Rupert Henry Treganowan No 18321. Refer Cat No 1862.5 for service history also 1861, 1864.Beige calico cloth with handwritten details relating to R.H Treganowan.Handwritten in ink on front "No 18321 / Sapper R Treganowan / 1st Australian Airline Section / Desert Mounted Corps / Australian Imperial Forces / On Active Service Abroad / 1-4-18"manchester-fabric, calico

An invitation to a meeting at the Temperance Hall, Russell Street, Melbourne to all members and friends in order to meet members of the Order who had joined the Australian Imperial Forces. The meeting was to be held after a dinner for the enlisted men on Wednesday evening, September 9th in 1914. The invitation and item 2017.0078 were discovered during renovations to the house situated at 31 (now 68) Charles Street, Kew. . rechabites - kew (vic.), kew recreation hall, first world war, ww1, 68 charles street - kew (vic.)

Record of Australia's Voluntary Effort in the Great War (AIF) AUG 4TH 1914 to JUNE 28TH 1919 During the the First World War General Sir W.R. Birdwood, was Commander of the Australian Imperial Forces and Lieutenant General Sir J. Monash, Commander of the Australian Army Corp.A commemorative colour poster published c.1920 as a record of Australia's voluntary effort in the Great War. The composition is similar to that of an Honour Roll and features a depiction of the rising sun badge within a wreath. Listed are each Australian Division, the Light Horse and the AIF Corps Headquarters. Each is headed with a portrait of the Division's Commanding Officer, and includes depictions of colour patches, followed by principal engagements and a summary of causalities suffered.Carved brown timber framed poster of rising sun, two flags and images of Army Commanding Officers, Awards and Badges Plaque reads ...Presented to Wangaratta RSL by Eric Hamiltonww1, great war, commemorative poster, australia

Record of Australia's Voluntary Effort in the Great War (AIF) AUG 4TH 1914 TO JUNE 28TH 1919 During the the First World War General Sir W.R. Birdwood, was Commander of the Australian Imperial Forces and Lieutenant General Sir J. Monash, Commander of the Australian Army Corp. A commemorative colour poster published c.1920 as a record of Australia's voluntary effort in the Great War. The composition is similar to that of an Honour Roll and features a depiction of the rising sun badge within a wreath. Listed are each Australian Division, the Light Horse and the AIF Corps Headquarters. Each is headed with a portrait of the Division's Commanding Officer, and includes depictions of colour patches, followed by principal engagements and a summary of causalities suffered.Carved brown timber framed poster of rising sun, two flags and images of Army Commanding Officers, Awards and Badgesaif, ww1

The paper was issued by the Australian Imperial Forces in the Middle East, contained War news, advertising (Cairo) and sports. Interesting on page 1 is that all 3 Aust services were in action together for the first time in history, last page has photos of Australian soldiers in Syria and the Litani River.Newspaper The AIF News, classed as 8 pages, yellowed, all print in blackFront page, “The AIF News Saturday 12 July 1941, No 70”the aif news, papers, middle east

"Potter Frank Hales 153, 10th Aust Machine Gun. Died of wounds 3 Nov 1917. Wimereu Communal Cemetery, Plot IV, Row L, Grave 3.Cream coloured card, red silk bow on front with the Rising Sun Emblem in gold ink. Inside has 4 paper pages. Middle pages have gold writing. Last page and inside back cover is a handwritten in black ink letter. Letter written 5 Nov 1916. Letter contents - hoping the receiver, his wife, and kiddies are well. They have not reached the front as yet. Very wet and muddy also measles & mumps are infecting a few.AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES. Inside the card "10th Machine Gun Company AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCES. To wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from 2nd Lieut F. H. Potter.card, christmas card, ww1

Five (5) documents relating to "Arthur James Rouget" (13th Light Horse Regiment). a) Pink Discharge Certificate 1919. b) White B. Coy - Menu (2.24th Inf Bn). c) Cream Invitation to 13th Australian Light Horse Regiment Association. d) White Purchase Lease of Farm Allotment - large certificate. e) White Christmas Card - 6th Infantry Brigade Australian Imperial Forces.documents

WWII Historical significance.Pewter tankard from WW11 presented to Sergeant E. Ball in 1940. Tankard has the rising sun emblem on the side.Rising sun badge has the Australian Imperial Military Forces engraved on the bottom.Sgts Mess GRETA. Sgt. E. Ball

Cream souvenir programme with a picture of 2 flags on the front and blue and red lines with gold lettering. The wording is ' Souvenir Programme - Unveiling of Honor (sic) Roll of the Employees of Myer's, Bendigo, who have joined the Australian Imperial Forces: By The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. W. M. Hughes, P.C. at Myers Pall Mall, Bendigo. Tuesday July 31st, 1917.' Inside in gold lettering is an outline of a musical programme and the Roll of Honor itself with the names of 42 employees.event, official, civic, lydia chancellor, collection, event, war, soldiers, music, honor roll, program, programme, souvenir, myer's patriotic workers' society

From information book; "Reader's Digest/ Gallipoli/ 25th April 1915 - 9th January 1916/ Centenary Commemorative Prints". Collection of 20 prints. Refer to Cat No. 7300.Framed print. Print - colour print on paper. Copy of an original poster. Illustrated - depicts the head and shoulders of a soldier. (Albert JACKA enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces in 1914. He earned Australia's first Victoria Cross at Gallipoli 1915, Military Cross at Pozieres 1916, Bar for action Bullecourt 1917.) The soldier is standing in front of the Union Jack flag and surrounded by images of men playing a variety of sports. Frame - Black plastic framing with glass front and MDF board backing with adhered black paper.Details below print - in black ink; "RECRUITING POSTER Enlist in the Sportsmen's 1000: Play Up, Play up and Play the Game 1916". Details on print "JOIN TOGETHER TRAIN TOGETHER EMBARK TOGETHER FIGHT TOGETHER/ ENLIST/ IN THE/ SPORTSMEN'S/ 1000/ PLAY UP PLAY UP & PLAY THE GAME" On soldier's uniform "SPORTS" THE MEDAL OF MEDALS."framed accessories, prints, ww1, gallipoli, centenary

The Mena Camp, Egypt, was the training camp for the 1st Australian Imperial Forces(AIF) before the Landing at Gallipoli. The camp was located 16Kms from Cairo.Built around Mena House, it was a luxury hotel built next to the Pyramids of Giza (originally spelt Gizeh) supplied with its own purpose built tram-line to Cairo. The centre road up the middle of the camp was known as Artillery Road. The initial force consisted of 20,000 men.The Camp was a major training facility for the 1st Australian Imperial Force in 1014-15.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing a photo of Mena Camp-1914/15.Mena Camp-1st Australian Division. Australian Imperial Force-Egypt. 1914-15.mena camp, egypt, gallipoli, cairo, lara r.s.l. training camps, australian imperial force.

The Mena Camp, Egypt, was the training camp for the 1st Australian Imperial Forces(AIF) before the Landing at Gallipoli. The camp was located 16Kms from Cairo.Built around Mena House, it was a luxury hotel built next to the Pyramids of Giza (originally spelt Gizeh) supplied with its own purpose built tram-line to Cairo. The centre road up the middle of the camp was known as Artillery Road. The initial force consisted of 20,000 men.The Camp was a major training facility for the 1st Australian Imperial Force in 1014-15.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing a photo of Mena Camp-1914/15.Mena Camp-1st Australian Division. Australian Imperial Force-Egypt. 1914-15.mena camp, egypt, gallipoli, cairo, lara r.s.l. training camps, australian imperial force.

This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool.A common item which commemorates the service of many military personnel which fought in World War 2.This medal is round and silver metal with a crowned image of George VI on the obverse and the reverse side has an image of a lion standing on top of a dragon like creature. The edge is plain with name and number of the recipient engraved. A bar is attached at the top. VX 88010 E. H. Swan

This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool.A common item which relates to a local soldier and World War 11.Round white metal medal with bar at top. Australian Coat of arms on front with image of George 6th on the reverse. Flat edge on medal with recipient's name and number engraved. it is housed in small cream card box with a small sheet of paper with summary of conditions of campaign stars and medals. The Australian Service medal 1939-1945. George VI G Br OMN Rex Et Indiae Imp VX88010 E H Swanwarrnambool, ernest henry swan

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. [Jane Dyer May 2024] Black and white photograph showing eight men outside a tent. They are most probably World War One soldiers in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF). The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours including a Wrigley son, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. The man in the front row, second from the right is probably my great-grandfather Henry [Harry] Holmes. The man far left in the back row is probably his cousin, Samuel Gordon Spittle [Jane Dyer 2024]harry holmes, world war one, tent, aif, soldiers, uniform, henry smerdon holmes, sauchieburn, ascot, postcard

He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool. The soldiers' settlement program was instigated after both world wars whereby land was made available to returning soldiers. Some of the land was Crown land and some was acquired. This document is an official statement of his service.This document has social significance and interest as it is representative of thousands of local men who served in World War 2. It is a link also to the Soldiers' settlement programCream paper with black text. Personal details of Ernest Henry Swan have been typed into fields. text in the centre of the reverse.Signed E H Swan. date of issue is 11/08/1976.Army number VX88010.warrnambool, e h swan, e h swan statement of service

This medal was issued to commemorate the end of World War 2 and was issued to eligible living veterans or their widows/widowers.It comes in a black card and fabric lined box. It has been issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool. A common object with over 300000 minted but with a link to a local person and commemorating an event of world importance.Gold metal round medal with Australian coat of Arms on one side and stylised image of outline of Australia on the obverse side. Mounted in black card box.World War 11 Service to Australia. World War 11 60years 1945-2005warrnambool, ernest swan, 60th anniversary medallion ww2

Certificate issued at completion of service on 29th July 191 after 3 years service for John HOWLETT, 59TH BATTALION.A.I.F Refer Cat 41 for full service details Single paper sheet, cream colour with heavy dark discolouration. Details on both sides. Some small tears on foldsForm includes requirements for name, regiment, address, where attested, why discharged, length of service, where and when discharged and description of individual. Details written in Form “Australian Imperial Expeditions Forces”certificate, discharge certificate, certificate howlett john

4. Photograph of a burning Zeppelin shot down at Potter's Barr, London at midnight 1st October, 1916. Part of the "Robert H. Baron" (No. 3596) and Cooper Collections. See Catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's Service.1. Colour photograph of a group of soldiers on parade. Each is in uniform and have shouldered arms. officer in uniform in front of troops. 2. Blank cream coloured postcard. printing front and back in blue type. 3. Sepia toned drawing of a group of three soldiers in uniform. Bomb damaged building in background. 4. Black and white photograph of a burning zeppelin.2. Handwritten in pencil on back 'No.3596' Pte R.H. Baron. 10th Reinforcements, 57th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces abroad. (written twice). 3. Handwritten in black ink on back 'Dear Bob, I wish you a Happy New Year, I hope you treated the poor Huns better than this, from Mum'. 4. Handwritten in black ink and pencil on back: 'Costings of various items in pounds, shillings and pence.robert h. baron, cooper collection, postcards, ww1

Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson

Soldier Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria sent this postcard to his family while serving in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) in France. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) White Postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery features green ivy leaves and red berries, and the words "Happy Christmas".Verso "All good wishes to all the dear ones at home for a happy Xmas and a bright New Year from Harry 11/11/16."chatham - holmes family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war one, world war i, france, christmas

Label written by Dr Frank Forster documents that this item belonged to Private RP Holbery, who carried the caul as a good luck charm when he served in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) during WWI. Refer to supplementary file for War Records at Cat no: 34 A caul is a small slightly yellow coloured membrane that can cover the newborn baby's face. After birth, the caul can be removed and laid on a piece of paper to dry. Superstitions regarding cauls are very ancient, and believers in superstition thought that babies born with a caul would never drown. They were traditionally sold to sailors to bring good luck. Lawyers or advocates in the legal profession would buy cauls as they believed it would confer the "gift of the gab". Cauls were also carried by servicemen during the early part of the 20th Century. World War I pushed up the price of cauls. They were often carried in silver cases engraved with commemorative inscriptions. Other names used for a caul are "Coif", "Sillie", "How" (Hood) or "Hallihoo" (Holy Hood).Caul, consisting of yellowed membrane in two pieces. Caul has tissue paper like appearance and is folded upon itself.world war i

The original Kew Town Hall offices were located in Walpole Street, Kew. Before 1960, even though it had been much discussed over a number of decades, Kew did not have a 'civic hall'. When required, events such as balls, exhibitions or theatrical events were held in the Kew Recreation Hall in Walpole Street. A new City Hall was to be opened by Sir Robert Menzies in 1960. It was located beside the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road. It is now used as the Kew Library. Cr Hugh George Ferguson (at right) was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Australian Imperial Forces. After the war he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term. He died in 1975, aged 75, and is buried in Boroondara Cemetery.An item of historical interest donated by members of the Dods family in 2006. The Dods-Ferguson Collection includes a number of items once in the possession of the families related to or descended from two mayors of Kew: Cr. Hugh Ferguson and Cr. Frederick Dods.Publicity photograph of two men and a woman inspecting architectural models for a new Kew City Hall. The man at the right of the photograph is Cr Hugh George Ferguson, Mayor of Kew 1959-60. The Hall, now occupied by the Kew Library, was opened by The Hon H.E. Bolte MLA, Premier of Victoria in 1960.Herald Sun Feature Service / Hugh G. Ferguson & Associates / New Kew City Hall. kew city hall, hugh g. ferguson & asociates, architectural models - kew, cr hugh george ferguson

Helen Isobel Janet Mack was born to parents Gilbert Bailee Nicol and Lizzie (or Lillie) Mary Nicol (nee Jellie) at Woodford, Victoria or Rose Hill Warrong, in approx. 1895. Her mother's parents were James and Sarah Jane Jellie (nee Bower) Her father's parents were Gilbert and Jane Boili Nicol (nee Jelllie) She lived her life here at least until her first marriage. She firstly married a Mr LIndsay and they had two daughters - Helen and Jane. They were later divorced. On 16th February 1935, Helen married Ronald William Mack (a pioneering family of Warrnambool) at the Registry Office in Collins St. Melbourne. They had a son James. It appears Helen lived at 52 Banyan St, including while her husband was absent, until her death. Her husband Ronald William Mack was born in Warrnambool in 1904. He joined the Australian Imperial Forces and was based in the Middle East during some of WW11 and returned to Warrnambool in approx 1943 due to injury. He was involved in the community, and politics and was elected to the Legislative Council in 1955. Janet died on 10th April, 1957, aged 55 years, her funeral leaving Christ Church on April 11th. Her husband had erected in Christ Church, a Memorial Stained Glass window in her memory. Her husband was eventually Knighted (in 1967) while he was Minister for Health of which his main focus was on the mentally ill and the aged. He was then Sir Ronald William Mack. First wife of Sir Ronald William Mack. Stained glass, lancet window, north wall, Hammond Fellowship Centre, Christ Church. Depiction of the Nativity with Mary , Joseph and the infant Jesus"Peace... Goodwill Towards Men"/ To the Glory of God/ and in memory of Helen Isobel Janet Mack,/ who died on 10th April 1957./ The gift of her husband.

The RSS&AILA was the name of the RSL in 1956, called Returned Sailors and Soldiers and Airmen Imperial League of Australia. The Australian Imperial Service of Women’s Auxiliary of the RSL was formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the Australian Imperial Forces in the First World War (1914-1918). The auxiliaries grew from this beginning to raise money for the welfare of men and women who served and their widows and families. In Victoria, the RSL Women’s Council of Victoria is headquarters for Auxiliaries throughout Victoria. The aim of Women’s Council is to support the Auxiliaries, in assisting the Returned & Services League to give a helping hand to Service Members, their families and the wider community. RSL Sub-Branches and their Women’s Auxiliaries work together towards the same goals. As of August 2015 there are 64 Women’s Auxiliaries with approximately 1250 members. The Lara Ladies Auxiliary was disbanded in September 1952, due to not enough members to continue the auxiliary (the ladies from the beginning becoming too old – First World War). Those left promised to continue to support the RSL in all its future activities, which the ladies continue to do today as members and Associate members. Here is the last entry, dated 8th September, 1952: “Since our last meeting our President Mrs Marshall has passed away. It was decided that as there is not enough members to continue the Auxiliary the Lara Sub Branch was requested to have the Auxiliary disbanded. Assistance was promised the League by the ladies present in all its futher activities.” There were four present at this meeting. Signed by P. Walker, Hon Secretary and Treasurer.This badge is of historic significance as it represented a badge held by a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the RSL in 1956.A metal circular badge with outer blue rim with words R.S.S.&.A.I.L.A. Women's Auxiliary. Inner gold circle has blue Australian flag. At top of badge is 56.On the reverse side of the badge is the stamped number 6965

Chu Chin Chow is a musical comedy written, produced and directed by Oscar Asche, with music by Frederic Norton, based (with minor embellishments) on the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Tickets to see Chu Chin Chow were particularly eagerly sought by troops on leave from the Western Front. One of the attractions for the on-leave soldiers was the chorus of pretty slave girls who, for the period, were very scantily dressed. The cast was large and included a camel, a donkey, poultry and snakes. A total of 2,800,000 people saw the show. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_Chin_Chow) It is thought that Harry Holmes attended 'Chu Chin Chow' while on leave in London during World War One. Around this time he had been serving in the Australian Imperial Forces in Egypt. Henry 'Harry' Holmes was the son of Violet Holmes. He enlisted under the name Harry Smerdon Holmes and was put into the 18th A.A.S.C., then later transferred into the 5th Division Train A.S.C. According to his Soldier's Pay Books (Cat. No. 20112) Holmes Registration number was 7983. He was Catholic and enlisted in the Third Military District on 17 September 1915, and embarked on 8 November 1915. Holmes was in the 18th AASC Unit with the rank of Driver at that time. On 15 November 1918 Holmes was promoted to Lance Corporal. He received leave on: * 3 August 1917 - London (10 days) * 19 February 1918 - Paris (10 days) * 27 August 1918 - London (14 days) White paper theatre programme with red and black writing. It is a publicity brochure from the play 'Chu Chin Chow' by Oscar Asche set to music by Frederic Norton. In black ink in front 'So far this is an easy first of the shows I've seen, The scenes are great and being Egyptian we understand them all the better'. chatham family collection, holmes, theatre, world war 1, world war, world war i, herbert tree, entertainment, music, musical, oscar asche, fred norton

Tribute Certificate from the Citizens of the Shire Of Dandenong.A tribute from the Citizens of the Shire of Dandenong..."James Mathew McQuade".... No 7038 23 Reinforcements 7th Battalion....Australian Imperial Forces... In appreciation of his Patriotism in Enlisted for the Service of the Empire in the Great War which began on 4th August 1914,..... Signed by President/Councillor/Shire Secretary,,,, Seal of The President Councillors & Ratepayers of the Shire of Dandenong. The certificate is surrounded by---Various flags including Union Jack and Australian Red ensign/ photographs of His Majesty the King, Right Hon.Sir Edward Grey Bt MD Lord Kitchener/ Actual Photograph of the beach where the Australian and New Zealanders landed landed at Gaba Gallipoli. Taken by Sergeant Robt.Carnie Inset is small view of the men landing from the boats. THE CERTIFICATE IS ENCLOSED IN A WOODEN FRAME

Following the landing of Australian & New Zealand troops, the Anzacs, at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, casualties mounted rapidly and were initially transported to their base in Egypt, which was soon unable to cope, with wounded being sent to England. Here the troops found that there was no Australian base to which they could report once they had been discharged from hospital; what was needed urgently was a base in England where troops could be sent to convalesce. So on 31st May 1915 a command depot was set up at Monte Video House in Chickerell, some two miles from Weymouth. Weymouth then became the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) Command Depot No.2 which accommodated those men not expected to be fit for duty within six months, therefore, most of the Diggers repatriated as a result of wounds or sickness passed through Weymouth. During the years 1915-1919 over 120,000 Australian and New Zealand troops passed through Weymouth. In Spring & Summer, Weymouth Esplanade would be full of Anzac soldiers in wheelchairs, being wheeled along by their more able mates. The first contingent of 200 wounded men arrived in the first week of June 1915, and two weeks later a group of local ladies organised a cream tea for the newcomers, followed by a concert party 'The Frolics' at the camp. So began the close connection that was to grow between the soldiers and the villagers of Chickerell. The ANZAC Memorial on Weymouth seafront commemorates the Australian and New Zealand troops who were accommodated in three camps in the town during WW1: Monte Video, Westham and Littlemoor. In Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Cemetery there are about eighty-six graves of those Anzacs who were never to return to their homelands. Also in memory of these troops, there a number of roads close to the camps named after Australian cities and states.A World War 1 Letter Card sent home by Australian troops repatriated in Weymouth, UK containing images of Weymouth and a picture of the Australian Base Camp.Front cover (see image) Souvenir Letter Card of Weymouth Inside are eight pictures of the Weymouth area including the YMCA Hut - Australian Base Campymca, uk, australian base camp, world war 1, ww1, aif, army, australian army, westham, littemoor, weymouth, melcombe regis cemetery, anzac