The beautifully hand written details contain the names of those who's names appear on the bronze plaques on the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. Each entry has the Soldiers name, person nominating the Soldier, relationship to and address. There are 2972 names entered. The entries were written by Mrs M Collins (nee Stephens) who worked for the Bendigo Advertiser. The work was finished by ANZAC Day 1926. A page was meant to be turned every day. The book and cabinet (Cat No 8011) were placed in the Foyer (Vestibule) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was repositioned in what is now called the Building and RSL History Room.Book of Remembrance blue leather covers hinged by 2 brass rods, the inside off the covers has a gold pattern edge, pages are light blue colour, ruled lines and hand written in blue pen and ink.On book front in gold, "Book of Remembrance"brsl, smirsl, remembrance

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo. After the restoration to the SMI in 2016 - 18 it was then placed in what is now called the Building and RSL History Room. Refer Cat No 8012P re George Lansell's service and RSL history.Plaque brass rectangular shape, has inscriptions in black, has six screws securing it to a timber backing board on a wall."This tablet placed here by the Members as a mark of esteem and respect. Col. Sir George V. Lansell President Bendigo Sub Branch R.S.S.A.I.L.A 1920 - 52. A Soldiers Friend"brsl, smirsl, plaque

This table was installed originally in the front office of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo 1921 funded by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund". It was still in use up till approx 2012 when the office was renovated. After the renovations to SMI in 2016 - 18 it was installed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room"Office desk, heavy timber construction rectangular shape, has two pull out side drawer's that originally had a filing system in, one pullout drawer central in the sit position. Side drawers have steel handles, central one timber.brsl, smirsl, comforts

This item was hung in the Gallery of Honour, foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute since 11.11.1929. Commissioned by Drum Major WM DARWIN to comrades & citizens of his native city, Bendigo. After closure of the SMI for renovations 2016 - 18 the item was placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room" William Darwin No 780 enlisted on 18.8.1914 age 22 years in G Coy 7th BN AIF. Embark for Eygpt 19.10.1914, Hospital 15.3.1915 - 3.5.1915, embark for Gallipoli 5.4.1915, promoted to Act/Sgt 28.8.1915, on 28.9.1915 he was buried in an explosion and dug out 3/4 hours later, was unconcious for 2/3 days and had a leg wound. In amongst this he appears to have got Typhoid and never comes out of Hospital till 13.3.1916. He is returned to Australia and discharged medically unfit classed "Shell Shock".Rectangular dark brown ornate frame with glass, displaying a luminous painting. Pictured are 2 torches, a cross, a ship & a battlefield scene.“AIF. Bendigo Mourns Its Dead. Lest We Forget”brsl, smirsl, honors

JOHM ADAMS was President of the Bendigo RSL from 1917 - 1921. He was one of the movers and mainstays in the formation of the Bendigo Sub Branch. It was also stated that his determination had carried into effect the plans for the "Soldiers Memorial Institute" Pall Mall Bendigo. John Adams had extensive service pre WW1 with Bendigo Volunteer Rifles,4th Militia BN, Victorian Cavalry,5th Militia and the 67th Bn. Appointed Lieutenant 25.11.1900, Capt 1.7.1907, Major 16.4.1913. He applied for a Commission in the AIF on 26.11.1914 and embarked on 22.12.1914 with the 14th BN for Gallipoli Campaign, WIA 3.5.1915, apon return to duty he took command of the 14th Bn for a period until invalided to England with chest and cardiac problems. He returned to Aust in Feb 1916 and his appointment was terminated on 22.4.1916. Post War with a change in retirement age he was invited to recommence service with the temporary rank of Lt Col to Command the 38th Bn when it returned to Aust in 1919. He retired on March 1st 1920 age 57. Framed photograph, timber brown colour with gold edging. At the top a colour enhanced portrait against a soft yellow background, under is text relating to the portrait and his service.Main point, "Lt Col John ADAMS" brsl, smirsl, portrait

Frederick William Knuckey enlisted on 14.2.16 in HQ's 38th Batt AIF No 66. WIA 14.11.17 (gassed). Hospital 23.5.18 with Myalgia. Drowned at sea as a result of torpedoing by a German submarine. This portrait is one of a number that originally hung in the "Gallery of Honour" in the foyer of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo now Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 8003.Sepia portrait photo of F.W Knuckey in uniform with peaked cap. Underneath are details re the soldier. Set in green background in a dark stained wood frame."Sig F.W.G Knuckey, 38th Battn A.I.F, Drowned ex Leinster Enemy Action, Oct 10 1918"brsl, smirsl, 38th

The formation of the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch was an amalgamation of the 3 RSL Sub Branches in Bendigo, Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk. In 1978 a "Servicemen's Club" was formed by the 3 Sub Branches as a Social venue which included lawn bowls. In year 2000 this venue became the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch INC of the 3 Sub Branches. Kangaroo Flat retained their own Sub Branch HQ same as Eaglehawk, Bendigo’s HQ became the Sub Branch at the venue instead of the SMI at Pall Mall.Charter, timber framed with gold edging, the charter is various colours with the RSL badge central at the top with the flag either side with the word Charter in big letters under followed by the wording to establish a Sub Branch. A red seal is at the bottom RH side.The main points are, "Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc" Dated 26th day of October 2000" "Bruce Ruxton State President" "John Deighton State Secretary"brsl, smirsl, charter

The formation of the Bendigo Sub Branch goes as far back as 1915 - 16. Sub Branch Charters began in 1920Charter, timber frame with gold edge, the charter is ornate re the R.S.S.I.L.A Bendigo Sub Branch established and constituted. Has the "State of Victoria" at the top with 3 flags and RSL Badge central followed by various text styles and colours regarding the establishment of a Sub Branch. A red seal in the bottom left hand corner.Main points, "Doth hereby establish and constitute the Bendigo Sub Branch" "Dated this first day of July 1920" "Jas Martin President" "AM David Secretary"brsl, smirsl, charter

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 mine was the “Hustlers Royal Reserve Mine No 2” and was closed in 1912. The Soldiers Memorial Institute was erected on the mine site and opened on 15.11.1921 and occupied by the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch/Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc since then. The mine shaft capped sits about centre of the building.Two gloss coloured prints on fibre board backing. Top photo tinted of Alexander Fountain, Charing Cross and Pall Mall Bendigo. Gold mine poppet head and buildings on left hand side. 53464 VJ printed on R.H.S. bottom. Bottom photo black and white of Panorama of Pall Mall., Bendigo, Vic. Soldiers Memorial on left hand side occupying old gold mine site.“The Southern Cross Series 10399. Copyright on bottom L.H.S. Panorama of Pall Mall, Bendigo on R.H.S. bottom”brsl, smirsl, hustlers

Framed certificate, frame is timber brown colour, no glass in frame,certificate is yellow colour, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch” “For Commendable increase in Membership- Winner Country group 501 - 1,000” “Bruce Ruxton State President” “..................... State Secretary” “Dated 1st July 1981”brsl, smirsl, membership

Framed Certificate, light brown timber frame, certificate yellowish background, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, "Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch - For Commendable increase in Membership" "Winner Country group 501 - 1,000" "......................... State President” ..............................State Secretary” “ Dated 4th July 1979"brsl, smirsl, membership

Framed certificate, frame is brown colour timber, certificate is cream background with the RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the Achievement. A red seal is at the bottom LH side.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement - Bendigo Sub Branch for the highest increase in membership, an increase of 14.17% in the category of 501 - 1,000 country group for the year 2005” “David McLachlan State President” “...................... Chief Executive Officer” “Dated 29th June 2006” brsl, smirsl, membership

The Life Membership relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his work and fund raising for the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee involvement with Bendigo Sub Branch and his WW1 service history. The Unit Social Clubs listed in an RSL Bendigo Annual report 1946 appear to be 6th, 38th, 57th Bn Associations, Railways Sub Section, Catholic War Veterans Association, POW Association (new member 1947).Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing for the certificate is maroon colour, certificate has ornate blue edging, RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the certificate, all print in black, signed and dated.Main points; “Inter Units Social Club - Life Members Certificate - Presented to Mr W.J. Turner for services rendered to the above club” “R C. Kuryke President” “H Skinner Secretary” Dated 28.3.1960”brsl, smirsl, certificate.

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his fund raising and work with the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details on his Committee history and WW1 service.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon colour, certificate is a cream colour with ornate edging around the details, at the top is the RSL Logo followed by “Returned Servicemen’s League Bendigo Sub Branch” Details of the award follow, signed and dated, all print in blue and black.Main points; “Presented to Mr W.J.Turner - Winner of the Mr Bendigo Competition in aid of the League’s Patriotic fund 1945 - Amount raised £666” “Geo V Lansell President” “W R Porter Secretary”brsl, smirsl, certificate

The “Ugly man Contest” was a fund raiser for the P.O.W comfort fund in which £3891 was raised. (Pounds). The certificate was given to William (Bill) John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 re this effort and others by Bill Turner. Refer Cat No 8030 for his RSL history and his WW1 service details.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing piec is maroon colour, certificate is a fawn colour, all text in black. At the top is the word “Proclamation” followed by text, a red seal/stamp is at the bottom LH side. The paper relates to the “Ugly man Contest”Text, “Be it known by these presents - Bill Turner on the Tram each day, of ugly men he has his say; In competition he gives us shocks; And with his trams, he has his stops. In this event, he’s worked each day, to do his bit, in this big fray” “Bendigo November 27th 1943”brsl, smirsl, fund raiser

This a large item as per the dimensions. Due to the placement behind a large glass cabinet makes getting a decent image due to all the background light and other material. The plaque goes a long way to an explanation. This item is on display in the front Foyer entrance of the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch in Havilah Road. Refer also Cat No 8177 for propellor and shaft..1) Plaque silver colour with black writing re the details of the making of this ships propellor for the RAN. .2) Typical propellor blade shape with a round base with countersunk holes in for attachment to the main ships system.brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc, propellor

This display is situated on the RH side of the front entrance to the Bendigo District RSL in Havilah RoadSix metal sculptures representing the. Australian Army, Navy, Airforce, Women in the Forces over time during War & Peace. Consists of 4 figures standing, 1 kneeling with a child standing. Plaque black colour on a stand with white text re the Artist and Donor. The dimension shown is an average of the standing figures.As per the photo of the plaque.brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc, sculpture

There is a story to this carving, its history and making, this is being put together. The item is on display in the front lounge entrance to the Bendigo District RSL Havilah Road.Hand carved statue brown colours representing an Australian soldier with a rifle in the “Rest on your Arms” position. The carving shows one bandolier, side pack and bayonet, the helmet is a real steel one with chin strap.brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc, statue

Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Annual reports. Initially in the front are two photo copies of Annual report and balance sheets for the years 1934 & 1952 under the title R.S.S.A.I.L.A. The first original entry is for the year 1964, the last for the year 2000. There is one RSL Museum Annual report for the year 2000. There are also three x RSL Women’s Auxiliary reports for the the years 1990,1954 & 1996. There is also a number of Annual Welfare & Appeals reports. Most of the Annual reports are headed “Presidents Report” These reports were scanned and reprinted in A4 size and placed in new Leather bound volumes, refer Cat No 8122.5Binder folder holding the Annual Reports of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch for the years 1964 - 2000, foolscap size. All reports are typed in black throughout, there are small notes added hand written in red. All reports are in seperate sleeves.brsl, smirsl, annual, wabrsl

The Annual General meeting Minutes of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. The first AGM report is 21.2.1949 through to 2.12.1953. The second AGM report 15.2.1960 through to 14.2.2000. These reports were scanned and reprinted in A4 size and placed in leather bound volumes, refer Cat No 8122.5.Binder folder foolscap size with Bendigo RSL Annual General Meeting minutes. The first entry is an original for the year ended 31.12.1934. The first AGM reports begin in 1949 through to 1953. The second entries are from 1960 through to 2000.The typing is in black with the use of underling in red. There a a few hand written. Each report is in a seperate sleeve.brsl, smirsl, agm, minutes

Many years ago there was a large white wooden Cross used at Remembrance services. This sign was believed to have been placed with the cross.Small sign cardboard, white background with black text, "Mates of old - We humbly place the poppies on your Cross again"brsl, smirsl, mates, cross

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

This one appears to be Model 27 from the early 1950's. This radio was last used in the Office at the Soldiers Memorial Institute most likely pre 1990's.Radio, ASTOR brand, brown Bakelite frame, the glass face has two control knobs. The top line of stations covers Victoria to Tasmania followed by NSW, QLD & SA. At the bottom is 3 bands in red, blue, light green which cover Europe, USA. On the rear are two stickers relating to power, patents, use and licencing.1st sticker on rear, "Selex Decal Pty Ltd - No 5 - 217540", 2nd sticker, "Danger"brsl, smirsl, radio, astor

This sign was situated outside the Soldiers Memorial Institute building in Pall Mall Bendigo. It was in the centre space of the Portico. It was taken down approximately 1999 - 2000 due to damage. It was then put in storage and when the Renovations were completed to the SMI in 2018 it was then placed in what is now the Building/RSL/history room of the Bendigo Military Museum SMI.Sign, timber rectangular shape construction, illuminated face on both sides, faces are yellow background with red text "RSL BENDIGO", illumination is via one globe, at the top are two eyelets for holding in place.brsl, smirsl, sign, rsl bendigo

This sign was used in the Billiard room of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo RSL. Years ago when the Billiard room had a section divided off for part of a Caretakers Residence it was placed on the internal roof of the residence. It was mainly used at RSL meetings. When the RSL Meetings moved to the B&DRSL Club Inc it was used during the day when the Museum was open. After the renovations to the Soldiers memorial in 2018 it was placed in what is now the Building & RSL History room of the BMM.Sign, timber construction box shape, illuminated faces front and rear with the RSL Logo in colour. Illumination is via a single globe."Returned Services League Australia"brsl, smirsl, sign, rsl logo

As stated the roll is from 1939 through to 2005. In 2004/5 The Eaglehawk Sub Branch of the RSL wound down and amalgamated with the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc. The Sub branch initially from 1939 - 1943 rented a building located at 18 - 22 High St Eaglehawk. The Mathews bros then donated it to the Sub Branch in 1943 as per the plaque Cat No 8117. The Sub branch moved to a new building which was a Nissan Hut at No 2A Market Place in Eaglehawk 1957. This building was opened as per the plaque Cat No 8118. The original plaque Cat No 8117 was moved to the new building as well. The Branch remained there until they amalgamated with Bendigo. The building and land was sold in 2011.Honour Board rectangular shape, timber construction, all text in gold paint re the past Presidents, Secretaries & Treasurers from 1939 - 2005.“Eaglehawk R.S.L HONOR Roll - Past Officers”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, honour

The Eaglehawk Ladies Auxiliary wound down as part of the Eaglehawk RSL amalgamating with the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc in 2004/5. Refer cat No 8110 for more history.Honour Board rectangular shape, timber construction, all text in gold paint re the past Presidents, Secretaries & Treasurers from 1939 - 2005.“Eaglehawk R.S.L Ladies Auxiliary - Past Officers merit roll”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, auxiliary

Membership index Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch 1) This full tray of memberships date back to mid 1940's through to 1964 in alphabetical order. 2) This tray has membership dates back to 1944 to 1961/62. i.e. members deceased, moved on or become un financial members. There is no membership index pre these records. A new membership index type began after this one. The card shown in the photo's is Frederick Gardiner Davey DFC, refer Cat No 3536P for his collection.1) Membership Index tray, wood construction with slide out tray with metal pull out handle, the handle has a section for a card with details. The tray is full of membership cards, brownish in colour. Print is in black and the majority have typed entries in black. 2) Membership index tray, metal construction with metal slide out tray and pull out handle, the handle has a section for a card with details. The tray is approx 30/40% full of cards - same as item .1)1) On pull out tray handle in red pen "Financial from 1962 whose names have gone in folder ________ _________ _________ ________" 2) On pull out tray handle in red pen "Unfinancial (scribble)" then in blue "Not in Register".brsl, index, membership, smirsl

These are the minutes and other documents relating to the Bendigo RSL Billiards Competition. The minutes are from 1962 - 1980, other lose documents are within these years. The newspaper cuttings are results in the Bendigo Advertiser. Teams mentioned throughout are: Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat RSL's, 38th Bn, 6th Btn, Navy, Tobruk, 105th Anti Tank.Collins Minute book, ruled blue lines, minutes are hand written in blue pen. As well there are 13 pages typed and hand written inside, they are Annual & Financial reports, balance sheets, lists of Billiards players, newspaper cuttings pasted in. the lose sheets are various sizes from note to foolscap.brsl, smirsl, billiards, compettition