In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground. Resting enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers sitting on the ground in bush land. Night bivouac enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers bathing and washing during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers bathing and sitting on a river bank in bush land. Washing enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Carrier Platoon after the battle of El Alamein in 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers seated in four rows.2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion in October 1941 awaiting transport to Palestine after 8 months in the desert at Tobruk.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers standing in front of convoy of trucks2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image depicts a group of 5 soldiers all believed to be under 16 years who served with the 2nd AIF in the Middle East in 1941. VX56792 George COKER DOB 11/9/1921 - 2/24 Battalion - was wounded in action on 31/10/1942. SLUNINGS not listed as serving with the 2/24 Battalion. The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced sepia photograph of 5 soldiers seated and all wearing slouch hats Attached on rear - 2nd AIF Babes Middle East 1941 - All under 16 years Back Row - Laycock 2/21 / Unknown 2/23 Front Row - Coker 2/24 / Slunings 2/24 / Unknown 2/242/24th battalion, wangaratta, george coker

Image depicts a group of 3 soldiers who served with the 2/24 Battalion VX32810 William John McKILLOP DOB 23/11/1914 POW May 1941 Italy- 2/24 Battalion VX31847 George Cecil OLLEY DOB 14/7/1917 - 2/24 Battalion. The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Original black and white photograph of 3 soldiers standing Handwritten on rear - Geo Olly centre, McKillop R & L, Frankston, 2/24 Btn2/24th battalion, wangaratta, george cecil olley, william john mckillop

Image depicts a group of 14 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2002. They include:- VX24987 Clifford GIERSCH DOB 16/12/1918 POB Culcairn; Bill WILLIAMS; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1908 POB England; VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; VX44006 Robert CLARK DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX34505 James HUGHES DOB 28/5/1920 POB Castlemaine POW 5/1941; VX31279 Eric EDWARDS DOB 3/8/1916 POB Mordialloc POW 1/5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX34760 Reginald GUNNING DOB 29/1/1919 POB Branxholme VX46233 Robert KEE DOB 10/11/1916 POB Sydney; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) VX40320 Edgar SHILLING DOB 12/7/1918 POB England; The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Colour photograph of 14 men in two rows with Australian flag in background. Attached plaque contained 12 names2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image depicts a group of 11 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2003. They include:- Back Row: VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; Bill WILLIAMS VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX31699 Alan NICHOLSON DOB 27/10/1918 POB Korumburra POW 1/5/1941; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1918 POB England; Front Row: VX44006 Robert CLARKE DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX48597 Dr Guy ROBERTSON DOB 4/7/1918 POB St Arnaud, RMO VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Colour photograph of 11 men standing and seated in two rows 2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Band - Winners of the 7th Division Band Contest in Palestine February 1941 The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of band of soldiers with musical instruments Handwritten on rear - 2/24 Bn Band Winners of 7 Div Band Contest Palestine 19412/24th battalion, wangaratta, palestine, 1941, 7th division band contest

Medal awarded to Private C T WHYMAN 554269 who served with the 16th London Regiment (County of London). The 16th Battalion was known as the Queen's Westminster Rifles, an Infantry regiment of the British Army formed in 1908 and disbanded in 1938. The Battalion was engaged on the western front between 1914 and 1918. The item was found and no further information is known regarding Private WHYMAN.Round bronze medal - The obverse shows figure of 'Victory' (or 'Victoria') with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand.The reverse has the words ‘THE GREAT / WAR FOR / CIVILISATION / 1914-1919' in four lines, all surrounded by a laurel wreath.The ribbon has an iridescent multi-colour scheme and attaches to the medal through a ring suspender The recipient's name, rank, service number and unit is impressed on the edge of the medal. 554269 Pte C T WHYMAN 16 LOND Rww1, 16 london regiment, c t whyman, 1918, victory medal

C1915 - 1916 INFANTRY PRIVATE 1ST AIFA sepia postcard size full portrait of Ernest J. Tate at ease with his hand behind his back.Typewritten on front: ERNEST J. TATE Handwritten on back: ERNEST J. TATE 16TH BATTALION 4TH BRIGADE 2ND REINFORCEMENTState, ernest j., soldiers, uniforms, clothing and dress, armed forces, george evans collection

Small Album. 39th Inf. Bn. New Guinea 1939-45 stawell ww2

Worn by Martin Balsarini, in WW1Martin Balsarini was a Chiltern Valley resident, who fought in WW1, including at the Battle of Beersheba.3 AIF Shoulder epaulettes 2 Jacket buttons 2 Lighthorse insignia 1 Field Ambulance insignia 2 4th Battalion Insignia 1 Infantry Insignia Epaulettes pins chiltern, chiltern valley, martin balsarini, military accoutrements

1914 Star for the Greatr War 1914-1918 The 1914 Star was authorised in April 1917 to be awarded to those who served in France or Belgium on the strength of a unit, or who served in either of those two countries between 5 August 1914 and midnight on 22/23 November 1914. A recipient of the 1914 Star could not also be awarded the 1914–15 Star. WW1 Medal - The 1914 Star Issued to Pte. Albert Arthur Robin. The Great War 1914-1918. Australian Infantry Force. 1914 Star The 1914 Star was authorised in April 1917 to be awarded to those who served in France or Belgium. Design The four pointed star is bright bronze, ensigned with a crown. The obverse has crossed gladius, overlaid with an oak wreath that is ensigned with the cypher of King George V. Interlaced in the crossed blades of the gladius is an ‘S’ shaped scroll bearing the words ‘AUG’, ‘1914’, and ‘NOV’. Ribbon The ribbon has the red white and blue colours of the Empire, in shaded and watered stripes. Clasp A bronze clasp inscribed ‘5th Aug – 22nd Nov 1914’ was issued to those who actually served under the fire of the enemy in France and Belgium between those dates.The four pointed star is bright bronze, ensigned with a crown. The obverse has crossed gladius, overlaid with an oak wreath that is ensigned with the cypher of King George V. Interlaced in the crossed blades of the gladius is an ‘S’ shaped scroll bearing the words ‘AUG’, ‘1914’, and ‘NOV’. Ribbon The ribbon has the red white and blue colours of the Empire, in shaded and watered stripes. Clasp A bronze clasp inscribed ‘5th Aug – 22nd Nov 1914’ was issued to those who actually served under the fire of the enemy in France and Belgium between those dates.the ww1 star, ww1 1914-1918, pte. albert arthur robin., ww1 pte a. robin 22 battalion aif

Associated with WW2 soldier and Chiltern Resident Keith Bunning Gayfer, son of Roscoe Napier Gayfer and Jessie Murial Bunning.Pre WW2 service (1938) and leading into WW2 of Pte. Keith Bunning Gayfer, a Chiltern Resident. Keith served with 58th Battalion C Company and was enlisted for the duration of WW2 serving overseas. The Efficiency Trophy was awarded to the best all round Infantry Soldier who displayed excellence with soldierly abilities, weaponry, dress and bearing, trade or job, and service attitude. Silver plated trophy on teak coated Bakelite baseEfficiency Trophy, C. Coy, 58th BN Pte. K. Gayfer 1938. pte. keith bunning gayfer ww2, keith gayfer chiltern resident, efficiency trophy 58th bn c coy

Bandsman William Gray A. I. F. 1914 –1918 The Gray Family respected residents of StawellPortrait photograph of a World War 1 soldier in uniform on an oval shaped image on a post card.No 1301 Bandsman Wm. Gray, B. Company A.I.F. 39th Battalion 10th Infantry Brigade. On Active Service Abroad Grammond Gordon Studios, Stawell.stawell ww1

Black and white photographic image of the 4th Battalion AIF landing at Gallipoli at 8am on 25 April 1915. In the foreground is the staff of Colonel MacLaurin, 1st Infantry Brigade. On the beach is a dead Australian Engineer. world war one, gallipoli, landing, beachhead, colonel maclaurin, 4th battalion aif, 1st infantry brigade aif

Black and white photographic image of General Birdwood's Headquarters, ANZAC Gully, Gallipoli, Turkey. ANZAC Gully was completely open to the fire of the Turkish batteries at Olive Grove. he "dugout" was afterwards given some slight comouflage by hay trusses. world war one, gallipoli, landing, beachhead, colonel maclaurin, 4th battalion aif, 1st infantry brigade aif

A colour photograph of a weatherbaord Drill Hall at Geelong, Victoria. royal victoria regiment infantry, 87h/7th battalion, geelong, geelong ranger barracks

Black and white photograph of George Purcellgeorge purcell, nx40503, prisoner of war, 2/18 infantry battalion, world war 1939-1945

40 pages of yellowing and torn paper with printing. No cover and no date.battalion, puckapunyal, kinnane, alec, a company, b company, h company, army, national service

Cyril Everett Isaac (1884-1865) (MLC for South Eastern 1940-52) was a progressive educator, horticulturist and conservationist. A pioneer of school gardening, Isaac believed in the enlightening, spiritual values of working with the land, and founded the State Schools Horticulture Society in 1910. Following the outbreak of the Great War, Isaac recognised the potential to combine school gardening with humanitarian aid. In 1915, Isaac helped to establish the Young Gardeners’ League, whereby young garden enthusiasts could join for a penny and cultivate plots in their own backyards. These home-grown flowers and vegetables were then sold for the going market rates, and the proceeds went towards supporting the Education Department officers serving in the war and their families. This project culminated in a state-wide flower day show held at Melbourne’s Town Hall on 3 November 1916, known as Children’s Flower Day. Isaac hoped that this special day would encourage children to feel that by ‘growing the flowers they are doing something to help our brave soldiers.’ Originally aiming to raise £10,000, the inaugural Flower Day raised over £32,309 (including revenue from home produce), and was donated to the War Relief Fund. On 9 November, the Dandenong Advertiser reported: “This is a splendid record for the boys and girls of our State Schools, who are so well tutored, and ready and willing to help the British Empire against the enemy.” One month after Flower Day, Isaac enlisted in 58th Battalion of Australian Infantry Forces, and departed for Europe in May 1917. Subsequent Children’s Flower Days were held in 1917 and 1918 in Isaac’s absence, and accounted for 25 per cent of the £445,000 raised by the Education Department’s War Relief Fund. A badge created as a fundraiser for Children's Flower Day in 1918. These badges were sold in public places in order to raise funds for war relief. Round metal badge with celluloid insert that has a printed motif of flowers (wattle and forget-me-not) and three banners with red text.Printed recto: "CHILDREN'S/ FLOWER DAY/ 1918"isaac, cyril everett (1884-1865), children's flower day, world war 1, charity

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 1 Gallery - 1918 experience. The figure shows details of the Lewis gun and webbing including the documented but irregular positioning of the entrenching tool.The diorama text discusses the transition from manpower to firepower with the restructure of infantry battalions to incorporate more light machine guns and to give the platoon an all round versus specialist capability. The increase in firepower and the reduction to three from four battalions in an infantry regiment in part offset the decline in voluntary recruitment. The offensive capabilities of an infantry battalion was therefore generally maintained but with 700 men instead of 1100 when fully manned .1:1 scale diorama showing a Lewis gunner of 44th Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Division, Australian Imperial Force in May 1918amiens, last 100 days, lewis gun, spring offensive

In July 1940 the 2/24th Battalion was formed. They set off from Caulfield for the still-being-built Bonegilla camp, stopping off at Wangaratta where they camped at the showgrounds. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as ‘Wangaratta’s Own’. Presented with a 14 foot pennant the Battalion marched through the streets of Wangaratta on 27 September 1940 on the way to Bonegilla. Training continued in Bonegilla until the soldiers sailed on HMT Strathmore for the Middle East on 16 November. The Battalion was eventually attached to the 9th Australian Division, one of the most famous army fighting formations in World War 2. They served in Tobruk (1941) Tel el Eisa (1942), El Alemain (1942), New Guinea (1943) and Tarakan (1945).During the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats of Tobruk’ by William Joyce, the German propagandist. The 2/24th Battalion suffered more casualties than any other 2nd AIF Battalion – 360 killed and 900 wounded. Brown lacquered wood shield with a silver metal 2/24 symbol on it.2/24 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATALLION TOBRUK . THE SALIENT . TEL EL EISA . EL ALAMEIN . LAE . NADZAB . WAREO . TARAKAN I HOLD FAST