Showing 131 items
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Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australia. in the War 1939-1944. ARMY To Benghazi Author - Gavin Long, First published in 1952 Advertiser Printing Office
WWII Australia in the War 1939-1945. ARMY Benghazi List of events from 31st March 1939 - March 1941Historical record of Australia in the war of 1939 - 1945 March 1939 - March 1941Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - To Benghazi. Volume 1Australian War Memoriala second aif, the middlel east, after the fall of france, victory at sidi barrani, the capture of tobruk, the capture of giarbub -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post 1945
... to receive a Commander in Chiefs Commendation during Sept 1941... to receive a Commander in Chiefs Commendation during Sept 1941 ...Frederick Lloyd CARLETON enlisted on 24.10.1939 No VX1555 age 33 Years. He was posted to 2/6th Div Signals but was discharged Medically unfit on 20.1.1940. He then re enlisted on 1.7.1940 No VX33476, posted to 2/23rd Bn 20.8.1940, promoted L/Cpl 14.9.1940, embarked for the Middle East 16.11.1940, promoted to Cpl 18.12.1940, Sgt 14.12.1941, embarked for Australia 31.4.1943 and disembarked Melb 25.2.1943. In the Middle East he was one of 10 to receive a Commander in Chiefs Commendation during Sept 1941. Served in the Tobruk Seige , Lebanon and El Alamein. He met and married a British Army Nursing sister in Palestine 1942. Hospitalised in Seymour Vic with Furuncles. Embarked for Milne Bay from Cairns and disembarked 4.8.1943, embarked 31.1.1944 (unclear) and disembarked 7.2.1944 (unclear), hospital with Malaria 2.6.1944. On discharge being medically unfit 12.9.44 he held the rank of Sergeant. Service abroad was 1023 days.Medal set, court mounted, group of (7) re F.L.Carleton. 1. 1939-45 star, brass colour. 2. Africa star, brass colour with clasp 8th Army. 3. Pacific star, brass colour. 4. Defence medal, round silver colour. 5.War medal 1939-45, round silver colour. 6. Australian service medal, round silver colour. 7. Tobruk commemorative medal "T" shaped."VX33476 F.L.Carleton"numismatics, medals, metalcraft, military -
Bendigo Military Museum
Map - MAP TOBRUK, FRAMED, Post 1941
Coloured map of Tobruk Seige. Lacquered wooden frame, glass front & cardboard backing.Printed top centre: “TOBRUK SEIGE, AUSTRALIAN POSITIONS AS AT 1ST MAY 1941” Donation sticker on bottom LHS. map, tobruk, seige -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, NAVY WW2, c.WWII
Photographs collected by Earnest Albert Simmons W/2129 Royal Australian Navy. Enlisted 30 June 1941 and discharged 14 October 1946 with the rank of Leading Stoker. Posting at discharge was HMAS Lonsdale..1) Ship .2) Submarine conning tower .3) Ship .4) Hospital ship .5) Ship at anchor .6) Launch at ships side .7) Ships at anchor .8) Sunken ship .9) Ship .10) Group on launch .11) Ship firing a broadside .12) Wooden sailing vessel .13) Ship .14) Ship .15) Pilot station .16) Ship .17) Ship .18) Ship.s deck and biplane .19) Partially sunken ship .20) Two ships .21) Ship .22) Ship - damaged .23) Ship .24) Statue and colonade .25) Searchlights .26) Ships deck at sea .27) Aircraft .28) Ship .29) Ship .30) Troop ship .31) Swimmers at ships side .32) Ship .33) Ship .34) Ship deck at sea .35) Ship .36) Submarine .37) Ship .38) Ship .39) Ship .40) Two ships at sea .41) Ship .42) Aircraft carrier .43) Ships symbol .44) Sketch of Berbera .45) Sketch of biplanes .46) Boat at pier .47) Tug boat .48) Ship .49) Ship at wharf .50) Ships at wharf .51) Aircraft carrier .52) Ship .53) Ship at wharf .54) Ships at wharf .55) Ship .56) Two ships .57) Tug boat .58) Diagram comparing the size of two ships .59) Ship sailing past lighthouse .60) Postcard HMAS "Stuart". .1) Hobart and Glascow at Colombo .2) British submarine returning to Alexandria after claiming a victory - note Skull and X Bones .3) HMS Glascow at Colombo .4) Ex Italian hospital ship taken over by British. RAMB II .5) HMS Exeter .6) The landing party returning .7) Part fleet at Colombo .8) British ammunition ship sunk by sabotage in Alex Harbour .9) HMS Exeter .10) On the approach of the island. Note twin Lewis guns .11) HMS Ajax bombarding Bardia .12) A native boat used along coasts and Indian Ocean .13) RMS Georgie refoated at Pt? 1941 .14) HMS Carthage .15) Pilot station at Colombo .16) Aquitania .17) Ajax on patrol with Hobart and battle fleet .18) Hobart rolling in the Bight .19) HMS Gnat (river gun boat) hit by torpedo at Tobruk .20) - .21) Mauritania .22) Italian cruiser sunk by HMAS Sydney .23) Greek destroyer .24) Memorial of Mohomed Pasha Alexandria. Presented by Musso .25) Searchlight at Alexandria .26) Hobart pile driving in heavy weather .27) Lockheed Hudson dive bombing .28) - .29) HMS Galatea? x 1 turret at stern .30) Troops on Aquitania .31) Boys swimming in the middle lakes at Ismalia in the centre of Sues Canal .32) A water NG ? .33) - .34) Hobart striking heavy weather .35) HMS Jupiter .36) British submarine entering Alex .37) Queen Mary .38) Queen Elizabeth .39) Nieuw Amsterdam .40) - .41) Achilles .42) HMS Aircraft carrier - Illustrious .43) Symbol of Hobart's Pom-Pom .44) - .45) - .46) - .47) - .48) Mohoja and Oronties .49) Mohoja .50) - .51) - .52) HMAS Murchison 1954 .53) Strathmore .54) - .55) - .56 - .57 - .58) HMAS Vendetta .59) HMAS Cowra .60) - photographs, ran, hmas -
Federation University Historical Collection
Newspaper - Twenty page issue December 1941 No. 93, Societe Orientale de Publicite, The A.I.F. News Special Christmas Issue 1941, December 1941
The A.I.F.= The Australian Imperial Force and this newspaper was supplied free to the troops of the Australian Army Canteens Service. This issue is dated Saturday 22nd December 1941. It includes advertisments for businesses in Cairo and Alexandria; Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Page 2 includes a poem titled "This Holy Night" by Pte C.M. Walker; two sonnets by Rupert Brooke; a poem, "Waiting Dreams" by Pilot Officer J.A. Henderson RAAF and a poem by Lieut. David McNicoll AIF Abroad Air Mail - Palestine. Page 3 includes a message from General Sir Thomas Blamey, an article on the part women would increasingly play as a consequence of the emergency war policy; an advertisment for tobacco specially packed for overseas forces. Page 4 includes an article on Australian coastal cities being ready for raids. Page 5 includes an article about the Commonwealth of the Philippines and their defense which until 1946 lay with America. General D Macarthur was the Commander In Chief in the Philippines. Germany's "secret Weapon" legend. Page 6 includes "Dancing Dan's Christmas"; "Bluey and Curley" comic strip. Page 7 includes article "Rommel's Armoured Might Lies Strewn Over Libyan Sands" Page 8 includes an article: "All In Fun" - a revue - has begun a tour of Australian camps in Palestine and Syria. Page 9 includes articles "War Will Revolutionise Air Services In Australia"; a list - Greek Awards To AIF Officers and a cartoon by George Aria titled 'Jonah '. Pages 10&11 "Christmas 1941" - messages from prominent people: Mr Winston Churchill; The Govenor General (Lord Gorrie); The Prime Minister (Mr Curtin); Mininster for the Army (Mr Forde). Also photos of army operations and traditional family Christmas time. Page 12 &13 Articles regarding sport under the heading 'Australian Sporting Digest'. Page 14 A story - "The Gift of the Magi" - an O Henry Christmas Story. Also a greeting from Myer's of Melbourne and Adelaide to all Myer Men in the AIF Page 15 An article where General Blamey reassures Australia about its capability of defence. Page 16 A description of a battle by Australian sloop "Parramatta" with HMAS "Auckland" against enemy planes whilst they were escorting a merchant ship with a cargo of petrol during the Battle of Tobruk Page 17 & 18 Pages under the title 'ACK-I-FOOFS' (Articles submitted by soldiers: The real Rat of Tobruk - a rat trained by L/Cpl Jack Kneeshaw which he named "Goebbels"; poems and cartoons. Page 19 "Women of War" - photos of women at work filling in for men who have gone to war. Page 20 Xmas Greetings 1942-1942 - a 1942 Calendar signed by 14 members of the AIF, some with messages and including their Army Number. Twenty pages of news supplied free to the troops by the Australian Army Canteens Service.The last page is a calendar for 1942 with personal inscriptions and greetings of servicemen. Some inscriptions have I.D. Numbers ( VX35435 W. Johnston; QX20753 of Carmody ; VX40449 ; VX39637 N. Powell; VX32054 Blue Ernistson?; N?X23234 W.Cummins; VXthe a.i.f. news christmas edition 1941, australian imperial force, world war 2, australian army canteens service, general blamey, world war 2 - pacific war, world war 2 - phillipine islands, general d macarthur, emergency plans ww2 australia, secret weapons ww2, western desert ww2, australian imperial force - western desert ww2, civil aviation post ww2, air services australia, lord gowrie, governor general lord gowrie, prime minister john curtain, minister for the army - mr forde, cartoons 1941, women-in ww2, xmas greetings calendar 1941-1942, cairo 1941, palestine 1941, western desert 1941, advertisements 1941, middle east 1941 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - COLOUR PATCH CHART FRAMED, Rats of Tobruk Association, Post 1945
... Siege of Tobruk AIF April - Dec 1941.... goldfields Colour patches Tobruk WW2 Siege of Tobruk AIF April - Dec ...Information board showing colour patches & units that were in the Siege of Tobruk. There is a print portrait of LT GEN SIR LESLIE MORSHEAD at bottom left. Top centre shows Rising Sun badge surrounded by Union Jack & Australian flag. There is a Rats of Tobruk Association badge on left side.Siege of Tobruk AIF April - Dec 1941.colour patches, tobruk ww2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Tobruk and El Alamein
This book is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Tobruk and El Alamein This volume's main theme is the 9th Australian Division's contribution in 1941-1942 to the defeat in North Africa of the German and Italian Army commanded by Field Marshal Rommel. Author: Barton Maughan Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1966Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 tobruk and el alamein, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, barton maughan -
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
Memorabilia - Embroidered pocket, c. 1945
The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December. The port continued to be held by the Allies until its surrender on 21 June 1942. HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970'sMervyn Hutchins owned this jacket. He was both a RAT of Toburk and a patient at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Navy blue woolen jacket pocket with embroideryLarge letter T with red crown. Overlay of the RATS of Tobruk logo with Victoria embroidered across the bottomrats of tobruk, wwii, world war two, second world war, uniforms, mervyn hutchins collection -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - 6th Div, Shawn OLeary, To The Green Fields Beyond:The story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos
The comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollnon-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL PAINTING TOBRUK POSTCARD
Postcard: coloured postcard painting of 'C' Company raid on Carrier Hill, 22nd. April 1941 by Ivor Hele.postcard, carrier hill tobruk, 'c' company, postcard -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CHURCHES OF BENDIGO COLLECTION: ST. JOHN'S PRESBYTERIAN FOREST ST
Booklet. St John's Presbyterian Church, Forest St. Bendigo. Dedication of Rats of Tobruk Association Memorial Window, Palm Sunday April 12th, 1987. A sketch of the church on cover left hand side and on the right the emblem of the Rats of Tobruk Association. On the back a drawing by Ivor Hele ''Study for the disembarkation from Greece 1941''church, history, st. john presbyterian -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Harper Collins, Tobruk, 2006
... in Australian history: the Battle of tobruk in 1941, in which more than ...Peter FitzSimons, Australia's most beloved popular historian, focuses on one of the seminal moments in Australian history: the Battle of tobruk in 1941, in which more than 15 000 Australian troops - backed by British artillery - fought in excruciating desert heat through eight long months, against Adolf Hitler's formidable Afrika Korps. During the dark heart of World War II, when Hitler turned his attention to conquering North Africa, a distracted and far-fl ung Allied force could not give its all to the defence of Libya. So the job was left to the roughest, toughest bunch that could be mustered: the Australian Imperial Force. the AIF's defence of the harbour city of tobruk against the Afrika Korps' armoured division is not only the stuff of Australian legend, it is one of the great battles of all time, as against the might of General Rommel and his Panzers, the Australians relied on one factor in particular to give them the necessary strength against the enemy: mateship. Drawing on extensive source material - including diaries and letters, many never published before - this extraordinary book, written in Peter FitzSimons' highly readable style, is the definitive account of this remarkable chapter in Australia's historyIndex, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.580.non-fictionPeter FitzSimons, Australia's most beloved popular historian, focuses on one of the seminal moments in Australian history: the Battle of tobruk in 1941, in which more than 15 000 Australian troops - backed by British artillery - fought in excruciating desert heat through eight long months, against Adolf Hitler's formidable Afrika Korps. During the dark heart of World War II, when Hitler turned his attention to conquering North Africa, a distracted and far-fl ung Allied force could not give its all to the defence of Libya. So the job was left to the roughest, toughest bunch that could be mustered: the Australian Imperial Force. the AIF's defence of the harbour city of tobruk against the Afrika Korps' armoured division is not only the stuff of Australian legend, it is one of the great battles of all time, as against the might of General Rommel and his Panzers, the Australians relied on one factor in particular to give them the necessary strength against the enemy: mateship. Drawing on extensive source material - including diaries and letters, many never published before - this extraordinary book, written in Peter FitzSimons' highly readable style, is the definitive account of this remarkable chapter in Australia's historyworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – north africa, siege of tobruk -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Carlton, The Second World War experience v.1. Blitzkrieg 1939-1941, 2008
Volume one of a four volume series featuring Blitzkrieg. A four-volume series, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, covering the whole six-year global conflagration. Each volume contains removable documents and memorabilia in pockets or pasted in, featuring personal accounts from British veterans and contemporary letters, diaries, maps and archival facsimile memoabilia from the Imperial War Museum. Memorabilia includes: Order No 1 - the German order to invade Poland which led to the British declaration of war against Germany; The fake passport used by Sub-Lieutenant Heinz Kummer of the Graf Spee to flee back to Germany following the Battle of the River Plate; and, Montgomery's personal diary charting the events of the evacuation from Dunkirk; Roosevelt's handwritten notes for his 'day of infamy' speech which saw America's entry into the war; the order to McArthur to abandon the Philippines; Stalin's handwritten notes on his 'scorched earth' policy; and the letters home of a British officer in Africa telling of his harrowing involvement in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk; Montgomery's orders for El Alamein; Stalin's annotated proof of his famous 5 September 1942 order regarding partisan warfare; and diary kept by a German soldier on the North African front; Montgomery's hand-written D-Day notes; Eisenhower's draft 'in case of failure' message written before D-Day; and, diary of a sergeant in the Royal Hampshire regiment covering his involvement in the D-Day landings, battle for Normandy and Operation 'Market Garden' - the battle for Arnhem.Index, ill, maps, facsims, sound disc, p.61.Volume one of a four volume series featuring Blitzkrieg. A four-volume series, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, covering the whole six-year global conflagration. Each volume contains removable documents and memorabilia in pockets or pasted in, featuring personal accounts from British veterans and contemporary letters, diaries, maps and archival facsimile memoabilia from the Imperial War Museum. Memorabilia includes: Order No 1 - the German order to invade Poland which led to the British declaration of war against Germany; The fake passport used by Sub-Lieutenant Heinz Kummer of the Graf Spee to flee back to Germany following the Battle of the River Plate; and, Montgomery's personal diary charting the events of the evacuation from Dunkirk; Roosevelt's handwritten notes for his 'day of infamy' speech which saw America's entry into the war; the order to McArthur to abandon the Philippines; Stalin's handwritten notes on his 'scorched earth' policy; and the letters home of a British officer in Africa telling of his harrowing involvement in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk; Montgomery's orders for El Alamein; Stalin's annotated proof of his famous 5 September 1942 order regarding partisan warfare; and diary kept by a German soldier on the North African front; Montgomery's hand-written D-Day notes; Eisenhower's draft 'in case of failure' message written before D-Day; and, diary of a sergeant in the Royal Hampshire regiment covering his involvement in the D-Day landings, battle for Normandy and Operation 'Market Garden' - the battle for Arnhem.world war 1939-1945 - history, world war 1939-1945 - pictorial works -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Carlton, The Second World War experience v.2. Axis ascendant 1941-42, 2008
Volume two of a four volume series featuring Axis ascendancy. A four-volume series, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, covering the whole six-year global conflagration. Each volume contains removable documents and memorabilia in pockets or pasted in, featuring personal accounts from British veterans and contemporary letters, diaries, maps and archival facsimile memoabilia from the Imperial War Museum. Memorabilia includes: Order No 1 - the German order to invade Poland which led to the British declaration of war against Germany; The fake passport used by Sub-Lieutenant Heinz Kummer of the Graf Spee to flee back to Germany following the Battle of the River Plate; and, Montgomery's personal diary charting the events of the evacuation from Dunkirk; Roosevelt's handwritten notes for his 'day of infamy' speech which saw America's entry into the war; the order to McArthur to abandon the Philippines; Stalin's handwritten notes on his 'scorched earth' policy; and the letters home of a British officer in Africa telling of his harrowing involvement in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk; Montgomery's orders for El Alamein; Stalin's annotated proof of his famous 5 September 1942 order regarding partisan warfare; and diary kept by a German soldier on the North African front; Montgomery's hand-written D-Day notes; Eisenhower's draft 'in case of failure' message written before D-Day; and, diary of a sergeant in the Royal Hampshire regiment covering his involvement in the D-Day landings, battle for Normandy and Operation 'Market Garden' - the battle for Arnhem.Index, ill, maps, facsims, sound disc, p.61.Volume two of a four volume series featuring Axis ascendancy. A four-volume series, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, covering the whole six-year global conflagration. Each volume contains removable documents and memorabilia in pockets or pasted in, featuring personal accounts from British veterans and contemporary letters, diaries, maps and archival facsimile memoabilia from the Imperial War Museum. Memorabilia includes: Order No 1 - the German order to invade Poland which led to the British declaration of war against Germany; The fake passport used by Sub-Lieutenant Heinz Kummer of the Graf Spee to flee back to Germany following the Battle of the River Plate; and, Montgomery's personal diary charting the events of the evacuation from Dunkirk; Roosevelt's handwritten notes for his 'day of infamy' speech which saw America's entry into the war; the order to McArthur to abandon the Philippines; Stalin's handwritten notes on his 'scorched earth' policy; and the letters home of a British officer in Africa telling of his harrowing involvement in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk; Montgomery's orders for El Alamein; Stalin's annotated proof of his famous 5 September 1942 order regarding partisan warfare; and diary kept by a German soldier on the North African front; Montgomery's hand-written D-Day notes; Eisenhower's draft 'in case of failure' message written before D-Day; and, diary of a sergeant in the Royal Hampshire regiment covering his involvement in the D-Day landings, battle for Normandy and Operation 'Market Garden' - the battle for Arnhem.world war 1939-1945 - history, world war 1939-1945 - pictorial works -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australian War Memorial, To Benghazi, 1952
Between the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941.Index, ill, maps, p.336.non-fictionBetween the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941. world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - north africa, world war 1939-1945 - australian involvement -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Invitation, Film screening, 1941
Invitation/ticket and program for a screening of Sound Films made available by the Department of Information, held at St Kilda Town Hall on 12 November 1941. The films were of events in Tobruk, Bardia, Greece, Syria and Britain. Also during the evening, musical performances were provided by Amelia Scarce, J Alexander Browne, and City Organist Arnold Colman. Admission was free but donations were sought for the St Kilda Patriotic Society.Grey coloured card, folded and perforated at the fold and printed in bluecity of st kilda, wwii fund-raising, st kilda patriotic society, amelia scarce, j alexander browne, arnold colman -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Booklet, Chronik der Kriegsgefangenen Deutschen Offiziere in Australien Vom 23/8/1941 - 21/11/1947
... , 1941 at Solum near Tobruk North Africa along with Major Helmut... was captured Jan 22nd, 1941 at Solum near Tobruk North Africa along ...This copy of the original was written by Lieutenant Hans Folter and Major Helmut Bertram. Hans who was captured Jan 22nd, 1941 at Solum near Tobruk North Africa along with Major Helmut Bertram. They were subsequently sent to Australia on the "Queen Elizabeth" and held prisoners of war at Dhurringile P.O.W Camp for German Officers, 1941 - 1947. This book describes life in P.O.W camp - recollections and sketches.Descriptions, recollections and sketches of life in P.O.W camp - Dhurringile. Donated by the daughter of Hans Folter. Monica Culen.Soft mustard coloured cardboard cover, with black binding on spine. 20 plus A4 pages. Ink sketches throughout book. This copy is written in German. Chronicle of the prisoners of war German Officers in Australia.luftwaffe pilot hans folter, major helmut bertram, dhurringile, ww2 pow's -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1941
Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion in October 1941 awaiting transport to Palestine after 8 months in the desert at Tobruk.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers standing in front of convoy of trucks2/24th battalion, wangaratta -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Assorted Papers
Brown vinyl wallet containing various papers including identity card, receipt for 60 pounds deposit for 1929 Dodge dated 23/12/1947, Ministry of Food vouchers, postcard, newspaper cutting, black and white photograph of two young boys with a bicycle - handwritten on rear from Mrs T A Karnatz Tawonga Roadside Wodonga Victoria Australia to Private Thomas Karnatz Prisoner of War No 139745 ARB KDO 7001 Stalag 11B Germany. Item belonged to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 arrived UK recovered POWBrown vinyl wallet containing assorted military and personal papersInside printed in gold lettering - Good wishes from the Australian Red Cross Societyww2, pow, 2/24 battalion, t a karnatz, tobruk -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Certificate of Discharge, c1945
Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge dated 27/7/1945 issued to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 recovered POW arrived in UK prior to returning to Australia. Cream coloured paper certificate with words printed and hand written in black ink.Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge No 173511ta karnatz, ww2, pow, tobruk, 2/24 battalion -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter - Handwritten letters, 1940/1942
Two handwritten letters - dated 27/6/1941 on blue lined writing paper from Pte D Detbridge VX31082 D Coy2/24 Batt. AIF Abroad to Mrs Karnatz advised her husband Tom was safe. He and several others were surrounded and forced to surrender and taken prisoners. Two of the boys managed to escape and brought the good news about Tom and others, being well and safe……… Airmail letter card dated 2/1/1942 from Pte Detbridge to Mrs Karnatz thanking her for the cake of chocolate and enquiring about Tom and if he had mentioned Tim Rogers, a mate who has not been heard of for some time. Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 recovered POW arrived in UK prior to returning to Australia. Two handwritten letters - one in lead pencil on blue lined writing paper and the second in black ink on Airmail Letter Card with square blue stamp top right corner and triangular purple stamp lower left corner.Air Mail Letter Card addressed to Mrs T A Karnatz Tawonga Roadside Wodonga Victoria Australia Purple triangle stamp containing Passed by Censor No 3469 with a crown in the centre.ww2, 2/24 battalion, tobruk, thomas karnatz, pow -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Equipment - Mess Kit, S&H Ltd, 1938
This mess tin belonged to MELIA JAMES HENRY : Service Number - VX18960 : Date of birth - 08 Oct 1900 : Place of birth - WARRINGTON ENGLAND : Place of enlistment - CAULFIELD VIC : Next of Kin - CHURTON MARGARET The mess tin was manufactured by Sellman & Hill (S&H) Ltd from Wolverhampton. British aluminum mess tins were used by most of the Empire early in the war. A new pattern of mess tin was developed for the Web Equipment 1937 Pattern, which was a nested, two-piece rectangular mess tin with long, folding handles. Mess tins were used to prepare or heat food but they were also used as a container from which to eat and drink. The tins were lightweight and sturdy but they became hot very quickly when heated. Mess kit consisting of two pieces: One rectangular aluminium mess tin from WWII with multiple hand-carved inscriptions on outside indicating owner and locations he was stationed in 1940 and 1941. Welded handle attachment, although handle itself is missing. There is also a small, flat bottomed aluminium cup.Multiple hand-carved inscriptions on three external sides of the mess tin: Side one: "1940 Palestine / Egypt / VX18960 / Dvr Melia. J / AASC / 1941 Libya" Side two: " BARDIA / GREECE / TOBRUK" Side three: " Gaza / Beit Jerga / Kfar Vitkin / jaff / TEL-AVIV / Jerusalem / Nazareth / Haifa" Manufacturer's hallmark stamped on side four: "S.&H. LTD / 1938" and below that a stamp of an arrow pointing upmess tin, aluminium mess tin, wwii, wwii mess tin, sellman & hill, british mess tin -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Medals WW2 Australian, C1950
Private Stanley Cameron was killed in action in the attack on Tobruk, North Africa on 21st Jan.1941. He was serving with the 2/8th Battalion 2nd AIF. Age 33. He came from Hamilton in the Western District of Victoria.Group of 4 WW2 Service Medals mounted on a bar for wear. Full size. 00374.1 Rising Sun Hat Badge 00374.2 Rising Sun Lapel Badge1939 - 45 Star, Africa Star, War Medal, Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. Inscribed S.J.Cameron -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Map - Framed "Tobruk Siege"
... as at 1 May 1941 Map - Framed "Tobruk Siege" ...Australian Positions as at 1 May 1941photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Book - "Tobruk Veterans' 39th Commemoration Dinner 1941-1980
literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Honour Roll - Rats of Tobruk Association Ballarat Sub-Branch Members 1941-1999 (laminated)
Includes newspaper article "Years take toll" Feb 1999literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Queen's Colour - 11th Australian Infantry Regiment (Perth Regiment)
... Honours:- BARDIA 1941, CAPTURE OF TOBRUK, DERNA, BRALLOS PASS... War Battle Honours:- BARDIA 1941, CAPTURE OF TOBRUK, DERNA ...This former King's Colour was originally authorised by King George V in 1919 in recognition of services of 11th Battalion (AIF) during the Great War. Presented by HE the Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, PC, CGMG at a parade in King's Park on 2 October 1920 and handed over to 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment (Perth Regiment) of the Citizen Forces. In 1921 this unit became re-designated 11th Battalion (The Perth Regiment) (The title was changed to "The City of Perth Regiment" in 1933). Subsequently consecrated by the Chaplain General, Archbishop COL Riley, OBE, VD, DD at a parade on the Esplanade, Perth, 15 November 1924. At the time of presentation this colour was a plain union flag with no central devices or other distinctions included on it. Following Military Board approval given in 1925 the centre circle and Crown were later added, in accordance with the approved design for a King's Colour. With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 11th/44th Infantry Battalion (The City of Perth Regiment) was raised as a linked battalion in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 11th and 44th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions. With the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, all Colours that had originally been presented as King's Colours, and were still carried by units on the current Order of Battle, were automatically deemed to be Queen's Colours. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. Battle Honours for the Second World War were promulgated under Australian Army Order 135/1961 and the 10 selected honours approved for emblazoning on the Queen's Colour were subsequently added in 1962 These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. Union flag with gold fringes. In the centre the Arabic numeral "11" on a red background within a gold circle inscribed "ELEVENTH INFANTRY - PERTH REGIMENT", surmounted by the Crown. Emblazoned on the colour are the following Second World War Battle Honours:- BARDIA 1941, CAPTURE OF TOBRUK, DERNA, BRALLOS PASS, RETIMO, LIBERATION OF AUSTRALIAN NEW GUINEA, MATAPAU, ABAU-MALIN, WEWAK, WIRUI MISSION -
Wangaratta High School
Rats of Tobruk Association Shield, 1945
The Rats of Tobruk Association, Inc, Victoria was formed in September, 1945. The Association was open for those Servicemen who had Served at, and during, the Longest Siege in British Military History - the Siege of Tobruk - 240 Days, between April10th and December 10th 1941 in WW2 and who were fortunate enough to return to Australia at the end of hostilities. Of approximately 14,000 Australians involved in the Siege of Tobruk, 559 were KIA, 2450 were WIA and 941 became a POW. Brown wooden lacquered shield with the Rats of Tobruk Association symbol (brown rat on gold circle with white ad gold scrolls surrounding with the name of the association printed upon) overlaying a yellow T below a crown. Below the symbol is the motto 'no surrender'.THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION NO SURRENDER -
Mont De Lancey
Postcard book
Sent to Ian's mother shortly before he was killed in action in 1941.Wooden book containing postcards and pressed flowers from Tobruk. Three camels painted on the cover with palm trees.postcards -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Souvenir Cushion Cover Egypt 1941
This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, egypt