Plaque present to Corporal Sperry BODSWORTH MID who served with the 2/21st Battalion and involved with the Battle of Ambon. On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber in the shape of a shield mounted with a metal a coat of arms depicting white seagull above black and orange diamond within pale blue oval shape.Gull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha Plaque - Cpl Sperry Bodsworth VX23435 MIDgull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

1941 Christmas Greeting card produced for the 2/24 Infantry Battalion AIF whilst abroad to send to family and loved ones. Item belonged to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 arrived UK recovered POW. Folded cream cardboard with irregular edging and wording in black print on front cover and inside back cover. Red and white rolled thread/ribbon tied through two punched holes on left margin. Inside contains a black and white panorama of a seaside bay. 1941 Greetings from 2/24 Aust Inf Bn/AIF ABROAD Inside card - Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and Joy in the New Year/Xmas 1941/New Year 19422/24 bn, ww2, pow, thomas karnatz

Small box containing seven obituary notices - five relating to John Kelvie Chesters POW and two relating to his uncle John Chesters KIA in 1916 John Kelvie Chesters VX67750 Born on 11/12/1922 at Footscray Enlisted on 12/12/1941 and serviced with the Australian Army Canteen Service (AACS). John was deployed to Ambon in the Dutch East Indies and taken prisoner of war and died of illness on 1/7/1945 aged 22 years. Buried at Galala War Cemetery Ambon. Son of Thomas Kelvie Chesters who served during WW1 and likely named in honour of his brother John Chesters 3476 killed in action in France during WW1. Small oblong shaped box with lid covered in tan colour paper containing newspaper cuttings.ww2, ambon, pow, aacs, gull force, ww1, france, kia

This object relates to Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS. He was born on 18/02/1925 in Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Alwyn Harvey served in the RAAF (129061) enlisting on, 26/04/1943 in Prahran, VICTORIA before being discharged from duties with the AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (LAC/W) on 25/07/1946. His next of kin is Charles ROBERTS, father. Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS was not a prisoner of war. Alwyn Roberts was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Hugh Forrester BETHUNE. He was born on 15/11/1924 in Sydney, NSW. Hugh Forrester served in the RAAF (430155) enlisting on, 01/01/1943 in Unknown before being discharged from duties with the 9 AIRCREW HOLDING UNIT as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Warrant Officer (WOFF) on 26/02/1946. Hugh Forrester BETHUNE was not a prisoner of war. Hugh Bethune was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Defence Medal, France and Germany Star, War Medal 1939-1945. The RSL badge represents readiness to serve the crown, country and former comrades. It can be purchased however it should only be worn by returned service personnel.Metallic badge with enamel sections depicting a white shield with a red and gold coloured crown and the number "95" at the head of the shield. In the top corners of the shield are images of a leek, rose, thistle and shamrock. An image of a red ribbon with the words "Australia" is at the base of the shield. In the centre of the shield is a blue circle with the words "Returned Services League", encircling an image of three servicemen in gold coloured relief.Inscriptions on the back: "V Property of League Swann & Hudson Vic." "91382" And another inscription that is partly obscured and includes "Bad.....ns" ballarat, ballarat rsl, badge, returned services leage badge, rsl badge, uniforms

This object relates to Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS. He was born on 18/02/1925 in Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Alwyn Harvey served in the RAAF (129061) enlisting on, 26/04/1943 in Prahran, VICTORIA before being discharged from duties with the AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (LAC/W) on 25/07/1946. His next of kin is Charles ROBERTS, father. Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS was not a prisoner of war. Alwyn Roberts was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS. He was born on 18/02/1925 in Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Alwyn Harvey served in the RAAF (129061) enlisting on, 26/04/1943 in Prahran, VICTORIA before being discharged from duties with the AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (LAC/W) on 25/07/1946. His next of kin is Charles ROBERTS, father. Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS was not a prisoner of war. Alwyn Roberts was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.With Clasp - "SW Pacific"second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS. He was born on 18/02/1925 in Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Alwyn Harvey served in the RAAF (129061) enlisting on, 26/04/1943 in Prahran, VICTORIA before being discharged from duties with the AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (LAC/W) on 25/07/1946. His next of kin is Charles ROBERTS, father. Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS was not a prisoner of war. Alwyn Roberts was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS. He was born on 18/02/1925 in Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Alwyn Harvey served in the RAAF (129061) enlisting on, 26/04/1943 in Prahran, VICTORIA before being discharged from duties with the AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (LAC/W) on 25/07/1946. His next of kin is Charles ROBERTS, father. Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS was not a prisoner of war. Alwyn Roberts was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS. He was born on 18/02/1925 in Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Alwyn Harvey served in the RAAF (129061) enlisting on, 26/04/1943 in Prahran, VICTORIA before being discharged from duties with the AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (LAC/W) on 25/07/1946. His next of kin is Charles ROBERTS, father. Alwyn Harvey ROBERTS was not a prisoner of war. Alwyn Roberts was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Service Medal of the Order of St. John.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.first world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH. He was born on 29/03/1895 in Ballarat, VIC though the Date of Birth given on his WWII enlistment is 29/3/1900. McIntosh enlisted on 15/8/1944, in Abbotsford and served in Port Moresby. He was discharged on 4/1/1946 at which time he was posted with the 128 Aust Gen Hosp (624 / 34138; VX149550). He also served with the 3 ARMY BDE as a Army Non-Commissioned DVR (GNR) in WWI, having enlisted on 28/11/1916 in Ballarat, VIC and been discharged on 27/11/1919. Norman Francis /Francis Norman McINTOSH was not a prisoner of war.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat

At the outbreak of war in 1939 Perth was serving in the West Indies. She served with distinction at Cape Matapan against Italy. Perth suffered damage from an air attack while berthed in Malta. Perth evacuated troops from Greece to Crete when Crete was invaded by the Germans When Japan entered the war in December 1941 Perth was sent to Java in the Dutch East Indies - now Indonesia. Perth's total complement was 681, of these 353 including Captain Hector Waller D.S.O were lost in action, 4 died ashore and 324 fell into Japanese hands. Of these 106 ratings died while prisoners of war, 53 dying while working on the Burma - Thailand railway.Framed Information sheet with description of specifications - crew numbers and service record of H.M.A.S Perth.H.M.A.S Perth (ex H.M.S Amphion). A Light Cruiser Leander Class 1941 of 7600 tons. Under full power speed trials reached 31.7 knots. Perth was commissioned as H.M.S Amphion on 15th June 1936 and was renamed H.M.A.S Perth by H.R.H Duchess of Kent on 10th July 1939.

Very brief biological article listing decorations and positions of distinction held by Vivian Statham (neé Bullwinkel) prior to her upcoming (at time of printing) retirement as Matron of the Fairfield Hospital: - Born Kapunda, South Australia - Nurse training at Broken Hill District Hospital (1934-39) - Served with 13th Australian General Hospital (AGH) in WWII - Went down on Vyner Brooke - Only survivor of Banka [sic] Island massacre and was Japanese Prisoner of War - Post WWII was Matron of Heidelberg General Hospital (1956-60) - Trustee of the National War Memorial, Canberra 1963 - Deputy Principal Commandant of the Australian Red Cross 1964 - Achieved a Diploma of Nursing Administration - Awarded the Florence Nightingale MedalA newspaper clipping consisting of titles, four columns of text and a black and white photo of a middle aged woman outside a building.ww2, wwii, world war two, vivian statham (nee bullwinkel), retirement