Showing 136 items
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Shepparton RSL Sub Branch
Escape Map Cloth, July 1944
Silk escape map issued to Allied Airmen during World War 11 for the Pacific campaignsA silk escape map including detail of tides and winds was relevant to air force personnel in Pacific regions during WW2. Coloured Cloth Escape Map of Side A : No. C44 North Borneo Side B: No C43 Mindanao Island SCALE: 1:1,000,000; Wind and Current markings; AAF Cloth Cart- Philippine Series Prepared under the direction of the Commanding General, Army Air Forces, by the aeronautical Chart Service, Washington DC July 1944world war ii, second world war, silk escape map, pacific conflict -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CERTIFICATE WW1,FRAMED, A Spencer & E Rider, C.1920
The item relates to the burial of an unknown Australian soldierColoured, pastel green & cream, black print (under plastic), metal backing. Australian & British Flags surrounding (red flag), laurel wreath.The Allied Commander Pays the Highest Tribute to the Australian Forces.documents - certificates, military history, tributes, burial -
Bendigo Military Museum
Programme - THANKSGIVING PROGRAMME, 1945
Belonged to Victor Henry Evans No 418655 RAAF. Refer Cat No 1760.4.Four page paper programme for "Service of Thanksgiving for the Allied Victory in the Pacific". Cover has image of Holy Trinity Chapel stained glass window. Printed for the Australian Military Forces in North Borneo and Netherlands East Indies.documents-programmes, religion-christian, military history -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper, Table Tops Sunset Edition No 73 Wed 15 Aug 1945, 15 Aug 1945
This Newspaper was printed on 15 August 1945 to announce the official surrender of Japan, Japan had accepted the Potsdam declaration, the Emperior had issued orders to all Japan Commanders to lay down their arms.This Newspaper is an original and details the surrender of the Japan Military. The Newspaper is dated 15 August 1945.Quarto size paper Newspaper, buff colourIT"S ALL OVER Table Tops Sunset Edition No 73 Issued by The Australian Military Forces Abroad Wed 15 Aug 1945 Japan Accepts Allied Termsww2, japan, surrender, 15 august 1945 -
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
Memorabilia - Embroidered pocket, c. 1945
The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December. The port continued to be held by the Allies until its surrender on 21 June 1942. HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970'sMervyn Hutchins owned this jacket. He was both a RAT of Toburk and a patient at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Navy blue woolen jacket pocket with embroideryLarge letter T with red crown. Overlay of the RATS of Tobruk logo with Victoria embroidered across the bottomrats of tobruk, wwii, world war two, second world war, uniforms, mervyn hutchins collection -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Instrument - Trumpet, Cavalry, Couesnon Cie, 1901 (exact)
The 2nd Light Horse Regiment was raised at Enoggera in Queensland on 18 August 1914. Its recruits came mainly from Queensland but some hailed from the northern rivers district of New South Wales. The 2nd was one of three regiments of the 1st Light Horse Brigade – the first Australian mounted formation raised by Australia during the First World War. The regiment sailed from Brisbane on 25 September and disembarked in Egypt on 9 December. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment deployed to Gallipoli without its horses and landed there on 12 May 1915, joining the New Zealand and Australian Division. It played a defensive role for most of the campaign but did attack the Turkish trenches opposite Quinn’s Post, one of the most contested positions along the ANZAC Line. The first assault wave was mown down and fortunately the officer commanding the attack had the wisdom and courage to call it off. The 2nd was withdrawn from the front line in September and left the peninsula on 18 December. Back in Egypt, the 2nd Light Horse joined the ANZAC Mounted Division. Between January and May 1916, the regiment was deployed to protect the Nile valley from bands of pro-Turkish Senussi Arabs. On 18 May, as part of its parent brigade, it joined the forces defending the Suez Canal. The 1st Light Horse Brigade played a significant role in turning back the Turkish advance on the canal at the battle of Romani on 4 August. In ensuing days the regiments of the brigade participated in the immediate follow-up of the defeated Turks, but were soon withdrawn to rest. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment rejoined the Allied advance across the Sinai in November and was subsequently involved in the fighting to secure the Turkish outposts on the Palestine frontier – Maghdaba on 23 December 1916 and Rafa on 9 January 1917. A stint of protective duty along the line of communications through the Sinai followed. The 2nd’s next major engagement was the abortive second battle of Gaza on 19 April. Gaza finally fell on 7 November, after a wide outflanking move via Beersheba, in which the 1st Light Horse Brigade played a part. With the capture of Gaza, the Turkish position in southern Palestine collapsed. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment participated in the advance to Jaffa that followed, and was then committed to operations to clear and occupy the west bank of the Jordan River. It was involved in the Amman (24–27 February) and Es Salt (30 April–4 May) raids and the repulse of a major German and Turkish attack on 14 July 1918. The final British offensive of the campaign was launched along the Mediterranean coast on 19 September 1918, with the ANZAC Mounted Division taking part in a subsidiary effort east of the Jordan aimed at Amman. Turkey surrendered on 30 October 1918. The 2nd Light Horse Regiment sailed for Australia on 13 March 1919 without their horses, which were either shot or transferred to Indian cavalry units. Events in the daily routine of the soldier were signalled by bugle and trumpet calls. This trumpet is signicant because historically, it was issued to the 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment in 1912. This Regiment served with distinction in Gallipoli and Palestine in World War 1. It is probable, but not confirmed, that tthe trumpet was used by the Regiment during these operations. Each light horse regiment was divided into four squadrons. Each squadron had a trumpeter sergeant, equipped with a cavalry trumpet, who was employed at the Squadron Headquarters Technically called a cavalry trumpet, this brass instrument can be described as a "simple trumpet" ie. the direct forerunner of the modern valve trumpet. It is in E flat not B flat as is the bugle. Both were carried slung over the player's body by means of green tasselled cords.Crest with inscription: "Exposition Universelle De Paris" with circular logo with inscribed "1900". "Hors Concours Membre De Jury". Logo formed of initials (not deciphered). "Couesnon Cie 94 Rue Dangouleme Paris". Bomb burst type logo with "01" in centre. "W H Paling & Co Ltd Sydney NSW Brisbane" On bell: "Mounted Rifles (2nd ALH)" trumpet, cavalry, musical instrument, 2nd light horse, mounted rifles -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medal
The 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal (French: Médaille Commémorative de la Guerre 1914–1918, Dutch: Oorlogsherinnerinsmedaille 1914–1918) was a Belgian commemorative war medal established by royal decree on 21 July 1919 and awarded to all members of the Belgian Armed Forces who served during the First World War that were eligible for the inter-allied victory medal.The Belgian 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal was struck from bronze, it was 47 mm high by 31 mm wide, triangular shaped and with rounded sides. On its obverse, the relief left profile of a helmeted soldier within a 29 mm in diameter circular recess, the helmet adorned with laurels. Between the circular recess and the bottom left corner of the medal, the relief date "1914", in the lower right corner, the relief date "1918". In the upper point of the triangle, above the circular recess, the relief images of a lion rampant with an oak branch to its left and a laurel branch to its right. On the reverse, near the top, the relief image of a crown surrounded by the same branches as the lion on the obverse, below the crown, the relief semi circular inscription in French on two rows over the large relief dates "1914 – 1918", "MEDAILLE COMMEMORATIVE / DE LA CAMPAGNE", the inscription repeated in Dutch below the dates "HERDENKINGSMEDAILLE / VAN DEN VELDTOCHT" (COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL OF THE 1914 – 1918 CAMPAIGN).medal, belgium, ww1 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Australia's Special Operations 1940-2003. A Commemorative History
A detailed history of Australian Special Forces operations during World War Two by the commandos of the Allied Intelligence Bureau and the Independent Companies/Commando Squadrons and through to operations in Vietnam and later conflicts. Compiled by two of Australia’s most famous military historians for the 60th anniversary of Operation JAYWICK in 2003. -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, No Turning Back: Top Secret Intelligence Operation in Borneo During World War II Behind Japanese Lines
Twenty-two young New Zealand soldiers were posted to a clandestine intelligence unit in Melbourne called the Allied Intelligence Bureau. Their task was to undertake espionage and sabotage lines of communication, train natives as soldiers for local resistance and set up a radio link back to Australia. This is the account of the experiences of one soldier’s operation in Borneo – and is an account of their divine protection. Soft cover 174 pageSigned by author.ww2, australian special operations, nz special forces in ww2 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - Official History of Special Operations Australia- Volume 2 Operations
Popularly known today as Z Special Unit, or by the wartime cover names of Inter-Allied Services Department (ISD) and Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD), Special Operations Australia (SOA) was the Special Operations component of the US-led Allied Intelligence Bureau in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. From the secret files of Z Special Unit, and the second in a set of five volumes, Volume 2 - Operations describes almost two hundred separate "Z" Operations. Through the examination of this volume, the strategic role of the Special Operations - Australia organisation becomes apparent. Students of history will easily identify the ebb and flow of the Allied campaigns in the Pacific Theatre, with many of the operations of SOA being precursors to larger Allied offensives. Several serious blunders by SRD headquarters are also identified, one of which in particular had the capacity to compromise one of the greatest secrets of the Second World War and could have cost thousands of Allied lives...special operations australia, australian commandos, world war ii, special forces -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Official History of Special Operations Australia Vol. 3- Communications
Popularly known today as Z Special Unit, or by the wartime cover names of Inter-Allied Services Department (ISD) and Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD), Special Operations Australia (SOA) was the Special Operations component of the US-led Allied Intelligence Bureau in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. From the secret files of Z Special Unit, and the third in a set of five volumes, Volume 3 - Communications describes the communications links and equipment which were the lifeline for "Z" Operatives in the field. From "Z's" early days relying on Dutch military communications stations in Melbourne and Darwin to the establishment of dedicated "Z" communications stations in Darwin, Morotai and Labuan, Vol 3 provides the only comprehensive history of these sites ever committed to paper. Radio and Special Forces enthusiasts will be agog at the appendices in this volume, which not only include copies of the actual operating instructions and technical manuals for much of the specialist SOE communications hardware used by "Z" during the war, but also the once-top secret SOE ciphers and codes used by Z parties in the field. The Official History of Special Operations Australia, Volume 3 - Communications is a unique record of one of the most important aspects of Second World War Special Operations.australian special operations, special forces, world war ii -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Letter
Letter written from (unknown) POW imprisioned by the Japanese on Morotai Island from 1942 - 1945 to (unknown) friend. Descriptive of life and treatment in POW camp. The island was captured by the Japanese in early 1942. Morotai's southern plain was taken by American forces in September 1944 during the Battle of Morotai, and used as a staging point for the Allied invasion of the Philippines in early 1945, and of Borneo in May and June of that year. Japanese soldier Teruo Nakamura was discovered in the Morotai jungle in 1974, as one of the WWII Japanese soldiers who held out subsequent to the Japanese military's surrender.Photocopy of letter, 4 pages, originally written in ink on (unofficial) Australian Red Cross form.Added to head of letter at a later date is inscription ' First letter written home for 3 1/2 years'.Top left hand- FOR SAFETY/ IN YOUR LETTERS DO NOT REFER TO:-/ The name of your ship or other ships in the convoy, or its escorts./The date of sailing, ports of call, or probable destination./ The description of troops, their loca-/tion or any other information/ which, if intercepted, would be of/ value to the enemy. In your Top right hand- Australian Red Cross Society/ (UNOFFICIAL)/ 25-8-45/ (added at later date 'Morotri Island')/ Alex, Have witten this especially/ as i don't wish our women folk to know the tougher side of life./Well Alex for the first/ 2 1/2 years as POWs we lived reasonably/ well, but the last 15 months was like /hell. Heres the worst lot of b-s/ you could find on earth, they worked /us from 7AM till 6 PM, & fed/ us on muck you wouldn't feed to/ Pigs. I'm nothing at all they would 2, pow, morotri island, morotai island, world war, prisoner of war, australian red cross society -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Ring of Fire: Australian Guerrrilla Operations Against Japan in World War II
... the Allied Forces when they invaded and re-took it. Apart from its ...Dick Horton, as a Lieutenant RNVR. was a member of the Special Forces with which this book is concerned and was awarded the DSC and the American Silver Star for his services. He writes from first-hand knowledge and pays fitting tribute to his brothers-in-arms. He describes the magnificent series of operations of the Independent Companies against the crack 5th and 48th Divisions of the Japanese Army on Timor and the achievements of HMAS KRAIT a converted Japanese fishing boat. He goes on to describe the revolt of the population in Borneo which was engineered by a handful of men. mostly Australians from Z Special Unit, and which materially assisted the Allied Forces when they invaded and re-took it. Apart from its unquestionable value to students of military history, "Ring of Fire" is an exciting account of a variety of imaginativenon-fiction Dick Horton, as a Lieutenant RNVR. was a member of the Special Forces with which this book is concerned and was awarded the DSC and the American Silver Star for his services. He writes from first-hand knowledge and pays fitting tribute to his brothers-in-arms. He describes the magnificent series of operations of the Independent Companies against the crack 5th and 48th Divisions of the Japanese Army on Timor and the achievements of HMAS KRAIT a converted Japanese fishing boat. He goes on to describe the revolt of the population in Borneo which was engineered by a handful of men. mostly Australians from Z Special Unit, and which materially assisted the Allied Forces when they invaded and re-took it. Apart from its unquestionable value to students of military history, "Ring of Fire" is an exciting account of a variety of imaginative -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, A.B.Feure, Australian Commando: Their Secret War against the Japanese in World War II
non-fictionww2, australian commandos, australian special operations, australian special forces, world war ii -
Polish Museum & Archives in Australia
soldiers identity card
... of the Polish military forces in the West. unique documents ...identity cardsissued to members of the Polish military forces in the West.unique documents of the Polish military fighting under the command of the British Allied forces belonging to a significant individual in the Polish communitysoldiers identity card from world War two belonging to Stanislaw Blumnerves in the vehicle'smilitary identity card, blum -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Norman Franks, Nieuport aces of the great war, 2001
... the Allied air forces with the first true fighter scout of World War ...The French Nieuport company provided the Allied air forces with the first true fighter scout of World War 1 in the shape of the diminutive Type 11 of 1915. It was replaced by the bigger and more powerful type 17 which proved to be one of the best fighters of the warIll, p.63non-fictionThe French Nieuport company provided the Allied air forces with the first true fighter scout of World War 1 in the shape of the diminutive Type 11 of 1915. It was replaced by the bigger and more powerful type 17 which proved to be one of the best fighters of the warworld war 1914-1918 - aerial operations - france, fighter pilots - france -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Nigel Cawthorne, Reaping the whirlwind : the German and Japanese experience of World War II, 2007
... the eyes of those who fought against the Allied forces in all ...Reaping the Whirlwind offers amazing insight into the events of World War II through the eyes of those who fought against the Allied forces in all theatres of the war. Readers will comb through many previously unpublished accounts of the war from German, Italian and Japanese soldiers, civilians and military leaders. The book covers every major arena of the war: Europe; the German invasion of Russia; Rommel's Afrika Korps; and the Pacific war between Japan and forces of the US, Australia and New Zealand. Reaping the Whirlwind uses the authentic voices of Germans and Japanese people caught up in the conflict and highlights the similar deprivations and dangers experienced by both victors and vanquished.Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.288.non-fictionReaping the Whirlwind offers amazing insight into the events of World War II through the eyes of those who fought against the Allied forces in all theatres of the war. Readers will comb through many previously unpublished accounts of the war from German, Italian and Japanese soldiers, civilians and military leaders. The book covers every major arena of the war: Europe; the German invasion of Russia; Rommel's Afrika Korps; and the Pacific war between Japan and forces of the US, Australia and New Zealand. Reaping the Whirlwind uses the authentic voices of Germans and Japanese people caught up in the conflict and highlights the similar deprivations and dangers experienced by both victors and vanquished. world war 1939-1945 - participation - germany, world war 1939-1945 - participation - japan -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Penguin, Tobruk 1941, 2009
... Siege of Tobruk 1941 March 1941. The Allied forces have suffered ...March 1941. The Allied forces have suffered one brutal defeat after another. For Hitler's forces the conquest of Egypt, and the rich oil fields of the Middle East, lie next on the horizon. All that stand in their way are a few Australian brigades defending a town called Tobruk. For eight months the Australian Imperial Forces defended the North African coastal fortress, battling almost unbeatable odds in the dust and the heat of the Libran desert. Under the command of General Morshead, the troops used unorthodox methods and sheer grit to withstand the superior might of General Rommel's elite 'Afrika KorpsIndex, maps, p.414.non-fictionMarch 1941. The Allied forces have suffered one brutal defeat after another. For Hitler's forces the conquest of Egypt, and the rich oil fields of the Middle East, lie next on the horizon. All that stand in their way are a few Australian brigades defending a town called Tobruk. For eight months the Australian Imperial Forces defended the North African coastal fortress, battling almost unbeatable odds in the dust and the heat of the Libran desert. Under the command of General Morshead, the troops used unorthodox methods and sheer grit to withstand the superior might of General Rommel's elite 'Afrika Korpsworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – north africa, siege of tobruk 1941 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Osprey Publishing, Allied aces of the Korean war, 2001
... and Chinese air forces. Although the Allied pilots were initially ...The first virtually all-jet war, the conflict in Korea saw F-86 Sabres of the USAF take on MiG-15s of the North Korean and Chinese air forces. Although the Allied pilots were initially taken aback by the ability of the communist fighter in combat, sound training and skilful leadership soon enabled Sabre pilots to dominate the dogfights over the Yalu River. In all 39 F-86 pilots achieved ace status, and a number of these are profiled in this volume, as are notable pilots from the US Navy, Marine Corps and Royal Navy and, for the first time, the handful of MiG-15 aces.Ill, p.64.non-fictionThe first virtually all-jet war, the conflict in Korea saw F-86 Sabres of the USAF take on MiG-15s of the North Korean and Chinese air forces. Although the Allied pilots were initially taken aback by the ability of the communist fighter in combat, sound training and skilful leadership soon enabled Sabre pilots to dominate the dogfights over the Yalu River. In all 39 F-86 pilots achieved ace status, and a number of these are profiled in this volume, as are notable pilots from the US Navy, Marine Corps and Royal Navy and, for the first time, the handful of MiG-15 aces.korean war 1950-1953 - history, korean war - aerial combat -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Pan Books, Operation Torch: Anglo American invasion of North Africa, 1972
... Operation Torch The invasion by allied forces in North Africa ...The invasion by allied forces in North Africa in 1942Ill, maps, p.159.non-fictionThe invasion by allied forces in North Africa in 1942world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - north africa, operation torch -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Yves DeBay, Allied battle tanks : western tank units on the central European frontier, 1990
Describes the main battle tanks of the NATO forces in the 1990sIll, p.66.non-fictionDescribes the main battle tanks of the NATO forces in the 1990stank warfare, tanks - military science -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Small orange tin with lid, 1995
... never forgotten their debt to the Allied forces or the joy ...WWII Liberation 50th anniversaryThe Dutch have never forgotten their debt to the Allied forces or the joy of the 1945 liberation.A tall square tin with snug-fitting lid produced to contain 200gram "Dutch hail", a sugary product eaten on Dutch rusks or slices of bread; usually on celebratory occasions. The main colour is orange and it is also richly decorated with scenes recalling the 1945 Liberation. De Ruyter Oranje hagel. Ter gelegenheid van de viering van 50 jaar bevrijding in Nederland 1945-1995 (on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation in The Netherlands 1945-1995). There is also a list of ingredients that constitute the hail and other commercial markings. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Medal - Medal, Replica, Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal: The VSLM was established in 1993, and awarded for one or more of service in support of the Australian Armed Forces in operations in Vietnam from 29th May 1964 to 27th January 1973. Civilian surgical and medical teams and other civilian groups who served in Vietnam under Government Jurisdiction, crew members of ships or aircraft; those attached to , or serving with, an Australian or Allied Unit as an observer were eligible. Over 16,000 civilians were awarded the VLSM.Round silver coloured medal with QE II on the obverse. Ribbon is stripes of red, navy, yellow and pale blue. The VSLM was established in 1993, and awarded for one or more of service in support of the Australian Armed Forces in operations in Vietnam from 29th May 1964 to 27th January 1973. Civilian surgical and meidical teams and other civilian groups who served in Vietnam under Government Jurisdiction, crew members of ships or aircraft; those attached to , or serving with, an Australian or Allied Unit as an observer were eligible. Over 16,000 civilians were awarded the VLSM.Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina FDaustralian medal, vietnam logistic and support, vlsm -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Kay Dreyfus, Silences and Secrets: The Australian Experience of the Weintraubs Syncopators, 2013
(From back cover): "The Weintraubs Syncopators, international musical celebrities of the 1930s, embarked on a four-year journey across Europe, Russia and the Far East in exile from the antisemitic ideologies of the German Third Reich. This band of mainly Jewish musicians arrived in Sydney, Australia, in 1937. The decision of some of them to stay brought them into conflict with the aggressively protectionist Musicians’ Union of Australia. They gained employment at a high-end Sydney nightclub but when war came, were forced to come to terms with a change in their status – from celebrities to enemy aliens. Denounced for alleged espionage activities in Russia, three were interned and the band broke up. In this major recounting of the experience of the Weintraubs Syncopators, Kay Dreyfus pieces together the complex personal, social and political forces at work in this story of migration at a time of insecurity, fear and dramatic conflict." The Tatura group of camps were built after the beginning of World War 2, and held prisoners of war (enemy military) and civilian internees (enemy nationals, regardless of political affiliation, either living in Australia or in Allied territories overseas). The Weintraubs Syncopators' members were just some of the civilians caught up in the conflict. Paperback book. Glossy black front cover, black & white photo of group of musicians. Blue & white text. Back cover glossy white, black & white photo group of men standing over bass drum labelled "Weintraubs Syncopators". 305 pages. Dewey no. 781.65092weintraub, camp 1, tatura, internment camps, civilian internees, jazz, jewish community, world war ii, musicians, stefan weintraub, horst graff -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Document - Printed Dedication
This copy describes the proceedings at a ceremony in 1920 to install a memorial to Australian soldiers at Amiens cathedral. A3 printed, laminated page. Title Lest We Forget at top. Colour printing, text describes the dedication of an Australian grave in Amiens cathedral by the Bishop of Amiens and Marshal Foch. 1914 Lest We Forget 1918. / Honour to those who upheld our honour / 60,000 paid the great price / The allied commander pays the highest tribute to the Australian Forces.war, wwi, amiens, foch, bishop of amiens, memorial, burial -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Weapon - Bayonet (French), 1914 circa
... War 1 weaponry used by allied forces. rosalie knitting needles ...Used with Lebel Model 1886 bolt action rifle and was the basic French infantry weapon of World War 1 (1914-1918). Probably brought to Australia by a returning soldier as a souvenir. Donated to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Collection when no longer of interest to family. Nickname 'Rosalie' by French soldiers, a reference to a popular song of the war years. Called French knitting needles by German soldiers.Fine example of World War 1 weaponry used by allied forces.French Model 1886/93 "Rosalie" bayonet, 500mm steel cruciform section blade with quillon (hook) and brass anodized handle.On Quilion "M 78124"rosalie, knitting needles, french, bayonet -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Photograph
John Alexander Spence was born in Fremantle 2nd July 1893. In 1912 he joined the Australian Navy as a Stoker and was posted to H.M.A.S. Australia. He was on this ship when it sailed at the head of the convoy into Sydney Harbour in 1913. At the outbreak of WW1, his ship was sent to German New Guinea where he saw conflict with the enemy and received a gunshot wound to his hand. This required him to be returned to Australia and the Naval doctors considered him unfit for further Naval service. When his hand healed Spence joined the AIF on the 2 August 1915 and was posted to the 52nd Battalion and embarked on the “Benalla” on the 1 November 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 1 June 1916 on 9 September was promoted to Corporal and the next day to Sergeant. At Messines Ridge he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. At Dernancourt, a village near Villers he was awarded the Military Medal on 6 April 1918. Subsequently he was badly injured. He had captured four German soldiers and one Officer. While marching them back to the Allied lines the Officer grabbed one of the patrol member’s gun and fired three shots at Sergeant Spence which smashed his hip. Despite his injuries Spence managed to bring the Officer down with a revolver shot. On the 30th April he was repatriated to England and admitted to the Alexandria Hospital at Cosham. He did not return to the western front as his injuries were too severe. He returned to Australia on board the Somalia arriving home on the 21st December 1919. Before joining the forces he was a prominent amateur boxer, a pupil of the renowned heavyweight Bill Doherty. During WW1 he won the Army lightweight championship, competing against professionals as well as amateurs. He defended the title successfully for three successive years. On his discharge from the Army he fought under the name of Sonny Kidson. He also turned to coaching and had remarkable success having coached the Army and Navy boxing teams. John Spence died on the 20 November 1962 at Hollywood Repatriation Hospital aged 69. Post card sized photo of 3400 Sergeant John Alexander Spence DCM, MM, 52 Battalion AIF. Photo shows medal ribbons of Distinguished Conduct Medal (awarded June 1917) and Military Medal (awarded April 1918), 2 wound stripes, 5 service stripes, 52 Battalion AIF colour patch and soft style forage cap.spence, 52 battalion, aif, dcm, mm -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Greenwood Press, In Flanders fields : the 1917 campaign, 1958
... - History A history of the catastrophic year of 1917 for the Allied ...A history of the catastrophic year of 1917 for the Allied forcesIndex, bib, ill, p.308.non-fictionA history of the catastrophic year of 1917 for the Allied forcesworld war 1914-1918 - campaigns - flanders, world war - 1914-1918 - history -
Mentone Grammar School
Memorial Stone from Hellfire Pass, Thailand
The cased Memorial Stone originates from Hellfire Pass, the name of a remote railway cutting on the former Burma (“Death”) Railway, in Thailand. It was a particularly difficult section of the line, which was built without appropriate tools, using the forced labour of Australian, and other allied Prisoners of War. Many men died during the building of the railway, 69 on the Hellfire Pass alone. Archibald Fredrick Roberts, one of the original 1923 schoolboys of Mentone Grammar, was taken prisoner by Japanese forces in 1942. Though he did not work on the railway, he died through malnutrition and forced labour in Ambon, 1945 and is remembered in our Avenue of Honour (Bayview Campus) -
Melbourne Legacy
Book, Mein Kranks. A second volume of war cartoons by Armstrong of the Argus
... into the archives. Despite the reverses of the allied forces the cartoonist ...This book of war cartoons that had been published in the Argus Newspaper is a second volume to "Havoc" (item 00987). World War 2 has almost enveloped the globe and the Allies are having difficulty in containing the rapid expansion of Axis forces. It has been kept by a Legatee as a souvenir and found its way into the archives.Despite the reverses of the allied forces the cartoonist has maintained a positive outlook in his sketches about the outcome of the war. The cartoons are depicting Allied strength and resolve in a difficult situation.Book of war cartoons published in the Argus newspaper compiled as Mein Kranks.Front cover depicts Adolf Hitler (Germany) and Benito Mussolini (Italy) goose steppping and saluting. Cartoon sketches in black and white.world war two, souvenir