One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of palm tree and mountains and cloudy sky.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Centre - Stamped "Missent to Barnawartha" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of palm tree and mountains.Top left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of male in yellow bathtubTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Top Left - "Some Saturday Night Perhaps!" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of two palm trees with stick figure below. Two small stick figures on rearTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of yacht sailing at sunset.Top left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of officer at desk with a soldier either sideTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia crossed out - 5 ? Street Glen Iris Melbourne. Bottom - "Sarg, Doc Well what's wrong with this fellow?Just another tropo case, reading the papers about leave" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of palm tree and flag pole with red cross flag next to thatched hutTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia crossed out - 5 ? Street Glen Iris Melbourne. Bottom - "Dressing station" Bottom left - Bill 1943 ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of flag pole with two flags next to thatched hut and ambulanceTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of Wangaratta Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of waterfall from mountainsTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of three palm trees an ambulance and plane overhead with bomb exploding in distance.Top left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom - "The good samaritan" 1943 ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of a soldier pointing to a mosquitoTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp and signature Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom - "Hey who let this thing in?" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of Wangaratta Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of a soldier in bed and a nurseTop left - "The reason for not writing sooner" Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australi Rear - Red cross ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes without letter sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of three tall palm trees in front of mountainsTop left - By Air Mail Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes without letter sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of two mountainsTop left - By Air Mail - ACF in red star Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp and signature Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom left - "They shall not pass" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes without letter sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with a circular sketch of an eagle holding shell/bomb Top left - Red Cross Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp and signature Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom Left - Australian Red Cross Society ww2, envelope art

One of several letters sent to Mrs M MacDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta by soldiers during the second world war. This one is from Private Peter Alan ANDERSON VX 33905 Born 17/2/1910 Enlisted 21/2/1941 Served with 2/24th and 2/29th Battalions Prisoner of War - B Force / Japanese Died 25/2/1945 due to illness in Borneo - Labuan Memorial Malaya - POW No 282 Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with censor stamp and stickerTop left - By air mail Left side - AIF Censor stamp and sticker along fold "Opened by Censor" Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Rear VX33905 Pte P Anderson R.O.D A.I.F Malaya ww2, pow, private peter alan anderson vx 33905, 2/24th batt, 2/29th batt

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

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

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

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

Dedication to the Aboriginal soldiers who formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. Aboriginals from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940. 7 of the 13 who enlisted in June 1940 were discharged as members of the 2/23rd Battalion. 10 were discharged on the 22/3/1941 as Services No Longer Required, 1 discharged in November 1940, 1 in January 1941 and another in April 1941. Dedication to Aboriginal soldiers who formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time.Large timber frame with orange mount containing boomerang three flags six photographs and narrative plaques9 Platoon Wangarattaaboriginal, 9 platoon, wangaratta, no 9 camp

Hand drawn Coat of Arms for the soldiers known as the Rats of Tobruk with signatures of those involved in the engagement between 5th April to the 22nd of October 1941 The drawing is signed by artist John DOWIE AM, SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion Signatories are: VX42389 Eric Hamilton, 2/32 Battalion; VX30189 F.Baldwin, 2/23 Battalion; VX34544, F.J.Mc.Intosh 2/24 Battalion; VX34554 W.Harrison, 2/24 Battalion; WX7281 P.Bone 2/25 Battalion; VX33719 Duke Goldsmith, 2/24 Battalion; VX41179 Harry Frazer, 2/24 Battalion; VX29652 A.R.Stribley, 2/24 Battalion; SX6367 Jack Foley, 2/43 Battalion; VX48340 Harry Jones, 2/23 Battalion; VX42317 Aub Jarrott, 2/24Battalion; VX28869 Rod Deering 2/24Battalion; VX15719 Ian F. Joss 7th Division AASC; VX19723 Len Dauria, 2/12 Field Regiment; NX35852 R.E (Snowy) Cornelius 2/13 Battalion; VX32559 Jim Gray, 2/24Battalion - James Cyril GRAY Born 6/1/1916 in Orroroo South Australia. Enlisted 28/5/1940 at Mildura. Awarded Military Medal for remarkable coolness, bravery and leadership at Tobruk on 24/4 and 1/5/1941. He was promoted to Sergeant on 14/8/1941, Lieutenant in November 1942 then Captain on 9/4/1945. He was wounded in action on 11/9/1943 and discharged on 20/12/1945. He married and had three children. He died on 10/4/1992 aged 76 and buried at Wangaratta Cemetery.This original drawing is by John DOWIE SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion during the second world war and is signed by the artist and soldiers from the 2/24th Battalion known as "Wangaratta's Own". John Stuart Dowie AM (15 January 1915 – 19 March 2008) was an Australian painter, sculptor and teacher. He was born in the suburb of Prospect in Adelaide, South Australia, and studied architecture at the University of Adelaide. During World War II, Dowie worked in the Military History Unit of the Australian Imperial Force, and as an assistant to Australia's official war sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell. As a soldier, he was one of the Rats of Tobruk. After studying art in London and Florence, Dowie returned to Australia. His work includes over 50 public sculpture commissions, including the "Three Rivers" fountain in Victoria Square, "Alice" in Rymill Park, the "Victor Richardson Gates" at Adelaide Oval and the "Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial" at Adelaide Airport. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 in recognition of service to the arts as a sculptor and painter. Dowie died on 19 March 2008, aged 93. There is a similiar version of the drawing on page 32 of the book Desert Sand and Jungle Green by Geoffrey Boss-Walker which is an illustrated history of the 2/43rd Battalion.Timber frame containing hand drawn Coat of Arms consisting of "rats" as shield supporters, crest with a swastika in the centre and motto surrounded by signatures.Signatures of artist John Dowie and soldiers engaged at Tobruk. The crest depicts a latrine and the motto reads NON FASCES SED FAECES (Latin translation - "Do not move but the dregs") rats of tobruk, coat of arms, 1941, john dowie

The Schwerkolt Cottage Museum was opened on the 20th November 1977. Since this photo was taken, an Archival Annexe has been added. The Annexe was officially opened on 24th July 1989 and has since been extendedSmall black and white photograph showing the east side of the museum. Photo taken c1977schwerkolt cottage & museum complex, museums

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

Mr Charles Ansell Smith of 3 Vincent Street with his family – Roy, Stan and Frank Smith and Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell). Photo is without Kenneth or Harold so possibly taken during WW1; Kenneth enlisted in 1914, Harold in 1915 and killed in 1917. The boys went to Surrey Hills State School and Dorothy to Milverton Girls School, first at 192 Union Road, it later moved to ‘Nilgard’, 221-223 Union Road. Helen Malvira Mackenzie (1865-1956) married Charles Ansell Smith (c1861-1934) in 1891. He was baptised 23 April 1861 in Tintinhull, Somerset - son of William Maxwell & Louisa Claudina Smith (nee Ansell). His father was curate of the church at the time. Helen Malvira (or Malvena) MacKenzie, known as Nellie, was the second daughter of the John Mackenzie J.P., of Westernport, and Wilcannia, N.S.W., and great granddaughter of the late Admiral Pasco, R.N. They lived at 'Devon', 3 Vincent Street from at least 1910 but perhaps earlier until 1915. Charles Ansell and Helen Malvina Smith’s children: 1. Kenneth Ansell – b 1892 d 3 May 1977 at Lancefield SERN 819 Enlisted AIF on 17/8/1914 giving his occupation as book seller Assigned to 8th Battalion, G company Enlisted 17 August 1914 Embarked A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914 Returned to Australia on 23 October 1918 Obituary describes him as eldest child of the late Charles Ansell & Helen M Smith of Surrey Hills and Lancefield. 2. Stanley Charles – b 1893 (Carlton) - lived Surrey Hills 3. Dorothy Louisa – b 1894 - 1988 4. Harold Maxwell Pasco – b 1897 Oakleigh SERN 3268 Educated Surrey Hills State School Religion Cof E Occupation: Clerk Served with 48th Infantry CMF, Kooyong Enlisted 23 July 1915 – parents living at Vincent Street at the time Assigned to 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement Embarked HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915 KIA 4 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Ypres No known grave. Parents at ‘Cloverdale’, Lancefield 5. Francis W D (Frank) – b 1898 – 1972 Obituary: Frank (FWD) Smith on Feb 14 (suddenly) Francis Wm Douglas Smith, son of Charles Ansell & Helen M (Surrey Hills & Lancefield) and brother of Kenneth (Lancefield), Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell), Harold (KIA) Roy & Stanley. 6. Roy MacKenzie – b 1901 – 1988 m Ruby Olive Laity in 1931 So, the children were all born before the family came to Surrey Hills but Vincent Street was where they grew up. Charles and Helen are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (CE-NS-1266) Stan Smith was most helpful to the History group of the S.H. Neighbourhood Centre with his research into S.H. History and in particular for the vast amount of detail he gave on people and happenings. His observations have been very accurate and he has very precise recollections of the old days. A black and white photograph of 3 young men, a lady and an older man. The men are dressed in suits and the lady in a below-the-knee dress. The young men are carrying hats whilst the older one is wearing his.(mr) charles ansell smith, (mr) roy smith, (mr) stan smith, (mr) frank smith, (mrs) dorothy cromwell, (miss) dorothy smith, milverton girls school, union road, surrey hills, nilgard, francis william douglas smith, stanley charles smith, roy mackenzie smith

Helen Malvira Mackenzie (1865-1956) married Charles Ansell Smith (c1861-1934). He was baptised 23 April 1861 in Tintinhull, Somerset - son of William Maxwell & Louisa Claudina Smith (nee Ansell). His father was curate of the church at the time. Helen Malvira (or Malvena) MacKenzie, known as Nellie, was the second daughter of the John Mackenzie J.P., of Westernport, and Wilcannia, N.S.W., and great granddaughter of the late Admiral Pasco, R.N. They lived at 'Devon', 3 Vincent Street from at least 1910 but perhaps earlier until 1915. Charles Ansell and Helen Malvina Smith’s children: 1. Kenneth Ansell – b 1892 d 3 May 1977 at Lancefield SERN 819 Enlisted AIF on 17/8/1914 giving his occupation as book seller Assigned to 8th Battalion, G company Enlisted 17 August 1914 Embarked A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914 Returned to Australia on 23 October 1918 Obituary describes him as eldest child of the late Charles Ansell & Helen M Smith of Surrey Hills and Lancefield. 2. Stanley Charles – b 1893 (Carlton) - lived Surrey Hills 3. Dorothy Louisa – b 1894 - 1988 4. Harold Maxwell Pasco – b 1897 Oakleigh SERN 3268 Educated Surrey Hills State School Religion Cof E Occupation: Clerk Served with 48th Infantry CMF, Kooyong Enlisted 23 July 1915 – parents living at Vincent Street at the time Assigned to 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement Embarked HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915 KIA 4 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Ypres No known grave. Parents at ‘Cloverdale’, Lancefield 5. Francis W D (Frank) – b 1898 – 1972 Obituary: Frank (FWD) Smith on Feb 14 (suddenly) Francis Wm Douglas Smith, son of Charles Ansell & Helen M (Surrey Hills & Lancefield) and brother of Kenneth (Lancefield), Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell), Harold (KIA) Roy & Stanley. 6. Roy MacKenzie – b 1901 – 1988 m Ruby Olive Laity in 1931 So, the children were all born before the family came to Surrey Hills but Vincent Street was where they grew up. Charles and Helen are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (CE-NS-1266) Comment: An early example of a 'traditional' wedding dress.B&W bridal studio portrait of Mrs Helen Malvira Smith in a traditional wedding dress. weddings, wedding dresses, helen malvira mackenzie, helen malvira smith, kenneth ansell smith, stanley charles smith, dorothy louisa smith, harold maxwell pasco smith

Charles Ansell Smith (c1861-1934) lived at 'Devon', 3 Vincent Street from at least 1910 but perhaps earlier until 1915. Baptised 23 April 1861 in Tintinhull, Somerset - son of William Maxwell & Louisa Claudina Smith (nee Ansell). His father was curate of the church at the time. Married Helen Malvira MacKenzie. Charles Ansell and Helen Malvina Smith’s children: 1. Kenneth Ansell – b 1892 d 3 May 1977 at Lancefield SERN 819 Enlisted AIF on 17/8/1914 giving his occupation as book seller Assigned to 8th Battalion, G company Enlisted 17 August 1914 Embarked A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914 Returned to Australia on 23 October 1918 Obituary describes him as eldest child of the late Charles Ansell & Helen M Smith of Surrey Hills and Lancefield. 2. Stanley Charles – b 1893 (Carlton) - lived Surrey Hills 3. Dorothy Louisa – b 1894 - 1988 4. Harold Maxwell Pasco – b 1897 Oakleigh SERN 3268 Educated Surrey Hills State School Religion Cof E Occupation: Clerk Served with 48th Infantry CMF, Kooyong Enlisted 23 July 1915 – parents living at Vincent Street at the time Assigned to 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement Embarked HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915 KIA 4 October 1917 at Passchendaele, Ypres No known grave. Parents at ‘Cloverdale’, Lancefield 5. Francis W D (Frank) – b 1898 – 1972 Obituary: Frank (FWD) Smith on Feb 14 (suddenly) Francis Wm Douglas Smith, son of Charles Ansell & Helen M (Surrey Hills & Lancefield) and brother of Kenneth (Lancefield), Dorothy (Mrs Cromwell), Harold (KIA) Roy & Stanley. 6. Roy MacKenzie – b 1901 – 1988 m Ruby Olive Laity in 1931 So, the children were all born before the family came to Surrey Hills but Vincent Street was where they grew up. Charles and Helen are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (CE-NS-1266)B&W head and shoulders portrait of a bearded man in formal attire. charles ansell smith, box hill cemetery, helen malvira mackenzie, helen malvira smith, harold maxwell smith, harold pasco maxwell smith, stanley charles smith, dorothy louisa smith, francis w d smith

HONOR BOARD Melton State School No 430 Supreme Sacrifice • BARRET, P Peter Maurice Barrett Number 5051 Rank: Private Unit: Private Date of death 18th August 1918 of wounds age 21 St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France Started school August 1904 5 years 10 months Previous school St Michaels Nth Melb Son of Maurice Barrett labourer Melton Brother of John Barrett • BLACK, William William M • EXELL, T S Number 2758 Rank: Trooper 3rd Battalion Imperial Camel Corps Date of death 30th November 1917 of wounds aged 20 years Cairo War Memorial Cemetery Egypt Started school September 1907 aged 10 Previous school Boisdale 3017 Son of George, farmer Melton Railway Station (Melton South) Year of 1918 • LANG, Horace Thomas Number 903 Rank: Corporal Unit: 24th Battalion Date of death: 5th May 1917. Court if enquiry confirmed Dec 1917. Aged 24 Date of birth 27th April 1893 Spring Hill – Kyneton Commemorated Villers-Bretonneux France Started school November 1997. Father: Thomas Lang Teacher Melton 430 Brother of Thomas Lang died 18th July 1918 buried Cairo • LANG, R William Roy Number 2818 Rank: Driver Unit: 1st Australian Light Horse Machine Gen Squadron Date of death 31st October 1917 of wounds Beersheba War Cemetery Israel Started school October 1899 Aged 9 Previous school Camperdown SS 114 Date of Birth: 24th Jan 1890 Son of William John and Mary Lang of Langlands Jandowae Queensland Nephew of Thomas Lang Melton • LANG, Thomas John Thomas NZ CC M Number 15/118 Rank: Lieutenant Unit: Army Pay Department Date of death 18th July 1918 of disease Cairo War Memorial Cemetery Started school November 1896 aged 16 years - Previous school Coliban 1920 Son of Thomas Lang, teacher Melton No 430 • McPHERSON Jas Mrs M: James Sept 1897 Previous Graham St Port Melb Son of Alexander farmer Melton • MISSEN, A P Frederick M Started school August 1899 age 7 years Son of Frederick, fruiterer Melton His sister Adelaide May 11years Previous Ascot Vale 2608 • NORTON, Lewis Thomas CC M Number 1809 Rank: Private Unit: 29th Battalion (Infantry) Date of death 30th September 1918 Cemetery Bellicourt British Cemetery, France Started school March 1901 age 9 years Previous school Galaquil Son of Thomas Norton of Parwan • O’CALLAGHAN, EJ Edward Edward M • O’CALLAGHAN, HT Thomas .. M Number 3859 Rank: Private Unit: 57th Battalion (Infanrty) Date of death 26th September 1917 Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium Started school 11th March 1901 Aged 10 years Father: John O’Callaghan farmer of Melton • PRATT, R H Robert Henry Number: 2203 Rank: Private Unit: 46th Battalion (Infantry) Date of death, 12th April 1917 Favreuil British Cemetery, France Started school in May 1903 aged 6 years Father: Matthew Pratt, Labourer Melton • RYAN J James or John David: RYAN J ? Started August 1896 Previous Christian Brother St Kilda John 11-5 or James 9-11 Charles 6-11 returned from WW1 Frank 8-5 returned Father Daniel Publican • WHITESIDE, John Edward M Number 2182 Rank: Trooper Unit 13th Light Horse Date of death 4th September 1918 of illness aged 29 years Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt Started school July 1897 age 8 Son of Edward Whiteside Labourer Melton Brother of Edward. • WHITESIDE, W F Number: 3995 Rank: Private Unit: 22nd Battlion Date of death, 28th July 1916, died of wounds aged 21 years Puchevillers British Cemetery, France Started school in 1901 Year of birth circa 1895 Brother Edward died 4th September 1918 Father: Edward Whiteside. Labourer Year of 1917 • ANDREW. R H • BARRETT, J John Maurice • BLACK, Harold David • BLACKWOOD, Maxwell James A • BLACKWOOD, Roy .. • CAMERON David or (Donald) William M • CAREW, Edward Edward M • COLLINS, H John Henry H Thomas CC M • CANTLON, A Alfred CC • CHALMER, Frank Ernest CC M • COBURN, A Frederick CC M • COBURN, FS CC M • DODEMAIDE, Frank William • DODEMAIDE, Thomas .. • DODEMAIDE, W J William John M • FIELD, J • FORSYTH J • KEATING, WD William Edward M • KINNERSLY James Edward CC • KINNERSLY Norman Chas Edward CC • LANG Norman William • MINNS, J CC M • McCOLL R Alex R J. McColl • MOULSDALE Charles William M • McNULTY, Frederick James CC • McNULTY, W R CC • McPHERSON J which one? • NEAL, Elvine J Neal M • NEAL, Frank John M • NEAL, John William John M (husband of Isabella) • O’CALLAGHAN, Stephen Edward M • PRATT, David T Matthew CC M • QUINANE, David Peter • QUINANE, Peter .. • RIDDELL, William M • RYAN, Charles Daniel • RYAN Frank .. • SKINNER, Stanley John S’John CC M • SPRING, James George • TYLER, A • TYLER, George George • WATSON, Albert Ernest Alexander M • WADE, Howard James • WADE, Walter .. might be connected with CC • WILLIAMS, Percy Mr Williams • WICKHAM, George George M • WICKHAM, W M • WILSON, Stanley [ Alfred and Maude] M • WILSON, Gordon .. M SUPREME SACRIFICE Roll of Honor Melton State School No 430 Years of 1916,1917 and 1918