The Returned Sailors and soldiers Imperial League of Australia was formed in 1916. Annual RSSAILA Balls (originally known as the Diggers Balls) were held to raise funds for those who returned fromconflicts especially those who were not eligible for war pensions.Socially , the ‘Diggers’ Annual Ball’ accomplished a great deal in bringing Returned Servicemen together. At this time, these functions were organised by self-appointed committees and proceeds were distributed among special causes – mainly to the RSSAILA members who were experiencing hardship.A rectangular card invitation to the Diggers' Military Ball, Monday 1st May 1939. Print is in black. The card is edged in gold. It is a Double Ticket - 7/6 RSSILAmilitary-balls r.s.s.i.l.a.

Certificate of appreciation dated 30/6/1946 presented to Wangaratta Comforts Fund by RSS & AILABlack plastic frame containing certificate with black and red writing below two symbols and picture of a buildingThe Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmen Imperial League of Australia Presented to Wangaratta Comforts Fund in grateful appreciation of meritorious service rendered to the RSL War Service Fund during 1939-1945.comfort fund, ww2, wangaratta, certificate

The Kew sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia was granted its Charter on 1 January 1920. Its first president was Sam Kilduff, who served with the 24th Battalion in the First World War (1914-1918) and was badly wounded in Belgium.Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection date from the 1940s to the 1960s. Programme for an Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremony hosted by the Kew Sub-branch of the RSSAILA in the Recreation Hall Kew on Friday 25th at 10am. The year is not noted in the programme.rssaila kew sub-branch, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, kew civic hall -- cotham road

In this report pages 1 - 2 covers all aspects of the Sub Branch, Membership, ANZAC Day, Hospital visiting, 27th District Board, Unit Social Clubs, Building Fund, Welfare relief by the President and Secretary. Page 3 covers the General Account and Club Building fund re income expenditure. Page 4 covers Relief Patriotic Fund, Building & Improvements Fund, Carnival Account re income expenditure.Report and Balance sheet for the year ending 31st December 1946, yellowed paper 4 pages folding, all type in black covering all aspects of the Sub Branch activities. At the top is "Returned Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia Bendigo Sub Branch" followed by "Report and Balance Sheet" in large lettering. Under that is a list of Office Bearers and Committee members.Main points: "To be presented at the Annual Meeting to be held at the Memorial Hall 30th January 1947 at 8.00pm". "President Col G.V. Lansell C.M.G, V.D, M.L.C"brsl, smirsl, report, balance

Various Historical significance.Australian returned from active service badges. 2 x Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League Badges. (1919 - 1947.) 2 x 1971 to 1990 Life Member Badges. Maralinga & Monte Bello Association Badge. Boomerang with Rising Sun badge. Royal Australian Engineers 1930 - 1942 badge. Silver badge "To the Women of Australia. Vintage Turkish Medal. Inscribed To The Women of Australia Crown surrounded by Laurel Leaves with Map of Australia in centre. Returned From Active Service. Two or Three Servicemen shown. RAAF #A1102 - 1942. Boomerang with Rising Sun below Crown. Royal Engineers Badge inscribed "FACIMUS ET FRANCIMUS" encircling GviR in centre Crown over Laurel leaves.

Ronald Leslie Gregory (R/22961) served in the Australian Royal Navy. Born 5th August 1921, he enlisted on the 7th March 1939, and served on the HMAS Kuttabul II. He was discharged in 1948. Forms part of a collection of Ronald Leslie's belongings that were donated to the Lara RSL in 2006.RSL membership badge. White background, faded red and blue detailed with rusted metal background. the crown atop the badge has a blue background and says '45' 45 returned sailors, soldiers and airmens imperial australia league B25448 Sydneyworld war two, 1945, rsl, badge

Letter of sympathy to Mrs Seymour on the passing of her husband Gunner Barry SEYMOUR 19825Cream coloured paper letter with black type below letterhead and crest.The Returned Sailors and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia dated 26/2/1941 and signed by State President G.W. Holland addressed to Mrs R. H. Seymour 29 Barnett Street, Kensington.rs&sila, barry seymour

Badge Board on styrene mount N.Z. Returned Services Association, Returned Soldiers Salors League Victoria WarService Fund, S.A.S., (? Droit et Avanti), S.A.S., P.W.L.H.,Womans Auxilliary R.S.L., Returned Soldiers and sailors league, Waikato, Returned Sailors Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League and Rising Sun collar badge.7th L.H.Hat and lapel badges (Collected by Lt. C. J. Owens VX108037medal, badge, medallion, insignia, 7th light horse, c.j.owens

Items relate to Alfred Charles Jury VX66822. Refer 2080 medals for service details also 2083P..1) Shoulder Badge "Australia" blackened metal with 2 lugs on rear. .2) Badge, "Returned from Active Service", Crown over wings, Rising sun, Anchor, Boomerang, 2 lugs on rear for uniform. .3) Badge, RSL Membership, 3 central figures, "Returned Sailors, Soldiers, Airmans Imperial League of Australia. Clip on top with figure "92" meaning financial member 1992..2) "288601 - Issued by the C'Wealth Govt" .3) "V90347 Property of the League"badges, military, membership

The Returned and Services League of Australia (often abbreviated to RSL) is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It was formed as the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in 1916, became the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia in 1940, and became the Returned Services League of Australia in 1965. The change to its current name was made in 1990 to reflect the organisation's concern for current as well as former servicemen and servicewomen. The patron of the RSL is Queen Elizabeth II. The current National President of the League is Rear Admiral Ken Doolan, AO RAN (rtd).[2] As of 31 December 2009, the League comprised 186,652 members from 1,306 sub-branches and 5,533 members of the League's women's auxiliary from 381 sub-branches. Membership levels have been declining for at least ten years http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Returned_and_Services_League_of_AustraliaWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmRSL Australia

Hughy Pippin. Refer 1502 medals, 1513.4 documents..1 Medallion, brass, star shaped with circular floral arrangement. Centre is shield with what appears to be "HP" with floral arrangement. Rear is engraved, top has small ring for a chain. .2 Small box, hinged, rectangular shape. Felt lined and held .1. .3 Colour patch, oval shaped, purple over red, 38th Btn AIF. .4 RSL membership badge, large version with 2 central figures. Stamped number on rear, 2 lugs on rear tor attaching to clothing. .5 badge, bronze, circular with crown atop and rising sun in centre. Underneath rising sun is a scroll with "Australian Military Forces" and underneath "AIF".1 "Presented to No 1895 Lance Corporal Hugh Pippin 38th Battalion AIF by the Euston Reception committee for returned soldiers 2.5.19" .4 "Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League Australia 63256" .5 "Returned from Active Service 262541"numismatics-medallions, badges, uniforms-army, badges, containers-commercial, metalcraft-brassware, bronzeware, service clubs

.1) Balance sheet, pages 1 & 2 report by the President cover Membership, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Hospital & Benevolent Home, Govenor's visit, Unit Clubs, 27th District Board, Carnival, Finance, Relief Fund, Building Improvements Fund, Club Building fund, Donations, Appreciations, Obituary, Committee, Pilgrimage to Cross (Mt Macedon), Pages 3 & 4 are detailed Income Expenditure of the 5 Accounts of the Sub Branch. The report also mentions the first Life Membership of the sub Branch to Dr Harold Catford. .3) Letter addressed to B.J. Bubb. This is Bruce John Bubb VX108474 2nd AIF..1) Report and Balance sheet Bendigo Sub Branch for the year 1947, all type in black re the finance and activities of this Sub Branch of the "Returned Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, 4 pages folding in total. .2) Letter re yearly membership subscription reminder of the Bendigo Branch that membership is due on the 1st January each year. .3) Envelope, light brown, has green stamp, Sub Branch details and addressed to underlined in red.Main Points, .1) "To be presented at the Annual Meeting of Members to be held at the Memorial Hall on Friday 13th February 1948 at 8pm" .3) "Mr B.J.Bubb White Hills"brsl, smi, rsl, report, balance

Badges belonged to Victor Henry Evans No 418655 RAAF. Refer Cat No 1760.4.1) RSL membership badge from 1919-26. Enamelled white shield shape with blue circle and red banner, topped with crown. Centre has two figures of soldiers, blue circle has text "Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League", red banner has text "Australia." .2) RSL membership badge from 1941-66. Same design as .1) but crown has blue enamel clip over with the figure "89" denoting financial membership 1989. .1) "A11526" .2) "V87093"badges, membership rsl

Membership badge for Howard Maxwell DAY VX31282 2nd AIF. Refer Reg No 92.2 for service details, other 88, 89, 90, 91.2. Badge RSL, metal, centre depicts 3 figures, crown at top with a clip over with the number 97. This denotes a financial member of the RSL in 1997. Rear has metal attachments for fixing.On front: Returned Soldier's, Sailors and Airmen, Imperial Australia League On rear: Badge No 56258 V Property of the Leaguebadges, rsl membership

The items relate to Joseph Frederick Gunston No 3077 38th Batt AIF. Refer Ca No’s1640, 1641, 1642. Item .1) was referred to as a "Sweetheart Badge" made from two uniform badges. .1) Badge, Rising sun lapel, blackened brass, soldered onto a "Australia" shoulder badge. .2) Badge, brass, circular with Rising Sun in centre and crown atop, "Returned from Active Service". 2 lugs on rear. .3) Button, brass, round with map of Australia with crown and "Australian Military Forces" around outside. 1 lug on rear. .4) Badge, RSL membership with 2 soldiers in centre. Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. 2 lugs on rear with brass plate..2) "21552" .4) "V64773"numismatics-badges-military, metalcraft-brassware, rsl, badges

Group Ladies R.S.S. & AILA Auxiliary c1940's R.S.S. was the RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS AILA was the AIRMEN IMPERIAL LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA BACK ROW L-R unknown , Mrs McL WALKER, unknown, unknown Mrs CHATFIELD CENTRE ROW L-R: Mrs ANYON, Mrs FITZELL Miss FAWCETT Mrs ROEBY unknown, unknown FRONT ROW L-R: Mrs MORIATY Mrs LUGAR Mrs PICKERING Mrs NEWTON Mrs KINDRED unknown Mrs EGGINTONSEPIA PHOTOGRAPH ENCLOSED IN A COVER WITH A METAL BACK. Three rows of ladies with the front row seated. lady in the centre of the front row is holding an R.S.S pennant Photographs were framed this way in the 1940'sstawell, soldiers, sailors, airmen

Items issued to John Michael Martin No 2396 A.I.F. Refer Cat No 4567.3 for his service details and true identity..1) Badge, brass, round with Crown at top, “Returned from Active Service”, two lugs on rear for clothing attachment. .2) badge, round, metal, centre has crown and lettering, rear has one single long pin. .3) Badge, metal, plaque shape, coloured, Crown at top with RSL membership clip “1919” denoting a member in 1919..1) Front, “Issued by Department of Defence, Returned from Active Service A.I.F” Rear stamped “187836”. .2) Front, “For King and Empire, services rendered”, rear stamped “92849”. .3) Front, “Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League Australia”, stamped on rear, “R1197”.badges, active service, membership

These Constitutions dated 14.11.1952 with the name's , "A.V. Palmer - President" (Bendigo RSL) "N.D. Wilson - President - Vic Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A". The small booklets were headed "Rules of the Bendigo Returned Servicemen's Club - 1956" As far back as 1950 there was discussion within the Sub Branch re a Club in suitable premises. A property was purchased being 11 McKenzie Street Bendigo with the title dated 9.2.1951, the facility opened on 1.6.1951 but without a Liqueur Licence. Years followed with a failure to be granted one. Finally the facility was sold to Bendigo Legacy and they occupied the building on 7.6.1959 which became known as "Legacy House". This is a very brief version of the events from the Book by Murray Poustie, refer Cat No 8093, The history of the Bendigo RSL. .3) The Rules of the Welfare Committee were in .1) folded in half. There is 6 paragraphs with a total of 18 Clause's..1) Folder cardboard covers light brown colour with taped binding, cover has typed black heading underlined in red, hand written notes in black pen added, 15 typed pages in black stapled inside with a hand written note in black written on one page. Inside the front cover stapled in is a small grey booklet with 24 pages in black text. .2) Same as .1) but without any hand written notes. .3) Two pages stapled together typed in black re "Welfare Rules".1) .2) Typed text on covers underlined, " Constitution - Bendigo - Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia". Hand written on .1) "Do not take this out of Office - See change of Constitution paragraph 25 Clause 1". .3) Heading, Rules for the Conduct of Welfare Committee"brsl, legal, smirsl

This map originally came via Mitiamo East Loddon RSL who when they closed their Sub branch the map and their records were handed to the Bendigo RSL for safe keeping. It was framed and was hanging in the Office of the SMI until the renovations to the building in 2016.Dark green mount with brown wooden frame. Brown printing on cream paper. Perspex covering map.Top centre of map: “Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia Map of Victoria showing Sub Branches 1949” Stamped on rear: Bethany Gallery. Traditionally a touch of Excellence Terry ? Jarvis, 116 Bridge Street, Bendigo Vic 3550 Ph (03) 5442 4771brsl, smirsl, map rsl's

William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership

The main centre piece of each badge has figures in, 1 & 2 have two figures Army & Navy, 3 & 4 have three figures Army, Navy, Airforce, 5 has four figures Army, Navy, Airforce, Female figure. The first 3 badges have a Kings Crown on, last 2 Queens Crown. The names listed as per on card .2) left to right. 3rd badge, R.J. Tyrer, refer Cat No 1813.5. 4th badge, K.C. Buckley, refer Cat No 1438. 5th badge, H Jackson, refer Cat No .............1) Cardboard covered with red felt with 5 RSL Badges attached in a row. One large and 4 small, 3 badges have a membership year clip on, all badges have difference's being text on or years used. .2) Card with details re each badge.Badges from left to right re text on/years in use. First two large & small. "Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League - Australia". 1st 1919 - 1922 2nd 1922 - 1941 3rd and 4th. "Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's League - Australia". 3rd 1941 - 1966 4th 1966 - 1990 5th. "Returned & Services League Australia". 5th 1990 - current.brsl, smirsl, badges, rsl

The Sailors and Soldiers Fathers' Association was established in the First World War and appears to have had branches in most states. The group was active (and often outspoken), involving themselves with hospital visits, repatriation issues, employment of returned servicemen and the establishment of returned servicemen’s rights relating to principles such as pensions and housing. There appears to be a close co-operation between this group and the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in forming a group with strong lobbying abilities. Similarly, they were active in raising funds to build Memorials after the war. The Association remained active after the First World War in pursuing returned soldiers’ rights. They appear under a slightly different name during the Second World War (Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Fathers' Association) but their goals were identical........The Sailors and Soldiers Fathers' Association, established during the First World War, was active in fundraising, establishing memorials and advocacy for issues such as the repatriation and employment of returned servicemen. The group worked closely with the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, now known as the RSL.Round bronze and enamel badge badge with blue circular border enclosing a white and red diamond. Crown on top. In white border: "Sailors & soldiers Assoc.n of Vict." In red diamond: "Fathers" On back: "167 / Stokes Melb."badge, sailors and soldiers association of victoria, sailors and soldiers fathers' association

10559a Letter to Mr. G.V. Lansell, Mr. R.F. Hyett and Mr. G.R. Wheeler, authorizing the Trustees of the Bendigo Sub-branch of R.S.S.A.I.L.A. Building and Patriotic Fund to complete the purchase of a property in Mackenzie Street Bendigo, and authorizing the Trustees to borrow £2000 to complete the purchase. Dated 19 June 1950. Letter from Solicitors Hyett. Willis and Hyett. 10559b Indemnity agreement for five members of the Bendigo Sub-branch of The Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Airman's' Imperial League of Australia Victorian Branch ( R.S.S.A.I.L.A.) dated 22 December 1950, in relation to the purchase of (11) McKenzie Street, Bendigo and borrowing £2,000 from the Commonwealth Bank to complete a property purchase. The members being Mr. George Victor Lansell, Mr. Frederick Eustace Jackson, Mr. John William Swatton, Mr. George Robert Wheeler, and Mr. Augustus John Skehan. r.s.s.a.i.l.a bendigo branch, mackenzie street

.1) Hat badge, Rising Sun, pressed blackened brass, rising sun depiction with crown centre, under in scrolls "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces". On rear two lugs, sewn onto the lugs is a piece 1914 - 1918. Star Ribbon. .2) Lapel badge, Rising Sun, pressed blackened brass, 2 lugs and pin. Same as 2234.2 .3) Same as .2) .4) Badge, Life membership 39th Battalion. Top is oval shape of badge, grey surround with brown over red with "39" centre. Under in a scroll is "Life Membership". On rear is pin and clip. .5) Badge, R S L membership metal centre is a 3 figures. In blue circle around figures is "Returned, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen". under in red scroll is "Imperial League of Australia". Top is crown with "93" denoting membership 1993. Rear has a pin attachment. Badge number stamped on. ,5 "Badge remains property of the league V 75371”badges, memmbership, uniform, rsl, rising sun

Collection of approximately 87 receipts of various charities supported by S. A. Bush. 1202.21 Receipts to Charities 1923 – 1930 The Australian Christian World Salvation Army Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Fathers Association of Victoria The Navy League Bendigo Musical, Literary, Elocutionary and Calisthenics Competitions Prayer Union for Israel United Country Fire Brigades Demonstrations St Paul’s Church Building Funds and Church Donations Girl Guides ‘Association The Bendigo Choral Society Distressed Wives and Families Fund Seaside Garden Home for Boys (Phillip Island) Victorian Society for the protection of Animals British and foreign Bible Society Victorian Anti Liquor League and Victorian Prohibition League Burwood Boys’ Home Victorian Band of Hope and Junior Temperance Union Missionary Birthday Band Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia Association for the Advancement of the Blind and Home for the Adult Blind Bendigo Church News Birthday Gift to Merle Bush*uperson, individual, bush collection - personal

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

Details relating to Trooper Patrick NolanWW1 8th Light HorsePhotograph of Trooper Patrick Nolan on his horse "Jack Ordeal" taken at Port Said. Accompanied by items: stirrups, badge "Raising Sun, Registration of membership to R. S..S. I. L .A. dated 6/2/1917. Patrick Nolan Joined as a labourer aged 21 on 5/8/1915. Attached to Reinforcements, the 8th Australian Light Horse. Also known as Maygar's Boys. Suffering shell shock and deafness at Bir El Abd, Sinai, 8/9/1916. Discharged in Melbourne, 8/12/1916, rejoined Home Service 6/2/1917. Discharged at own request 21/6/1917. Rejoined 26/7/1917. Discharged 5/5/1918Dust/sand goggles, leather with brown lens for desert warfare. Lens 4.5 cm round, Badge "Rising Sun" Australian Military ArmedForces L 6.00 cm H. 4.5 cm. 1904 blackened copper. Left and Right strips. Markings stamped inside C. Greatnfk & Son Ld, solid nickel. The righthand strip has a broken foot strap mounting. Paper receipt for membership to Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League dated 6/2/1917. Number 965. Group Photo * light bHorse Inscription on Back - mBack Row @nd from Left Patrick Nolan Dad 8th Light Horse Egypt 1st World War 1914/1918 nolan patrick 8th light horse world war one trooper stirrups goggles rising sun