Showing 1044 items matching "war with japan"
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Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Administrative record - Book - Record of Service, John Taylor, C1940
Record of Service books issued to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Two brown cardboard covered books containing lined pages2/900269 Pte Taylor J N QX25010 Pte Taylor J Nww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Container - Cigarette case, C1940
Cigarette case belonging to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Square silver metal case with left side hinge. A small rising sun badge is affixed in centre on top cover.Australian Commonwealth Military Forcesww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Domestic object - Playing cards, C1940
Pack of playing cards belonging to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Light green cardboard packet containing playing cardsLucky Chips Playing Cardsww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1945
TARAKAN, BORNEO, 1945-05-08. GENERAL SIR THOMAS A. BLAMEY, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, (4), DRINKING COFFEE WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OUTSIDE THE SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD HUT DURING HIS INSPECTION TOUR OF THE 2/23 INFANTRY BATTALION. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE:- BRIGADIER D.A. WHITEHEAD, COMMAND 26 INFANTRY BRIGADE, (1); LIEUTENANT COLONEL F.A.G. TUCKER, (2); LIEUTENANT COLONEL DWYER, (3); LIEUTENANT GENERAL F.H. BERRYMAN, GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING 1 CORPS (5). Brigadier David Adie Whitehead had a distinguished and decorated career in both First and Second World Wars. He joined the Citizen Military Forces when it was raised in 1947 and commanded the 2nd Armoured Brigade (4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse and 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiments) till 1953 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 honourReproduced black and white photograph of four Army Officers having a brew under roof of thatched hut and in front of banner of The Salvation Army/Australian Comfort Fund Handwritten on note attached to rear -Whitehead on L Blamey on R - Qld tablelands (?)general blamey, brigadier whitehead, 26th brigade -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Steam Ship, H.M.A.S. Warrnambool J202, Between 1941-1947
This photograph is connected to the first HMAS Warrnambool (J202), which was one of 60 Bathurst class corvette vessels built during World War II by Mort's Dock & Engineering Co Ltd of Sydney under the commission of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It was the namesake of the City of Warrnambool in Victoria. The armed minesweeper was 57 metres long and could had a complement of 85 personnel. Its armament included 1 × 4 inch Mk XIX gun, 1 × 40 mm Bofors AA gun (installed later), 3 × 20 mm Oerlikon guns (1 later removed), machine guns and depth charge chutes and throwers. It was launched in Sydney in May, 1941. The HMAS Warrnambool began service with patrols off Bass Strait in 1941. In December the ship docked in Warrnambool Harbour and the crew marched in a parade along Timor Street. The ship’s crew received a donation of 110 books from the Warrnambool Patriotic Fund, and a plaque of the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms presented by the Mayor, Cr. John R Astbury. In September 1942 a Dutch East Indies family, Samuel and Annie Jacob and seven of their eight children, was rescued by the HMAS Warrnambool and evacuated to Darwin. The family settled in Melbourne, then in 1944 Samuel tragically died. After the war ended the family was threatened with deportation under Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (known also as the White Australia policy). Annie married her landlord, John O’Keefe but was still issued a deportation order in 1949. The family appealed to the High Court and the case became famous for being the first successful legal challenge to the Act. The HMAS Warrnambool was in Darwin during the time it was bombed, attacked by the Japanese while rescuing 73 crew from a merchant vessel that had also been attacked. The ship was involved in several other rescues and carried troops to New Guinea. Other events included escort and patrol duties on Australia's east coast, then at Fremantle and back to Darwin. When the Japanese surrendered on September 11, 1945, at the end of World War II, the ship was at Timor. It performed mine clearance work around the Solomon Islands and New Guinea after the war. On 13th September 1947 the ship was sent to lead a flotilla at the Great Barrier Reef, off the Queensland coast. The mission was to clear the defensive British mines that were laid during1941-43 to protect Australia’s boarders. The HMAS Warrnambool hit a mine near Cockburn Reef, exploded and sank shortly afterwards. One of the 70 or so men on board was killed at the time and thirty-two men were badly injured; three of these also lost their lives. The four deceased were Victorian seamen. The wounded men were transferred by boats to the nearby HMAS Swan II, where the Swan’s and the Warrnambool’s doctors cared for them. The HMAS Swan II took the survivors to Cairns, and from there the men were flown by RAAF to either Brisbane or Sydney hospitals. The HMAS Warrnambool was the only RAN ship to be sunk by a mine, and the four who lost their livers were the last naval casualties from World War II. The ship’s wartime service was recognised by three honours. In May 1948 a number of items were recovered by Navy divers from the wreck of HMAS Warrnambool. The items included the ship’s bell (inscribed HMAS Warrnambool 1941) and the round plaque with the Seal of the Warrnambool City Council. In 1949 the plaque was returned to the Council, and the bell was donated to the Australian War Memorial. Further objects were recovered by the new owners of the wreck, Southern Cross Diving and Salvage, in 1972-75. A memorial plaque, honouring the memories of all those who served on the HMAS Warrnambool until is sunk on September 13 1947, was erected in Warrnambool on September 13, 1995. NOTE: (1)- The second HMAS Warrnambool (FCPB204), also the namesake of the City of Warrnambool, was built in 1980 in Cairns, one of fifteen Fremantle Class Patrol Boats ordered by the RAN. It was just over 41 metres long with a compliment of 22 personnel. It patrolled Australia’s northern waters for illegal fishing vessels. This vessel was decommissioned in 2005. (2)- There was also a steam and sail ship named the S.S. Warrnambool, built in 1892 in London and broken up in 1926.This photograph is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (j202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIBlack and white photograph of vessel H.M.A.S. Warrnambool J202 on an open sea. The identifying number is painted on the hull. The ship is flying a white ensign. A lifeboat is suspended near the centre of the ship. Figures can be seen on deck. Hand written inscription on the reverse side. On ship's hull "J202" On reverse of photo "From P.O. FRED MATTHEWS. 23378. R.A.N." "MARIBYRNONG MAIDSTON RSL" "H.M.A.S. WARRNAMBOOL"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, ship’s bell, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sea rescue, life saving, lifesaving, sinking ship, sunk ship, immigration restrictions act 1901, white australia policy, samuel and annie jacob, john o'keere, minesweeper -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Steam Ship, HMAS Warrnambool J202, Between 1941-1947
The photograph shows the vessel HMAS Warrnambool J202, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy for use as a minesweeper during World War II. The Bathurst Class Corvette, fitted out with a range of armaments, was launched in Sydney 1941. The ship began service in Bass Strait in 1941. At the end of the year it called into its namesake city, Warrnambool, where the crew paraded for the public marching eastwards along Timor Street. A gift of books for the ship’s personnel and a plaque bearing the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms were presented to the ship. The ship was involved in evacuating a family of nine from the Dutch East Indies that was later successful in its challenge of Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Polity). The ship had many other appointments around Australia. On 13th September 1947 HMAS Warrnambool was leading a flotilla of minesweepers in northern Queensland’s coastal waters, clearing mines previously laid to defend Australia. The ship hit a mine, which exploded and very quickly sunk the ship. Boats from the nearby ships rescued most of the seamen although one was killed at the time. The survivors were taken by the HMAS Swan II to Darwin, and they went from there to hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Three of these men later died from their injuries. A number of items were recovered by Navy divers in 1948 including the ship’s bell and a plaque with Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms. In 1972-75 the wreck was sold and other items were salvaged. In 1995 a memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool near the RSL. NOTE: The RAN built a second HMAS Warrnambool FCPB204, launched in 1981 and decommissioned in 2005. There was also a steam ship SS Warrnambool built in London 1892 and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.] This photograph of HMAS Warrnambool is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (J202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance, shown by the significance of the ship’s bell being curated as Military Heritage and Technology at the Australian War Memorial. - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph of HMAS Warrnambool near land. Black and white photograph shows a steam and sail vessel in calm water beside land. Figures are standing on board. A flag flies on a mast. The ship's name is on the stern. The light coloured funnel has emitted a small amount of smoke.On side of ship "WARRNAMBOOL"flagstaff hill, maritime village, maritime museum, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, dedicatory plaque, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, minesweeper -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Vessel, Steam Ship, H.M.A.S. Warrnambool J202, 1941-1947
This photograph is connected to the first HMAS Warrnambool J202, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy for use as a minesweeper during World War II. The Bathurst Class Corvette, fitted out with a range of armaments, was launched in Sydney 1941. The ship began service in Bass Strait in 1941. At the end of the year it called into its namesake city, Warrnambool, where the crew paraded for the public marching eastwards along Timor Street. A gift of books for the ship’s personnel and a plaque bearing the City of Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms were presented to the ship. The ship was involved in evacuating a family of nine from the Dutch East Indies that was later successful in its challenge of Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act (White Australia Polity). The ship had many other appointments around Australia. On 13th September 1947 HMAS Warrnambool was leading a flotilla of minesweepers in northern Queensland’s coastal waters, clearing mines previously laid to defend Australia. The ship hit a mine, which exploded and very quickly sunk the ship. Boats from the nearby ships rescued most of the seamen although one was killed at the time. The survivors were taken by the HMAS Swan II to Darwin, and they went from there to hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. Three of these men later died from their injuries. A number of items were recovered by Navy divers in 1948 including the ship’s bell and a plaque with Warrnambool’s Coat of Arms. In 1972-75 the wreck was sold and other items were salvaged. In 1995 a memorial plaque was erected in Warrnambool near the RSL. NOTE: The RAN built a second HMAS Warrnambool FCPB204, launched in 1981 and decommissioned in 2005. There was also a steam ship SS Warrnambool built in London 1892 and broken up in 1926. [A more detailed history can be found in our Collection Record 3477.] This photograph is significant for its association with Royal Australian Navy and its vessel, HMAS Warrnambool (j202). The HMAS Warrnambool played a nationally significant role in overturning Australia’s Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (colloquially known as the White Australia policy). The ship rescued, and brought to Australia, Samuel and Annie Jacob and their family after they evacuated Dutch East India. The family was threatened with deportation and made the first successful appeal to High Court regarding that Act. The HMAS Warrnambool has - Local significance for being the namesake of the City of Warrnambool - Local significance, having docked in Warrnambool Harbour - Local significance, the crew having paraded in Timor Street, Warrnambool - State significance for its first patrol being in Bass Strait. - National significance, being present in Timor at the Japanese surrender - National significance as part of Australia’s defence force history, being one of only four Bathurst class corvettes lost while in Australian service, the only Bathurst class corvette lost after World War II, the only RAN vessel to be sunk by a mine, and associated with the last four Navy deaths of WWIIPhotograph, black and white, HMAS Warrnambool J202 in water with land and buildings in background. Ship is flying a dark flag with Union Jack in corner and star below it. Lifeboat suspended above deck in centre of ship. Top of funnel has a black band. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, mort's dock & engineering co ltd, h.m.a.s. warrnambool, hmas warrnambool, hmas warrnambool i, hmas warrnambool j202, hmas swan ii, j202, world war ii, bathurst class corvette, royal australian navy, ran, sydney built ship, bass strait patrol, sea mine patrol, mine sweeper, mine clearance, navy divers, great barrier reef, cockburn reef, southern cross diving and salvage, warrnambool city council, cr j r astbury, mayor j r astbury, warrnambool patriotic fund, seal, coat of arms, ship’s bell, hmas warrnambool 1941, shipwreck by sea mine 1947, sinking ship, sunk ship, sea rescue, life saving, lifesaving, minesweeper -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Framed buttons and badges
After the First World War the defence of the Australian mainland lay with the part-time soldiers of the Citizens Military Force (CMF), also known as the Militia. The Militia was organized to maintain the structure of the First AIF and kept the same numerical designations. The Militia units were distributed in the same areas the original AIF units were raised. Consequently, Militia units were also known by the name of their shire. Thus, the Victorian 37th Infantry Battalion was the "Hunt Regiment", while the 52nd Infantry Battalion was the "Gippsland Regiment". Both were raised in 1921 and linked in 1930, forming the 37th/52nd Infantry Battalion. In 1937 the battalion was separated but merged again in August 1942, after Japan's entry into the Second World War and the subsequent reorganisation of the Australian Army. gold coloured metal frame with green mount containing 3 silver and 2 green badges 8 large and 7 small gold coloured buttons on tartan cloth background.37th-52rd Australian Infantry Battalion Affilitated with The Queens "Own" Cameron Highlanders 37th/52nd australian infantry battalion, cameron highlanders -
Returned Nurses RSL Sub-branch
Newspaper - Newspaper clipping, Ross Brundrett, Wilma recalls war horror, Friday, 13 August 1999
... Vyner Brooke and her time as a Japanese prisoner of war (POW... Vyner Brooke and her time as a Japanese prisoner of war (POW ...Article and photograph relating to former nurse Wilma Young recounting her experiences as a survivor of the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke and her time as a Japanese prisoner of war (POW) on Bangka Island Indonesia. Her talk was part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the revised Geneva Conventions.Page of a newspaper with multiple headlined articles, a colour photograph, logo and advertisement. Photograph of three women looking at the camera, two are in nurses uniforms with white wimples and the third wearing a multicoloured jacket with four medals and various pins attached.wwii, world war 2, world war two, wwll, australian army nursing service, aans, bangka island, ss vyner brooke, wilma elizabeth forster oram, wilma elizabeth forster young, geneva convention -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Ernest Gordon, Miracle on the river Kwai, 1963
... Japan - prisons and prisoners of war...Japan - prisons and prisoners of war Prisoners of war ...The author's experiences while a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II.p.255.non-fictionThe author's experiences while a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II.japan - prisons and prisoners of war, prisoners of war - burma -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Members of the Bethanga Light Horse Troop
The 8th Light Horse was initially raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following Federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. The Regiment was disbanded in 1919 but soon after was re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, with the territorial title Indi Light Horse. The Indi Light Horse consisted of 3 squadrons. A squadron consisted of troops in Corryong, Walwa, Tallangatta, Eskdale and Wodonga. After an extensive recruiting campaign in January 1939 a new troop was raised in Bethanga, Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.This photo represents a group of Bethanga men who committed to service during World War 2A framed Black and white photograph of Bethanga members of the Australian Light Horse in uniformBack row (left to right), Troopers Keith Cadman, Arthur "Friday" Dower, Bert Sommer, Norm Martin, Andy Mitchell, Tom Pearce; Middle row (left to right). Troop Leader Sergeant Edward "Ted"Davies, Troopers Jack Mortlock, Albert "Ab" Bohun, Aub Cadman, Les Freyer Front row (left to right), Troopers Henry Trenchard, A."Ed" Hertzog, Doug Dower, Nelson "Manny" Green, Eric Wheller, J. Parker.indi light horse, bethanga light horse troop, bethanga history -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, 8/9/1945
Instrument of Surrender marking the surrender of Japanese Forces by Vice Admiral Kamada to Australian Major General Edward James Milford on 8 September 1945. After the surrender of Japan, a Dutch military court convicted Kamada of war crimes for the executions of 1,500 west Borneo natives in 1944 and the ill treatment of 2,000 Dutch POWs held on Flores Island. Kamada was sentenced to death and was executed on 18 October 1947.Black and white photograph of documentinstrument of surrender, ww2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Framed newspaper articles photos and flags
The Battle of Sunda Strait was a naval battle which occurred during World War II in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java, and Sumatra. On the night of 28 February – 1 March 1942, the Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth and the American heavy cruiser USS Houston faced a major Imperial Japanese Navy task force. After a fierce battle of several hours duration, both Allied ships were sunk. The sinking of HMAS Perth at the Battle of Sunda Strait 28 February -1 March 1942 cost 357 Australian lives. A further 324 crewmen fell into enemy hands. Two and a half years of brutal captivity claimed the lives of 106 of these men - 53 on the Thai Burma Railway alone.Framed cuttings of newspaper articles,13 photographs and 7 flags As Portrayed to the Australian Public 1942-1945 BATTLE OF JAVA SEA & SUNDA STRAIT 27 FEB - 1 MAR 1942 The first and only battle fought by a combined American Australian British and Dutch Naval Force against the Japanesesunda strait, hmas perth -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Framed photographs, Japanese Surrender - Morotai 9 September 1945
Rowland James HUGHES VX 51510 born 2/1/1911 at Wangaratta. Enlisted 6/3/1941 and was deployed to the Middle East in 1941 and Morotai in May 1945 during the second world war. He served in the Signal Corp and 1st Australia Tech Maintenance Section. The images depict the formal signing of the surrender of the Japanese Forces at Morotai on September 9 1945.The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. There were a number of surrender ceremonies including Morotai on September 9 1945,Black plastic frame containing photocopy of 7 photographs on cream coloured paper document on black mount.Donated by Jean Hughes of Wangaratta on behalf of her husband ROWLAND J HUGHES VX51510morotai, ww2, japanese surrender -
Returned Nurses RSL Sub-branch
Functional object - M.V. Manunda Silver Kookaburra Hilt Letter Knife, Angus & Coote Ltd, c. 1940 - 1956
... to this collection. Papua New Guinea Middle East Pacific AANS Japan World War ...The M.V. Manunda is a ship owned by the Adelaide Steamship Company, that became a registered hospital ship in 1940, during World War 2. The Manunda serviced injured personnel in the Pacific and Middle East. This letter knife is highly significant to the Returned Nurses collection. Though there is a few recorded pieces of memorabilia from the M.V. Manunda, they are few and far between. This item could potentially draw attraction and attention to this collection. Silver, chrome-plated letter knife, with decorative kookaburra hilt handle. Due to age [and perhaps storage] the letter knife has turquoise and brown erosion, corrosion and rust spots, primarily upon the blade faces. One blade face includes a small, raised enamelled flag, with gilding around the flag boarder. The flag itself is white, with a blue cross and an eight-pointed red star in the centre, it is the logo of the Adelaide Steamship Company. On the same blade face as the flag, is the name of the vessel, 'M.V. Manunda'. On the opposing blade face is 'EP A1 NS', silver quality marking, and the maker's mark, 'Angus & Coote Lt.' Due to the metallic property of the letter knife, it often feels cool to the touch. Though this is true for the kookaburra hilt too, the kookaburra hilt has more texture and feels rough to the touch. 'EP A1 NS' (Silver quality marking) / 'Angus & Coote Lt.' (Markers mark) / 'M.V.MANUNDA' (Naval vessel identifier.) papua new guinea, middle east, pacific, aans, japan, world war ii, world war 2, world war two -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, JAPAN
2. The Ernie Pyle Theatre was named after the American War correspondent who was killed in action during WW2. Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts"., 1. Colour photograph of a Japanese style building facing a lake, second building in the background. White border around photograph. 2. Colour photograph of a street scene. Pedestrians on road fronting a multi story building. White border around photograph. 3. Colour photograph of a Japanese style building within a garden which features a lake. White border around photograph. 4. Colour photograph of a rural scene. Deer grazing in an open field. Large tree on LHS. White border around photograph.1. Handwritten in black ink on back: "The Imperial Palace". 2. Handwritten in black ink on back: Information explaining the naming of the building (Ernie Pyle Theatre).bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photographs, japan, ww2, ernie pyle. -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper - Framed newspaper article, The Age, 15/1/2024
The Age newspaper dated Monday January 15, 2024, page 30 - Obituaries - Frank McGovern October1,1919-May 24,2023 WW2 great survivor lived to be 103 - In 1939 McGovern aged 19 enlisted in the RAN and served on HMAS Westralia for 18 months prior to being deployed to HMAS Perth. On February 28 1942, two weeks after the fall of Singapore and having survived the Battle of Java HMAS Perth together with USS Houston entered the Sunda Strait coming into contact with the Japanese invasion convoy. HMAS Perth was vastly outnumbered and with no ammunition remaining the order came to abandon ship. Frank survived the sinking but 347 sailors including his older brother, ultimately perished. Frank became a prisoner of war and put to work on the Burma Railway for 12 months prior to being transported along with over 1000 Australian and British prisoners aboard the Rakuyo Maru to Japan. On September 12 1944 Rakuyo Maru and another prisoner transport ship were struck by American torpedos. As a result 1559 POW’s perished of which 543 were Australian. For the second time Frank survived a torpedo attack only to become a prisoner of war. Frank was a prisoner of war for 3 1/2 years and in 2019 was awarded the Order of Australia for services to veterans and their families, HMAS Perth Association and HMAS Perth Prisoner of War Association.Black frame containing newspaper article with three imagesfrank mcgovern, ran, ww2, pow, hmas perth, battle of sunda strait -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - JAPANESE MEDALS
.1) Medal, Japanese, Member of the Red Cross World War 1. with .2) and .3)lapel rosettes, and .4) box. .5 Medal, Japanese, Order of the Sacred Treasure. 8th Class with .6) and .7) Rosettes and .8)ribbon bar with .9)box. .10) Japanese, Order of the Sacred Treasure. 8th Class with .11)Rosette and, .12)Box..societies - red cross, containers, medals japanese, ron mills collection -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1941
Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Band - Winners of the 7th Division Band Contest in Palestine February 1941 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 band of soldiers with musical instruments Handwritten on rear - 2/24 Bn Band Winners of 7 Div Band Contest Palestine 19412/24th battalion, wangaratta, palestine, 1941, 7th division band contest -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1940
Image depicts a group of 3 soldiers who served with the 2/24 Battalion VX32810 William John McKILLOP DOB 23/11/1914 POW May 1941 Italy- 2/24 Battalion VX31847 George Cecil OLLEY DOB 14/7/1917 - 2/24 Battalion. 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.Original black and white photograph of 3 soldiers standing Handwritten on rear - Geo Olly centre, McKillop R & L, Frankston, 2/24 Btn2/24th battalion, wangaratta, george cecil olley, william john mckillop -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Sheila Allan, Diary of a girl in Changi 1941-1945, 1994
... World war 1939 – 1945 - Prisons and prisoners - Japanese ...Chronological diary of a girl in Changi 1941-1945p.168non-fictionChronological diary of a girl in Changi 1941-1945world war 1939 – 1945 - prisons and prisoners - japanese, world war 1039-1945 - personal narratives -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, John Towers, The tale of a Tojo tourist, 1997
... Japanese prisoners of war - Australia World war 1939-1945 ...Experiences of a prisoner on the Burma to Siam railwayIll, p.110.non-fictionExperiences of a prisoner on the Burma to Siam railwayjapanese prisoners of war - australia, world war 1939-1945 - prisoners and prisons - japan -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Print - Framed military print, Take Off
... . Important event of war against Japanese. Inscribed " Take Off ...Doolittle Raid occurred on the 18th April 1942 during WW 2.. The raid was the first air raid by the US Forces on Tokyo and Honshu and the Japanese Archipelago. A special unit of USAAF B25 Mitchell Bombers trained under the command of Col. James Doolittle flew from the carrier USS Hornet. B25 Mitchell Bomber had 2 Radial engines developing 1700 hp. Wingspan of 20.6 metres. Length 16.3 metres. It carried a crew of 4 to 6 personnel and had a range of 2175 kilometres and a bomb payload of 1360 Kgs.Important event of war against Japanese.57 cm x 38.5 cm. Ebonised and Gold frame. Showing B 25 Mitchell bomber taking of from USS Carrier Hornet.Inscribed " Take Off " Doolittle Raid on Tokyo 1942. -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Accessory - Leather Pouch - Small Japanese Pouch
... leather pouch pouch leather japanese pouch japanese army ...Small dark brown leather pouch with engravings on the back and on the front has lines engraved into the leather. Has a canvas and metal buckle with a metal hanger on the top.Markings have been engraved into the leather on the back, possibly Japanese.leather pouch, pouch, leather, japanese pouch, japanese army, wwii, world war 2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Accessory - Leather Pouch - Japanese Pouch
... leather pouch pouch leather japanese pouch japanese army ...Dark brown leather pouch with a metal star on th front flap, surrounded by brown stitching. Has a button clasp with same stitching at the side. On the left side is two small pockets and on the right is one small pocket.Nilleather pouch, pouch, leather, japanese pouch, japanese army, wwii, world war 2 -
Alfred Hospital Nurses League - Nursing Archive
Book - Illustrated book, Patsy Adam-Smith 1924-2001, Prisoners of war: from Gallipoli to Korea, 1998
This book has not been written for ex-prisoners: they know the homesickness of exile, the tyranny of bondage; it was written for those people of today who know little of the experiences of these men and women, of their courage, endurance and pain. It has been written for the generations to come.Illustrated book. The front cover and spine have the same black and white photograph of six men walking ("the guards were old, the soldiers young. Bertie Giles is third from left) Front cover has full title in red and black print, authors name in white print. Spine has abbreviated title in red print, authors name in black and white print and publishers name in black print. Back cover has a black and white photograph of a group of women (Australian nurses, (civilian and army) after being held POW for almost three and a half years by the Japanese). Under this photograph is a summary of the book and information about the author.non-fictionThis book has not been written for ex-prisoners: they know the homesickness of exile, the tyranny of bondage; it was written for those people of today who know little of the experiences of these men and women, of their courage, endurance and pain. It has been written for the generations to come.prisoners of war-australia, world war 1914-1918-prisoners and prisons, world war 1939-1945-prisoners and prisons, korean war 1950-1953 - prisoners and prisons -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Photograph, 13th Light Horse, c1935
This black and white mage depicts large group of men dressed in military uniform of the Light Horse - with most wearing bandoliers and slouch hat, some with emu plumes. The 13th Light Horse Regiment was formed at Broadmeadows in Victoria in March 1915; it was the third light horse regiment to have been raised in that state. Its regimental number quickly led to it becoming known as the "Devil's Own" regiment. It left Australia on 28 May and disembarked in Egypt on 29 June 1915. In 1921, Australia's part-time military forces were re-organised to perpetuate the numerical designations of the AIF following its demobilisation. Through this process, the 13th Light Horse was re-raised as a Citizens Forces unit in Victoria, adopting the territorial designation of the "Gippsland Light Horse". In 1939, the regiment was amalgamated with the 19th Light Horse to become the 13th/19th Light Horse.In August 1940, during the opening stages of the Second World War, the 13th was re-formed in its own right. It was later mechanised and re-designated the "13th Motor Regiment". In May 1942, it was converted into an armoured regiment – designated as the "13th Armoured Regiment" – as part of the 2nd Armoured Division's 6th Armoured Brigade, which had been formed for defensive duties to guard against a possible invasion of mainland Australia. After moving to Puckapunyal in July, the regiment was equipped with M3 Grant tanks. Further training was undertaken in Murgon, Queensland, throughout 1943. By that time, manpower within the Army was scarce and as the threat of an invasion by the Japanese diminished during the year, so too did the need for large-scale armoured forces. A number of armoured units were subsequently disbanded as men and equipment were reallocated as the Army reorganised for jungle warfare. As a result, the 13th was disbanded in October 1943. In the post war period, the unit was perpetuated by the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles, which existed between 1948 and 1991–92. During WWI three light horse regiments were raised in Victoria for the AIF, the 4th ALH, the 8th ALH and the 13th ALH. These regiments served with distinction at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the Western Front.Wide and narrow rectangle shaped black painted frame with gold colour mount. The frame contains a black and white photograph depicting a large group of men dressed in military uniform with bandoliers and slouch hat, some with emu plumes. A small black strip of plastic is attached in the centre of lower edge.Front - 13th Light Horse Rear - 2nd Division Cavalry School Broadmeadows 20-09-1935victoria, 13th light horse -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Talma & Co, John "Jack" AMBROSE MM
... both served as Nurses during the First World War along ...Unknown WW1 soldier ................. 22/11/2018 ..........due to its poor condition the photograph was removed from its timber frame revealing below the photograph the handwritten words "Jack Ambrose married a girl Chick"..... identified as Ethel Maud CHICK Soldier identified as John AMBROSE MM 1132 Labourer of Carboor who served on the western front in France during the First World War. Joined 19/2/1916 aged 23 years and 4 months Born and enlisted at Wangaratta Embarked on 3/6/1916 on HMAT Persic. Served with 5/37Battalions. Wounded on 3 occasions, returning to Australia on 27/7/1919. Next of Kin - Edward Henry PAYNE (Cousin) of Carboor. Jack and Edward were both cousins to Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop.By identifying this originally unknown soldier to be John "Jack" AMBROSE has revealed links to the children of Edward Samuel PAYNE and his wife Catherine Marie nee WALPOLE. Jack's mother Ida Elizabeth AMBROSE nee PAYNE is the elder sister of Alice Emily Maud DUNLOP nee PAYNE mother of Sir Ernest Edward "Weary" DUNLOP, twin sisters Lily May and Violet Minnie PAYNE who both served as Nurses during the First World War along with youngest brother Alfred Ernest PAYNE 1256. The latter three together with Jack AMBROSE are listed on the Wangaratta and District Victory Roll. Colonel Sir Ernest Edward "Weary" Dunlop, AC, CMG, OBE was born at Wangaratta (12 July 1907 – 2 July 1993) and an Australian Surgeon renowned for his leadership while being held prisoner by the Japanese during the Second World War.Framed timber mounted photograph of unknown WW1 Soldier - now identified to be John AMBROSE MM 1132 of CarboorBelow photograph handwritten "Jack Ambrose married a girl Chick" Rear Miss S Wright Farm Hill Carboor East via Wangarattajohn ambrose, 5th battalion ww1, carboor, wangaratta, weary dunlop -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - MOTHERS AND WIDOWS BADGE WW2, post WWII
Item with the collection of Cyril John JOHNSON VX 36298 died as a POW of the Japanese. Refer 3144 for his service history.Badge, circular, Mothers & Widows, depicting a woman with wreath. Under via 2 small links is a clasp with 1 star depicting 1 son lost in the war.On front: FOR AUSTRALIA On rear: A17189 AMOR SYDNEYbadges, military, sacrifice -
Alfred Hospital Nurses League - Nursing Archive
Book, Betty Jeffrey 1908-2000, White Coolies, 1988
n 1942 a group of sixty-five Australian Army nursing sisters was evacuated from Malaya aboard the Vyner Brooke, a few days before the fall of Singapore. Two days later their ship was bombed and sunk by the Japanese. Of the fifty-three survivors who scrambled ashore, twenty-one were murdered and the remaining thirty-two were taken prisoner. The book is the engrossing record kept by one of the sisters, Betty Jeffrey, during the three grueling years of imprisonment that followed. It is an amazing story of survival and deprivation in the harshest of conditions.Book has a red white and Malaya 1941, Nursing Sisters of cover, tile printed in white and author's name printed in black on front cover. On the front cover is a coloured black and white photograph "Malaya 1941, Nursing Sisters of 2/4 Clearing Station, 8 Division. Title and author's name also printed in white on spine. The back cover has a summary of the booknon-fictionn 1942 a group of sixty-five Australian Army nursing sisters was evacuated from Malaya aboard the Vyner Brooke, a few days before the fall of Singapore. Two days later their ship was bombed and sunk by the Japanese. Of the fifty-three survivors who scrambled ashore, twenty-one were murdered and the remaining thirty-two were taken prisoner. The book is the engrossing record kept by one of the sisters, Betty Jeffrey, during the three grueling years of imprisonment that followed. It is an amazing story of survival and deprivation in the harshest of conditions.world war 1939-1945 prisoners of war, nurses