Article One - Image of Private Wally Atkinson from Barmah, Victoria a descendant of Murray tribe. Article Two - Mealtime - image of aborigines at meal time Article Three - Swingtime - image of aborigines practisiing latest hits on gum leaves - members of gum leaf band have raised much money for local hospital,comfort funds. Article Four - Goanna Soup? image of Pte E Foster and Cook H L Harvey with "Myrtleford Mary" camp mascot (goanna) Article Five (on rear) - Canteen - image of aborignal squad at canteen. Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Samuel Richard RANKIN VX48201 DOB 23/7/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Stewart HOOD VX47351 DOB 23/1/1903 Enlisted 18/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 William GORRIE VX48208 DOB 22/11/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 David John MULLETT VX48195 DOB 10/6/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Arthur Alexander (Tom?) MULLETT VX48198 DOB 25/11/1914 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Images relates to the "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria. In addition to normal army training they performed guard duty at the Army Hospital and Camp. They formed the Gum Leaf Band and led the troops at community singing and assisted in Methodist Church services. Four black and white newspaper articles adhered to cream paperno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon, 1940

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941The 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 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of camel train on dirt track with white tents on right and small buildings and tents on left."Dimra Camp" handwritten on note adhered to rear.2/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine where they were based prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. Whilst in camp the band entertained the troops.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 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph depicts soldiers playing brass instruments seated in two rows in a semi circle facing conductor in the open.Handwritten on rear 2/24 Band"Dimra Camp" prior to Tobruk 19412/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

Image appears to be of Army camp based near/at rural village with outlying buildings on Tarakan Island 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 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of two rows of long buildings with four men between one small building and two rows of tent like structures in the foreground. There are small buildings and smoke rising in the background.On rear - Boxing ring on Tarakan2/24th battalion, tarakan, ww2

Photograph taken of 2nd Platoon on the banks of the Ovens River, Wangaratta. After completing training at Wangaratta they marched to the railway station headed by the Town Band prior to travelling to Broadmeadows Army Camp.Reproduction of black and white photograph of soldiers standing in two rows along riverbank lined with trees. There is a small white dog in foreground. Wangaratta's 2nd Platoon of Australia's New Army March 19161916, second platoon, wangaratta, ww1

Original black and white photograph of 2/24 Infantry Battalion which includes image of Frank Percival SAVILLE VX34912 Born 4/4/1919 Enlisted 27/6/1940 and served with the 2/24th Battalion. He was a POW interned in Italy and Germany camps between 1941-45 during WW2.Black plastic frame with green mount housing original black and white photograph of soldiers in four rows.Plaque -Presented by H A Saville on behalf of his brother Frank P Saville VX34912 2/24 Battalion2/24 battalion, frank saville vx 34912, pow, ww2

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

Large colour reproduction depicting the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Parade of Guidons at Annual Camp held in 1959 at Beersheba Barracks in Wangaratta.Colour image of soldiers on parade and flag escort mounted on black edged plyboard.Parading the Guidons 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1959 Beersheba Barracks8/13 victorian mounted rifles, 1959, guidons, wangaratta

Six POW postcards sent by Private Stanley Pascoe CHANDLER VX57554 to his mother Christina Chandler in Wahgunyah Victoria. Chandler was born in Wahgunyah and enlisted on the 11/6/1941 at Royal Park in Victoria. Chandler served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion and was reported missing in Java in April 1942 during WW2. He was discharged on the 15/1/1946 The post cards were printed by the Imperial Japanese Army for POW's to send home that describes the good climate, food, medicine and clothes. They also allow room for a brief message. Chandler wrote that he was interred with his friend Frank Allen, received 10 cents per day and has not had any illness. POWs were supposed to be able to communicate with their family at home through the International Red Cross under certain conditions. For example, they were limited to 100 letters. However, in reality it was impossible for them to communicate with family more than once or twice during the duration of imprisonment, and there were camps where the POWs were not allowed to communicate with the world outside the camp at all. The average number of cards which the Japanese allowed to be sent out was from four to five for the whole period of captivity, and only some of these reached their destinations.Timber frame containing six POW postcards mounted on cardboard. Postcards printed by Imperial Japanese Army for POW's to send to families, describing their health and living conditions.Postcards have messages home, "Dear Mother, prisoner of war, unwounded and well. Hope all well at home. Love and kisses Stan".pow, world war 2, burma, wahgunyah victoria, prisoner of war, stanley pascoe chandler

Newspaper article from The Argus dated 5-11-1929 showing Major General Grimwade taking the salute at the Voluntary Artillery Camp of the 2nd Division at Broadmeadows. Black plastic frame with black mount with newspaper article depicting mounted soldiers and horse driven cannons.The Argus, Tuesday November 5 1929 Voluntary Artillery Camp at Broadmeadowsthe argus, 5-11-1929, 2nd division, voluntary artillery camp, broadmeadows

Dedication to the Aboriginal soldiers who formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. Aboriginals from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940. 7 of the 13 who enlisted in June 1940 were discharged as members of the 2/23rd Battalion. 10 were discharged on the 22/3/1941 as Services No Longer Required, 1 discharged in November 1940, 1 in January 1941 and another in April 1941. Dedication to Aboriginal soldiers who formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time.Large timber frame with orange mount containing boomerang three flags six photographs and narrative plaques9 Platoon Wangarattaaboriginal, 9 platoon, wangaratta, no 9 camp

1.Photocopy of letter dated 24/12/1914 handwritten by William Thomas Byrne of Docker's Plain whilst at training camp - 3rd light horse brigade train - to his sister. 2.Photocopy of brief summary of W.T.Byrne's life to when he was discharged in 1918 - photocopied from Docker Plains School Honor Book William Thomas BYRNE was born on 21/9/1890 at Docker Plains to William and Johanna Byrne. He was educated at Docker Plains and Wangaratta State schools. A farmer when he enlisted on 13/10/1914. He trained at Broadmeadows and embarked on Hororata on 17/4/1915. He served with the 3rd Light Horse and 12th and/or 27th ASC - Army Service Corps as a Driver. Newspaper article dated 7/11/2003 states letter was found inside second hand book and the writer of the letter identified as the uncle of local Wangaratta resident and historian Bill O'Callaghan. The letter written prior to embarking overseas was addressed to Mrs Connell Ford Street Wangaratta but intended for his sister Nora, a Nun at Brigidine Convent, Albert Park. Photocopy of handwritten letter and life history summary in black ink on white paper 3rd Light Horse Brigade train 24/12/14william thomas byrne 5692, docker's plains

Made by internee at Camp 3, Tatura2 wooden brooches with shell design contained in cardboard box with lid. "Gold" safety pin attached to backs of broochesE Werlein (on Box)|EW (on brooches)|Walter Witzki ....and address in lid of boxbrooch, wooden, werlein e, camp 3, tatura, ww2 camp 3, costume, accessory, jewellery

Made and used by internee in Camp 32 mushroom shped brown/white leather handstitched. Attached to a roll of black felt by thin black lace. Small safety pin on the back of the felt follbrooch, leather, felt, camp 1, tatura, ww2 camp 3, costume, accessory, jewellery

Made and used by internees in Camp 34 flowers of brown suede on green leather stems hanging from a green bar with 2 green leather leaves attached. Small safety pin attached to backbrooch, leather, camp 3, tatura, ww2 camp 3, costume, accessory, jewellery