enlisting in April, 1940, he served in the Middle East, Greece, and Crete. His father was killed in action with the first AIF at Ypres. Capt Frazer, who joined the Melbourne City Council as an engineering junior in 1928, graduated to senior MCC engineering assistant before he enlisted. At present he is attached to Army Engineers, LHQ. His wife and 3 children live at Canterbury."Sir Stanley Savige was the founder of Melbourne Legacy. A record of the first Junior Legatee becoming a Senior Legatee after his war service.Black and white photo of the induction of a new Legatee by L/- Stan Savige in 1943.savige, legatee event, len frazer, membership

A photo of the second AIF, 17th Infantry Brigade commander and staff. Lieut General Sir Stanley Savige, the founder of Melbourne Legacy had returned to active service in the Second World War. Caption describes: Front left to right- FRONT ROW: Captain I K Whittaker (Intelligence Officer); Major B W Pulver (Brigade Major); Brigadier S G Savige, DSO, MC, ED (Brigade Commander); Captain G H Brock (Staff Captain). REAR ROW: Lieutenant N M French (Entertainment Co-ordinating Officer); Captain A T McLean (Supply Officer); Captain J N Henry (Veterinary Officer); Lieutnant J A H McGeoch (Transport Officer). The bulldog is Roger, the Brigade mascot.The photo includes Sir Stanley Savige as a Brigadier in the 2nd A.I.F. as he returned to active service in the second world war.Black and white photo of a group of officers in a timber frame.Caption describes the names, rank, and position held within the brigade.savige, stan savige, world war two

McIlwraith McEacharn Line Pty.Ltd., reg. Melbourne. 1918: Commandeered as a troopship. 1919: Returned to owners. 1920: Resumed Australian coastal service. 1941: Commandeered as a troopship. 1942 Aug 4: Fired upon in the Great Australian Bight (WA) by a Japanese submarine. 1946: Returned to owners & sold to Compania Maritima del Este, reg. Panama. Refitted at Genoa and sailed under Greek Line flag. 1947: Chartered to French Line for Caribbean service. 1949: Refitted at Genoa & placed on Europe-Canada run. 1954: Neptunia Shipping Co. 1957: Laid up at Bremerhaven. 1958: Laid up at Piraeus. 1959 Sept.29: Arrived at Nagasaki, Japan having been sold to shipbreakers.Served with SS Duntroon leaving Melbourne on 12 February 1942, to join convoy MS5 to Colombo escorted by aircraft carrier HMS Enterprise. She then embarked 640 Second AIF troops to be redeployed to the South West Pacific after serving in the middle east.Brass name plate 'SS Katoomba'SS KATOOMBAwwi, wwii, passenger steamships, ss katoomba

Percy Nuttal was born in Kyneton.Framed picture Lieut Percival Edward Nuttall M.C, M.M 50th Btn AIF Including his medals and uniform badges. A second item associated with this is a framed written history of Nuttals war service. Military Colours & badges with replica medals - Military cross, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, 1914-18 War medal, M.I.D. Victory medal, Italian bronze medalnuttal, ww1, military medal, military cross

Lieut Percival Edward Nuttal was born in Kyneton, 14 April 1885. He served in WW1, 50th BN AIF and was decorated with both a Military Cross and a Military Medal. This framed history of his service is part of a display which includes photographs and replicas of his medals.Framed A4 page of Percy Nuttall historyPercy Nuttall made a life member in 1938nuttal, military cross

In the Second World War the Female Relatives badge was issued to the nearest female relative of members of the RAN, the AIF, including members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and the RAAF on active service abroad. Stars displayed on a bar suspended below the badge represented the number of relatives involved in the War effort.The badge on display was issued to Nora Marjorie Fielding, whose husband VX79262 Pte Donald Fielding, served with Army Headquarters Signals Regiment in WW2.A badge with a safety chain and pin attached, long pin on back for wearing. Laurel wreath on outer rim with crown at top. Map of Australia in middle. A bar is suspended by two loops, there is one star fixed to the bar. Front. To the Women of Australia. Back. Issued by the CWlth of Australia A123489 Angus and Coote 1942female relatives badge, ww2, homefront

Pte Simmons was born in Kyneton. Died at the battle of Fromelles, July 1916.Fromelles. The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to warfare on the Western Front. Soldiers of the newly arrived 5th Australian Division, together with the British 61st Division, were ordered to attack strongly fortified German front line positions near the Aubers Ridge in French Flanders. The attack was intended as a feint to hold German reserves from moving south to the Somme where a large Allied offensive had begun on 1 July. The feint was a disastrous failure. Australian and British soldiers assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from the German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in action or died of wounds and some 400 were captured. This is believed to be the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours during the entire First World War. Some consider Fromelles the most tragic event in Australia’s history. www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/fromelles Two WW1 War service medals with ribbons in a white presentation case. With black clothe lining. On the rim of each medal is: 4899Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF The medals are labelled British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal 1914- 1918. On the inside of the lid is card inscribed: Posthumus award to 4899 Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF. ww1 medals, british war medal, allied victory medal 1914- 1918, n t simmons, fromelles

1. The first Apex Club was formed in Geelong in 1931 as a service club responding to conditions during the depression. It was soon followed by a club in Ballarat and then in Bendigo. It is aimed at 18-35 year olds and has the motto "Service, Citizenship and Fellowship" 2. Ron Barker(1913-23/6/1997) married Verna Clarke in 1948 3. Laurence William Pocock (1913 - 27/6/1989) married Mena Irene Bailie in 1941 4. Austin Gant (1917-1988) was a dentist who served as a Captain in the AIF Dental corps during WW2. He married Clarice Bryce in 1939.Black and white photograph of six men in white aprons cooking a barbecue. The date is unknown. Part of the Barker's family collection.On the back: the warmest job in Bgo today. Apexians cook the grill and hamburgers. Apex Club Bendigo L -R: Ron Barker, Laurie Pocock, maybe Austin Gart.apex club, bendigo, bbq

In 1915 Arthur Swanwick from Bendigo enlisted in the AIF. He left for overseas service in March 1916. He wrote a message to his sweetheart Jessie Campbell, placed it in a bottle and threw it overboard from HMAT A18 "Wiltshire". The bottle was found on a beach near Robe SA and the message was sent to Jessie. Arthur returned home and he and Jessie married in 1918. Arthur died on 11 April 1968. Arthur's niece sent the updated information after the story was shared with the family who knew nothing about it. A hand written letter on lined green paper sent to BHS providing an update on the story of a "Message in a Bottle" written by Arthur Swanwick to Jessie Campbell. A black and white wedding photograph of Arthur and Jessie, a black and white photograph of dedication plaques from the Bendigo RSL WW1 Honour Board and a Thank you card form Arthur's niece thanking someone for letting the family know about the story (18 October 2013). ww1, message in a bottle, swanick

Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson