Possibly a picnic for returned servicemen from Gallipoli. This photo was taken in front of the Police Paddocks with the police station on the left. Model T Fords parked with soldiers, drivers and locals resting on the police paddock in front of the Queenstown (St Andrews) station. The RACV Volunteer Motor Corps service during World War One was the reason the organisation was granted its Royal prefix. Automobile Club of Victoria members volunteered their time and vehicles to collect returning soldiers and nurses from ships at Princes Pier, Port Melbourne. Trips were also often arranged for convalescing soldiers to country areas for picnics and to “revive spirits”. The soldiers were also picked up from the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg and Mont Park Military Hospital in Macleod. Queenstown (St Andrews) was a common picnic spot. The Evelyn Observer reported on June 9. 1916 "Some 75 returned soldiers visited Queenstown on Sunday, 28th ult., and were hospitably entertained by local residents who had provided refreshments sufficient for 150. Mr. Milne in an appropriate speech welcomed the soldiers, and Mr. Robison suitably responded.” The photo was reproduced page 108 of “The Diamond Valley Story" by Diane H. Edwards.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image, 16 x 24 and 12.5 x 9 cm and 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, queenstown, cars, police station, st andrews, soldiers, picnic, exhibition yprl 2019-12, gallipoli, model t ford, pioneers and painters, police paddocks, retuned soldiers

A photo of a model produced by Hudson and Wardrop, Architects, who had won the contest for the design of the Shrine. This photo shows their model of the Shrine as seen from the North. It is with their Brochure on the First Premiated Design (see 01208) which goes into detail of the plans for Rock of Remembrance, the eye of light, the porticos, the tympanums, the inner Shine, and materials it will use, etc. It says: 'The theme is Remembrance, and the doing is indicative of Remembrance. It is Australian in feeling, in that is stands fo rate highest of Australian ideals - ideals we fought for - Patriotism, Sacrifice, Justice and Freedom.' Messrs Hudson and Wardrop were also returned servicemen. This photo could have been used to inform the public of the plans whilst fundraising for the building project. In 1928 the Governor asked for the public to contribute approx £100,000 towards the project, while the State Government had already guaranteed £80,000. Item was in an envelope with other photos and programmes from different items relating to the Shrine of Remembrance - including discussions on its location and design. Labelled 'Shrine of Remembrance S1 - S14' 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. (01181 - 01190, 01206 - 01211).A record of the planning for the Shrine of Remembrance with details from the architects who had won the design contest. 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, 01206 - 01211).Black and white photo of the architects model of the Shrine of Remembrance.memorial, shrine of remembrance

.1) badge, brass, "Returned From Active Service". Crown at top over wings. Rising Sun and Anchor. Boomerang at base with "Returned From Active Service, rear has 2 lugs and pin. Rear is stamped with a number. .2) Membership badge, metal, centre has 3 figures, crown at top with pin date 1954 membership. Front of badge "Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmans Imperial league of Australia. Numbered stamped badge on rear with 2 lugs and pin. .3) Membership badge, metal centre has 3 figures crown at top with pine date 1994 membership. Front of badge "Returned Services League Australia". Numbered stamped badge on rear with 2 lugs and pin. .4) Membership badge, metal, 5 star shape with wreath around. Centre in light blue circle "Ex POW R.A". Small pin at bottom in red with "50" denoting membership 1950. rear has 2 lugs and is stamped with number. .5) Membership badge, metal, crown at top, centre has depiction of barbwire through blue background. At bottom is a "v" then scroll with "Ex Prisoner of War Assn" in red. rear lhas 2 lugs and pin. .6) Membership badge, metal cone shape with small hole at top. Pin with "73" under denoting membership 1970. At bottom in blue "Rising Sun, Wings and Anchor surrounded by "Chelsea Returned Servicemens Club". Rear is numbered stamp..1) Issued by Commonwealth Government of Australia” .2) “Property of League V41531” .3) “Property of League V80354” .4) "593" .6) "470"”numismatics - medals /military, membership

A souvenir of a ship that brought returned servicemen, including JB McLean, home from World War 1 in 1920. The Ceramic 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, one of whom was John 'Basil' McLean. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs. 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.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. This postcard also records a trip home for a returned soldier. This type of experience would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1.Postcard of the ship Ceramic of the White Star Line.Printed on the back. 'Post Card / Universal Postal Union / this space may be used for correspondence / The address only to be written here. / If posted in the UK for inland use 1d. stamp. If posted in Postal Union, 1d. stamp or its equivalent.'souvenir, world war one, ship

A newspaper photo of returned servicemen and nurses marching past the original First World War memorial during an Anzac Day march in 1928. It was published as a centre page spread on 5 May 1928 in the The Weekly Times. '25,000 Returned Soldiers, Headed By Their Leader, Sir John Monash, Marched Past The Cenotaph On Anzac Day.' A war memorial to the 1914-1918 war was originally erected in Spring Street outside the Victorian Parliament Building (at that time it was the being used by the Australian Federal Parliament, from 1901-1927 when it moved to Canberra). Anzac Day services were held at this memorial in the 1920s and early 1930s. Items were in an envelope with other photos and programmes from different items relating to the Shrine of Remembrance - including discussions on its location and design. Labelled 'Shrine of Remembrance S1 - S14' it was part of an old archive numbering system (S=Shrine), that showed there has been efforts in the past to collect, order and save items of Legacy's history. From articles in Trove: The temporary cenotaph was the original first world war memorial until the Shrine of Remembrance was dedicated in 1937. The cenotaph was a half size replica of the London Symbol of Remembrance in Whitehall. It was made from timber and plaster and was initially meant to only last for the 1926 Anzac day service and be removed. With annual upkeep it remained until at least 1934 when ex-service men proceeded from the incomplete Shrine to the cenotaph on the steps of Parliament House on Anzac day.A record of an Anzac Day ceremony at the old First World War memorial in Spring Street in 1928. Not many photos are available of the original memorial. The size of the march past (reported as 25,000 soldiers) points to the enormous number of Victorians who served in the First World War. Black and white newspaper article about ANZAC Day at the old First World War memorial in Spring Street in 1928.Title: '25,000 Returned Soldiers, Headed By Their Leader, Sir John Monash, Marched Past The Cenotaph On Anzac Day.' Caption: " Scene at Parliament House, Melbourne, where the Governor, Lord Somers, took the salute, as returned Soldiers and Nurses passed, on they way to the Commemorative Service at the Exhibition.'anzac day, wreath laying ceremony

A photocopy of an article in the 'Victorian Historical Magazine', 149th Issue August 1967. It was an account of a speech by Legatee Ian Anderson to the Historical Society on 23 May 1967. Legatee Anderson was president of Melbourne Legacy Club in 1964. This is a very good quality account of details of Legacy up to the 1960s. The article outlines the key figures and events in the creation of Legacy in 1923. He mentions 8 of the members at the founding meeting in September 1923 were from the 24th Battalion. The name 'Legacy' was suggested by L/ Frank Selleck. Also the first two years of Legacy focused on the rehabilitation of returned servicemen and finding them work. It was L/ Frank Doolan that proposed the 'real field for the movement's work lay in the care, guidance and encouragement of the families of those comrades who, through death, were themselves no longer there to give those benefits, and that as the children of deceased ex-servicemen were growing up, the cases were increasing in which some deputy was needed to take up among them the work for their deceased fathers, and to act virtually as a guardian or sponsor with the help and advice our dead comrade would have given.' It mentions the Central Liaison Committee, the Co-ordinating Council, the dates of the formation of other clubs, the Code of Legacy, the residences, the annual demonstrations, also the camps and classes provided for children. He quotes L/ Stan Savige in a speech to the Annual Conference in 1950 and also part of the speech given to farewell L/ Savige after his death. The notation H51 in blue pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A highly detailed account of the formation and evolution of Legacy between 1923 and 1967.White A4 photocopy of an article about Legacy published in the Victorian Historical Magazine x 6 pages.Handwritten H51 in blue pen. Typed 'Extract from Victorian Historical Magazine, 149th Issue - August 1967' on top of first page.history, speech, founding legatee

Transcription of the speeches given at a dinner at the Oakleigh Waverley Branch to honour Legatee Frank Doolan, who was a close friend of Stan Savige and a founding member of Melbourne Legacy. It was Doolan who suggested in 1925 that the object of Legacy be changed from the original intention to find work for returned servicemen to looking after the widows and children of those who had died. Although he refused nominations to be President throughout the ensuing years, he served on many committees, working tirelessly in the background. He was also a part of the campaign to build the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance. He recounts the confrontation between Legatee Kemsley and Allan Spowers, the Editor of the Argus. His address at the dinner was self deprecating in tone and contained many interesting anecdotes about famous people he had worked with, including Stan Savige. He tells the story of how the Savige Toby Jug (00198) was created by Herb Greenway for an event to welcome Savige back from WW2, and how as a member of the Anzac Observance Committee he helped to distribute a couple of hundred Lone Pine seedlings around Australia. He also recounts the pride he felt in being asked to plant the Olive Tree of Peace at the Shrine of Remembrance in 1973 as part of the Legacy 50th anniversary celebrations. The olive tree was moved in 2002 into the new courtyard. He talks about being asked to propose the toast of Legacy at the 1965 Perth Conference and recounted part of what he said. He used the analogy of the cause of Legacy being like a cloak with threads of gold and silver, interwoven with the efforts of Legatees. The personal anecdotes reveal the human side of Legacy history, and attest to the social customs of the day.White foolscap paper x 13 pages with black type of a report on a dinner at Legacy House for L/ Doolan.Title page: 'Archive copy' handwritten in blue biro. Some pencilled annotations throughout.legatee event, tree planting, speech, frank doolan

An album of photos from the ship that brought returned servicemen, including JB McLean, home from World War 1 in 1920. Photos include Suez Canal, Kantara military camp Egypt, onboard life boat drills, onboard baby competition, boxing and a visit to Bombay. The Ceramic 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, one of whom was John 'Basil' McLean. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs. 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 collection of items from John Basil McLean is in the archive. Kept as an indication of what founding legatees experienced in World War One.Black cardboard pages x 5 with photos glued to them, contained in black cardboard cover tied with a black string.Cover is printed with 'Photographs'. Photos have white ink handwritten captions.souvenir, world war one, jb mclean, ship, ceramic

The book details the first fifty years of Melbourne Legacy. The book was written by Mark Lyons. The foreword was written by Sir Roden Cutler V.C., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., C.B.E.. Governor of New South Wales. From the National Library of Australia's website: 'The first Legacy club was formed in Melbourne in 1923 by a group of young men who had served together in the Australian forces in World War I. They were all in business and sought to help other ex-soldiers in business. After two years, they changed their objectives, deciding henceforth Legacy would care for the widows and children of their war-time comrades. Legacy clubs were soon functioning in all states in Victoria. There are now 47 Legacy clubs within Australia and one in London. They have almost 7000 members and care for over 100,000 widows and children, on whom nearly $3 million is spent annually, all of it raised by public subscription. This study, commissioned by Legacy for its fiftieth anniversary, provides the first detailed history of this uniquely Australian organization. Legacy is firmly rooted in Australian society. Its members are all returned servicemen and share in that special ex-service tradition that began with Anzac. They belong to Australia's middle class. They help people generally less well off than they, but manage to do so without demeaning its recipients. This history traces Legacy's first fifty years in considerable detail, but places it firmly within its social environment. It will be of interest, not only to current and past members of Legacy, but students of Australian history and society, and all who are concerned with Australia's welfare services.'The publication depicts the people involved and the evolving nature of Legacy from the small beginnings of 1923 over the first fifty years.Navy blue book published about the history of Legacy, including photographs of activities and early members.Spine, Legacy The First Fifty Years, Lyons, Lothian. All embossed in gold.history, founding legatee, 50th anniversary

Two member badges from the The Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The number 68 on the front could be 1968 as it is detachable and could be updated each year. The badge with 1921 could be the year of membership. The member number is engraved on the rear. The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. The RSSILA was the precursor to the Returned Services League (RSL) and provided support for returned servicemen after World War One. Worn by members of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, those eligible being members of all services, both wars, including nurses, who have returned from active service outside Australia. These were 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. 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 in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).The RSSILA was an important organisation for ex-servicemen and many Legatees would have been members.Enamel badges from the R.S.S.I.L.A. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. 01124.1 Front has '68' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'V92210 Badge remains the property of League'. 01124.2 Front has '1921' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'R 3871' and 'C.C Roeszler and Son Pty Ltd Melb.'world war one, rssila

Navy blue book with a blue dust jacket, published about the history of Legacy, including photographs of activities and early members. Incudes a newspaper article stuck on the rear flyleafs about singer Dame Gracie Fields.non-fictionhistory, mark lyons, 50th anniversary

Medal presented for their service to their country and local district to returning local servicemen from the Great War (First World War) by the Shire of Eltham Welcome Home Committee. This medal was presented to W.H. Orford. Spr. W.H. Orford From Eltham We Honour You Great War 1914 - 1919 Whilst the war ended in 1918, many servicemen did not return home till 1919. ORFORD William Henry - Munitions Worker Number 542 William Henry Orford enlisted 1 Feb 1916 and embarked for France 25 May 1916. He was a Tunneler and was part of an operation of a group of British miners (known as "Claykickers" or “Manchester Moles”) recruited during World War I to tunnel underneath no man's land and set bombs below the German front at the Battle of Messines in June 1917. 10,000 German soldiers were killed instantly after the detonation of explosives beneath their lines. The story was depicted in the film "The War Below". Doug Orford, William's nephew recalls William saying they could hear the Germans as they tunnelled below them within metres. A month later He was wounded in action with a gun shot wound to the scalp and face in July 1917. He disembarked back in Melbourne on September 5, 1919.ww1, 1919, aif, battle of messine, great war, medal, shire of eltham, tunneler, welcome home committee, william henry orford

Ballarat Shool of Mines played an important role in training returned World War One servicemen via the Repatriation Vocational Training Scheme. Operating from 1917 to 1922, this scheme offered trades-based training to a large number of returned soldiers, depending on aptitude and level of disability. Many returned soldiers were unprepared for the workforce after demobilisation because of war injuries, or lost study opportunity during the years of their service. The Scheme was designed to give ex-servicemen the skills to find jobs, boost post-war economic recovery and add to social cohesion. It operated from 1917 to 1922. White paper with handwritten script in ink. The rough draft letter relates to free tuition for returned soldiers at the Ballarat School of Mines28.8.1916 Major Lazarus Secretary Returned Soldiers Association Y.M.C.A. Ballarat Dear Sir. On the 25th February last my Council adopted a resolution to the effect that application from returned soldiers for free tuition at this school would be favorably considered. At the Council meeting held on Friday last, the 25th inst., the matter was further discussed and, at Colonel Bolton's suggestion, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of the movement, if application for admission were received through your association. The undermentioned gentlemen were appointed as a sub-committee to receive such application and will be very pleased to interview any soldiers whom you would recommend as trainees. Yours faithfully Joseph A. Day Sub committee:- Col. W.K. Bolton, Mr T. Hurley. W.R. Stephenson, The Principal of the Science School (Mr E. Fenner), and the Principal of the Art School (Mr H.H. Smith)repatriation, repatriation vocational training scheme, ballarat school of mines, world war, world war 1, bolton, colonel bolton, w.k. bolton, joseph day, t. hurley, r. stephenson, fenner, h.h. smith, returned soldiers, returned soldiers association, balllarat ymca, major lazarus, world war one, repatriation

The Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia was formed in 1916 to support servicemen returning from World War 1. In 1940 its name was changed to Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia and again in 1966 to Returned Services League of Australia. Arthur Ernest Beard enlisted in the 10th Battalion in 1914 and was discharged as medically unfit in 1918. His service included three years and 115 days of overseas service. He was gassed during his war service, resulting in ongoing health issues. Beard received an incapacity pension. Despite his ill health, Arthur dedicated many years of service to the committee of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia Wodonga branch. At various times he served as President and secretary. He was on the committee when the branch was lobbying for the construction of a Soldiers' Memorial and also a Soldiers' Memorial Hall for Wodonga. Arthur also participated in groups and community activities, including the Wodonga Boys’ Club, Wodonga Public Library Committee and the Wodonga and District Progress Association. Arthur died on 29 Jun 1940 in Wodonga, Victoria, aged 46 years. This certificate is significant as it recognises service to the Wodonga Branch of the RSSILAA coloured certificate on heavy card presented by the Wodonga Branch of the Returned Sailor and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia. It features an archway imprinted with the name of the RSSIL with the League emblem surrounded by the flags of England, Australia and the Royal Australian Navy. It is adorned with an anchor and rifle and the words "Great War 1914 - 1919. An image of Anzac House, the headquarters of the R.S.S.I.L.A. in Melbourne is on the lower left hand side. The words of appreciation are printed in the centre of the archway. The insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces is in the centre at the bottom. WODONGA BRANCH / Presented to A. BEARD As a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as PRESIDENT Year 1922 - 23 A. A. Reid President R. S. Benson Secretaryreturned sailors & soldiers imperial league, wodonga rssila

View to south-east from Shire of Eltham Soldiers' Memorial Park showing the carriageway from the road to top of Memorial Park. Accompanying notes state that the entry gate was put in place in May 1921. Eltham and Whittlesea Shire Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate Fri 21 May 1920 p 2 reported: Kangaroo Ground Memorial Park "It was decided to arrange for a working bee on Saturday, 29th inst., for the purpose of forming and gravelling the track leading to the Park, and of carrying out other necessary works." A history summary of the Shire of Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial Park • The summit at Garden Hill was a popular tourist lookout and picnic spot from the 1880s. Virtually the entire Shire of Eltham and beyond could be viewed from this location. • A local farmer, Mr Walter A. D. Wippell is credited as being the first to propose the idea of a war memorial park and offered £50 towards the purchase of the land. • The earliest public reference to this project is to be found in the local Advertiser newspaper edition of August 9th, 1918. A report of the August Council meeting records the Eltham Shire President, Cr. Robert White, saying: "some time back it was proposed that the Council obtain and place on an Honour Board in the Council Chamber [at Kangaroo Ground] containing names of the lads who had enlisted. Just recently however, it had been suggested that a more fitting memorial would be the obtaining of a piece of land on the summit of Garden Hill, Kangaroo Ground, and the formation of a memorial park in which a monument could be erected to represent the whole of Shire. If a couple of acres could be obtained a gentleman had promised to donate 50 pounds, and another one would fence it, and other contributions, he was sure, could be obtained." • Councillors were favourable of the proposal and the President, Shire Secretary and Shire Engineer were deputised to wait on Messrs Mess Bros. (the owners of the Garden Hill farm) and ascertain if they would gratuitously give the land. The Mess Bros. land adjoined the farm/stud of Mrs Fanny White (Cr Robert White’s mother), daughter of Andrew Harkness who established their property on Garden Hill around 1846. • Access to the land came in February 1919 when several Councillors and the Shire Engineer surveyed the actual two acres of '5 chains along the road and 4 chains deep'. The Engineer volunteered his services free to do this task. The Mess brothers however demanded £100 per acre but eventually agreed to take £50 per acre. • Entry from the Kangaroo Ground-Yarra Glen road was seen to be a problem and Mrs. White, who owned the land beside the park, was asked to donated a triangle of her property to allow this access. • By September 1919 returned soldiers were employed by the Shire and volunteers were called to clear the hilltop by ploughing up the rocks and clearing the area, the fencing was put into place and in May 1921 the Council erected three gates, within an archway, at the entrance to the drive and pathway to the summit. • Public subscriptions were sought through the Advertiser newspaper to beautify the site. The views of the Curator of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens were sought as to the ‘class of ornamental trees most suitable for planting in the Park area”. • The Memorial Park or Shire of Eltham Soldiers’ Memorial Park was officially opened by Mr. W.H. Everard, M.L.A., 3 September 1921. • In 1922 plans were made to place a War Memorial in the Park. Funds were donated by the Council of £250 and a challenge to the community, to match this money with contributions was met. • On Anzac Day 1923, 1,000 people gathered on the summit in the park for a memorial service. A much smaller group of about 50 people gathered around a newly constructed cairn and flagstaff in the afternoon of Anzac Day 1924 amidst rain and a squally southerly wind, the morning service being cancelled. • A meeting for those interested in establishing a War Memorial monument within the park was held in January 1924 and the Eltham Shire War Memorial League was formed and a design competition decided upon. • The Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower was built in 1926 at a cost of £1,023 and 5 shillings with locally quarried stone donated by Dr Ethel and Professor William Osborne. It was formally known as the ‘Shire of Eltham War Memorial’ and was unveiled on 11 November 1926. The large bronze inscription above the entrance to the tower states: SHIRE OF ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL THESE MEN DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY 1914 IN REMEMBRANCE THIS TOWER WAS BUILT 1918 • The Caretaker’s hut was built in 1927 with left over from the tower construction. • A returned soldier was appointed to act as caretaker for the memorials. Tiny Carrol, a huge man, was the first caretaker and lived in the stone hut. There was a push to have alterations made at one stage to provide additional rooms for a married caretaker but was rejected. • A new Caretaker Cottage was built in 1951 at a cost £2,500. The cottage had been subjected to raids by thieves three times during construction until a guard from the Returned Servicemen’s League was posted until its opening. • The War Memorial tower was re-dedicated by Sir Dallas Brooks on 8 November 1951, unveiling new bronze plaques containing the names of those who fell during the Second World War. Sir Dallas also officiated the opening of the new Caretaker’s Cottage. • A toilet block was built in 1965. • A further dedication of the Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower took place 11 November 2001 to recognise the men who fell in subsequent campaigns up to and including Vietnam. • Four land titles are involved: o The purchase of the two acres from owners Ruth Gosling, Alexander Mess, James Johnson Mess and Joseph Mess is recorded in two actions, the first being the payment of £100 for the two acres, the second showing that the Shire of Eltham did not get a transfer of title until 14th January 1952. o The access land donated by Mrs. Fanny White is dated 26 February 1924. A further need to widen the entry came after the deepening of the road cutting and another land donation was given by Sir Herbert Gepp, title dated 15th May 1952. This would have been about the time he sold off the former White ‘Garden Hill’ property. o The land reserve to increase the area and possibly allow a circuit road to be put in place on the western side of the park was purchased by the Shire of Eltham, title dated 16th February 1973. Rare photograph of the entrance to the Shire's Memorial Park during early stages of development prior to the erection of the Shire of Eltham War MemorialSepia photograph printed with white border with slight crack lower left hand corner and three significant vertical cracks fanning from lower centre edge to upper edge Digitally enhanced version to minimise impact of crackseltham-yarra glen road, entrance gate, garden hill, kangaroo ground, shire of eltham memorial park, shire of eltham war memorial, kangaroo ground war memorial park

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.

Servicemen were issued this card upon return from service if they have previously had Malaria, in case the disease returns. Gives them their rights and the proper contacts if required. Item relates back to Cat No 4316.4Blue piece of cardboard. Card on one side headed "Medical Treatment for Malaria". From Repatriation Commission. details what to do if symptoms of Malaria returns - in small red writing. On other side lists Repatriation Local Medical Officer for District.Writing in as contact on back; "Dr Blumer A.C. 362 Chapel Street Bankstown"malaria, repatriation commission

Servicemen allocated beer ticket for ration of beer and to return empty bottles. Issued by Dai Nipon Brewery. Item in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer Cat No. 7287P for his service details, photos and awards.Small ticket on white paper with black writing. Instructions on one side. Blank on the other side and punch holes in shape of a letter 'U' and letter 'T' through ticket. Some writing is in Japanese and brewery identified.Titled "Beer for use of Allied Forces only". beer ration, bcof

Part of correspondence written to Gladys Holmes, Byaduck by local servicemen. Gladys Holmes was the daughter of Joseph, the Byaduk baker, and Agnes Brand. In 1924 she married Alexander George Anderson. Wilfred R possibly (Rentsch) enlisted for WW!1. Cited in 'Stories Untold & Forgotten Faces' "RENTSCH, Wilfred. Byaduk, Born 1898, farmer, aged 18 years, enlisted 29 August 1916, served as 6886 with 24th infantry Battalion - 19th Reinforcements(May 1917)Proceed to France 6th March 1918. Returned to Australia per' Shropshire' 1st April 1919. Photograph on Byaduk Hall Honour Board" Part of collection of letters, photographs and postcards received by Gladys Holmes during 1916-1919. 001801: Front of postcard has a white embossed mount frame with an embroidered insert of Australian symbols, Southern Cross constellation, Rising Sun. Kangaroo with Australian flag standing on ADVANCE AUSTRALIA banner and wattle and red flower springs.France/ 27th Oct 18/Dear Gladys/Wishing you a/very Merry Christmas/and a prosperous/New Year, from/your old friend/Wilfred.Rgladys holmes, embroidered postcard, ww1, wilfred r(entsch), byaduk, tuck's post cards, rachel tuck

Legacy is an Australian organisation which was founded in 1923 to assist the widows of servicemen who had not returned from active service in World War One. It now assists widows, widowers and their children whose parent died whilst serving during any conflict or subsequently. These badges are an interesting memento of the means used by the organisation of Legacy to raise funds to assist widows, widowers and children of deceased service men and women.1 silver coloured metal inverted tear drop shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse. .2,.3,.4, .5 silver coloured metal "figure eight" shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse..1 , .2, .3, .4, .5 LEGACY

These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund

The Victory medal was awarded to all Allied servicemen and women who served in World War One. Australians were issued with the medal made for British service personnel. The medal described above was awarded to Private Thomas Wickham. He was born in Port Fairy in 1886 and died in Warrnambool in 1955. Private Wickham enlisted in February 1916 and his next of kin was his wife Elizabeth, living at that time in Terang. Thomas Wickham was a member of the 58th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement. He served overseas and returned to Australia in 1919 and was discharged as medically unfit because of rheumatism. This is a round bronze medal with the image of a winged female figure of Victory on the obverse side and engraved lettering surrounded by laurel leaves on the reverse side. There is lettering around the edge of the medal. The medal has a metal ring to which is attached a rainbow-coloured ribbonThe Great War For Civilisation 1914-1919 1773 Pte. T. Wickham 58 Bn. A.I.F. world war one, thomas wickham, history of warrnambool

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

Booklet produced for Victorian RSL as a yearly booklet for 1965 containing information on Pensions, Welfare, Membership, Procedures, Ceremonies, etc. The booklet belonged to J.P. McKelvey VX27173 Born 1904, Died 1970. Member of 1st Australian Signal Corps, 2nd AIF. Served in the middle East and South West Pacific. A member of the Lara RSL from 1964 till 1970.A booklet produced each year by the RSL Victoria for its members.Green covered booklet1965 logo of the RSL on front with words, "Serving Still" underneath. Then below '1965 50th Anniversary' and below that 'Victorian Branch'rsl, booklet, rsl victorian branch, 50th anniversary, returned serviceman's league, 1965, j.p. mckelvey, vx27173, lara rsl

Items belonged to Arnold Oakley JORDAN TX3528 (Tasmanian) POW. Refer Cat No 176 for his service history..1) Book. 'Return to Civil Life.' Paperback, white writing on dark blue, red, and light blue cover. .2) Document 'Discharged Servicemen's Clothing Priority Form.' No. 41233 re TX3528, Jordan, A.O. .3) Booklet. 'Information for Forces in the Far East on Recovery’. Dated 30th Sept. 1945 - light brown in colour. .4) Document, relating to 'Grant of Proficiency Pay' from 15.8.45 re Mr. A.O.Jordanbooks-military, documents-letters

Memorial Scroll for L.W. Telford, 12 MGC, A.I.F. These scrolls were issued to wives, families of servicemen who never returned from the war. Refer 157.2 medals for service history, 158.2 plaque, 159P.Gold-framed Memorial Scroll with burgundy background.In red writing at bottom of scroll - Pte Leonard William Telford 12 M.G.C. A.I.F documents-memorials, military history, scrolls

RSL badge issued from 1922 - 1941, No V43998 & year 1958.Metal badge with white, red & blue enamel borders. Yellow metal round centre with 2 etched servicemen. Crown motif on top.Inside crown: “58” Bottom of badge: “RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS IMPERIAL LEAGUE AUSTRALIA”badge, rsl, membership

Four metal Badges with red, white & blue enamel work. Etched figures of servicemen in bronze in the centre. Badges are numbered on rear so recipient can be traced.Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League Australia On rear. “71019, 72569, 51703, 213852”badges, rsl, membership

The photos relate to Vivian Raymond George Thomas No VX15538, enlisted on 17.5.40 age 28 years. Embarked for the Middle East with D Coy 2/14th Batt holding the rank of CPL. The Batt returned to Australia before then embarking for New Guinea where he was KIA on 28.11.1942.All black & white photographs. .1) Church, Jerusalem. .2) Sheep in countryside & shepherd Jerusalem. .3) Male serviceman. .4) 2 Male servicemen & Jewish 3 children in front of car. .5) Same as above. .6) Group of soldiers with rifles. .7) Nazareth - scenery & town. .8) Soldier in shorts & slouch hat in countryside. .9) View of Bathsaida - Palestine. .10) View of market in Bethlehem, animals & people. .11) View of Nazareth town. .12) Soldier in slouch hat & shorts. .13) Nazareth - view of countryside. .14) Nazareth - animals, people & town. .15) Mountain view, Palestine. .16) View of Galilee Sea.photography-photographs, military history - army, palestine