Alan Kenneth Naismith, VX4838 enlisted in the AIF on 23.10.1939 age 24 years 7 months. Hospital 2.11.39 - 6.11.39 unlisted, posted to 2/7th Bn 6th Division 2nd AIF on 25.11.1939, hospital 2.3.40 - 19.3.40 unlisted, embarked for the Middle East 18.4.1940 arriving 17.5.1940, hospital twice between 31.7.40 - 22.8.40 unlisted, total 11 days, embark for Greece 9.4.1941, return to Middle East late May/June 1941 medical, promoted Cpl 20.7.1941, A/Sgt 14.2.1942, embark for Australia 12.3.1942 arriving 38.3.1942, hospital 9.6.42 - 16.6.42 with Threadworm, embark for New Guinea 13.10.1942, promoted Sgt 29.10.42, revert to Cpl at own request 25.11.1942, hospital with Malaria 18.1.43 - 9.2.43. During the period of August 1st - 5th 1943 at an area called Bobdubi Ridge Alan is awarded the DCM and is WIA on the 5th, GSW to right shoulder, embarks from Pt Moresby 27.9.1943 arriving Cairns 30.9.1943, hospital Malaria 13.2.44 - 10.3.44, accidental injury 6.5.1944 fractured left clavicle, discharged from the Army on 8.9.1944. The Official History of Australia in WW2 states that Sgt Naismith had gained a reputation as a booby trap expert and was interested in these gadgets.The citation is on a light parchment type paper rectangular in shape. Colour is into a fawn with stains and marks from handling. Creases from folding have left several small tears. The rear is blank with sticky tape holding the citation together at the folds.At the top of the Citation is a seal, blue in colour with the words, Govenor - General, Commonwealth of Australia. The centre coat of arms of the seal has fine writing which is unreadable. There are no other markings except for the citation wording itself. “Distinguished Conduct Medal Corporal Alan Kenneth Naismith ( VX4838 )”citation dcm, a.k.naismith vx4838, documents - certificates

Soon after the outbreak of World War Two, the British Government requested experienced forestry soldiers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada to be deployed in France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The first Forestry Company (2/1) was based in Sydney with men from NSW, Queensland and South Australia, led by Captain Cyril Richard Cole, a professional forester from the Australian Capital Territory. The second Forestry Company (2/2) included many Forests Commission staff, local sawmillers and experienced bushmen from Victoria, WA and Tasmania including veterans of the First World War. They were led by Captain Andrew Leonard (Ben) Benallack, a graduate from the Victorian School of Forestry in 1922. Both Forestry Companies sailed from Fremantle on the Stratheden in late May 1940 and landed in England not long after the evacuation of Dunkirk. The foresters were recalled to Australia at the insistence of Prime Minister John Curtin in late 1943 because of the War in the Pacific. After reequipping and some refresher training in jungle warfare at Kapooka the 2/2 Forestry Company was deployed to Lae in Papua New Guinea in May 1944. This photograph was probably taken in Australia before deployment to PNG.Photo in wooden frame of Royal Australian Engineers Forestry Company

Colonel Leslie Coleman was the Honorary Colonel of 8/13 VMR. Colonel Coleman graduated to the RAAC from the Royal Military College in 1939 and transferred to the 2nd AIF in 1941. He was adjutant of the 2/10 Armoured Regiment when the unit was raised in 1941. Later in the war he was attached to British 7 Armoured Division in Western Europe during and shortly after the invasion of Normandy. Lieutenant Colonel John Neale served in the Royal Australian Navy in World War Two. Following the war he returned to Albury and joined the 8/13 VMR in 1948. He rose through the ranks and became the Commanding Officer in 1974. He too was the Honorary Colonel 1990-92. Major Norman Whitehead MC served with the 21 Light Horse prior to World War Two. He joined the AIF and served with 2/6th Armoured Regiment. He was wounded during the capture of Buna New Guinea 1942 and awarded the Military Cross. Following the war he was one of the original officers of the 8/13 VMR when it was raised in 1948. He was squadron Commander of 'A' Squadron. He maintained close contact with the regiment after his retirement and frequently visited annual camp.Black and white photograph of Colonel Coleman, Lieutenant Colonel John Neale and Major Norman Whitehead taken during 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp at Puckapunyal 1974.Ink stamp on reverse "Mikainis Photo Studio / 23 Jun 1974 / 61 Goulburn St., Seymour / Telephone 92-2141 Vic"military, world war two, vmr, camp, coleman, neal, whitehead

This is an example of Melbourne Legacy promotional material. Legacy invited the leading guitarists, Phil and Tony Emmanuel to be Personality of the Year in 1995. They helped to promote Legacy, especially during Badge Week (see 00838). They were chosen as their father had served in the Air Force in New Guinea. When he died Legacy helped support their mother and her 6 children. They were releasing a new album in 1995, 'Terra Firma' and Legacy was given a special mention at each concert in Australia. Their album also featured a song called "The Last Post" which was dedicated to the men and women who gave their lives in times of war to keep Australia free. The main time of year for fundraising is September when Legacy holds 'Badge Week'. Often there is a celebrity who gives his or her time as 'Personality of the Year'. Examples are Sir Weary Dunlop (1992), Clive James (1993), the Scott family (1994), The Emmanuel brothers (1995), Daryl Somers (1996 and 1997), and Patsy Adam Smith (1994?). Was in a folder with marketing material from the 1990s to 2009, see items 01240 to 01258. The collection shows the types of marketing materials that were produced and the celebrities that were helping Legacy.An example of promotional material from the 1990s. Marketing material and photos were compiled and released to newspapers, also printed as brochures and sometimes as stickers and collection tin wrappers.Colour A4 promotional leaflet with a photo of Phil and Tony Emmanuel, a one page press release and an article from The Answer.Press release is titled 'The Emmanuels remember Legacy'.legacy promotion, badge appeal, legacy week, answer, press release

Sergeant JP Smith was a member of No 1 Troop C Squadron 20th Light Horse Regiment drawn from the farming community of Tocumwal, personifying the strength of citizen soldiering in rural Victorian and Southern NSW in the period following World War One and especially in the years immediately prior to the second World War. Building on the strength and enthusiasm of the Tocumwal Troop other Troops were raised at Finley, Berigan and Jerilderie. The Tocumwal Troop won the coveted Hutton Trophy in 1937 and 1938, defeating crack Troops from other States. The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of Light Horse soldier on horseback. Part of a collection of 20th Light Horse photographs circa 1939.Sgt. J.P. Smith Tocumwal Troop 20th LHRtocumwal, 20th, light horse, smith

VX 42774 Captain H G (Bob) Fyffe, a grazier from Tocumwal, NSW, served with the Tocumwal troop of the 20th Light Horse prior to WWII (1939-46). He enlisted at the outbreak of war and served with the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment in North Africa. During the attack on Trig 22 on 17 July 1942 Captain Fyffe commanding a composite squadron manoeuvred his tanks to knock out machine guns and anti-tank guns enabling 2/32 Battalion to capture the objective. Captain Fyffe was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and courage in the action. This was 9th Division Cavalry's first tank action of the war. The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon return to Australia in 1945 it was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and disbanded at the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII.Silver plated tankard with engraving on side.20th LH / Officers Mess / Presented by Lieutenant H G Fyffe fyffe, 20th, light horse

The Australian magpie is a passerine native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Renowned for its black and white plumage and distinctive song, the Australian magpie has also established populations in New Zealand and on the Fijian island of Taveuni, where it was introduced during the 19th century. Previously classified as three distinct species, it is now recognized as a single species comprising nine subspecies. Belonging to the family Artamidae, the Australian magpie is the sole member of the genus Gymnorhina and shares its closest relation with the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi). Unlike the Eurasian magpie, it is not part of the Corvidae family. This specimen was originally misidentified as a white winged chough and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen an Australian Magpie with black and white plumage over the body, mounted on a cedar stand. The specimen has a large straight beak and is in an unusual pose for a magpie, compressing the white patch on the back of the neck. The beak has turned yellow where originally grey, potentially leading to a previous misidentification as a white-winged chough.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian magpie, ornithological, ornithology, white winged chough

Surrey College was opened in early 1892 by Reverend Dr Frederick Darling who had been the first minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canterbury Road. He resigned this position to open the school which operated until 1905 with additional premises at 12 Vincent Street. The main building fronted 219-233 Union Road. The school had 40 boarders as well as day boys. Courses included algebra, euclid, history, typewriting, shorthand and drill. In the 1930s, Nethercourt Private Hospital took over the site. Later it became St Jude's Hospital. Land in front of the building was sub-divided off in the 1970s. The building is still extant as a private dwelling with York Street, Surrey Hills as the address. This is one of 3 photos donated by Susan Hobbs, whose grandfather Rev. George Edward Downton is thought to have been a student at the college. George E. Downton was born in Avoca in 1885. He was later a missionary in New Guinea and Secretary to the Australian Board of Missions in Adelaide. He died in 1926 or 1927. This photo is one of two that were originally in the Box Hill Historical Society collection. They were transferred to us in 2024. The third photo could not be located. There was also a rough family tree and notes for the Downton family with correspondence regarding the donation but this was not found.Sepia photograph on grey mount board of 15 men and boys. Eleven of the boys are dressed in whites, 5 wearing ties and 1 a bow tie, one with a boater and one with a cap. The boy seated on the right is holding a cricket bat and the boy seated on left is wearing cricket pads on his legs. There are stumps and bails in the middle of front row. Three young men are in suits and boaters with one in the back row holding items in his hands. On the right hand side of the back row is Reverend Frederick Darling, Principal of the College, who wears a top hat and tails. There is a brick building behind with windows and blinds, and some foliage and plants behind and in front of boys. "Surrey College - Surrey Hills/Principal: Rev Fredk. A Darling, Melb. Unib./Cricket Team, 1899"schools, sport, cricket, 1899, surrey hills, surrey college, rev frederick a darling, george edward downton, susan hobbs, union road, nethercourt hospital, st jude's hospital, 219-223 union road, york street, 1890-1899

Krefft's glider (Petaurus notatus) is a small, nocturnal, arboreal marsupial known for its ability to glide. It is native to much of eastern mainland Australia and has also been introduced to Tasmania. The classification of Petaurus populations from New Guinea and Indonesia, previously assigned to P. breviceps, remains under review. The American Society of Mammalogists tentatively includes these populations within P. notatus, though they may represent a complex of distinct species. Notably, most captive gliders referred to as "sugar gliders" in the United States are believed to originate from West Papua, suggesting they may actually be Krefft's gliders, though this classification is still under study. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. The specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia's fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental, climate and conservation research.Small sized glider with a pointed head, curved body, bushy tail, and curved claws perched on a wooden mount. The pelage is thick, long and silky in pale caramel and tan shades. The head is small with two pointed ears, two glass eyes, and about five teeth.On wooden mount: BMM5895 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, flying fox, fruit bat, burke museum, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, natural history, animal, krefft's glider, glider, arboreal

The Australasian swamphen is a visually striking and socially complex bird found across Oceania. It can be found in eastern Indonesia (specifically the Moluccas, Aru, and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and Australia. As a member of the rail family (Rallidae), it belongs to the diverse order Gruiformes, which also includes cranes and other rail species. Like other rails, it possesses relatively short wings and a strong, elongated bill, both adaptations suited to its semi-aquatic wetland habitat. This swamphen is easily identified by its deep blue-purple plumage, prominent red frontal shield, and sturdy red legs. It primarily inhabits swamps, marshes, and other wet lowland areas, though its range has expanded to include pastures, roadsides, and farmland due to significant landscape modifications over the past 150 years. Unlike many wetland birds, it is highly adaptable and thrives in both natural and human-altered environments. Its diet is similarly flexible, consisting mostly of plant material such as grass stems, shoots, and leaves, but also including invertebrates and, on occasion, the young of other bird species. This specimen was misidentified as a Purple Swamphen in original catalogue records and is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This taxidermy specimen is of a Australasian swamphen which is mounted standing on a wooden platform and has a paper identification tag tied to its upper left leg. The specimen has dark colouring on its back and head with a purple-blue coloured neck, breast and belly. The bill is oversized and is orange/red which is the same colour as the frontal shield on the bird's face. The eyes are made from a red and black glass and the legs of this specimen are orange. The legs are elongated and the toes also long and unwebbed. 17e. / Purple Gallinule / Catalogue Page 35 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, swamphen, moorhen, purple bird, hen, purple swamphen, water bird

The Dollarbird is so-named because of the coin-shaped patches on the tips of their wings, which is clear when in flight. They have distinctive blue-green colouring on their backs and wings, and a bright blue throat. This species migrates to northern and eastern Australia for breeding, between the months of September and April. These birds migrate to New Guinea and nearby islands in the Winter, but can be found in Japan and India also. This species resides in open wooded areas, preferring hollow-bearing trees for nesting. They can be found spending most of their time perched on high branches in search of insects, and will often 'hawk' at dusk above the tree-tops, hovering on the wing for lengthy periods. This specimen is a good example of this species, however the distinctive coin-patches on the tips of the wings are partially hidden by the tuck of the wing. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This adult Dollarbird has a brown body and head, blue-green back and wings. It has a distinctive bright blue or purple plumage around its throat. The tips of the wings are brown. The pale-blue coin shaped patches on the tips of the wings are just visible. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing-tag: 96a / Australian Roller / Catalogue, page, 25. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, dollarbird, australian birds, broad-billed roller

The Blue-faced Honeyeater is commonly located in northern and eastern mainland Australia. It is also found in Papua New Guinea. This species prefer to reside in tropical locations or those which are sub-tropical and wetter temperate or semi-arid zones. It can be located in open forests and woodlands close to water. Due to these locations along with it's propensity for feeding on the fruit and flowers of the banana in northern Queensland, this species is colloquially known as the "Bananabird". These birds commonly reside in pairs, family groups or small flocks. They can often be found socialising with other species including the yellow-throated miner and the Little Friarbird. The Blue-faced Honeyeater feed on insects and invertebrates, but also may eat nectar and fruit from native and exotic plants. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The blue-faced Honeyeater is large in size with bright white and black colouring. The bird also has golden olive-green colouring on it's rear, tail and wings. Around the eyes is strikingly blue coloured skin which has faded significantly on this particular specimen. It also has a pair of glass eyes to replace the original which do not survive the taxidermy process. There is a patch of dark colouring on the plumage of the stomach and neck of the bird. This dark batch is surrounded by white plumage which also forms a white band across the back of the neck. This specimen is stylized placed on a wooden mount. The bird's feet are attached to a thin stick and the stick attached to the mount.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, honeyeater, blue-faced honeyeater

The Magpie-Lark, also commonly known as a Mudlark, is a carnivorous bird found in many regions of Australia, Indonesia, Timor, and Southern New Guinea. They are a non-migratory species and are extremely adaptable to a variety of environments. These environments include dry forest, savannah, grassland, and even urban areas. Magpie-Larks are typically monogamous and are often found in pairs. They are black and white, with a white underbelly, long legs, and a long, thin beak. The females of this species have a white throat, while the males have a white eyebrow and a black throat. While juveniles have dark eyes, mature adults have light irises. This information helps identify this specimen as an adult male. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Magpie-Lark is a small to medium-sized bird which has distinctive black and white colouring. The bill is long and thin and is a whitish colour which differentiates it to other Magpie species. When mature, like this particular specimen, the Magpie-Lark have distinctive light irises. The glass eyes provided for this specimen are accurate in colour. This male specimen has a white 'eyebrow' marking and a black chest or bib. This Magpie-Lark stands on a wooden mount with a swing tag attached to its leg.Swing-tag: 20a. / Reed Grallina / See catalogue page 10 / taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, mudlark, magpie-lark

The Wedgetail Eagle (aquila audax) is one of the largest birds of prey located in Australia, Indonesia and Papa New Guinea. It feasts mostly on rabbits but can target mammals as large as koalas, wombats, possums and small kangaroos. The darker the colouring, the older the bird is. A mostly dark brown feathering can suggest over 10 years old, though females are usually paler. This species mates monogamously for life. They circle high in the sky to avoid temperatures close to the ground and to assert their dominance over their territory. This specimen is lighter than many documented photographs of the species. They're usually less patchy / speckled with lighter colours on the chest and back. Documenting the wingspan of this specimen would be of interest because some have been measured up to 230cm. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This wedgetail eagle is posed with the head turned to the left. It has mostly dark brown feathers which is common for older birds in this species. Speckled light brown and white feathers cover it's neck, chest and a middle strip across the wings. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform. The bill is light grey and long legs dark brown. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, wedgetail eagle, aquila audax, birds of prey, australian bird, eagle

William Ellis NEWTON VC enlisted in the RAAF no 250748 on 5.2.1940 age 20 years 8 months. Serving with No 22Sqd RAAF flying Boston Bombers he arrived in New Guinea in May 1942. Along the way he was promoted to Pilot Officer, Flying Officer and then Flight Lieutenant. On the 18.3 1943 during a low level attack on Japanese positions around Salamaua he hit his target but his plane was hit several times by flack and burst into flames but he landed it in the sea. Sgt B.G Eastwood No 13055 a crew member went down with the aircraft. Newton and Flt Sgt J Lyon No 401706 swam to shore but were captured by the Japanese. Newton was taken to Lae for interrogation and then returned to Salamaua and was executed by decapitation and his body thrown in bomb crater on 29.3.1943. His body was later recovered in late 1943 when Australian troops captured Salamaua. Lyons was executed at Lae by bayoneting in the back. The award to Newton of the Victoria Cross was for low level attacks in the Salamaua area which inflicted heavy losses on Japanese installations one of which his plane was hit by flak heavily and he successfully flew it back some 180 miles and landed. The award also included the attack for which he was executed. Newtons and war crimes records are some 800 plus pages with photos, statements etc. Refer also Cat No 3456.Black & white photo, head & shoulders portrait of F/LT W. E. NEWTON V.C. He is wearing a peaked cap, collar & tie with RAAF wings badge on L side of jacket. In a green / gold wooden frame with glass front. Fawn paper backing. Gold plaque in middle beneath photo.Engraved on plaque: “F/LT W. E. NEWTON V.C. 22 Squadron RAAF”photograph, raaf, vc, newton

Material collected relating to Camp 3. Material relating to Palestine Group of Internees in Camp 3 Theatre Programs & lists of cast.. Wilhelm Fugmann, Director. Coloured sketch of stage with setting presented to Prompter, Julia Mueller, autographed by the Theatre Group. 1945 Christmas Greetings from the Camp Leaders. "Templers in Israel" by Yossi Ben-Artzi. "Loyalties at Swordpoint - Lutheran Missionaries in Wartime New Guinea" by H.N. Nelson. Records of Resi, Maria, Erich & Friedrich Haering; Rudolf Hoefer, Willy & Else Groezinger, Ruth Stoll, Gisela Stellar. Copies of letters written by Wilhelm Stoll in 1946 seeking employment in S.A. Recollections from Ted Stoll. Obituary of Ruth Stoll. Play (in German) "Prinzess Chiu", written by Fritz Prager for his daughter in Camp 3. Prager, a German businessman in Sydney, Australia, interned with his brother, Hans in Camp 1. Fritz and Hans were later joined by their families in Camp 3. Copy of "FHP Communications", in which Fritz describes how his company, F.H. Prager & Coy. became established. Letter from Ursula Grimsdale describing how the two brothers came to be interned. Prager Company Newsletter from Ursula Grimsdale. Birth certificate of Heidi Wennagel, born in Camp 1 Hospital. Painted backdrop and theatre scene presented to Jula Mueller.Black 3 ring folder with printed material in plastic sleevesdocuments, reports

Joan Mary Bray was born 6/9/1915 in Brisbane, the daughter of Herbert Edward Bray and his wife Grace (nee Shepherd) who married in Wisbech, Cambridge in 1892. The family lived at 5 Barton Street from the late 1920s. She completed her primary schooling at Auburn Primary by travelling there by the little black bus along Canterbury Road. She then went on to Mont Albert Central School and Melbourne Girls High. Locally she belonged to the 1st Surrey Hills Girl Guide Company at Holy Trinity Church. She trained as a nurse at Epworth Hospital and in 1941 served with the army at Gaza Hospital in the Middle East, then in New Guinea. From 1944 until the end of the war she was in Bougainville. Her mother died in Surrey Hills 29/9/1945 and her father moved to Hawthorn; he died in 1955. She had 3 older sisters: Eveline Grace (1893-1978) m Eric Benson; Violet Constance (1894-1983 - ? Sister Constance in mother’s death notice); Dorothy Maud (1896 - ? Sister Ursula in mother’s death notice). After the war she was a RSSL nurse, Matron of St Gabriel’s Baby Home in Balwyn, then Director of Nursing at the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne. She resigned to be married. [No success in locating her marriage, presumed to be to UNKNOWN Wicks.]Black and white head and shoulders portrait of Joan Bray. She is wearing a plain shirt or jacket.barton street, mont albert central school, auburn primary school, melbourne girls high school, girl guides, 1st surrey hills girl guide company, nurses, nursing, hospitals, health services, australian army nursing service, world wars, 1939-1945, epworth hospital, st gabriel's baby home, eye and ear hospital, (miss) joan mary bray, matron joan bray, (mrs) joan wicks

Geoffrey MAINWARING (29 October 1912-13 April 2000) Born Adelaide South Australia Geoffrey Mainwaring studied at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts before becoming an art teacher at Thebarton Technical School (1928-36). Mainwaring was adept at depicting a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits, and was very competent using a variety of media, including pencil, oils, and watercolour. He was a confident draftsperson, and completed many sensitively rendered portraits that give an insight into the character of the sitter. In June 1941 Geoffrey Mainwaring (SX13471) joined the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and after five months was transferred to the Engineers and employed as a Sergeant-Instructor, specialising in demolitions. In late 1942, he was sent to New Guinea as an Australian army artist on probation. On 27 May 1947, Mainwaring was discharged from the Army, having served for five and a half years. He was appointed as an artist on a civilian basis until his paintings were completed in March 1948. In 1949 he was appointed Head of the Art School at the Ballarat School of Mines (now Federation University Australia). He continued to paint commissioned portraits for the Australian War Memorial until the late 1950s. Geoffrey Mainwaring died at Ballarat in April 2000. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed portrait of Jack Barker, Principal of the Ballarat School of Mines, and inaugural Director of the Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education (later Federation University Australia).art, artwork, e.j. barker, jack barker, mainwaring, geoff mainwaring, geoffrey mainwaring, portrait, school of mines, ballarat school of mines, australian war memorial, australian war artist

Geoffrey MAINWARING (29 October 1912-13 April 2000) Born Adelaide South Australia Geoffrey Mainwaring studied at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts before becoming an art teacher at Thebarton Technical School (1928-36). Mainwaring was adept at depicting a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits, and was very competent using a variety of media, including pencil, oils, and watercolour. He was a confident draftsperson, and completed many sensitively rendered portraits that give an insight into the character of the sitter. In June 1941 Geoffrey Mainwaring (SX13471) joined the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and after five months was transferred to the Engineers and employed as a Sergeant-Instructor, specialising in demolitions. In late 1942, he was sent to New Guinea as an Australian army artist on probation. On 27 May 1947, Mainwaring was discharged from the Army, having served for five and a half years. He was appointed as an artist on a civilian basis until his paintings were completed in March 1948. In 1949 he was appointed Head of the Art School at the Ballarat School of Mines (now Federation University Australia). He continued to paint commissioned portraits for the Australian War Memorial until the late 1950s. Geoffrey Mainwaring died at Ballarat in April 2000. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed portrait of E.J.T. Tippett.art, artwork, e.j. tippett, tippett, ballarat school of mines, geoff mainwaring, geoffrey mainwaring, mainwaring, oil on board, oil painting

Geoffrey MAINWARING (29 October 1912-13 April 2000) Born Adelaide South Australia Geoffrey Mainwaring studied at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts before becoming an art teacher at Thebarton Technical School (1928-36). Mainwaring was adept at depicting a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits, and was very competent using a variety of media, including pencil, oils, and watercolour. He was a confident draftsperson, and completed many sensitively rendered portraits that give an insight into the character of the sitter. In June 1941 Geoffrey Mainwaring (SX13471) joined the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and after five months was transferred to the Engineers and employed as a Sergeant-Instructor, specialising in demolitions. In late 1942, he was sent to New Guinea as an Australian army artist on probation. On 27 May 1947, Mainwaring was discharged from the Army, having served for five and a half years. He was appointed as an artist on a civilian basis until his paintings were completed in March 1948. In 1949 he was appointed Head of the Art School at the Ballarat School of Mines (now Federation University Australia). He continued to paint commissioned portraits for the Australian War Memorial until the late 1950s. Geoffrey Mainwaring died at Ballarat in April 2000. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed portrait of the bust of a man wearing glasses. He is E.J.T. Tippett.art, artwork, e.j.t. tippett, available, portrait, geoffrey mainwaring, geoff mainwaring

Geoffrey MAINWARING (29 October 1912-13 April 2000) Born Adelaide South Australia Geoffrey Mainwaring studied at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts before becoming an art teacher at Thebarton Technical School (1928-36). Mainwaring was adept at depicting a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits, and was very competent using a variety of media, including pencil, oils, and watercolour. He was a confident draftsperson, and completed many sensitively rendered portraits that give an insight into the character of the sitter. In June 1941 Geoffrey Mainwaring (SX13471) joined the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and after five months was transferred to the Engineers and employed as a Sergeant-Instructor, specialising in demolitions. In late 1942, he was sent to New Guinea as an Australian army artist on probation. On 27 May 1947, Mainwaring was discharged from the Army, having served for five and a half years. He was appointed as an artist on a civilian basis until his paintings were completed in March 1948. In 1949 he was appointed Head of the Art School at the Ballarat School of Mines (now Federation University Australia). He continued to paint commissioned portraits for the Australian War Memorial until the late 1950s. Geoffrey Mainwaring died at Ballarat in April 2000. 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.A framed and triple mounted pastel portrait of Professor Shirley Randell. Shirley Randell is a long-time activist for gender equality and women's empowerment in education, employment, public service and civil society in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. She was the first female dean at Ballarat College of Advanced Education (later Federation University Australia). Her appointment as Dean of Academic Affairs made her the first woman to hold a senior management position at the college. In 2019 Shirley Randell is a Member of the Order of Australia, having received the Officer of the Order (AO) award in 2010 for her services to international relations through education, public sector, institutional reform and economic empowerment of women in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. She is a member of many important boards and committees including the Australian Government Women’s Alliance – Economic Security for Women and the indigo foundation. An Ambassador of Dignity Ltd, the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women, Women’s International Cricket League/FairBreak and The International Alliance for Women, Shirley Randell is also a member of the Independent Scholars Association of Australia Council, Graduate Women International Projects Committee, and sits on the several editorial boards including the BioMedical-Central Women’s Health Journal. Gift of Professor Shirley Kaye Randell, AO, PhD, Hon.DLitt, FACE, FAICD, FIML, first woman in the Executive Team of the Ballarat College of Advanced Education as Dean of Academic Affairs, 1989- 1990signature bottom right - "G. R. Mainwaring 1989."art, artwork, available, geoff mainwaring, geoffrey mainwaring, mainwarring, pastel, drawing, portrait, portraiture, woman, professor shirley randell, ballarat, g. r. mainwaring, shirley randell

Of H.M.C.S Protector- non reflecting glass wooden fram-brass plates (2)Presented to H.M.A.S cerberus museum by the Director Gerneral of naval Traing and Education, Commodore Ian Nicholson A.D.C., RAN and the commanding officer of the Adelaide port Division of the RANR Commander Tony Bennett RD RANR. September 1981. H.M.C.S Protector. 1884- Commissioned into the South Australia Colonial Naval forces. 1900- Briefly commissioned into the royal Navy for service in the boxer reballion. in China. 1911- Commissioned into the royal Australian Navy. 1914- 18 served in New Guinea waters and Australian waters abd surveyed the wreck of the EMDEN in 1915. 1921- Renamed H.M.A.S Cerberus. 1924 Reverted to the name Protector and sold out of service 1941- Requisitioned for war service with the U.S army Small Ships command. 1944- Damaged near gladstone and left on a reef off heron II and, where she now rests.

Copy of a very important document of an event on the 6th September 1945, that changed the course of the second World War. A copy of the Japanese Surrender Document, in a brown wooden frame, with ornate font in heading.Instrument of Surrender / of /Japanese Forces in New Guinea, New Britain,/ New Ireland, Bougainville / and adjacent Islands./ I, the commander in Chief of the Japanese Imperial/ Southeastern Army, hereby surrender to the General Officer/ Commanding First Australian Army all Japanese Imperial Armed Forces/ under my command in accordance with the instrument of/ Surrender issued by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters and Government and// General Order No1 Military and Naval issued by the Japanese Imperial Headquarters./ I will henceforth and until otherwise/ directed by you or your successor carrry out the orders/ issued by you or your staff on your behalf to the best/ of my ability and I will take action to ensure that my/ subordinate commanders carry out the orders issued by/ your representatives./ (Japanese signature) General, Imperial jap... (indecipherable)/ Japanese Characters / Japanese Characters / Commander in Chief/ Japanese Imperial Southern Army/ Received on board H.M.S. Glory of Rabaul at/ 1130 hours sixth day of September 1945./ Signature Lieutenant General/ General Officer Commanding / First Australia Army. Caption on front of Document says "Copy of Surrender Document/ Donated by Mr. Clive Morgan/ of Mildura (formerly of Red Cliffs)ww2, surrender document, japanese, 6th september 1945

The Olive-Backed Oriole are very common birds for northern and eastern Australia, as well as New Guinea. Similar to the Yellow Oriole, this species is more versatile yet less distinctive in colouring. The streaked underparts and red bill and eyes are easy identification features of this bird. Both sexes look very similar, with female colouring being slightly duller than males. This species frequents open forests and woodlands, and can tolerate dry climates. Most of this species breeds from September to January during the tropical wet season in northern Australia, but some are known to migrate south to breed in the summer. This species eats mainly native fruit, berries, and insects. This specimen is a good example of this species, but the colouring is very dull compared to living birds. This specimen has one red eye, which is a good example of a distinctive feature of this species. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Olive-Backed Oriole has a faint olive-green head and back, and a faint red-tinged beak. Its body is cream coloured with brown streaks. It has one red eye. This specimen appears to be immature and/or female, as it has a pale pill and a duller-olive green back, with streaks quite high up on it's chin, which is indicative of an immature female of this species. This specimen stands upon a wooden platform and has an identification tag tied around its leg.Swing-tag: 52a / Australian Oriole / See catalogue page 17. taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, oriole, olive-backed oriole, yellow oriole, australian birds

Barking Owls are a nocturnal, medium sized bird of prey native to Australia, parts of Papua New Guinea, and the Moluccas. Average size ranges between 390-440mm in length. Females are generally slightly smaller than males and they are only one of a small number of owl species that do not exhibit marked sexual dimorphism. Barking Owls have characteristic vocalisations, ranging from a 'woof woof' barking dog sound, to shrill, human-like screams, which reportedly alarmed early European settlers to Australia. The Barking Owl's shrill and explosive vocalisation is sometimes associated with Bunyip mythology or referred to as 'the screaming woman call'. The female call is slightly higher in pitch than the male, and males and females often duet, contrasting low and high pitches. Barking Owls may be vulnerable in some parts of Australia due to woodland habitat loss. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This female Barking Owl is of an average size. It has brown, grey and white spots and vertical streaks. The face and breast are lighter in colour than the wings and the dorsal plumage. The glass eyes are large and dark in colour while the tarsi and toes are yellowish. This specimen stands on a wooden perch with identification tags attached to its leg. [torn] / 16. / Winking Owl / See catalogue Page, 4 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, owls, barking owls, screaming woman call, yowing, woodland birds, birds of prey, australian owls, endangered, loss of habitat, woodland habitat, bunyip, australian early settler mythology

Rossi Boots started in 1910 when Arthur Edward Rossiter resigned from his position as a supervisor at the Adelaide Boot Company and started Rossiters Ltd in a small tin shed in his backyard. A larger factory was needed so the first of three stages of a factory was built. During the Second World War Rossi Boots was a major supplier to the military making hundreds of thousands of boots that saw service in various theatres including New Guinea. The war years saw the number of employees peak at around five hundred. As methods of manufacturing footwear changed as petroleum-based products such as glues, rubbers and plastics have replaced the traditional ones of leather, nails, and threads. More modern machinery was introduced to directly mould soles to the bottom of the boot. At the end of 1987, the company moved from Unley to Hilton this move allowed production to be carried out in a more modern, fit-for-purpose factory. Since then the company has continued to change; introducing computer-controlled machines for cutting, sewing, and attaching soles. These changes occurred whilst many of Rossi's competitors moved offshore. Whilst the introduction of these machines reduced the number of local staff, it has enabled Rossi Boots to continue to manufacture in Australia. In March 2019 Rossi Boots relocated the factory, warehouse, and headquarters from Hilton to Kilburn, South Australia. This move to a new, expansive location allows Rossi Boots to continue manufacturing in South Australia housing all operations under one roof. The items are significant as they show the beginnings of an important manufacturer and innovator that is still in the original founding family's ownership and is producing boots today with exports to many countries. Boots leather lace up brownNonewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

When Lloyd Campbell joined the AIF, he was underage and went to the Middle East with 2/17 Battalion. Later in New Guinea he made a major career change and volunteered for an unknown unit and special operations. What he had joined was the SRD – known as Z-Special Unit. Z Special Unit—also known as Special Operations Executive (SOE), Special Operations Australia (SOA) or the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)—was a joint Allied special forces unit formed during the Second World War to operate behind Japanese lines in South East Asia. Predominantly Australian, Z Special Unit was a specialist reconnaissance and sabotage unit that included British, Dutch, New Zealand, Timorese and Indonesian members, predominantly operating on Borneo and the islands of the former Netherlands East Indies. The unit carried out a total of 81 covert operations in the South West Pacific theatre, with parties inserted by parachute or submarine to provide intelligence and conduct guerrilla warfare. The best known of these missions were Operation Jaywick and Operation Rimau, both of which involved raids on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour; the latter of which resulted in the deaths of 23 commandos either in action or by execution after capture. Although the unit was disbanded after the war, many of the training techniques and operational procedures employed were later used during the formation of other Australian Army special forces units and they remain a model for guerrilla operations to this day. pp. 274, illusts, maps ww2, the australian special operations, special forces, z special unit

Photo of Bluey Truscott. Squadron Leader Keith William (Bluey) Truscott was regarded as one of Australia’s most well known WW2 fighter pilot aces. He was born on the 17/5/1916 and died over Exmouth, Western Australia on 28/3/1943 in an Aircraft accident whilst on duty. He initially trained under the Commonwealth Empire Training Scheme In Canada at the beginning of WW2, and later on was posted to Number 452 Squadron England where he flew Spitfires over Europe. He was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross in 1941 for his Air action and bravery. In 1942 he was further awarded the DFC Bar for further outstanding Air action and bravery. He returned to Australia and commanded number 76 Squadron who undertook duties in Papua New Guinea, specifically Milne Bay. When with 76 Squadron they largely flew Kittyhawks. There is a club named after SQN LDR Truscott, called the Truscott Club, at Airforce Base Darwin. There is also a decommissioned WW2 Airfield in the Kimberley’s called after him ( Truscott Air Base). Truscott has more recently been called Mungalu-Truscott Air Base as it is now owned by the traditional people of the Wunambal Gaambera. The Airfield is now used for commercial and private flying and is heritage listed under the National Trust of Australia (W.A.) due to its historical significance relating to WW2 and the remaining artefacts that are still in place presently. Bluey Truscott was also a well known Australian Rules Football player prior to WW2 having played for Melbourne. Photograph of Keith William (Bluey) Truscott in uniform.ww2, bluey truscott, flying cross

The Hutton Trophy or Shield was awarded annually to the best Light Horse Troop in Australia. The trophy is now held at the Armoured Centre Puckapunyal. Inter-regimental competition was strong in the years between WWI and WWII. Annually, the best troop in the regiments of the 3rd (Vic), 4th (SA), 5th (WA) and 6th (Tas) Military Districts competed for the Hutton Trophy and the Lord Forster Cup. The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII.No 1 Troop C Squadron 20th Light Horse Regiment drawn from the farming community of Tocumwal, personified the strength of citizen soldiering in rural Victorian and Southern NSW in the period following World War One and especially in the years immediately prior to the second World War. Building on the strength and enthusiasm of the Tocumwal Troop other Troops were raised at Finley, Berigan and Jerilderie. The Tocumwal Troop won the coveted Hutton Trophy in 1937 and 1938, defeating crack Troops from other States.Rare photograph of presentation of iconic RAAC trophy. Complements other items in the collection.Black and white photograph of two soldiers in Light Horse uniform with large trophy being Colonel G.A. Street MC presenting the Hutton Trophy to Sergeant H.G. Fyffe, troop leader of the Tocumwal Troop 20th Light Horse, winners of the 1937 competition. Sergeant Fyffe, later Captain Fyffe, 9th Division Cavalry Regiment served in North Africa and was awarded the Military Cross. hutton, light horse, fyffe, street, military, trophy

This image is one from a series of portraits taken by Rob Elliott to record the character of the Border District through the faces if its identities. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He became the first president of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A black and white photograph of Des Martin in military uniform with his horse. The photo has been mounted in a metal frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club