Possibly related to the range-finding equipment sent from England for dismantling during the 1940s so University of Melbourne Physics staff could develop their own equipment. Related to object 463.1Leather accessory box with shoulder strap and metal buckles. Flip open lid.Embossed in lid: 'CASE NO 6 DETECTOR MK 1 / COOKE, TROUGHTON & SIMMS, LTD / 9 / 22 / A.F.A' and broad arrow symbol.accessory box, no 6 director mk i, broad arrow, cooke troughton and simms ltd, wwii, mathematical instrument

With the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki destroyed by atomic weapons, the will of the Japanese leadership was tested Emperor Showa of Japan announced his intention to surrender to the Allies unconditionally over public radio on 15 Aug 1945. The date of Japan's formal surrender was 2 Sep 1945, and it took place aboard American battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. There were other surrender ceremonies including that on Sept 6 1945. At 0900 hours, sloop HMS Hart picked up Hitoshi Imamura and Jinichi Kusaka at Kabanga Bay, who would sign the surrender documents aboard HMS Glory at 1127 hours which surrendered 139,000 remaining personnel at Rabaul plus all forces in Australian territory in the South Pacific. The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. The surrender ceremony at Rabaul, New Britain took place on 6 Sep 1945 aboard the British carrier HMS Glory surrendering 139,000 remaining personnel at Rabaul plus all forces in Australian territory in the South Pacific. Light brown frame with glass, of a black and white photocopy. Script is very ornate and has Japanese lettering at the bottom. Instument 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 Armed Forces under my command in accordance with the Instrument of Surrender issued by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters and Government and General Order No.1 Military and Naval issued by the Japanese imperial General Headquarters. I will henceforth and until otherwise directed by you or your successor carry 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. Commander in Chief Japanese Imperial Southeastern Army. Received on board H.M.S. Glory off Rabaul at 1130 hours sixth day of September 1945. Lieutenant General General Officer Commanding First Australian Army.wwii, world war 2, imperial japanese army, japanese army, surrender, rabaul

Gloss hard cover, no book jacket with illustration of ships under attacknon-fictionTracing the history of hospital ships from the Spanish Armada to the Gulf War, but with special and detailed reference to the Australian hospital ships in World War II: Manunda, Wanganella, Centaur and Oranje. [Trove]hospital ships, medical care, world war i, wwi, wwii, world war 2

Second War World Khaki cotton drill roll up sewing kit, also known as a housewife. The kit is incomplete except for two wads of khaki colour thread.Sewing kit made from Khaki cotton with bound edging.Pouch has two internal pockets with press studs and cloth ties at one end. Initials or crest in dark brown cotton stitched on front of itemwwii, world war 2, army, australian army, sewing kit, housewife

Black woollen beret with leather edging, string drawstring and rising sun badge. Also has 2/6 Aust Armoured Reg 1941 patch of green top, red bottom and white tank in the middle with white edging.Inside: M.T.X. Size 6 3/4wwii beret, wwii, world war 2, beret, 2nd 6th australian armoured regiment, military patch

Caption: "U.S. TROOPS wounded in the New Guinea campaign on a hospital train / somewhere in Australia. On the train journey the troops were / attended by A.I.F. nurses."Newspaper clipping of partial headings, photograph and captionunited states troops, new guinea, aif, wwii, world war ii, world war two

Article about Betty Jeffrey meeting the South African Major with the marines Dr Jake Jacobs who, with his team resuced her and others from a Japanese POW camp in 1945.Three column article with feature photograph. Photograph captioned 'Thanks...Betty Jeffrey with rescuer Jake Jacobs. Picture: ROBERT CAREW'. Article written by Mariana Canas.wwii, world war two, bangka island, betty jeffrey, jake jacobs, south african marines

The Instrument of Surrender signed at Singapore by Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten for the Allies and General Itagaki for the Japanese. During his time as Supreme Allied Commander of the Southeast Asia Theatre, Lord Mountbatten's command oversaw the recapture of Burma. A personal high point was the receipt of the Japanese surrender in Singapore when British troops returned to the island to receive the formal surrender of Japanese forces in the region led by General Itagaki on 12 September 1945, codenamed Operation Tiderace. General Itagaki was convicted of war crimes and executed inn 1948.The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close.Following the war, Mountbatten was known to have largely shunned the Japanese for the rest of his life out of respect for his men killed during the war, and as per his will, Japan was not invited to send diplomatic representatives to his funeral in 1979,Black frame with silver insert with glass of a photocopy of the Instrument of Surrender of the Japanese Forces. Script is in black on white paper with a red square seal at the bottom left, mounted on cream board.Instrument of surrender of Japanese Forces under the command or control of the Supreme Commander, Japanese Expeditionary forces, southern regions within the operational theatre of the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia. Signed at Singapore at 0341 hours (G.M.T.) on 12 September, 1945.wwii, world war 2, imperial japanese forces, surrender, singapore, japanese army

Article about Betty Jeffrey meeting the South African Major with the marines Dr Jake Jacobs who, with his team resuced her and others from a Japanese POW camp in 1945.Three column article with feature photograph. Photograph captioned 'Thanks...Betty Jeffrey with rescuer Jake Jacobs. Picture: ROBERT CAREW'. Article written by Mariana Canas.'HERALD-SUN Wed. 13 May 1992'wwii, world war two, bangka island, betty jeffrey, jake jacobs, south african marines

Binoculars used in the fieldKhaki coloured canvass case with carry strap containing metal Binoculars Serial number 150918 Binoculars prism No 2 Mk 2, magnification x6. O.S, 108 M.A. world war two, second world war, binoculars, binoculars prism no 2 mk 2, wwii, ww2

Soldier's Pay book continuation issued to John Strobel Green VX32816. Born at Wonthaggi on the 19/4/1913. These books were usually carried by the soldiers in their battle dress breast pocket. They note personal details, rate of pay and promotions, and the place in which the soldier was paid each fortnight – effectively plotting soldiers' movements in the Army. From the pay book GREEN enlisted in June 1940, at the age of 27, before embarking overseas on 5 February 1941 for the Middle East. Inside the rear cover are two photographs of GREEN. His mother Kate Green of Yallourn is listed as next of kin.Yellow covered booklet with black writing and Crest in the middle of the cover.Army No. VX32816. Pay Book No: C279807. Surname: Green. Christian Names: John Strobel. Unit: . Australian Military Forces. Soldier's Pay Book. Continuation.wwii, world war 2, pay book, soldier's pay book, army pay book, john strobel green

'List of Nursing Staff - 8th Division, evacuated from Singapore on steamship "Vyner Brooke" on 12th February 1942, and subsequent fates.' Table list column headings: Surnames; Initials (etc); Unit; Enlisted; Fate. Also provides other recommended sources with some statistics on the final page.A4 photocopy of a typed and hand-written document with hand-written annotations. Document is a list table in five columns.'Mr & MRS Jim ROGERS' [blue ink in the top right hand corner of the first page] '(NOW MRS FRANK STATHAM [WAS]) [blue ink on the lower right hand side of the first page]vyner brooke, ss vyner brooke, singapore, wwii, ww2, world war 2

This cribbage Board was carried by W. H. Brown during his internment as a P.O.W. at Camp 4 Thailand Date To the best of our knowledge these boards were commercially made between WWI and WWII. Our research has turned up no definite date but it is possible they were made shortly after his death in 1931 Silver triangular shape,with embossed head and shoulders General Sir John MonashEngraved with General Sir John Monashjohn monash, general sir john monash, crib board, w. h. brown, camp 4 thailand, burma railway, p. o. w.

ARP stands for Air Raid Precautions. Wardens in the United Kingdom during WWII wore these bands & were responsible for enforcing blackouts, directing civilians to air raid shelters & managing air raid sirens. Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details..1) White calico arm band secured with white elastic ARP printed in black on band. .2) Navy felt arm band secured with black elastic. ARP printed on black on band.air raids, precautions, accessories

Photos relate to CAPTAIN R EMOND's WWII service in the Middle East & North Africa. 2782.7 - 2782.9 relate to Queen Elizabeth's visit to Bendigo in March 1954. 2782.11 & 2782.12 depict soldiers marching through Charing Cross, Bendigo. 2782.13 shows CAPTAIN EMOND & Gov Dallas Brooks inspecting the 38th Battalion.Collection of black & white photos & documents related to CAPTAIN RUSS EMOND. Copied photos & captions have been glued to A4 pages. x 13 pages in blue plastic display folder..13) "14 Mar 55. The Gov of Vic Sir Dallas Brookes inspecting guard of honour from 38 Inf Bn. Guard Commander - Capt Russ Emond"documents - copies, photography-photographs-copies, military history, passchendaele barracks trust

Drafts of various writings/speeches by Boyd. One page written in blue and red ink appears to be a draft for 'The Value of Expos' (see D112) that is taken in point form. One page written in pencil and green ink appears to be a draft for an article on Australia moving forward to modern architecture after WWII and the potentials of Skyscrapers and prefabricated housing.Handwritten, quarto, 3 pieces: x2 are folded, x1 small paper slip pagesexpo 64, prefabrication, archigram and metabolism, robin boyd, manuscript

Erich Erwin Heinz Neumann was a German civilian internee in Camp 1, Tatura, during WWII. He was an artist & this portrait, although unfinished, was of another internee, a Count, (name currently unknown), in the same camp. This is a framed, photographic copy of the original portrait, donated by the daughter of the artist, photograph taken by the grandson, (Tim Allan of TA Media, Adelaide, South Australia).Framed photograph copy of unfinished portrait of unknown Camp 1 internee, Count ....., by another German internee, Erich Erwin Heinz Neumann. Tan frame. Subject on dark background, white beard & hair, white clothing. tatura, camp 1, internee camps, illustrations, erich erwin heinz neumann, camp artwork, internment artwork

Produced as a souvenir from two Japanese Midget submarines sunk during attacks on Sydney Harbour in WWII. This souvenir was produced to raise funds for the RAN relief fund and King George's Fund For Sailors. It was sold as a souvenir as part of a touring exhibition around the country accompanying a composite midget submarine constructed of the two sunken vessels raised from Sydney Harbour.The souvenir submarine has tangible connections to the Japanese Midget Submarines sunk during attacks on Sydney Harbour in 1942. It is historically significant for its links to defending Australia and for its connections to tourism and fund raising relating to war time efforts.A cut square fragment of metal with possibly some Japanese characters etched on it. Attached to a paper label by a piece of cloth.A Guaranteed Souvenier/ from the Japanese Midget Submarine/ Sunk in Sydney Harbour/ Sunday, May 31st 1942/ G.C. Muirhead - Gould/ Proceeds to Rear Admiral in Charge, Sydney/ RAN Relief Fund and King George's Fund for Sailors.japanese midget submarine, world war ii, sydney harbour, ran relief fund, geelong naval and maritime museum, king george's fund for sailors

This lanyard attaches under the right shoulder epoulette of a jacket issued as a Royal Australian Engineers uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was a standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This lanyard is a component of a uniform belonging to CPL K. Howe, the donor provided good provenance, in conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. The Uniform can tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familyA length of thick, navy blue, cylindrically shaped fabric. Knotted in two locations to create two loops at either end. One loop is 270mm long when outstretched and the other is 82mm long when outstretched.royal engineers, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, lanyard, royal australian engineers

Manufactured during World War II Manufactured during WWIIWWII 3 inch Mortar sight, Mk1, Lensatic. Dark green coloured brass metal body with brass fittings. Aluminium coloured circular dial with black painted numeric (zero to 180 degrees) and alphabetic (left and right) markings. Silver coloured butterfly nut fitting on lower body for sliding clamp adjustment. Steel screws and nut fittings. Two clear glass levelling bubbles are provided. Left and right adjustment dials, locking clamp provided for fitting of sight to a circular post fitting.SAR 1941 24-36 DD02124-3 TO LOCK (with direction arrow) L R (with arrow point marking) 0 to 9 R 0 to 9 L 0 to 180 R 0 to 180 L 210 GRS SEC CHARGE II I MR 2454 graticule markings 1400 to 600 Graticule markings 2700 to 10003 inch, mortor, sight, australian defence forces, ww ii

Geoffrey R Fink volunteered for military service in early 1940. He served initially with 3rd Division A.A.S.C. but was discharged as being in a reserved occupation at the Aircraft Production Commission. He resigned from the Commission and joined the AIF on 28 July 1941 and was allotted to 2/8th Armoured Regiment. He served with the regiment in New Guinea and on return to Australia was transferred to No 41 Landing Craft Company serving out the war in the South Pacific. Geoffrey Fink died 14 March 2008 aged 86 at Wangaratta Victoria.This object is a well provenance, in good condition and completeness, and is a fine example of the uniform worn by a soldier who served in the Second World War (1939-45) in an unusual combination of roles, armoured corps and water transport. Service dress winter jacket with 'Australia' metal shoulder titles, 'Rising Sun' collar badges, miniature 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment colour patches above Landing Craft Company colour patches. Overseas service chevron on right sleeve. Ribbon bar: 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal 1939-45 and Australian Service Medal 1939-45. Jacket worn by VX60307 Trooper Geoffrey R Fink, 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment and 41st Landing Craft Company, WWII. uniform, metal, fink geoffrey r mr

Petrol rationing was gazetted in May 1941. Australia's lack of fuel storage options and the diversion of tankers bringing fuel here forced the government to begin rationing. Initially it was proposed that consumption should be reduced by 50% but this was modified to 1/3 reduction. People had to apply for a petrol licence and this was then used to obtain ration coupons. Initially coupons were issued on a 6 monthly basis but this was reduced to 2 monthly and allowed people roughly 2000 gallons per year. Coupons allowed for 1, 2, 5, 10, 44 and 100 gallon amounts depending on need. eg. private, commercial, farm use. Rationing was strictly enforced until 1942 but remained in effect until 1950.WWII One Gallon Fuel Ration Ticket: 5 x tickets cream card with blue flecks, perforated edges, blue print. Across the top in a leaf design is "Commonwealth of Australia", underneath is the Commonwealth Emblem with "Motor Spirit Ration Ticket" next is 1 One Gallon and Valid only until 30th Sept 1947 Not Transferable on a back ground of a wall of banner shapes with, Department of Supply and Shipping. At the bottom, "This ticket must be endorsed in ink by consumer with Name". Licence Number and Vehicle Registration number.Printed by the Authority of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.government, federal, fuel ration ticket

Documents the minutes from the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild from the 9th of April, 1940 to the 12th of June, 1945. The minutes lists the dates, locations and attendance of all meetings during this time. The book also makes reference to world events, such as WWII - on the 8th of May, 1945, "The Chaplain opened the meeting with prayers & thanksgivings for the cessation of the European war announced in the morning paper".This is a record of all members, meetings and activities undertaken by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild between 1940 to 1945. As this was during the Second World War, the book is an important documentation of the "home front".Front cover: 5TH MINUTE BOOK / L.H.L. GUILD / APRIL 1940 / TO 1945 handwritten in black ink. THE CLASSIC / SERIES printed in a decorative box. LHLG MINUTES 45 / 4/1940-6/45 handwritten in black ink on a white sticker. NORMAN BROS printed at the bottom of front cover.1940, 1945, minutes, williamstown, wartime, celia-little-hall, lhlg, ww2, ladies harbour lights guild, lhlg minutes

Rev. Kolinio Saukuru was the grandson of the only survivor of the party led by Rev. Thomas Baker, which was massacred and eaten by a hill tribe in central Fiji in 1867. In 1933 he was appointed by the Methodist Mission as a catechist to work among the aborigines of North Australia. He was accepted for the ministry in 1939, and was ordained at Croker Island in 1945. During WWII he was in charge of the Yirrkala Mission Station. B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. Kolinio Saukuru, in postcard format.Rev. Kolinio Saukurukolinio saukuru, methodist, minister, thomas baker, fiji, croker island, aboriginies, mission

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 one of the pre-war light horse regiments to serve overseas in WWII.This object is well provenance and, in its condition and completeness, is a fine example of unusual headgear worn by Australian armoured corps soldiers in World War 2 (39-45).Khaki heavy cloth beret with 'Rising Sun' badge and 20th Motor Regiment colour patch.beret, 20th light horse, 20th motor regiment

Image of RAAF Radio & Radar Trainee Mechanics taken at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne in 1941-42. In 1940, in the months after the outbreak of WWII, the Exhibition Buildings complex was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Air Force and used as a barracks and training facility. By 1942 more than 2000 men of the RAAF had been stationed there, alongside members of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force.Brown timber frame and cream coloured mount containing photograph of large group of airmen Plaque -RAAF Radio & Radar Trainee Mechanics 1941-42 at Exhibition Building Melbourneraaf, radio & radar, exhibition building, melbourne, ww2

Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal

During WWII the Batallion fought in Syria, New Guinea,Borneo and Darwin. Pte. Eric Wild D.O.B. 30/09/1909 enlisted in Windosr Vic. 27/05 1940. and served with the 16RWAR. until his discharge 27/10/1944, at which time he had been assigned to 2/2 Army Fld. Wshops. He saw service in Africa and the Pacific 16 RWAR Campaign WWII North Africa 1941, Syria, Syrian Frontier, The Litani, Sidon, Wadi Zeini, Damour, South West Pacific 1942 - 1945, Kokoda Trail, Isurava, Eora Creek, Templetons Crossing, Efogi-Menari, Ioribaiwa, Buna-Gona, Gona, Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Ramu Valley, Shaggy Ridge, Borneo, Balikpapan, WaitavoloMedal set 1939-45 star, Africa star,Pacific Star,Defence Medal,War Medal 1939-45 and Australian Service Medal 1939-45.Also patches for 16 RWAR Awarded to Wild, Eric Vincent VX 17865 2/2 Field Workshop16 rawr, wild eric vincent

The hat was picked up at sea by a German Sailor serving on the blockade runner RAMSES. It was giver to RAN sailor A. Tarr when HMAS Adelaide rescued survivors after the sinking of the RAMSES. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provided some information about Shigeyoshi Higuchi. He was a sailor but did not serve on a ship. After WWII, he returned safely home to his family.This hat is significant as a tangible connection to wartime service by Japanese sailor Shigeyoshi Higuchi.A dark blue circular velvet hat lined with black cotton on the inside with four studs. A square label with printed and hand written Japanese characters is attached to the underside of the hat.Part of the label has been translated from Japanese into English. It indicates the owner of the hat was Shigeyoshi Higuchi, who was based in Nagasaki Sasebo. His military number was (some kanji) and 1274. The hat was made in April 1943.japanese imperial navy, ramses, hmas adelaide, shigeyoshi higuchi, nagasaki sasebo