Index, ill, maps, p.193.non-fictionBy the summer of 1940, the overwhelming might of the German air force had triumphed over Poland, Norway, France, Holland and Belgium. As the fighters and bombers of the Luftwaffe amassed on the north west coast of Europe, they had no reason to believe that the heavily outnumbered squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) would prove any more difficult to overcome than their earlier opponents. However, these illusions of invulnerability were soon to be shattered in whirling combats over southern England in the conflict that would be known as the Battle of Britain.world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain, battle of britain

George Zoltan Lefton, a Hungarian immigrant who came to the United States in 1939, was the driving force behind Lefton China. Although he began his career in clothing and sportswear, his porcelain collecting interest led to the formation of the Lefton Company in 1940. Headquartered in Chicago, the company was a wholesale and marketer of ceramic goods. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Lefton helped his friend Nunome, a Japanese American, board up his business to avoid looting. When the war ended, Nunome introduced Lefton to Japanese ceramic manufacturers during the Japanese occupation. Lefton was one of the first American businessmen to work with these manufacturers. (WorthPoint)Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor has black hair, is of male appearance, and is dressed in surgical attire, consisting of a short sleeved white surgical gown and cap, brown trousers and black and white shoes. There is a glove protruding from the pocket of the gown at the left hip. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand against the baby's bottom. The baby is crying. The figure is seated on the edge of a stool, and standing on a brown coloured base. There is a copyright symbol (a c inside a circle) printed on the underside of the base of the statue, along with the text 'geo.z.Lefton/THE O.B.' Sticker attached to underside of base reads 'Lefton/TRADE MARK/EXCLUSIVES/JAPAN'.obstetrics

Vietnam War Troops of the 1st Australian Armoured Regiment during a briefing at Vung Tau In 1967, the Royal Australian Armoured Corps' (RAAC), 1st Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Squadron transferred to "A" Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Vietnam. Although they successfully conducted combat operations in their areas of operation(s) (AOs), reports from the field stated that their light-armour (M-113 ACAVs) were unable to force their way through dense jungle[15] limiting their offensive actions against enemy forces. The Australian government, under criticism from Parliament, decided to send a Squadron of Australian Centurion tanks to South Vietnam.[15] The 84 mm-gunned[16] Australian Centurions of 'C' Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment landed in the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) on 24 February 1968, and were headquartered at Nui Dat in III Corps (MR3).[17] 52 Ton main battle TankARN Number 169090 and tacsign 106tank armoured vietnam centurion mbt

A black and white photograph of Gunners of 104 Battery Royal Australian Artillery at Fire Base Betty divide up cigarettes which had just arrived in a resupply from 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnamphotograph, artillery, 104 battery raa, fire base betty, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner

The dates and compsition of the 25 Troop Transport Task Force groups that served in the operational area during Australia's involvement in Vietnam 1965-72.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - naval operations, hmas sydney (aircraft carrier), the vung tau ferry, royal australian navy, hmas sydney, 25 troop transport task force

Fifth Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was the first of our battalions composed of Regular and National Servicemen to be committed to operations in Vietnam and to stablish themselves at Nui Dat.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - australia, 5th battalion, the royal australian regiment, nui dat, binh ba, nui thi vai, long hai hills, phuoc tuy province, 1st australian task force, national service

Operation Hammersley , 10 February until 9 March 1970, was undertaken by a combined force of: C Company, 8th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8RAR); armoured personnel carriers from 3 Cavalry Regiment; tanks from 1 Armoured Regiment; sappers from the Royal Australian Engineers; a mortar section from 8RAR’s Support Company; air support, and even a Navy destroyer off-shore to provide gunfire support. The operation aimed to protect 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, at a quarry in the western foothills of the Long Hai hills. The Long Hai hills were a stronghold for the Viet Cong, who used the caves there as a bunker complex and had planted many landmines and booby traps in the area. Over two fierce weeks, 8 RAR carried out patrols and conducted ambushes, engaging VC troops and eventually capturing the bunker system. However, it was a costly campaign. In total, over 70 Australians were killed or wounded during the operation. The worst day for mine casualties in Australia's war in Vietnam occurred on 28 February 1970. It became known as 'Black Saturday". Nine members of 8RAR were killed and 29 wounded. This item is the Order of Service from the memorial service held at Nui Dat on 3 April 1970 to honour those killed at Long Hai. It was issued to the donor, National Serviceman G G Ravenscroft, who was serving in 1 Platoon, A Company 8RAR during Operation Hammersley, and received a minor shrapnel wound on Black Saturday.Two typed A-4 pages that have been folded into booklet, now flattened and framed. Listed are the prayers, Bible readings and sermon given, along with the names of the 8 fallen soldiers, and the chaplains who officiated.8rar, long hai, long hai hills, black saturday, 1970, operation hammersley, ravenscroft, geoff ravenscroft, memorial service

The air war in South Vietnam seemed endless to those who fought it.south vietnam, army, australia. royal australian navy, air force, cia

The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation was conferred by General Cao Van Vien, Chief of the Joint General Staff, Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam on 24 October 1970, and officially presented to the 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment by Lieutenant General Do Cao Tri, Commander of II Corps and Military Region 3 Vietnam on 29th October 1970. The citation was awarded for "always displaying high morale while co-operating and assisting the Vietnamese people in their struggle against Communism and to defend peace and freedom .. in Military Region III ... Though fighting under the most difficult conditions, the members of the 8th Battalion, 1st Australian Task Force still fought bravely and determinedly and had many glorious victories. Their most remarkable military operations took place in the area of the Long Hai hills... (They also participated ) ... in the civic action programme to assist the local population ( in Military Region 3) to reconstruct their houses, roads, bridges, markets and schools etc. ... thereby bringing great credit to the Royal Australian Armed Forces."2 X paper documents, one in English the other in Vietnamese (mounted with white matt in timber frame). Each has been printed with a decorative blue border, main text in black, official stamp in bottom right corner is red. A blue medal with red and yellow ribbon is printed in centre top of both documents.Republic of Vietnam/ Gallantry Cross/Chief of the General Staff? Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam/ Army Meritorious Commendation/ The 8th Battalion, 1st Australian Task Force/ For the gallantry they displayed under enemy fire./ This Meritorious Commendation ((GALLANTRY CROSS)) is added with (a) palm (leaf)./KBC day 24 month 10 Year 19708rar, koo, arthur koo, citation, gallantry cross, gallantry cross with palm

Strewn with wonderful character sketches and hilarious anecdotes, Captain Bullen's War is more than just one man's insightful account of the absurdity of war.australia. army. australian task force (vietnam), 1st, australia. army. royal australian survey corps., captain john bullen

Aussie Diggers supporting the Combat Force in Vietnam.Aussie Diggers supporting the Combat Force in the Vietnam War.royal australian army service corps, vietnam

Typical example of Qantas Airline ticket issued to armed forces personnel leaving Vietnam for Australia for R&R, with. Australian Customs form and declaration to be filled in by traveller. Briefing sheet listing arrangement for departure and arrival in Australia. This item was issued to Corporal Peter Stanley Sims who served in Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) 1969-70. Qantas airline ticket. Australian customs paperwork, double sided information and declaration sheet. The ticket is printed in red ink. Australian Force Vietnam briefing letter for travelling to Australia from Vietnam typed in black ink.Qantas 000067 charter passenger ticket and baggage check. Customs paperwork and briefing notes for travelling to Australia.qantas, airline ticket, nvvm, customs declaration, leaving vietnam, p.sims oam jp, r&r, recreation vietnam

This airline ticket is typical of those issued to Australian Defence Force personnel traveling to Vietnam. This particular item was issued to Corporal Peter Stanley Sims, Service no: 44304, who served in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (Army Component) from24 September 1969 until 24 September 1970. Printed Qantas ticket and foolscap information sheet. Yellowed paper with red printing on the front of the ticket and black printing on the bottom half of the reverse. The information paper is yellowed with age and printed in black. There are 6 paragraphs detailing instructions for the armed forces when arriving in Vietnam.Qantas/charter passenger ticket and baggage check. In blue pen on the back "Tong Doe Phuory Cholou" handwritten.airline ticket, qantas, information page, traveling to vietnam, peter sims oam jp, nvvm

Army Combat Badge: the Army Combat Badge (ACB) recognises the unique service of a member operating with an Arms Corp unit within a warlike area of operations. The ACB does not recognise combat duties but service with a combat element through formal force assignment. Infantry Combat Badge: The Infantry Combat Badge (ICB) is a military decoration awarded for service as an infantryman in warlike operations. the ICB was awarded to members of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in an infantry battalion and deployed for at least 90 days to an operational area. Returned from Active Service Badge: Since World War Two the Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB) is issued to those returning from warlike service, such as Vietnam. The RASB is a personal issue and not issued to relatives of deceased ex-members,The three badges are placed horizontally on a thin board with white background and black border. The board sits on a white stand. First badge is at the top with gold colour of the crown on a background. Second badge is copper alike brushed with black top layer of a dagger. Third badge is at the bottom and has almost black colour of 2 crossed swords.badge, medals

The first tunnel rats: this is the thrilling, hilarious and inspiring true story of a ragtag band of Aussie Army Engineers who redefined the word heroes...and reinvented larrikin to. Amongst the first Australians to fight in Vietnam, they faced death every day defusing Viet Cong booby traps - then partied all night in a casino they'd built in secret. They led hundreds of American troops to safety, but fought the US military police to a standstill in the bars of South Vietnam. They built the Australian Task Force's base - then sabotaged a headquarters conference, booby trapped showers and blew up a generator rather than kowtow to newly arrived officers.3 field troop royal australian engineers, cpl bob bowtell, tunnel rats, royal australian engineers, 1rar battalion, booby traps, viet cong, australian task force

Photograph of a street sign in Baria Thanking the Royal Australian Forces in destroying the 45th North VN Regiment on Aug 18'66 War Long TanOn the back of the photgraph reads Vietnam 1966/67 1st APC Squadron 3 Cavalry Reg. "This is a sign that was erected in local village Baria. Somewhat exaggerated considering Aust Task Force made across North VN Reg many more times in following years. I often wonder of the safety of those who put it up. The VC would not have been happy to see such a bold display of appreciation. John (Bilco) Trebilco."photograph, long tan, the royal australian forces

During the years 1962 to 1972, 50,190 Australians from the Army, Air Force and Navy served in South Vietnam. Of these, 519 did and 2,398 were wounded. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, australian, 1961-1975 - participation, australian - pictorial works, royal australian army, royal australian airforce, royal australian navy

A black and white photograph of Diggers from 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, south vietnam, visit the King of Thailand's Royal Barge Factory whilst on R&R in Bangkok. The diggers took in the many beautiful sites during the day and the night life after dark.photograph, 1 atf base, nui dat, r & c leave, gibbons collection catalogue, bangkok, digger

During the years 1962 to 1972, 50,190 Australians from the Army, Air Force and Navy served in South Vietnam. Of these, 519 did and 2,398 were wounded. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, australian, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, australian - pictorial works, royal australian army, royal australian airforce, royal australian navy

During the years 1962 to 1972, 50,190 Australians from the Army, Air Force and Navy served in South Vietnam. Of these, 519 did and 2,398 were wounded. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, australian, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, australian - pictorial works, australian army, royal australian airforce, royal australian navy

A black and white photograph of - At Long Tan, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, 18/08/1969, the Commander, of 1st Australian Task Force, Nui Dat, Brig C.M.I Sandy Pearson MC, is shown over the 1966 Long Tan battle field by Sgt Rankin, one of the original diggers who fought at Long Tan in 1966. Sgt Rankin was on his second tour of duty with 11 Platoon, Delta Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.photograph, 1st australian task force, brig sandy pearson, sgt rankin, d coy, 6 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, battle of long tan, long tan, 11 platoon

A black and white photograph of Members of the Pte Peter A. Allen of 9 RAR Court Marshall Board being escorted by a Military Policeman to the murder scene in the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, lines at 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnamphotograph, pte peter allen, military police, 9 rar, court marshall, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, 1 atf base, 9th battalion

A coloured photograph of Major Harry Smith MC, Officer Commanding, D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, at the Battle Of Long Tan, Phuoc tuy Province, 18/08/1966, assisted by his company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2, Chris Pope, directs a resupply during Operation Portsea, South of the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam,March 1967photograph, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, major harry smith mc, wo2 chris pope, gibbons collection catalogue, military cross, 6th battalion, battle of long tan, phuoc tuy province, 1 atf base, nui dat

A black and white photograph of Diggers from 9th Battallion, Royal Australian Regiment enjoy a cool bath during operations South West of the Australian Task force at Nui Dat. The Diggers were allowed, six at a time to complete their ablutions. The battalion had been in the field for three weeksphotograph, digger, 9th battalion, 9 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, australian task force, nui dat

With the outbreak of the First World War, HMAS Australia became the flagship of the naval force that captured the German colonies in the southern Pacific. She led a force which captured Rabaul on 13 September 1914 before proceeding to Samoa. With no German forces left in the South Pacific, Australia was deployed to the United Kingdom. En route she sank the German ship Eleanore Woermann. On 8 February 1915 she became flagship of the 2nd Battle-cruiser Squadron of the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet. Australia's service with the Grand Fleet consisted of a series of frequent patrols and exercises. She was twice rammed, firstly on 22 April 1916 by HMS New Zealand. This led to her missing the Battle of Jutland which, considering the disastrous losses in the Battle-cruiser Force, may well have been fortunate. She was rammed again by HMS Repulse in December 1917. Australia carried out experimental aircraft operations in 1918 and led the port column of the Grand Fleet at the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet. Returning home in 1919, Australia suffered a mutiny upon reaching Fremantle, Western Australia. Quite obsolete, she became a training vessel in Westernport until scuttled off Sydney Heads on 12 April 1924.The Australian Navy's first flagship, the battle cruiser HMAS Australia (I) was the centrepiece of the 'Fleet Unit', whose acquisition signalled the RAN's arrival as a credible ocean going force. Ordered from John Brown and Company in March 1910, construction began three months later with the total cost of the ship and fittings expected to be some £2 million. The Commonwealth Government decided upon the name Australia, and it proved a popular choice, carefully avoiding any suggestion of favouritism towards any one Australian State. The ship's badge maintained the national theme by featuring the Federation Star overlaid by a naval crown, while the motto 'Endeavour' reflected the ideal of the Australian spirit and recalled Lieutenant James Cook's ship of 1768-71.Timber frame of black and white print of a ship at sea.Imperial War Museum Photograph HMAS AUSTRALIA - RAN FLAGSHIP First flagship of the Royal Austrlian Navy 1913-1920 Sunk under the terms of the Washington Treaty 12th April 1924 This frame is made of teak from her deckhmas australia, ww1

Citation of Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to JOHN HUDSON WILKINSON: Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN Victoria - tragically killed in action over Germany on 30th August, 1944. Citation reads: - "Pilot Officer WILKINSON is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion, in March 1944, when engaged in an attack on Stuttgart, a Junkers 88 attacked the aircraft five times, but Pilot Officer WILKINSON, by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire, drove off the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew." The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Original typed document on blue/grey parchment with blue letterhead containing crestGovernor General Commonwealth of Australiapilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, wilkinson

Spitfire. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II.Small khaki plane with red spot within a blue circle on wings and yellow blue and white circles around red dot on sidesKLB P9398 Image of Kiwi bird near cockpit. model airplanes, spitfire.

Gloster Gladiator. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Gloster Gladiator was a British-built biplane fighter. It was used by the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm and was exported to a number of other air forces during the late 1930s.Silver bi-plane with blue & yellow diamonds on top wing and sides with red, white & blue circles. K7984model airplanes, gloster gladiator.

Hawker Demon. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Hawker Hart was a British two-seater biplane light bomber aircraft of the Royal Air Force. Silver bi-plane with red, blue & white circles & black and white checks on top wing & on both sides. Red, white & blue tail fin.K1938model airplanes, hawker demon.

Commemorative scroll sent to the next of kin of Private Rupert James Cavanagh MOORE 6852 attached to the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion and who made the ultimate sacrifice.- killed in action on 13/7/1918 in France. MOORE was born in Wangaratta, Victoria and a Printer when enlisted on 6/2/1917.In 1922 a Memorial Scroll was presented to the next of kin of those soldiers, sailors, and nurses who died while serving in the Australian Imperial Force or Royal Australian Navy during the First World War. Later they were presented with a Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. The Memorial Scroll bears the Royal Coat of Arms and a message paying tribute to the soldiers who gave up "their own lives that others might live in freedom". Cream paper scroll with Coat of Arms above ten lines of black writing and two lines in red ink.Pte. Rupert James Cavanagh Moore 3rd M.G.Bn., A.I.F.pte rupert james cavanagh moore, kia, wangaratta, ww1