Showing 990 items
matching armed forces
-
Ithacan Historical Society
Photograph, OXI Day celebration, Platrithia, 28 October 1951
The photo was taken on 'Oxi' Day 28 October 1951 which is commemorated throughout Greece and Cyprus and world-wide Greek communities. The day commemorates the rejection by the Greek prime minister, Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum presented to him by the Italian ambassador on the 28 October 1940 to allow the Axis forces, namely Italy, Germany and Bulgaria to occupy strategic locations of Greece or face war. A black and white photograph of a crowd of people - men, women and children - gathered around a Greek flag in an open area. A church is visible in the background. High mountains are also visible across the skyline.The original is handwritten across the bottom of the photo in Greek which translated reads: PLATRITHIA. ITHACA 28 OCTOBER 1951.world war 2 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Lucy Artymiuk, Destination Australia: Polish soldier immigrants (1947-48), 2019
... Part II Destination Australia 35 Background 37 Polish Armed ...A Short History of Polish soldiers migration to Australia after WWII. Part I The Surplus Heroes 5 The Foundation of the Polish Republic operating in exile 7 Formation of military 10 Change in relations with the Allies 18 The Polish military in the closing stages of the war 21 The consequences of the Yalta Conference 22 1945 Elections in Britain 24 The Polish Resettlement Corps [in UK] 28 The notion of "Betrayal" 31 The Future 32 Part II Destination Australia 35 Background 37 Polish Armed Forces in the West 39 The "Polish Issue" 43 Polish Resettlement Corps (PRC) 49 Solution? 52 Portrayal of the Poles 54 Australian government decision-making 57 SS Asturias - September 1947 and December 1947 Tasmania: Hydro-Electric Commission 64 SS Strathnaver - August 1948 64 Hobart 69 Victoria 71 Queensland 71 Manus Island 71 South Australia 72 New South Wales 72 Asturias - August 1948 - Sydney 76 Asturias - November 1948 - Western Australia 78 Life at the Tasmanian Hydro-Electric Commission 79 Citizenship 85 Deportation 91 Australian veterans groups 93 Polish veterans groups in Australia 96 Establishing a life 100 Families 103 Polish communities 105 Annexes 109. Includes photographs, facsimiles and maps.ill (b/w), p.158., lists.non-fictionA Short History of Polish soldiers migration to Australia after WWII. Part I The Surplus Heroes 5 The Foundation of the Polish Republic operating in exile 7 Formation of military 10 Change in relations with the Allies 18 The Polish military in the closing stages of the war 21 The consequences of the Yalta Conference 22 1945 Elections in Britain 24 The Polish Resettlement Corps [in UK] 28 The notion of "Betrayal" 31 The Future 32 Part II Destination Australia 35 Background 37 Polish Armed Forces in the West 39 The "Polish Issue" 43 Polish Resettlement Corps (PRC) 49 Solution? 52 Portrayal of the Poles 54 Australian government decision-making 57 SS Asturias - September 1947 and December 1947 Tasmania: Hydro-Electric Commission 64 SS Strathnaver - August 1948 64 Hobart 69 Victoria 71 Queensland 71 Manus Island 71 South Australia 72 New South Wales 72 Asturias - August 1948 - Sydney 76 Asturias - November 1948 - Western Australia 78 Life at the Tasmanian Hydro-Electric Commission 79 Citizenship 85 Deportation 91 Australian veterans groups 93 Polish veterans groups in Australia 96 Establishing a life 100 Families 103 Polish communities 105 Annexes 109. Includes photographs, facsimiles and maps.immigration - australia - polish community, australia - displaced persons -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, NAL Caliber, Final patrol : true stories of World War II submarines, 2006
... of casualties of any branch of the American armed forces. One in five ...During World War II, the U.S. Navy's submarine service suffered the highest percentage of casualties of any branch of the American armed forces. One in five submariners was lost. But despite the odds, these underwater warriors accounted for almost sixty percent of Japanese shipping losses and were a major factor in winning the war.Index, ill, p.331.During World War II, the U.S. Navy's submarine service suffered the highest percentage of casualties of any branch of the American armed forces. One in five submariners was lost. But despite the odds, these underwater warriors accounted for almost sixty percent of Japanese shipping losses and were a major factor in winning the war.submarine warfare - world war ii, world war 1939-1945 - naval operations - united states -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Creyke, Robin & Sutherland, Peter, Veterans' Entitlements Law
... in the armed forces especially in times of war. Veterans' Entitlements ...For over eighty-five years, and from both sides of politics, the Commonwealth Government has provided support for servicemen and women. Whether it be soldier settlers' block, further education, specially fitted cars for limbless, habitation programs or financial support, Australians have been prepared in practical ways to help and compensate the men and women who have served their country in the armed forces especially in times of war.For over eighty-five years, and from both sides of politics, the Commonwealth Government has provided support for servicemen and women. Whether it be soldier settlers' block, further education, specially fitted cars for limbless, habitation programs or financial support, Australians have been prepared in practical ways to help and compensate the men and women who have served their country in the armed forces especially in times of war.veterans - legal status, laws etc - australia, military pensions - australia -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Klintworth, Gary ed, Vietnam's Withdrawal From Cambodia: Regional Issues and Realignments
... Conflict 1977 Vietnam - Foreign relations Vietnamese armed forces ...Vietnamese armed forces invaded Cambodia in December 1978. a decade of Vietnamese occupation had important political and security consequences for Cambodians, for Vietnam, for the ASEAN states, for China and the superpowers and, indirectly, for Australia.Vietnamese armed forces invaded Cambodia in December 1978. a decade of Vietnamese occupation had important political and security consequences for Cambodians, for Vietnam, for the ASEAN states, for China and the superpowers and, indirectly, for Australia.cambodian-vietnamese conflict, 1977, vietnam - foreign relations -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Chamberlain, Ernest, The Viet Cong: D445 Battalion: Their Story (and the Battle of Long Tan), 2016
... of the People's Armed Forces (1965-2004) The Viet Cong: D445 Battalion ...the history of 445 Battalion, an heroic unit of the People's Armed Forces (1965-2004)the history of 445 Battalion, an heroic unit of the People's Armed Forces (1965-2004)vietnam war, 1961-1975 - history, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation, australian, battle of long tan -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Brennan, Matthew, Hunter-Killer Squadron: Aero-Weapons,(Copy 1 (hardcover)
They came together to form one of the most potent fighting forces the world had ever seen: Red teams, heavily armed Huey helicopters and the deadly AH-1 Cobras.They came together to form one of the most potent fighting forces the world had ever seen: Red teams, heavily armed Huey helicopters and the deadly AH-1 Cobras. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, american, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - united states, huey helicopter, ah-1 cobra -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Brennan, Matthew, Hunter-Killer Squadron: Aero-Weapons, (Copy 2 - softcover)
They came together to form one of the most potent fighting forces the world had ever seen: Red teams, heavily armed Huey helicopters and the deadly AH-1 Cobras.They came together to form one of the most potent fighting forces the world had ever seen: Red teams, heavily armed Huey helicopters and the deadly AH-1 Cobras. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, american, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - united states, huey helicopter, ah-1 cobras -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Leather Despatch Pouch
... by armed forces to deliver urgent orders and messages between ...Leather dispatch pouch issued to soldier serving with the 48th Battalion to deliver urgent orders and messages usually between headquarters and military units.Despatch riders were used by armed forces to deliver urgent orders and messages between headquarters and military units. They had a vital role at a time when telecommunications were limited and insecure.Brown leather pouch with 48 BN written in white on front flap. Two metal buckles with leather straps on rearOn front flap: 48 BN written in white paint. Under flap: C.H.F. ^^ES C.M.F S.A 10/12 has been engraved into the leatherleather pouch, pouch, leather, map case -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed poster, Australian Victoria Cross Awards
... of the enemy" to members of the Australia Armed Forces. It may ...Limited edition poster displaying images of Australian Victoria Cross recipientsThe Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the Australia Armed Forces. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and to civilians under military command. Being the highest award in the Australian Honours Order of Wearing, the Victoria Cross takes precedence over all other postnominals and Australian orders and decorations. Timber frame containing images of Victoria Cross Medal recipients AUSTRALIAN VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Limited Edition Seriesvictoria cross, vc -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Framed Certificate of Authenticity
... of the Australia Armed Forces. It may be awarded to a person of any rank ...The Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the Australia Armed Forces. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and to civilians under military command. Being the highest award in the Australian Honours Order of Wearing, the Victoria Cross takes precedence over all other postnominals and Australian orders and decorations.Black metal frame containing image of Victoria Cross Medal with two columns of names either side.Australian Victoria Cross Recipients Certificate of Authenticityhowse, bisdee, wylly, bell, rogers, keysor, maygar, jacka, symons, burton, shout, dunstan, hamilton, tubb, throssell, jackson, dartnell, leak, blackburn, cooke, castleton, o'meara, murray, mcnamara, cherry, jensen, newland, kenny, whittle, pope, howell, moon, greive, carroll, inwood, birks, dwyer, bugden, mcgee, peeler, jeffries, mcdougall, storkey, sadlier, ruthven, davey, axford, dalziel, brown, borella, gaby, beatham, statton, joynt, mccarthy, gordon, cartwright, currey, lowerson, mactier, towner, buckley, woods, wark, ryan, maxwell, ingram, sullivan, pearse, edmondson, cutler, edwards, anderson, kingsbury, french, gurney, kibby, gratwick, middleton, newton, kelliher, derrick, rattey, chowne, mackey, kenna, simpson, starcevich, partridge, wheatley, badcoe, payne -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Medal and plaque, H P Prest MM
... of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel ...Original Military Medal awarded to Harold Pearson PREST Lance Corporal 1334 - 37th Australian Infantry Battalion On the 4th October 1917 East of Ypres, Belgium for conspicuous gallantry in action - After locating an enemy machine gun which was holding up the left flank, he single handed rushed the position from a flank and bombed and killed the crew of two men and captured the gun. His promptness and courage not only saved many casualties but enabled the advance to continue.The Military Medal (MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The award was established in 1916, with retrospective application to 1914, and was awarded to other ranks for "acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire"Blue velvet case with satin lining containing round metal medal with attached blue red and white striped ribbon and gold coloured plastic plaquePlaque -Military Medal awarded to 1334 Lance Corporal H P Prest 37/AUST INF For Bravery in the Fieldh p prest, ww1, mm, 37th infantry battalion -
Inglewood/Bridgewater RSL Sub Branch
Shield, 1942
This item presented by the indigenious community to their local police officer on the the occasion of his joining the Armed Services in 1942 which resulting in his interment in ChangiUnique personal gift to this ServicemanLacquered wood hand made. Hand grip to rear"CENTRAL AUSTRALIA / 1942" RISING SUN Emblem at centre ("AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES") Pinstriping in silver and red.ww2, shield, central australia, police officer, storey, indigenous gift -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Equipment - Morse Code Repeater Limit
... . Morse Code was used by the Armed Forces up till 1960 ...From the collection of Ken YoungWas a very important method of communication from approximately 1910 onwards. Morse Code was used by the Armed Forces up till 1960Brass base plate with two coils attached by a metal bar screwed down with a cross bar. The silver metal bar has two brass screws, one of which moves the bar to tap on the brass frame beneath it to emit the signalcommunication, telegraphic -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Decorative object - Cast slouch hat(re-casting?), Decorative slouch hat
... of commemorative craft work pertaining to Australian Armed Forces. Handmade ...Memorabilia of war service perhaps cast from a shell casing (?) in the shape of A.I.F. slouch hatExample of commemorative craft work pertaining to Australian Armed Forces.Cast decorative slouch hat, Recast(?) from shell casting.Nilhandmade brass casting -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Digital photographs, L.J. Gervasoni, Catholic Prayerbook for the Forces WWII, c1930s
Digital imagescatholic, prayer book, forces, adf, army, world war two, australia, australian army, defence, armed services -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Digital photographs, L.J. Gervasoni, World War Two Demobilization Procedure Book, c1940s
Digital images of the demobiization procedure book owned by George (Gus) Gervasoniforces, adf, army, world war two, australia, australian army, defence, armed services, demobilzation, procedure, george gervasoni, gus gervasoni -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Digital photographs, L.J. Gervasoni, Australian Military Service Record of Service Male Member, c1940s
Gus Gervasoni served in Australia, and was in Darwin for the bombing.Digital images of a World War Two Australian Military Service Record book which belonged to George (Gus) Gervasoni of Daylesford. Includes two 'mug' shots. forces, adf, army, world war two, australia, australian army, defence, armed services, record of service, george gervasoni, gus gervasoni -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Football, AIF, Australian Rules Football, Circa 1915-1919
... of Australian Rules Football and the importance of sport to the armed ...This ball was possibly made by Corporal C. McMullen during WWI. McMullen made footballs for the Australian Imperial Force, all of which were hand stitched. He made the original ball for the 1916 Australian Rules exhibition match held in London and watched by 3000 spectators. McMullen's balls were called "The AIF Ball", indicating that this might be one of them. The inscription "Match .II." suggests it was used for a later match.The provenance of this object is unknown, but it was potentially made by Corporal C. McMullen for use in an AIF exhibition match. If so, it is a highly significant piece of sporting memorabilia, and holds national significance as an object that tells the early evolution of Australian Rules Football and the importance of sport to the armed forces.Brown leather football, deflated. Stitched together. Four leather threads at top of ball. Has stencil painted markings on both top sections.THE AIF BALL / MATCH .II.football, aif, afl, australian rules, sport, leather, wwi -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - McGrath, 1918 circa
William 'Lauchie' McGrath, an accountant with Australian Mercantile Land & Finance (AML&F), enlisted in AIF in September 1914. He was posted to 8th Light Horse regiment with the No 268 and rank of trooper. He rose through the ranks, serving at Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine reachin the rank of Captain/Adjutant of the regiment. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. McGrath wrote the History of the regiment (See 3091.901) Following his return to Australia he took up farming in the Upper Murray, On 10 February 1924, a community picnic was being held at a creek below his Jingellic homestead when a maniac armed with a rifle came out of the scrub and proceeded to shoot indiscriminately int the party. No reason was ever given but it was presumed that he wanted to kill one man who was not among the five he hit. McGrath got the women and children into the creek and organised the other wounded - he had already been hit in the chest - into cover before running over open ground for his rifle in the house. In all he stopped five bullets but the gunman bolted once McGrath appeared with his own weapon.Some weeks later he was captured getting milk from a dairy and declared insane. One of the five victims died that day, one some months later, one had to use a stick for the rest of his life and McGrath was forced to give up the farm and return to his old job as an accountant. He was awarded the silver medal of the Royal Humane Society of NSW and the silver medal of the Royal Shipwreck Relief & Humane Society of NSW. The latter body felt the water in the creek made it appropriate to also make the award. McGrath enlisted again in World War Two, serving firstly as 2/ic Broadmeadows Camp and later 2/ic the Officer Commanding 12th Garrison Battalion. Framed black and white photograph of mounted officer with tents in background.Across lower edge of frame "Capt. McGrath. MC.. MID. 8th Australian Light Horse"mcgrath, 8th, light horse, garrison, royal humane society nsw -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Register, Junior Legacy Honour Roll
... with active service in the Armed Forces during WWII. honour roll ...Names, addresses and comments about the WW2 service of 244 members or ex-members of Junior or Intermediate Legacy on service known to the Honour Roll Committee. There are individual cards to record the details of each junior legatee and their service at 00222. This list is a compilation of the names and addresses from those cards.A record that links Junior Legacy members with active service in the Armed Forces during WWII.White foolscap paper with black type x 5 pages of carbon copy, on yellowing paper, single sided.honour roll, junior legatee -
Melbourne Legacy
Book, The Torch
... serving and retired members of the armed forces of Great Britain ...The book speaks about the beginnings of Legacy and the activities that Legacy engaged in up to the time of printing. There are several photographs of visiting dignitaries at various Legacy activities acknowledging the work of Legacy and the beneficiaries of the work of Legacy.Significant in that the work of Legacy, as the photographs show, is recognized by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, and other serving and retired members of the armed forces of Great Britain. Hardback cover, colour burgundy, 234 pages in black type on white pages interspersed with various photographs of Legacy activities and H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Louis Mountbatten, H.E. Sir William Slim, Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery and Frank Partridge V.C. First published 1957. Reprinted 1970. Publisher Angus & Robertson. Author M.H. Ellis. Printed and bound by Halstead Press, SydneyFront cover, Legacy logo embossed in gold. Spine, The Torch, Ellis (the author) at the bottom of the spine Legacy: all embossed in gold.history, activities, objectives -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book, Philco TechRep World Wide Service, Philco Training Manual Synchros and Servomechanisms, 1954
... General training manual for US Armed Forces personnel relating ...General training manual for US Armed Forces personnel relating to synchros and servomechanismsA4-sized book with a blue and yellownon-fictionGeneral training manual for US Armed Forces personnel relating to synchros and servomechanisms -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - 8th LH outpost, 1918 circa
The 8th Light Horse Regiment was engaged in the battle to capture Turkish defences at Tel El Khuweifle 16 Kilometres north of Beersheba from 1 to 6 November 1917. Other units were drawn from Imperial Camel Corps, British Yeomanry Division, New Zealand Mounted Rifles and 53 Welsh Division. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse.Part of a rare collection of photographs of 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF during WWI (1914-1918).Black and white photograph of two soldiers of the 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF wearing slouch hats and armed with rifles. They are near three figures wearing helmets lying on the ground, possibly men of the Imperial Camel Corps or British infantry. Below photograph "Stony desert landscape known as Khuweilfe ( Thirsty Ridge ), 8 miles north of Beersheba. Only had a little water hence the name",tel el khuweifle, 8th, light horse, world war one, wwi -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Michael Joseph, The fatal decisions, 1956
... Analysis of six decisive battles fought by the German armed forces ...Analysis of six decisive battles fought by the German armed forces in World War Two as described by the generals involved.Index, ill, maps, p.261.non-fictionAnalysis of six decisive battles fought by the German armed forces in World War Two as described by the generals involved.world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - germany, germany - history - military -
Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub-Branch
Booklet - n/a, Vehicle Operators Guide For Driving In Vietnam; General Information Brochure, c2002
... by governments to their Armed Forces. vietnam vietnam war diamond valley ...The booklet is an early example of the myriad of instructions issued by governments to their Armed Forces. Information Manuals: Yellow in colour - A Vehicles Operators Guide For Driving In Vietnam.In pencil, the cover is detailed WO2 R.J. Langleyvietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, books -
Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub-Branch
Weapon - M16 Rifle, c2010
... and other elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam. vietnam ...A faithful depiction of an M16 automatic rifle that gradually partnered the SLR rifle as the typical weapon for riflemen and other soldiers.The model represents the M16 automatic rifle that, with the SLR rifle, became the 'best friend' to many infantry soldiers and other elements of Australian Armed Forces in Vietnam.The M16 rifle is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine. Wikipedia Length: 38.81 in (986 mm) (M16A1); 39.63 in (1,007 mm) (M16A2); 39.37 in (1,000 mm) (M16A4) Caliber: 5.56 mm (.223 in) Designed: 1959 In service: 1964–present Muzzle velocity: 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s) (M855A1 round) Produced: : 1963–present; Sights: Iron sights: Rear: aperture; L-type flip; Front: wing-protected post; Various aiming opticsM16 automatic rifle; made of metal, plastic.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Functional object - Wooden work boat, 1942
... for the Australian armed forces during world war 2 Military boat work Wooden ...A utility boat used mainly by the army around the islands to the North of Australia. They were used for the transport of food, ammunition, troop movements and as ambulancesBuilt by GMH for the Australian armed forces during world war 2Wooden hulled work boat with maranised diesel engine forward control cabin with accomadation for two, rear deck set aside for work spacemilitary, boat, work -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Starry, Donn A., General, Armored Combat in Vietnam:, 1980
... disorganized to be stopped by armed forces. Armored Combat in Vietnam ...This book takes the reader from the earliest attempts by U.S. strategists to develop an armored force for the newly created Army of he Republic of Vietnam through eight years of hard fighting in a region in which tanks were once thought to be incapable of mobing, in weather that was supposed to hinder armored operations, against an enemy who was deemed too elusive and too disorganized to be stopped by armed forces.This book takes the reader from the earliest attempts by U.S. strategists to develop an armored force for the newly created Army of he Republic of Vietnam through eight years of hard fighting in a region in which tanks were once thought to be incapable of mobing, in weather that was supposed to hinder armored operations, against an enemy who was deemed too elusive and too disorganized to be stopped by armed forces. 1961-1975 - campaigns, united states. army. armoured force - history, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 -- united states, army of the republic of vietnam (arvn) -
Returned Nurses RSL Sub-branch
Book, James Y Harvey, Mercy trains, 2001
'Mercy trains - Australian Army Ambulance trains during World War II recounts the hitherto untold story of trains provided by Australia's State railway departments to convey the tens of thousands of the armed force's sick and wounded needing transportation across the continent. Conceived as large-scale ambulances to evacuate battle casualties suffered on Australian soil in the event of a landing by enemy forces, their role changed when Australia was spared the trauma of invasion. Instead, the trains becam mobile hospitals: their task to convey invalids from all allied (and enemy) forces to medical centres throughout the nation. One major assignment was to bring south from Queensland casualties evacuated from the battlefields of Papua-New Guinea, whose numbers reached crisis proportions at the close of 1942 and into early 1943. The trains were operated by United States Army personnel for twelve months, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland. Author Jim Harvey spent three years searching through Army (both Australian and U.S.) and railway department files and what he found was a story of demanding military, a penny-pinching government prepared to endanger the lives of train staff rather than permit necessary improvements, some railway operating problems, fires, more than a fair share of floods, a bombing attack, examples of a generosity from caring local communities, a dexicated staff of doctors, nurses, medical orderlies and cooks, supported at all times by sympathetic railwayment of all grades.' [from inside front dust jacked]Black bound book with silver writing on spine. Dust jacket has collage of photographs on front, spine is black with white writing on it.non-fiction'Mercy trains - Australian Army Ambulance trains during World War II recounts the hitherto untold story of trains provided by Australia's State railway departments to convey the tens of thousands of the armed force's sick and wounded needing transportation across the continent. Conceived as large-scale ambulances to evacuate battle casualties suffered on Australian soil in the event of a landing by enemy forces, their role changed when Australia was spared the trauma of invasion. Instead, the trains becam mobile hospitals: their task to convey invalids from all allied (and enemy) forces to medical centres throughout the nation. One major assignment was to bring south from Queensland casualties evacuated from the battlefields of Papua-New Guinea, whose numbers reached crisis proportions at the close of 1942 and into early 1943. The trains were operated by United States Army personnel for twelve months, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland. Author Jim Harvey spent three years searching through Army (both Australian and U.S.) and railway department files and what he found was a story of demanding military, a penny-pinching government prepared to endanger the lives of train staff rather than permit necessary improvements, some railway operating problems, fires, more than a fair share of floods, a bombing attack, examples of a generosity from caring local communities, a dexicated staff of doctors, nurses, medical orderlies and cooks, supported at all times by sympathetic railwayment of all grades.' [from inside front dust jacked]australian nurses, world war two, wwii, ww2, papua new guinea, pacific theatre, homefront, australia