Women’s Auxiliaries were formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the First World War. In May1918 a small band of women from the "Friendly Union" organised themselves,under the leadership of Mrs F C Purbrick, into a Women's Auxiliary of the Wangaratta Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). Their first task was to furnish club rooms for the RSA and this was achieved by seeking donations and raising money by selling jams, jellies and posies of violets by selected girls wearing special badges in the street. Over the years funds have been raised through raffles, competitions, street stalls and catering at numerous events to assist the aims of the Returned Services League. In 2018 the Wangaratta RSL Women's Auxiliary celebrated its centenary. Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community. Today, there are more than 1200 auxiliary members in Victoria.Red timber shield mounted on brown laminated base of particle board in a larger shield shape with metal emblem. Women's Auxillary RSL on metal logo with Crown and Australian Flag mounted on red shieldwomen's auxiliary, wangaratta rsl

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 League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. Gold badge with white on outside, crown on top, blue circle in the middle with gold in centre, Has red banner at bottom.On front: 97 in crown. Returned Services League. Australia. On back: Badge remains property of League. Brim Melb. Vic. 18915australia, rsl, badge

RSL Lapel Pin V13056 - issued to Dorothy KielyGold lapel badge with red white and blue enamel.Returned & Services League Australia rear - V13056rsl, lapel pin

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. Badge issued to 3978 Private Wilfred FITTON born in Lancashire England, enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 28/7/1915. Served with the 5th Battalion 12/5 Rein.Embarked 23/11/1915 and was discharged on 6/7/1920. Post war worked for the Victorian Railways and lived at Tarrawingee.The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. Gold badge with crown on top, blue circle in the middle with image in gold centre, red banner at bottom surrounded in white enamel. Coat lapel pin attached.On front: Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League Australia On back: 48257 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic. australia, rsl, private wilfred fitton, 5th battalion, ww1

Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 issued to Flying Officer Owen Campbell MORTIMER 420235. Discharged 2/7/1945 at own request to resume civil occupation. Awarded 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Victory Medal and eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge.Cream paper with black print and type with emblem centre top contained within a black border and attached by staple top left corner to large sheet of paper.Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 Rear - To the Secretary the Returned Soldier's League with compliments Dr Owen Mortimer 29th May, 1989owen campbell mortimer, raaf, ww2

Limited edition plaque containing artwork by Dick Evans to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia created exclusively for members of the RSL and their next of kin.Silver plate frame with black mount containing Returned Services League crest above sketch of soldier holding automatic rifle"Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia 1916-1986"rsl, 70th anniversary

The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) was the forerunner of today's Returned and Services League (RSL). Formed after the First World War, the organisation was a veterans' association formed by returned servicemen to care for and advocate for the returned service community. The organisation later changed its name to the RSL. This badge is dated to the 1920's by the name of the organisation. It is significant because it has the capacity to represent an earlier incarnation of today's RSL.Small blue, white and red enamel and metal badge. Inset embossing of two soldiers advancing. Words enscribed on the front. A white shield shape with a crown mounted on the top.Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League Australia.rsl, rssila, returned services

RSL Australia Plaque"Returned Services League/Australia"

1/ Australian Active Service Medals 1945-1975 Box 2/Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal & Ribbon 3/Vietnam Medal 4/Australian Active Service Medal & Ribbon. 5/ Miniature Australian Active Service Medal & Ribbon 6/Vietnam Colour Bar (two colours) 7/Returned and Services League Badge (77030) Replica Australian Defence Medal.GK Laughlin 3790345 1960

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.

Framed certificate from the Returned Services League of Australia listing the "Code of Citizenship".Certificate has the RSL badge with 3 figures.

This object relates to Hugh Forrester BETHUNE. He was born on 15/11/1924 in Sydney, NSW. Hugh Forrester served in the RAAF (430155) enlisting on, 01/01/1943 in Unknown before being discharged from duties with the 9 AIRCREW HOLDING UNIT as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Warrant Officer (WOFF) on 26/02/1946. Hugh Forrester BETHUNE was not a prisoner of war. Hugh Bethune was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Defence Medal, France and Germany Star, War Medal 1939-1945. The RSL badge represents readiness to serve the crown, country and former comrades. It can be purchased however it should only be worn by returned service personnel.Metallic badge with enamel sections depicting a white shield with a red and gold coloured crown and the number "95" at the head of the shield. In the top corners of the shield are images of a leek, rose, thistle and shamrock. An image of a red ribbon with the words "Australia" is at the base of the shield. In the centre of the shield is a blue circle with the words "Returned Services League", encircling an image of three servicemen in gold coloured relief.Inscriptions on the back: "V Property of League Swann & Hudson Vic." "91382" And another inscription that is partly obscured and includes "Bad.....ns" ballarat, ballarat rsl, badge, returned services leage badge, rsl badge, uniforms

Geoffrey Ludbrook Awarded The Meritorious Medal for Outstanding Service by Returned Services League of Australia at National Congress Canberrra November 1997photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This is an example of posters with a patriotic theme the purpose of which was to raise money for goods for service personal overseas, during WW2. "Tin-hat" badges were sold for 1 and 2 shillings and 1pound. The 'tin-hat' appeal was conducted from 4 Sept - 17 Sept in 1943. Organised by the Returned Soldiers League. A poster is superimposed on a hidden print. The poster which is on top of a hidden print has these words written on it: "Don’t Let the Boys down, Help the tin hat appeal for the Australian Comforts Fund, Friday 1 Aug buy a tin hat or send your donation to RSL War Service Fund Tin Hat Appeal Office – Town Hall Melbourne"australian comfort funds, ww2, tin hat appeal

Blue leather covered diary, with RSL logo on cover. The first 40 pages have information relating to returned service personnel. The diary pages have pencil hand written entries in the last pages. Cover: RSL logo Victorian branch 1948. Title page: Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia. Victorian branch 1948 Diary And Serviceman’s Guide.

Gives photographs and brief profiles of the RSL members commemorated on the Wall of Remembrance at the North Balwyn RSL Memorial Hall. The building was opened in 1959 and closed in June 2015. The North Balwyn RSL clubrooms were then incorporated into the newly-created Greythorn Community Hub.north balwyn rsl sub-branch (vic), returned services league of australia, greythorn community hub, veterans - victoria- biographies, war memorials, plaques, plaquettes

Book

Standard dress uniform jacket for soldiers.Khaki coloured single breasted jacket fastened with four centre plastic buttons and a belt. Belt attached to jacket on back via two leather loops buttoned around a fabric loop. Jacket carries two breast pockets on exterior with flap, each fastened with single plastic button and two metal press studs. Two hip pockets with flaps, unfastened. Interior is lined with synthetic fabric; one interior chest pocket on the left hand side underneath which is a manufacturers label (transcribed below). Small square paper tag sewn into left jacket interior (transcribed below).Interior label reads "E.W. P/LTD./SOUTH AUSTRALIA/1968/[broad arrow symbol]/SIZE 36 SHORT/CLASS 8406/66-019-8479/ARMY No./NAME/DRY CLEAN ONLY./REPRESS USING IRON AND DAMP CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO HOT STEAM IRON./CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPELS ONLY." Written on the label is handwritten text "J.V." And "12/0L/0/67." Stamped in purple ink "BATCH No./385." Paper tag reads "62000/LOT 12 36S/GLOBE6/67."military, uniform, vietnam war, 1960s, dress uniform, beechworth, returned services league

A certificate of recognition of membership of the RSL Queensland Branch on the 90th Anniversary of the RSL in Australia. Signed by the State President, Deputy President and State SecretaryRecognises William Kelly

This Unibic Limited Edition ANZAC Biscuit tin is one of a series produced in 2014 to commemorate 100 years 1914 - 2014 of World War 1, focusing on the Victoria Cross, The Anzac Biscuit Story and The RSL Story. The included paper sheet explains the Victoria Cross in full detail. The RSL and Modern Baking Pty Ltd in Broadmeadows provided this product.A large rectangular commemorative Unibic Limited Edition red lidded Anzac Biscuit Tin with an embossed old brown toned photograph image of a soldier on parade receiving a Victoria Cross medal. The lettering for the tin is stamped in red and white at the top of the lid with Limited Edition in gold. There is a brief explanation about the Victoria Cross in a black rectangle shape at the bottom as well as a picture of the medal above it. The back of the tin has information about The Anzac Biscuit Story and details about the RSL (Returned Service League) formed in 1916. Inside the tin there is a white sheet of paper with full details about the Victoria Cross. As stated above there is the name of the tin 'Limited Edition ANZAC Biscuit'. "The Victoria Cross" - The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "In the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. 500g Net'war, world war 1, world war 2, containers, tins, commemorative tins

Full size bust of General Pompey Elliott on bluestone plinthBronze plague with following inscription: In Honour and Memory of Major General Harold 'Pompey' Elliott CB,CMG,DSO,DCM,VD Founding President of the Camberwell City Sub Branch of the Returned and Service League of Australia

RSL three figure metal car badge army navy airforcereturned services league Australia

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984. Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. This torch was part of a collection of items donated to Wodonga Historical Society by Les Cole. The RSL emblem on this item was first introduced in 1990.A small tin containing an aluminium torch and 2 batteries in foam packing. The emblem of the Australian Returned Services League is etched on the lid. On side of torch: RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE AUSTRALIArsl australia, memorabilia

Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for military service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Artillery Regiment. He embarked on overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15th April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22nd April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, de Kerilleau in Wodonga which was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as Mayor. Ian was President of the RSSAILA (Returned Sailor's, Soldier's and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia) branch at Wodonga from 1953 to 1955 and remained as a member after that time. The League was renamed to the Returned Services League in 1965. Mr Ian Watson died on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it recognises the service of Ian Darnton Watson in support of Returned Servicemen in Wodonga.A framed certificate mounted on card. The frame is plastic with a wood grain finish.On Certificate:- R.S.S.A.I.L.A. VICTORIAN BRANCH Presented to Ian D. Watson, As a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as President of the Wodonga Sub Branch Years 1953 to 1955.wodonga rssaila, ian darnton watson, watson family wodonga, rsl wodonga

This photograph shows the Protestant Hall on Nepean Highway Cheltenham, which at the time of the photograph was used by the Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Aimen's Imperial Leage of Australia (RSSAILA). The building facade, World War I memorials, fire station building and road plantation are also in view. The Protestants Hall was built by the Cheltenham Protestant Hall Company Limited in 1886. The hall has been used for a wide variety of purposes; in earlier times it served as the Sunday School for the Methodist Home for Children, and later as a schoolhouse when the Beaumaris School (now Cheltenham State School) No 84 met with overcrowding problems. It was also a popular venue for annual balls and regular dances held by church groups and sporting organisations. The City of Moorabbin purchased the building in the 1920's for use by the Returned Soldiers and Sailors League, in whose hands it remained until the late 1970s when it was taken over by a catering firm. During the 1920s, and right up to the late 1950s, it also served as Cheltenham's picture theatre. The three memorial columns, one from the South African War, one from World War I and one from World War II previously located in front of the hall were relocated when Nepean Highway was widened. The Protestant Hall still stands at 1261 Nepean Highway CheltenhamBlack and white digital image depicting three buildings. The right hand building bears a sign that reads RSSAILA. There are trees and a bench seat in the foreground. There is a World War I memorial pictured. world war i, world war ii, protestant hall, cheltenham, returned sailors' soldiers' and aimen's imperial leage of australia (rssaila), returned and service's league (rsl)

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

R.S.L. is the Returned and Services League of Australia, a member based charity founded in 1916, and the largest veterans' charity in Australia. It provides a support network and community for veterans and their families. They have a commemorative service each year on 25th April, ANZAC Day.The Mt Beauty RSL committee members in 1949 is a list of people living in Mt Beauty at the time and who were working as a support team for veterans and their families. The ANZAC crowd at the temporary memorial indicate the interest in the town for a commemoration and the need for a more permanent structure.Both Black & White large photos. 1. Group of men - Mt Beauty R.S.L. Committee with names on reverse. 2. Anzac Day at Mt Beauty. Early 1950s. People including school children, gathered around a temporary war memorial structure near the current (2023) roundabout. In the background is the main workshop. The Tail race channel hasn't been constructed. On the back in pen of RSL photo: Mt Beauty R S L Committee 1949 -50 / Standing Fred De Little, Roy Cobby, WaJ. Jones/ Joe Lang, Ian Bennett, Stan Leanard, Ted White/ Seated / Harry Edney, Jack Chapman (Tres), Harold Boon (Pres), R Webster (Sec), /Joe Breen returned services league, anzac day, rsl 1949