Showing 2502 items matching " albury-wodonga"
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Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Booklet - Hamilton-Smith Collection Rough Riders Rodeo Booklet, "The Australian Rough-Riders Association: Constitution and by Laws and Rules"
The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. Small tan and brown coloured cardboard booklet.wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection, rough riding, horse, horse riding, rodeo, book -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Booklet - Hamilton-Smith Collection "The Cooper Note Book for Stockowners" 1938 - 39
The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of life in mid-twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A small red cloth bound note book with white embossed textstock, farm, farming, agriculture, cows, wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Booklet - Hamilton-Smith Collection "The Cooper Note Book for Stockowners" 1965 - 66
The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. Small red booklet with white text embossing. wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection, stock, cows, cow, agriculture, farm, farming, book -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Certificate - Photograph, January 1st 1895
This certificate was awarded to Beechworth Fire Brigade for winning the eight men hose & reel practice at the inter-colonial Demonstration held at Albury, NSW on January 1st 1895. Pictured from left to right: T. Coswello / H. Thompson / F. Dunn / H.O. David / F. Lloyd, (capt) / J. Davis / H. Duncan, (Lieut) / T. Shennan. Black and white certificate reproduction printed on matte photographic paperObverse: Beechworth Fire Brigade / Winners of the Eight Men Hose & Reel Practice / at the intercolonial Demonstration / Held at Albury, NSW / Jan 1st 1895/ T. Coswello / H. Thompson / F. Dunn / H.O. David / F. Lloyd, (capt) / J. Davis / H. Duncan, (Lieut) / T. Shennan Reverse: BMM 6933emergency services, burke museum, fire brigade, fire, beechworth, 1895, albury, beechworth fire brigade -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Memorabilia - Commemorative Plate
White china commemorative plate with blue lettering and symbols. 4th Australian Independent Company -Albury Reunion 2001 60th anniversary 1941-2001 -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 150 Anniversary parade
Parade was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the raising of Victorian Mounted Rifles. Colour photograph of mounted escort from 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop at Buna Barracks Albury 29 April 1990military, buna barracks, vmr, anniversary, albury -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph
Regimental Association was made up of former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted RiflesColour photograph of members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association participating in parade at Buna Barracks Albury,25 April 1990.military, association, vmr, buna barracks, albury, anniversary -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph
Four Black and white photographs showing 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles parading for Australia Day celebrations in Albury 25 January 1981 -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Group photo 1976
In 1977, the 8th / 13th VMR was reduced to Independent Squadron status titled " A " Squadron 8 /13 VMR. This is one of a collection of photographs found at the Cobram Tip. They were handed to local Member Tim McCurdy MLA who handed on to former 8/13th Sergeant Adrian Younger who in turn placed them in the Regimental Collection.Black and white group photograph of all ranks of 8th / 13th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the Regimental Parade 1976 held at Buna Barracks Albury.vmr, 8/13, armour, regiment -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 8/13 farewell parade 1976
In 1977 the 8/13 VMR was reduced to Independent Squadron status titled " A Squadron 8/13 VMR. Thos is one of a collection of photographs found at the Cobram Tip. They were handed to local Member Tim McCurdy MLA who handed them on to former 8/113th Sergeant Adrian Younger who in turn placed them in the Regimental Collection.Black and white photograph of Regimental Colonel, Colonel Coleman presenting shield to young officer during the Farewell Parade at Buna Barracks Albury 1976.parade, 8/13 vmr, farewell, coleman, buna barracks, mccurdy, younger, nulla -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Heritage Troop light horsemen on escort duty
Three colour photographs of light horsemen of the Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop escorting a car bearing a VIP to a parade at Buna Barracks Albury.military, light horse, heritage, escort, buna barracks, horses, uniform -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, October 1929
Photocopies of Hume Weir photographs 1928-29One of two black and white photographs, photocopied onto a single sheet of A4 paper. This one is of construction work on a dam, showing lower part of dam wall, and featuring one of the valves.Written on paper next to photo: "Needle valve Hume Weir Albury Oct '29"hume weir, construction, dam construction -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph
In 1970s Army Reserve Units carried out their own recruiting and NCO training. RSM Kennard was a member of the 8/13 VMR Cadre staff.Fine study of Army Reserve soldiers at Albury 1970s.Black and White photograph of soldiers in two ranks with instructor in front" NCO Course, Albury, RSM WO1 Kennard " List of some members of squad follows. -
Beechworth Honey Archive
Map- Yackandandah
(2x) Map centred on Yackandandah, showing Myrtleford- Yackandandah Rd, Mt Stanley + Mt Big Ben. Scale 1:50,000. Paper white on back, yellow on front.Albury series R625 Blue ink marked '74-75' on top of one map.map, yankandandah, paper, beechworth honey -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Uniform - Hamilton-Smith Collection - Red Cross Uniform
The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies and the Belvoir Wodonga Rotary Club. Grace was an active member of several organisations including the CWA, Red Cross, the Wodonga Show Ladies' Auxiliary and the Victorian Agricultural Societies Association. This uniform was owned by Grace Hamilton-Smith. She achieved recognition for more 20 years of service to the Red Cross.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It is part of a significant collection from the Hamilton-Smith family of Wodonga and reflects important aspects of social history including the roles of women and their contribution to the community. A tan coloured Red Cross uniform and badges worn C1940sred cross australia, hamilton-smith collection, wodonga red cross -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Map - Hamilton-Smith Collection Highway Map c. mid 1900s
The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and William John (Jack) Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars.This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social life in mid-twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A brown and tan highway map with red road markings showing the south east of Australia from Melbourne to Sydney map, highway, wodonga, melbourne, sydney, travel, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection, driving, drive, car, road -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph
Cambrai Day is celebrated annually by Armoured Corps regiments of the British Commonwealth. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 when a force of more than 400 British Mark IV Tanks broke the defences of the German Hindenburg Line, It was the first large-scale, effective use of tanks in warfare. Cambrai turned from a battle of great success to failure, but it heralded a new type of warfare and changed the nature of the battlefield forever The gathering at Buna Barracks Albury, Beersheba Barracks Wangaratta, Bapaume Barracks Benalla and Salamaua Barracks Cobram on 30 November 1986 was the inaugural meeting of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Association..Colour photograph of seven men taken at Buna Barracks, Albury on Cambrai Day 20 November 1986. Back row, left to right: Lieutenant Colonel Doug Hunter, Major Ian Docking, Max Oates and Gordon Cole: Front Row : Major Reg McDermot, Lieutenant Colonels Alan Cunningham and John Neale. All were former Officers of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - CASTLEMAINE GAS COMPANY COLLECTION: PHOTO TABLE, 1987
1987 Cooking school's competition - Catholic College Wodonga Team at the cooking bench, Table set for 4 in forefront. Location Unknown. B33 on the back.Kodakevent, entertainment, school's cooking competition -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - CASTLEMAINE GAS COMPANY COLLECTION: PHOTO PEOPLE, 1987
1987 Cooking school's competition - Catholic College Wodonga team standing in front of table prepared with candles and food. Location Unknown. A15 on the back.Kodakevent, entertainment, school's cooking competition -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - STRAUCH COLLECTION: THE TOWN THAT MOVED
Soft covered booklet titled The town that moved, the story of Tallangatta 1951 - 1956, 24 page with black and white photographs, printed by Thomsons printing Albury.Harold Craigvictoria, history, tallangatta, history-victoria-tallangatta -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - War memorial Albury
Black and white photograph of sentry from VMR Squadron 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse at Albury War Memorial, Anzac Day 1993albury, anzac day, monument, vmr -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Reserve Forces Day march
Ex-servicemen, former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles, marching in Dean Street Albury on Reserve Forces Day 4 July 1998. military, vmr, reserve forces, parade, albury -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - McDermott
Major McDermott was a former Squadron Commander, C Squadron, 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.Colour photograph of Major Reg McDermott at 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 105th Anniversary Parade, Buna Barracks, Albury, 29 April 1990.vmr, mcdermott, wodonga -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Allard and Jackson
Captain L. Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel J. Allard served in WW11 and in CMF post war.Colour photograph of two former members of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at 105th Anniversary Parade, Buna Barracks, Albury. 29 April 1990.vmr, allard, jackson, buna barracks, albury -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - Mud, Blood and Tears, Howard C. Jones, 2025
This book was written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Albury War Memorial on Anzac Day 2025. It reveals the real people behind the names of 100 people amongst the 234 names inscribed on the Memorial. Those recognised served their nation in the Boer War, World War I and World War II and Vietnam. The Albury War Memorial was built by Thomas Bartleson whose eldest son, John Henry Bartleson who was killed in battle in 1916 at Pozieres in France. John’s story is one of those captured in this book.A book of 54 pages including photographic images, an index and acknowledgements detailing the stories of 100 service personnel whose names are inscribed on the Albury War Memorial. non-fictionThis book was written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Albury War Memorial on Anzac Day 2025. It reveals the real people behind the names of 100 people amongst the 234 names inscribed on the Memorial. Those recognised served their nation in the Boer War, World War I and World War II and Vietnam. The Albury War Memorial was built by Thomas Bartleson whose eldest son, John Henry Bartleson who was killed in battle in 1916 at Pozieres in France. John’s story is one of those captured in this book. albury war memorial, howard c jones, australian military -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Fred Rochow Railways Collection - Locomotive R761 and Bicentennial Train 3801 departing Wodonga, 16 October 1988
The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Locomotive R761 with Driver Norm Depomeroy and Fireman Steve Gibson running in parallel with the Bicentennial Train hauled by Locomotive 3801 with Driver Fred Rochow and Fireman David Brown. Locomotive R761 - The R761 arrived in Victoria on the 28th February 1952 upon the ship ‘Helenus’ and entered service on the 9th April 1952. R761 spent long periods in storage and occasionally saw service until it was withdrawn. In 1970 R761 was overhauled and was made available for use on special trains. It became the final R class to run in VR service on the 5th September 1974, ending 120 years of mainline steam operation in Victoria. After years of debate about its future, on the 30th March 1985 the loco was officially returned to service, hauling special trains to celebrate the years of steam locomotives. Locomotive 3801 was built by Sydney company The Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd., Granville in 1943 as the first of five streamlined (C) 38-class locomotives for the New South Wales Government Railways’ top-link express passenger duties. The delivery of 3801 was much delayed due to wartime labour & material shortages, together with competing wartime construction priorities. After many years of service, 3801 had been scheduled for withdrawal in 1962 due to deteriorating mechanical condition, but rail enthusiasts raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of its overhaul. 3801 joined the collection of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM), Enfield on withdrawal from NSWGR service and continued in operation as a tour locomotive. It hauled the “Western Endeavour” on the first crossing of the Australian continent by a standard gauge train from Sydney to Perth and return in August – September 1970. 3801 also stars in the railway film ‘A Steam Train Passes’ made by Film Australia in 1974 By 1976 had been withdrawn from service due to poor boiler condition and placed on static display by the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere, NSW. The Locomotive remained in Thirlmere until 1983 when it was decided it should be restored for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. A new organisation was created specifically for the purpose of operating 3801, and thus 3801 Limited was incorporated on 5th June 1985. Work on the locomotive was completed after three years, with 3801 making its debut at a special Railway Ball hosted in its honour on 29th November 1986. During the Australian Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, it operated an extensive program across Australia visiting every mainland capital accessible by rail including an appearance at AusSteam ’88 in Melbourne in October 1988, stopping over in Wodonga on the way. After the company’s 20-year lease on the locomotive expired in 2006 Railcorp chose not to extend the agreement, and the locomotive returned to the Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere (now the NSW Rail Museum). 3801 was withdrawn from service in 2007 for major boiler repairs. Locomotive 3801 was officially relaunched at Sydney's Central Station on Friday 12 March 2021 by Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales.On front of locomotive on the left "STEAMRAIL /R761". On front of locomotive on the right "BICENTENNIAL TRAIN/3801" railways wodonga, fred rochow, locomotive r761, bicentennial train, locomotive 3801 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Business Docket Dispenser, Lamson Paragon, c1960s
J. Mann and Sons was first established as a farm produce store in 1921. The range of products was extended in the 1930s and included groceries and hardware, as well as the first petrol bowser in Wodonga outside the store. After WWII, the premises were extended and the range of products continued to increase. In the 1960s the Mann Family opened a new supermarket in Wodonga, in addition to the hardware business, providing steel, plumbing and industrial supplies, and they employed over 100 people at one stage. With changes in the retail industry, the Mann Family sold the main hardware business to Bunnings and the steel and rural produce business to the Kelly brothers in 2006. Paragon, trading at various times as Lancom Paragon, Moore Paragon, Paragon Printing and the South Pacific Print Group, was also based in Wodonga from 1958 until 2010. It began as Lamson Paragon in 1958 but was destroyed by a fire causing £150,000 damage. The factory resumed operations on 24 June 1959.with 30 staff and by 1973 employed 120 and used 80 tons of paper per week. Further develp[ment took place to the factory in 2 stages. In 1977 Moore Corporation of Toronto took over control of the London based parent company Lamson Paragon necessitating a change of name of the Australian company to become Moore Business Systems Australia Limited. After many successful years of operation including expansion to a staff of 240 people, changes to business operations and the loss of several large contracts led to the company entering voluntary administration in March 2010.This machine and docket has local provenance as it came from the 20th century business of J. Mann & Son in Wodonga..The machine was manufactured by Paragon, also operating as Lamcon Paragon and Moore Paragon, which were a major manufacturer in Wodonga from 1958 until 2010.This is a grey rectangular-shaped metal box with rounded edges. The box has four metal studs on the base to keep the box stable. The box has a hinged section to enable paper dockets to be inserted. It also has a turning mechanism for removing the dockets, one at a time from a slot at the top of the machine. The machine includes a docket from Mann Mitre 10 Wodonga operated by J. Mann & Son Pty. Ltd. The dockets provided a duplicate copy for the company as well as the white copy for the customer. The dispenser and dockets were produced by Paragon.At top of dispenser: "Paragon" Across top of docket: "J. MANN & SON Pty. Ltd. (Incorporated in Victoria) TRADING AS: / Manns Mitre 10/ P.O. BOX 141, VIC., 3690. Phone: (060) 24 4813paragon, lamson paragon, moore paragon, mann wodonga, moore business systems australia limited -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Various Cigarette Lighters
Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. These lighters are part of his collection of memorabilia and artefacts.These items belonged to a respected member of the Wodonga community.A collection of 4 different cigarette lighters made from metal alloys. The brass lighter has a black cloth pouch.On long cylindrical lighters: Unicorn INT Made in China and Safety Instructions On silver lighter: An Appreciations from Stuart's Shepparton On brass lighter: Peter Jackson Brass No/ 6cigarette lighters, les cole -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - RAAF Cloth Badge and Pass Out Dinner Card
Leslie William Cole was born in January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an aircraft mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honor. In retirement he also worked as a volunteer community driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. This item represents Mr. Cole's service during World War 11.This item is significant as it represents the service of a respected Wodonga resident during World War 11.This item includes a cloth patch of the crest of the 6th Squadron RAAF as well as a printed menu from the Passing out dinner for fitters held at the Federal Hotel Melbourne. It has been autographed by the attendees acknowledged at this function.On the Insignia 6 SQUADRON ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE / NOUS REVIENDRONS (WE WILL RETURN) 6th squadron raaf, military service ww11 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Small Torch in Tin, Returned Services League of Australia, after 1990
Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984. Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. This torch was part of a collection of items donated to Wodonga Historical Society by Les Cole. The RSL emblem on this item was first introduced in 1990.A small tin containing an aluminium torch and 2 batteries in foam packing. The emblem of the Australian Returned Services League is etched on the lid. On side of torch: RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE AUSTRALIArsl australia, memorabilia