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Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
WW1 Medals
Pte Simmons was born in Kyneton. Died at the battle of Fromelles, July 1916.Fromelles. The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to warfare on the Western Front. Soldiers of the newly arrived 5th Australian Division, together with the British 61st Division, were ordered to attack strongly fortified German front line positions near the Aubers Ridge in French Flanders. The attack was intended as a feint to hold German reserves from moving south to the Somme where a large Allied offensive had begun on 1 July. The feint was a disastrous failure. Australian and British soldiers assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from the German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in action or died of wounds and some 400 were captured. This is believed to be the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours during the entire First World War. Some consider Fromelles the most tragic event in Australia’s history. www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/fromelles Two WW1 War service medals with ribbons in a white presentation case. With black clothe lining. On the rim of each medal is: 4899Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF The medals are labelled British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal 1914- 1918. On the inside of the lid is card inscribed: Posthumus award to 4899 Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF. ww1 medals, british war medal, allied victory medal 1914- 1918, n t simmons, fromelles -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Drinking Mug (Melk Beker)
Liberation Day still looms large in the Dutch consciousness and would have done even more so a mere 10 years after the event. All kinds of commemorative articles were produced.A smallish mug used for drinking milk. It is decorated with items celebrating 10 years since the Liberation from German occupation. There is no handle.Dutch coat of arms including the words "Je Maintiendrai" (I will overcome) - all in orange. Two flags protrude - seemingly from the lions' paws. The reverse view shows a colourful scene of celebrating children one of of whom is being carried by an Allied Armies soldier. A pennant has the words:"1945 5MEI 1955" in orange. Below the scene are the words "10e BEVRIJDINGSDAG" (10th Liberation Day) in blue. -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Painting Roy Longmore, RoyLongmore
Longmore set aside his life as a farm-hand in Geelong, Victoria, when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at age 21. Private (Pte) Roy Longmore, 3rd Reinforcements, 21st Battalion, of Bannockburn, Victoria enlisted on 13 July 1915; and he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Anchises on 26 August 1915.[2] After training in Egypt, was sent to the Battle of Gallipoli where he was a tunnel digger with the 2nd Division, burrowing underneath the Turkish positions and laying mines. After evacuation from Turkey, he fought at Pozières, Armentières, and Villers-Bretonneux.[1] He was wounded three times in France and was momentarily given up for dead when he was shot as the Armistice in November 1918, approached. He later recalled, "We were patrolling in a gully when suddenly half a dozen Germans appeared over a hill armed with machine guns and opened fire. Jerry riddled me, knocking me flat on my back, and the last I heard was 'Longy's had it, they got him.'" Fortunately, his fellow soldiers saw him move and rescued him.[3] Lance Sergeant (LSgt) and returned to Australia on 16 March 1919 as a member of the 2nd Pioneer Battalion.[2] Civilian life[edit] After returning to Australia in 1919, his injuries made returning to farm work impossible, so he drove a taxi in Melbourne. Another change caused by the war was more telling. Before, he had hunted rabbits; but he later explained that when he returned home, he no longer had an appetite for firing at anything alive.[3] Longmore married and had one son, Eric.[1] The one-time LSgt Longmore died peacefully in his sleep at a Burwood Nursing Home aged 107 on 21 June 2001. He was the second last Anzac to die.[2] At his death, Australia honored him one final time with a state funeral.[3] Australian "legend"[edit] In 2000, Longmore was recognized as one of the "Australian Legends." His name and photograph were honored as part of an annual series of commemorative postage stamps issued by Australia Post since 1997. The stamps commemorate living Australians "who have made lifetime contributions to the development of Australia's national identity and character".[4] Longmore lived to fully enjoy this honor.[3] Longmore's 45-cent Legend stamp displays the soldier's portrait as a young man, photographed just prior to his departure for Gallipoli. Formal photographs of the other two ANZAC centenarians complete this stamp set. In addition, a fourth stamp features the 1914-15 star medal which was presented to all those who fought in campaigns during those war years.[5] These stamps, designed by Cathleen Cram of the Australia Post Design Studio, commemorate the story of events and people shaping contemporary Australia.[6] The Longmore stamp honors him as an individual and as a representative of all 68,000 soldiers at Gallipoli whose actions affected Australia's evolving self-image.[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_LongmoreFramed painting of Roy Longmore wooden frame glass fronted -
Myrtleford and District Historical Society
Memorial Plaque, Memorial Plaque Factory, "Dead Man's Penny", Circa 1921
The "Dead Man's Penny" of Private George Matthews (24/1744) is a district link to the First World War. George enlisted with the Otago Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force as a rifleman. Born in 1891, he was a former pupil of Myrtleford State School 955 and was one of four first cousins killed in action and recorded in a memorial window and honour board at the Uniting (formerly Methodist) Church, the Soldier's Memorial Square and on the State School Honour Board. George's parents, John and Mary Matthews,received the plaque in a pack, together with a letter and commemorative scroll from King George V. George Matthews is buried at the Caterpillar Valley (N.Z.) Memorial, France, having died on October 1, 1916, aged 25. The memorial plaque links local family tragedy to world conflict. It represents the impact of such events must have had on small town communities. George Matthews' enlistment in New Zealand is an indicator of the migratory nature of men involved in gold mining after the decline of the industry in Victoria and New South Wales in the late 19th centuryA World War 1 memorial plaque issued to next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who died as a result of the war. They were round and cast in bronze, hence their similarity to the much smaller penny coin. The plaque includes an image of Britannia, holding a trident and standing with a lion. Britannia holds an oak leaf above the deceased's name, which is recorded without rank. Two dolphins swim around Britannia, symbolizing sea power, and at the base a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle. Around the picture a legend reads: "He died for freedom and Honour"Name engraved: GEORGE MATTHEWSmemorial plaque dead man's penny george matthews -
Myrtleford and District Historical Society
Portrait of V.C. Soldier, A.D. Lowerson V.C
The portrait depicts Sgt. A.D. Lowerson V.C. after receipt of his award at Buckingham Palace on March 1, 1919. It links the town and the Lowerson family to events in World War 1. A.D. Lowerson was awarded the Victoria Cross as the result of bravery and leadership in the capture of Mont St. Quentin on September 1, 1918, particularly for his bombing of a German strongpoint. He refused to leave his post, despite wounds, for two days. He is the only winner of the V.C. in north east Victoria, beyond Euroa. Lowerson's name has been memorialized in a street name, the local swimming pool and Soldiers Memorial Square and with others on church and state school honour boards. Monochrome portrait of Sergeant Albert David Lowerson, Victoria Cross (1896-1945), standing, in gold frame.a.d. lowerson, v.c. mont st. quentin -
Clunes Museum
Photograph
SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF CROWD GATHERED ROUND MONUMENT CELEBRATING ANZAC DAY. MONUMENT IS SOLDIER STANDING AT GUARD PLACED ON PILLAR WITH RETURNED SOLDIERS NAMES ENGRAVED ON COLUMN.local history, photography, photographs, monuments, events and celebrations -
Clunes Museum
Booklet - LEAFLET, CENTENARY OF CLUNES, VICTORIA, EASTER 1939, 1939
CENTENARY OF CLUNES, VICTORIA, HELD EASTER 1939. THIS SHOWS PHOTOS OF CLUNES TOWN HALL, HIGHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, KNITTING MILLS, SOLDIERS MEMORIAL, DAIRY COMPANY, HOSPITAL, ESMOND DISCOVERY OF GOLD MONUMENT. ALSO A POEM DATED 1912 BY M.J. ALSO CHINESE RIOT, CLUNES 1860, 1938. TOURELLO SCHOOL.LEAFLET REFERRING TO "BACK TO CLUNES" AND "BACK TO TOURELLO" CENTENARY OF CLUNES EASTER 1939. CONTAINING PHOTOS, SHORT HISTORY OF CLUNES, POEM COMMEMORATING EASTER 1939 CENTENARY OF CLUNESCENTENARY OF CLUNES, VICTORIA, EASTER 1939local history, events and celebrations, back to clunes, civic mementos -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Photo, Anzac commemoration for students 1990, 1990
A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in April 1990. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, held just prior to ANZAC Day. The photos shows a student taking photos of the event and defence force personnel in formation on the forecourt of the Shrine. See also photos at 00580 and 00588. It was in a folio of photos from 1988 to 1990.A record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine.Black and white photo of a crowd at the Shrine and a boy taking a photo of soldiers in formation.In blue pen on reverse: "Children's Commemoration Service at the Shrine 11.4.1990. From L/T J P Norton". anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony -
Melbourne Legacy
Magazine, The Ceramican. Souvenir Number, 1920
A commemorative publication from the voyage back to Australia aboard the ship The Ceramic in 1920. It departed Tillbury, UK 12th March and docked in Freemantle on 27th April 1920 and then went onto Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. The Ceramic was a transport vessel built in Belfast in 1913 for the White Star Line to transport frozen produce and apples from Australia to UK. It was taken over by the Australian Government for troop transport in October 1914 and could carry over 3,000 troops. This trip in 1920 there were 1467 on board, there were women and children as well as 439 soldiers returning home. The publication has articles of life on the voyage as well as poems, stories, photos and drawings compiled on-board. Notable events such as crossing the equator, a baby competition and stopping in Bombay were some of the photos. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.A record of a soldier's journey home after World War 1.An onboard publication x 28 pages, to record the journey home from World War 1.On the cover in blue ink 'J.B. McLean 1919'.world war one, souvenir -
Melbourne Legacy
Letter - Document, letter, 1971
After the first world war there was a decision made to create a memorial. Legatees were involved in the process at various times and capacities. In particular Legatee Kemsley was vocal when the idea of the St Kilda Road site, which was favoured early on, was overturned and in 1926 there was pressure to change to a "provision of square" and Cenotaph at the intersection of Spring and Bourke Streets. Legacy Clubs voiced their opposition to this proposal by passing a resolution "That the Melbourne Legacy Club, representative of the returned soldiers in business in this city, whilst welcoming the Anzac Square Scheme as a city improvement, cannot support it as a War Memorial scheme and affirms its support for the Shrine of Remembrance in the Domain as the only War Memorial worthy of Victoria's unparalleled efforts in the Great War." The document was in an envelope with the History of the Shrine (01181). The envelope says 'The Origin of the Shrine of Remembrance p/p Legatees Kemsley and Joynt'. And the initial 'JMBA'?. It was in a file with other documents concerning the Shrine and it's history.A record of the events that led to the construction of the Shrine of Remembrance as noted by a Legatee at the time. There was an effort to record historical events for the "Archive Committee" which collected this an other documents relating to the Shrine together in a file with the items given numbest prefixed with an S (see items 01181 - 01190 and 01206 - 01211).A two page carbon copy of a letter typed on white quarto paper. Dated 30 April 1971, it is from Legatee Donovan Joynt to the President of Legacy outlining Legacy's impact in the building the Shrine.Handwritten in blue ink, 'Copy' on front page and signed 'Donovan'.memorial, shrine of remembrance -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, The Shrine of Remembrance - A Melbourne Legacy Club Memorial
After the first world war there was a decision made to create a memorial. Legatees were involved in the process at various times and capacities. In particular Legatee Kemsley was vocal when the idea of the St Kilda Road site, which was favoured early on, was overturned and in 1926 there was pressure to change to a "provision of square" and Cenotaph at the intersection of Spring and Bourke Streets. Legacy Clubs voiced their opposition to this proposal by passing a resolution "That the Melbourne Legacy Club, representative of the returned soldiers in business in this city, whilst welcoming the Anzac Square Scheme as a city improvement, cannot support it as a War Memorial scheme and affirms its support for the Shrine of Remembrance in the Domain as the only War Memorial worthy of Victoria's unparalleled efforts in the Great War." The document was in a file with other documents concerning the Shrine and it's history (01181 - 01190).A record of the events that led to the construction of the Shrine of Remembrance as noted by a Legatee. There was an effort to record historical events for the "Archive Committee" which collected this and other documents relating to the Shrine together in a file (see items 01181 - 01190)White A4 paper with black type written as a circular to Legacy members to outline Legacy's impact in the building the Shrine.memorial, shrine of remembrance -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Anzac commemoration for students 1945, 1945
A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, usually held just prior to ANZAC Day. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. This is a close up photo of the son of soldier wearing his fathers medals, at the service in 1945 (see also 01193). It is the son of Lieut. G Ingram, a VC medal recipient.A record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine.Black and white photo a boy wearing his fathers medals at an Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for students at the Shrine in 1945.Photo is stamped with purple copyright stamp of The Argus with identifying number, U-1673 in pencil. Also 'Anzac Eve 24th April 1945' and 'Ingram VC's son' in pencil. There are marks for cropping and dimensions for reprinting in a newsletter. A paper label says: ' 18. The son of Lieut. G.M. Ingram, Victoria Cross, wears his father's decoration awarded in France in 1918. 1/2 page' in blue pen. Was in an envelope with other photos and programmes from different School Student ceremonies. Labelled S15 in red pen it was part of an old archive numbering system, that showed there has been efforts in the past to collect, order and save items of Legacy's history.anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony, vc medal, ingram -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Annual Demonstration
A photo of junior legatees in costume for an Annual Demonstration, the date is unknown. Costumes were reused in different years. These costumes include a beefeater, an English soldier with a bear skin hat, a soldier with a tin hat and a girl in a floral dress. The floral dress costume was used in a scene set in Holland with wind mills in other photos but this could be a different year. It is possible this was taken at a rehearsal by a newspaper and used in promoting the event. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the late 1970's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall or Olympic Pool Stadium. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of a group of junior legatees in costume for an Annual Demonstration.annual demonstration, junior legatee, costume -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Annual Demonstration 1953, 1953
A photo of the finale of the 1953 demonstration. There is a large portrait of the Queen and her coat of arms above the stage with a Legacy torch suspended high above it. Junior legatees on stage in many different costumes, including beef eaters, soldiers, and in naval uniforms. Flag bearers hold Australian, UK, and Welsh flags. Some of the children hold musical instruments. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall or Olympic Pool Stadium. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. Names on the back of the photo could be those who ordered reprints. They include: EDC / Wilma / Dorothy Allen / Helen McGregor / B McCutcheon / Margaret Wallace / J Britton / Val Wigg / J Rees / M Rinnie / Mary Parker / Legatee Grattan / Audrey B / Norrie / Marguerite / Joan Spencer / B McCutcheon / Theresa.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of the finale of the 1953 Annual Demonstration.In pencil on the reverse " Finale - 1953 Demo " Then a list of names who had ordered reprints.annual demonstration, junior legatee -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Annual Demonstration 1954, 1954
A photo of the Annual demonstration from October 1954. This photo shows the dancers around a Christmas tree. The costumes include ballerinas, golliwogs, tin soldiers, fairies and elaborate dresses. Also frogs or lizards, sugar plum fairies, rabbits, cossack dancers and cats or foxes. A similar routine was performed in 1952 as described in a newsletter. It mentions the routine as 'Toy makers dream' and had golliwogs and soldiers and Father Christmas. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall or Olympic Pool Stadium. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of a Christmas scene during the demonstration from 1954. junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration, girls classes -
Woodend RSL
Shell Dressing, January, 1942
Shell dressings are a type of bandage with a gauze pad and a safety pin for fastening around the site of the injury. This item was made by Johnson & Johnson Pty. Ltd., Sydney, in or before January, 1942. Shell dressings were carried by individual soldiers and medics intended to be used as a first dressing in event of wounding or injury. The Australian-made shell dressing is opened by breaking the stitches at the top rather than pulling tapes apart as per the British design.Rectangular, light brown fabric pouch. The front is printed with black text in a rectangle explaining the instructions for opening the pouch and directions for use of bandage. The maker's name and date of manufacture are printed under the directions. Sewn together in two locations on the top. Irregular shaped medium brown stain on back.world war two, shell dressing, medical supplies, medical, wound dressing, johnson & johnson -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Badge - Badge Collection
This is a collection ranging in dates from 1917 to the 1980s. It reflects a range of local and national organisations supported by people in the community. These include local schools such as the Wodonga Central School and Wodonga High School and local sporting clubs including the Wodonga Football Club and the Wodonga Bowling Club. National organisations like Red Cross, the Returned Soldiers' League, Legacy and the CWA are also represented.This collection commemorates a range of local and national organisations supported by community members throughout the 20th century.A collection of 50 different badges to commemorate a range of organisations and events. Included are several ANZAC Day and Legacy badges. Also in the collection are badges for Girl Guides, several sports clubs, Red Cross, Red Triangle Day 1917, the CFA and some church groups.commemorative badges, memorabilia, service organisations -
Melbourne Legacy
Programme, Legacy Club. A Century Revue...'This Will Be The Place', 1934
Eight page theatre program of 'This Will Be the Place' Melbourne Legacy Display held at the Garrick Theatre Friday 9th November 1934, 28th - 29th November 1934. The revue was conceived, written and composed by Legacy Club. It related five chapters in Victoria's history from the first 100 years following the career of a family of pioneers from 1835 through various generations. Includes the story of the play, a genealogical tree of the White family, summaries of the program including music, skits and tableau. Proceeds for welfare work among the sons and daughters of deceased soldiers. The performance on the 9th November was performed for delegates that had come to Melbourne for the annual National Conference as well as the public. A second copy was found with autograph signatures on the back cover. Both copies kept.A record that Melbourne Legacy was involved in promoting cultural events as a way of raising funds for their work as early at 1934.Eight page theatre program of Melbourne Junior Legacy Display 'This Will Be the Place'.Back cover is signed in pencil with autographs.fundraising, gala performance -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Photo, Anzac commemoration for students 1990, 1990
A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in April 1990. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, usually held just prior to ANZAC Day. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. The photos shows a pair of students with wreaths walking past defence force personnel in formation on the forecourt of the Shrine. The photo was used The Answer in May 1991 to promote the Anzac Commemoration Service with an article 'Not everything that counts can be counted'.A record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine.Black and white photo of two children with wreaths processing past soldiers in formation.In blue pen on reverse: "Children's Commemoration Service at the Shrine 11.4.1990. From L/T J P Norton". anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony, answer -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Australian War Memorial, The Unknown Soldier, 1993
A photo of the internment of the coffin of the Unknown Australian Solider in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The coffin is flanked by pall bearers from each of the defence forces. The official Party, including the Prime Minister, Hon Paul Keating MP, looks on and veterans are seated. There are two Junior Legatees present, they were Rebecca and John Healey of Canberra. There was in article in The Answer newsletter in June 1994. The Unknown Australian Soldier was interred in the Hall of Memory on 11 November 1993. He was buried in a Tasmanian blackwood coffin, on which were placed a bayonet and a sprig of wattle. Soil from the Pozières battlefield in France was scattered in his tomb. The tombstone later placed on top of the tomb has the inscription: “An unknown Australian soldier killed in the war of 1914–1918”. At the head of the tomb is inscribed “Known unto God” and at the foot, “He is all of them and he is one of us.” (details taken from awm.gov.au)A record of Junior Legatees being present at the interring of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. It shows how respected Legacy's work is by the wider community that the Junior Legatees are included in such a distinguished group at such an important event.Colour photo inside the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial.australian war memorial, answer -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Shell Dressing, March 1944
Shell dressings were carried by individual soldiers, intended to be used as a first dressing in event of wounding or injury. Each cloth pack contains dressings comprised of a gauze pad stitched to a bandage and a safety pin. The field dressing was often the first line of treatment and was intended to be applied by the wounded man himself or other soldiersThis dressing is significant as a representative object carried by every soldier in WWII.Bandage covered in light brown cotton casing. Front side has inscription and instructions for use.Printed on cotton package containing the Shell Dressing. Inside a lined box. Commonwealth of Australia/ SHELL DRESSING / To Open /Outer Cover. Tear cover open at top between stitches. / Inner Waterproof Cover. Tear apart at the corner indicated by arrow. / DIRECTION FOR USE -Take the folded ends of/bandage in each hand, and keeping bandage taut, apply the/gauze pad to wound and fix bandages with safety pin./ In the case of head wounds, when respirators have to be worn, care should be taken to adjust the pad so that it / does not interfere with the fit of the face-piece. / DO NOT HANDLE WOUND OR PAD. / under a black line / Johnson & Johnson Pty, Ltd, Sydney/ MARCH 1944 On the reverse an adhesive sticker with the words "Lent by Lance Flynn" dressing, shell dressing, commonwealth of australia, johnson & johnson -
Melton City Libraries
Memorabilia, Sewing needle and thread, c.1943
"Members of the Melton Country Women’s Association branch, which had been established in 1938 just before the war, made camouflage nets and food packages, held fundraising events and sewed quilts to send to British children. All soldiers’ wives were made honorary members of the branch".Probably used during World War 2 effortwar, local special interest groups -
Melton City Libraries
Newspaper, Crosses lay out pledge to remember, 2015
"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 had an immediate impact on communities across Australia, and it was no different in Melton. Young men began enlisting immediately, and Australia’s initial offer of 20,000 troops was soon exceeded by Victorian enlistments alone. Over the four years of the war, approximately 114,000 Victorians enlisted and around 91,000 servicemen and women were sent overseas. They came not just from Melbourne, but from all over the state; from farms, small towns and suburban areas. They included locals, newly arrived migrants and Indigenous people. The Australian home front was a hive of activity throughout the war, and the Melton community played its part. Following the announcement that Australia was joining the war with Great Britain and its allies on 5 August 1914, the Melton community lost no time in launching into action. A meeting ‘to assist the Red Cross fund’ was held in the Melton Mechanics’ Institute hall on 18 August – just days after the outbreak of the war. Collectors were appointed for each corner of the shire and individual donations were made. A Melton branch of the Australian Red Cross Society was formed in June 1915 and focused its energies on raising funds to purchase material that was used to make clothes for sick and wounded soldiers. A depot was established in Melton to collect clothing and other ‘comfort’ items for the soldiers – including reading material, tobacco, linen, canned foods and soap – and to coordinate the branch’s work and activities. Local cab driver Percival Stubbs volunteered to transport all the packages to the Melton railway station, until he enlisted and departed for the front in 1916. Such were the numbers of people getting involved that branches were also established in Toolern Vale and Rockbank. Regular community events were held to farewell soldiers who were leaving on active service and to welcome those who returned home. Gunner Robert (Bob) Wynne, whose uncle’s family ran the general store in Toolern Vale, was presented with a pair of field glasses (binoculars), a gold watch, inscribed locket and autographed letter by the Toolern Vale community before he set sail for the front in 1916. His mother noted that he ‘sailed away in good spirits with a smile till out of sight’. From June 1915 to June 1919, the Melton Red Cross branch donated 2,156 pairs of socks, 1,357 shirts, 425 kit bags, 251 pillowslips, 224 towels and 121 pairs of pajamas. Countless fundraising events were held, including jumble fairs, concerts and gift evenings. Local schools also encouraged students to contribute through fund-raising and making and collecting comforts for the soldiers. People across the country engaged in similar activities, but Victoria’s rural communities found unique ways of contributing. In Melton, people were encouraged to send rabbits and hares ‘in good condition’ to an exporter in Spencer Street, for export to Belgium ‘for the relief of those suffering". Special Anzac Memorial article featured in the Star Weeklylocal identities, war -
Victorian Bands' League
Flyer /Pamphlet / Programme, 1933
The Victorian Bands' League was officially founded on the 10th of April, 1931. This new organisation quickly gained the affliations of all brass bands in Victoria and took over the control of bands from the Victorian Bands' Association. The new VBL started presenting massed bands events at the MCG and ran competitions around Victoria. This program pamphlet is a unique example of the style of massed bands events that were held at the MCG with 24 brass bands all marching into the ground and performing a number of items individually or in groups. This would have been quite a spectacle! This small program is very significant to the banding history in Victoria. It provides a wealth of information as to the bands that existed in 1933 as well as what they played, and how the VBL organised events. As well as this, there is evidence of a large number of metropolitan bands as well as bands from country areas.Small printed pamphlet on thin paper.victorian bands' league, melbourne cricket ground, malvern tramway junior, malvern tramways band, stonnington city brass, coburg west boys, prahran city, kingsville and yarraville citizens', footscray city, footscray-yarraville city brass, coburg city, northcote citizens and soldiers', essendon citizens', moonee valley brass band, geelong city, terang brass, geelong west city, south melbourne city, reservoir citizens', st. kilda city, oakleigh city, oakleigh band, hawthorn city, kensington district, brunswick city, moreland city band, moorabbin shire, metropolitan fire brigade, sunshine district, sunshine community brass, kew city, kynetown town -
Melbourne Legacy
Newspaper - Article, Pilgrimage to the Shrine 2004, 2004
A newspaper article saved by the War Widows Guild, of a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Remembrance in 2004. It is an annual Legacy event. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this article, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild and of a close link to Legacy.Newspaper article with a photo of the pilgrimage to the Shrine in 2004.war widows guild, wwg, pilgrimage -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, From RSSILA Geelong - Christmas 1919, 1918
A group of children in Geelong who's fathers had served during the first World War. The RSSILA (precursor to the RSL) had held an event for them and took this photo which was then distributed to the families at Christmas 1919. Margaret Burn is possibly one in the front row and her family donated the photo. Margaret later attended girls classes with Geelong Legacy in the 1930s and Legacy helped her find employment when she left school. Her family donated two photos and a Laurel Badge to Legacy.A very early photo shows that Geelong RSSILA were looking after the children of soldiers.Sepia photo in a brown cardboard frame of many children taken at a RSSILA Geelong event in 1919.geelong legacy, margaret burn -
Melbourne Legacy
Slide, Annual Demonstration 1960, 1960
Colour slides of a demonstration at the Olympic Swimming Pool stadium in 1960. The children are wearing red toy solider costumes and one slide has a sleigh pulled by a reindeer in the routine. More slides from the 1960 demonstration are catalogued separately. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of different routines in an Annual Demonstration at the Olympic Swimming Pool stadium.Colour slides x 3 of a Demonstration routine with children in red toy soldiers costumes at Olympic Swimming Pool, in a cardboard mount.Handwritten on front 'Demo 1960' in blue pen, one has '8' in blue pen and '15' in pencil.annual demonstration, marching -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, 65 years ago today, 1901
Article in Reporter on events that occurred 65 years ago in 1901. Welcome home for soldiers from Boer War.Article in Reporter on events that occurred 65 years ago in 1901. Welcome home for soldiers from Boer War. Mitcham District Cricket Club played their Commonwealth v 20th Century cricket match.Article in Reporter on events that occurred 65 years ago in 1901. Welcome home for soldiers from Boer War. cricket, mitcham cricket club, linsley, thomas, rich, e.p., boer war, 1899 - 1902 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Harper Collins, Hell's heroes, 2009
Hell′s Heroes is the story of the POW camp that never was − so dubbed by one old soldier because the atrocities that occurred there went largely unreported at the time. For while the Burma−Thai railway‚ the Bataan death march and events at Changi and in many other parts of Asia became synonymous with Japanese brutality‚ most of the camps which were set up to provide slave labour for the enemy military machine at home were slowly forgotten in the aftermath of World War II.Ill, maps, p.359.non-fictionHell′s Heroes is the story of the POW camp that never was − so dubbed by one old soldier because the atrocities that occurred there went largely unreported at the time. For while the Burma−Thai railway‚ the Bataan death march and events at Changi and in many other parts of Asia became synonymous with Japanese brutality‚ most of the camps which were set up to provide slave labour for the enemy military machine at home were slowly forgotten in the aftermath of World War II.world war 1939 – 1945 - prisons and prisoners - japanese, atrocities - japan -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Militaria, Australians at War, Key Dates & Data, since 1901 : By Richard Reid and Robert Pounds, 1999
1901 to 1998 Timeline of Military Engagements, social and political history Minor military events and commerative occasionsSoft Cover Sepia Photo on front of Soldiers in Tench Background Ship at Sea.Key dates and data since 1901, their service and heritage To Stawell Biarri Group from Nino & Ellenor Musuimeciwar, soldiers