Showing 10447 items matching "australia. wars"
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Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
This photograph shows men working on cutting marble at South Buchan for Australia House in London. In the early 1900s black marble was being mined in the Bruthen district. Some was used for the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and Australia House in London. 900 tonnes were shipped to London to be included in the construction of Australia House. DESCRIPTIONA paper covered booklet which is a pictorial souvenir Of Australia House in London. Pictures show Buchan marble features of the building.SIZE H-266mm W-192mm OBJECT REGISTRATION654KEYWORDSbuchan-marble australia-houseHISTORICAL INFORMATIONAustralia House is the oldest Australian diplomatic mission and it is the longest continuously occupied foreign mission in London. King George V laid the building’s first foundation stone in 1913 but it was not until August 1918 that he officially opened the completed building. The stringencies of World War I – principally shipping difficulties and labour shortages – had delayed construction considerably. Federation of the six Australian states formally took place on 1 January 1901 but it was not until 1906 that the Federal Government sent an Official Secretary to London to represent Australia. In the intervening years Australia was represented by State Agents-General, the first of whom was the Agent-General of Victoria. The building is significant for its unique design, Beaux Arts style and the materials used in its construction.Marble quarrying has been a significant part of the history of Buchan in East Gippsland. Its inclusion in Australia House in London and the shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is noteworthy.A small black / white photograph of men in the background of a marble quarry. There is also a copy.on back - " Cutting Australian Home Marble at Sth Buchan"buchan-marble geology australia-house -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, first half 20th century
... of Remembrance War Memorial and Australia House in London is noteworthy ...In the early 1900s black marble was being mined in the Bruthen district. Some was used for the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and Australia House in London. 900 tonnes were shipped to London to be included in the construction of Australia House.Marble quarrying has been a significant part of the history of Buchan in East Gippsland. Its inclusion in the Shrine of Remembrance War Memorial and Australia House in London is noteworthy.A large black / white photograph of men working in a marble quarry.buchan-marble geology shrine-of-remembrance australia-house-london -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, early 20th century
... was used for the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and Australia ...This photograph shows Buchan marble being transported by horse and wagon to Nowa Nowa Railway Station. Lnidsay Cameron is the driver on the right. In the background is the Commercial Store of T. L. Sherrington, General Merchant, Bruthen. In the early 1900s black marble was being mined in the Bruthen district. Some was used for the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and Australia House in London. 900 tonnes were shipped to London to be included in the construction of Australia House. Marble quarrying has been a significant part of the history of Buchan in East Gippsland. Its inclusion in the Shrine of Remembrance War Memorial and Australia House in London is noteworthy.A black / white photograph on a grey buff card. it is of four horse drawn wagons in front of a general store - "T L Sherrington General Merchant". There are five men standing on the trays and a man in a suit and hat holding a Gladstone bag is standing front left. a dog is lying on the ground between the wagons. The wagons are carrying large slabs of marble.on back - " Marble passing through Bruthen on way to railway"buchan-marble geology cameron-lindsay transport-rail transport-horse-drawn -
Orbost & District Historical Society
poem, Mallacoota
The poem, "Mallacoota", as in this copy, does not appear to be noted in any of the lists of poems attributed to Henry Lawson. NOTE: Information provided by David Williams on 13/12/2021 is that "this poem in your collection is by Edward Harrington (indeed not Lawson)". Edward P Harrington (1895-1966) was born in Shepparton, served in Palestine in W W I with the 4th Light Horse Regiment, tried farming, but his lifelong passion was for story-telling through poetry. He is described as the 'last bush balladist' in Australia, and was a close friend of E J Brady and John Shaw Neilson. It was likely that he came to Mallacoota as a guest of E J Brady who had a camp for writers and poets there. He produced 5 collections of verse: Songs of War and Peace; Boundary Bend and Other Ballads; My Old Black Billy and other Songs of the Australian Outback; The Kerrigan Boys and other Australian Verses; and Swagless Swaggie and Other Ballads.His "Mallacoota" poem is printed in the Swagless Swaggie collection (1957). https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/harrington-edward-philip-10431 Poetry associated with a place in East Gippsland. A copy of a printed poem titled "Mallacoota" with unknown author. It is pasted onto a cardboard backing. Although attributed to Henry Lawson in this printed copy, information is that it is by Edward Harrington.poem - edward harrington - bush balladist - mallacoota -
Orbost & District Historical Society
invitation, 1939
The Returned Sailors and soldiers Imperial League of Australia was formed in 1916. Annual RSSAILA Balls (originally known as the Diggers Balls) were held to raise funds for those who returned fromconflicts especially those who were not eligible for war pensions.Socially , the ‘Diggers’ Annual Ball’ accomplished a great deal in bringing Returned Servicemen together. At this time, these functions were organised by self-appointed committees and proceeds were distributed among special causes – mainly to the RSSAILA members who were experiencing hardship.A rectangular card invitation to the Diggers' Military Ball, Monday 1st May 1939. Print is in black. The card is edged in gold. It is a Double Ticket - 7/6 RSSILAmilitary-balls r.s.s.i.l.a. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
certificate, 2000
James Chester Kerr Trewin (916-1965) was born in Orbost, Victoria, Australia and died there. Service Australian Army Service Number VX5640. He enlisted on 23 Oct 1939 at Sale, VIC He was discharged on 5 Aug 1943 with the rank o Lieutenant He was in 2/7 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION. This personal document gives an insight into the human element of World War 11 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and played a vital role during this time are remembered.A rectangular laminated certificate which was given to James C. K. Trewin for contributing to Australia's effort in WW11. It is signed by John Howard-prime minister ; Peter McGauran - federal member and Bruce Scott-minister for veteran affairs.On rectangular picture of the Australian flag - Their Service Our Heritagecertificate trewin-james ww11 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
military uniform, Before 1939
This is the army uniform of James Chester Kerr Trewin a lieutenant in 2/7th and 58/59th Battalions. He served in the Middle East, Syria and New Guinea. James Trewin was wounded in action.This item gives an insight into the human element of World War 11 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and played a vital role during this time are remembered.A khaki coloured WW11 jacket (male) with a cap. There are medals on a strip. Three bronze stars : 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star. Round silver medals : 1939-1945 Defence Medal ; 1939-1945 Australian Service Medal . There is a Rising Sun - Australian Commonwealth Military Force - on the lapel and on the cap. On left sleeve is a strip of black and red bars.uniform-military trewin-james ww11 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
coin, Arendsen & Sons, WW11
For security reasons, tokens were used in Australian WW11 Internment Camps. They were introduced in 19433 to replace the paper canteen coupons. This token was used at the internment camp at Bete Bolong just outside Orbost during WW11. This camp was established in 1943 and was there until 1946. The internees had been transferred from the camp at Murchison East to provide farm labour. The coin was given to Lindsay Thomson when he was a student.This token was used at the Bete Bolong POW camp from 1943-1945. This camp housed Italian POWs, some of whom remained/returned after the war to settle in Orbost.An internment camp coin. This is a one penny coin token with a hole in the centre. It is made of brass.ONE PENNY INTERNMENT CAMPStoken ww11 bete-bolong internment-camp -
Orbost & District Historical Society
plaque, 1919
To finance the war the Commonwealth had a series of war loans, and then peace loans. All were over-subscribed. This plaque was made and presented to the Shire of Orbost in recognition of the Shire residents' contributions to the Peace Loan at the end of World War 1.A rectangular brass plaque with raised lettering and raised borders.Commonwealth of Australia / Peace Loan / A.D. 1919 / To commemorate the oversubscription of the allotted quota of this loan by the Shire of Orbost / R.P. Cameron ? W.A. Watt Treasurer, W.M. Hughes Prime Ministerplaque civic-memento orbos-shire peace-loan -
Orbost & District Historical Society
jar, 1935-1945
... and was included in Australian Army rations during World War II. Buyers ...Vegemite hit the market in 1923 but failed to sell. In 1928 the company renamed its spread Parwill to compete against the top-selling British import, Marmite but Parwill flopped too. In 1922 the Fred Walker Company hired a chemist, Percy Callister, to develop a useful food from vitamin-rich used yeast being dumped by breweries. Using enzymes to split open the yeast cells, Callister extracted the contents and blended them with vegetables and salt into a sticky black paste with a sharp taste. They tried the Vegemite name again and gave the product away with Walker cheese products and a couple of cars as prizes before Australians finally fell for it. In 1939 Vegemite was officially endorsed by the British Medical Association as a good source of Vitamin B and was included in Australian Army rations during World War II. Buyers were now assured of the nutritional value of Vegemite, which has been a market leader ever since. The Fred Walker Company became the Kraft Walker Cheese Co. Pty Ltd in 1926 and Kraft Foods Limited in 1950. (from Powerhouse Museum) This type of jar was used to package Vegemite between 1935 and 1945. Vegemite has been an 'Australian icon' since World War II when it was recognised as one of the world's highest food sources of vitamin B. It was sent to war with the troops and rationed at home. The marketing strategy that put Vegemite in 9 out of every 10 Australian homes in the 1940s, 50s and 60s emphasised the value of Vegemite to children's health. A cylindrical Vegemite jar made of white opal glass. It has a threaded rim and two mould seams. On the base - AGM Vegemite V879 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
adding machine, 1964
Burroughs Adding Machines Ltd of Detroit Michigan was the first company to occupy a factory at Strathleven. During the European reconstruction in the late 1940's Burroughs built a major new factory at Strathleven in Scotland, initially to assemble machines from US-made parts and later to manufacture the full product range for the British and Commonwealth markets. Most of the post-war calculators and portables found in Australia are from the Strathleven factory.This manually operated calculator predates the the rise of the modern computer.A manually operated Burrough's adding machine. It is a greyish green plastic and has a silver handle. It has 8 columns to add manuaIly and has decimal currency. There is a roll of white (slightly yellowed) paper inserted in the top section.On front -P3981115 mathematics accounting burroughs adding-machine business calculator -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bottle, Probably WW11
Joseph Bosisto was a Yorkshireman who had qualified as a Pharmacist in Leeds and London. He arrived in Adelaide in 1848 at the age of 21. In 1851 he moved to Victoria in search of gold, but instead opened a pharmacy in Richmond, where he built a laboratory to investigate the chemical and medicinal properties of Australian plants. As a result of the collaboration with von Meuller the essential oil industry of Australia began in 1852, when Bosisto commenced operations in a small, rudely constructed still at Dandenong Creek, Victoria, using the leaves of a form of E. radiata (then known as E. amygdalina) which grew profusely in the district. Bosisto soon built other distilleries at Emerald, Menzies Creek and Macclesfield. World War II soldiers packed it in their mess kits to keep foot fungus in the tropics at bay. Small clear glass Eucalyptus Oil bottle with metal screw lid and large label on front.Front Label - War Time Pack Back - This bottle remains property of J Bosisto &Co Pty Ltd Richmond Victoria Bottom-F1196bottle eucalyptus-oil bosisto-joseph -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Japanese money
During World War II the Japanese Government printed currency notes, some denominated in the Australian pound, for use in Pacific countries intended for occupation. One shilling notes are typical of the occupation currency used in captured parts of Papua New Guinea during the War. Japanese printed bank notes. Three five cent notes ; one one shilling note and two five yuan notes. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
souvenir card, 1916
... and wounded between England and Australia. souvenir Karoola World-War ...His Majesty's Australian Hospital ship Karoola was converted in England to a fully equipped Hospital ship with beds for 463 patients. It spent 3 years transporting the sick and wounded between England and Australia.White card with blue decoration and red cross on front. A souvenir booklet for soldiers who returned home on the No.1 Australian Hospital Ship "Karoola".Inside cover -"Trooper James Drew 2563"souvenir karoola world-war-one drew-james hospital-ship -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bandolier, Late 1800's
Bandolier was worn by Australian Horseman, Jacob Perry, Orbost farmer. Born 1874. Died 1950. He was a Boer War veteran , 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen. a shire councillor and worker for school affairs.Jacob Perry was a prominent Orbost resident and this item is a reminder of his contribution to the defence of the Commonwealth.A leather Boer War bandolier with small pouches to hold bullets. Brass studs. Worn over the shoulder.bandolier perry-jacob boer-war ammunition arms -
Orbost & District Historical Society
badge
The Australian 'Rising Sun' General Service Hat Badge dates back to the First World War when it was chosen for the First AIF. The third pattern Rising Sun badge carried a scroll inscribed with the words ‘Australian Commonwealth Military Forces’ and was worn throughout both World Wars. This badge remains in service - although with some variations in the wordingA bronze Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge. It is in the shape of the rising sun on a pin to attach to army slouch hat.badge rising-sun numismatics -
Orbost & District Historical Society
badge, 1902
In 1902 a badge was urgently sought for the Australian contingents raised after Federation for Service in South Africa during Boer War. Probably the most widely-accepted version of the origin of this badge is that which attributes the selection of its design to a British Officer, Major General Sir Edward Hutton, KCB, KCMG, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Australian Forces. He had earlier recieved as a gift from Brigadier General Joseph Gordon, a military acquaintance of long standing, a "Trophy of Arms" comprising mounted cut and thrust swords and triangular Martini Henri bayonets arranged in a semicircle around a brass crown. To Major General Hutton the shield was symbolic of the co-ordination of the Naval and Military Forces of the Commonwealth. The rising sun badge has been worn by Australian soldiers since 1902. Thus it is a symbol that links soldiers across several generations, and across many conflicts and peace-keeping missions. Its symbolism is at once warlike and hopeful, as it incorporates an array of bayonets to create the form of the rising sun. At the centre sits a crown, symbol of a soldier's allegiance to the Australian nation and the British monarch. Small bronze coloured rising sun badge from a slouch hat. Military badge, general service 'Rising Sun' hat badge, Australian Imperial Force, Stamped oxidised copper alloy sun design in semi-circle around a crown, with the words 'AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES' below. The back has two hooks for attaching the badge to a hat. This is the simple design of 1902 that incorporates an array of stylised bayonets to form a representation of the rising sun. Australian Commonwealth Military Forcesbadge military numismatics rising-sun -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Red Cross Box, 1939
This box was donated by Mary Gilbert who was the Orbost Red Cross Superintendent. Australian women's efforts on the home front to support the nation during WWI and WWII were monumental. They worked tirelessly for Red Cross in response to the national emergency, serving the humanitarian needs of the nation. Women produced millions of pounds worth of in-kind support through volunteer labour and goods, sending an astonishing volume of goods overseas to servicemen and prisoners of war. They knitted and sewed socks, towels and vests for soldiers.A black Red Cross box containing training cards, forms and badges. The box is made of card and covered in black fabric.red-cross gilbert-mary world-war-11 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
roll of honor, 1920s
Presented to the Shire of Orbost as a history and commenoration of those who served and those who died during World War 1. This is an original Honor Roll and contains the names of Orbost men who served in W W 1. A framed memorial roll of honour for those from the Shire of Orbost who served at Gallipoli, Palestine and France. It is framed under glass with a large wooden frame. It has the names of those who served and those who were killed. On either side are the dates 1914 and 1919.Names of those who served in W W 1.roll-of-honor honor-roll world-war-one-honor-roll orbost -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture ...Taken some time between 1914-18 in France, the photograph depicts extensive wreckage of a railway train. There are collapsed buildings, debris, and helmets scattered all across the landscape. There is one unidentified soldier standing in the middle of the photograph. With research that is currently available, it can be inferred that the wreckage depicted in this photograph is from the tragic Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment which occurred on December 12, 1917. The railway accident involved a troop train carrying almost 1,000 French soldiers on their way home for leave from the Italian Front in World War I. As the train descended into the Maurienne Valley, a sudden, uncontrollable acceleration caused a catastrophic crash and subsequent fire. 675 people died in the accident.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Additionally, there is only limited information available about the Sant-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment. The record may be a useful springboard for further investigation into this accident and its history.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 6530 / Destruction of train carrying / German helmets (?) to (?) prior to / his retreat at Charleroi /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, charleroi, train, military, wreckage, europe, belgium, saint-michel-de-maurienne, maurienne valley -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture ...Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a house in the bottom right corner. A dotted line has been drawn across the photograph, marking the section of trenches that belonged to British forces during World War I. It is believed that the line marking on this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3FE.O.146 / G2R 29 . 6 . 18 (Y p.m) / F= 10 1/4 / British Line / ------------------------------------------ / P. 250 1040 / 0. 30d. 0010 / 0. 30d. 3070 /military album, military, war, wwi, world war i, france, great britain, trenches, village, rural, western front -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War ...Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a cluster of houses in the top right corner. It is believed that this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3.FE.2.291 / 62D O.20bd.P.25O.C / 16.7.18 / 12 / F 8 1/4 / Reverse: 6532military album, military, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, trenches -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1918
... the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army ...It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
... of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred ...The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken some time between 1914-1918. Depicted are five unidentified Australian soldiers. They are all dressed in military uniforms. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are rectangular colour patches. One is visible on the soldier in the front row, first from the left on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the right arms of a soldier’s tunic. The sepia nature of the record means that we cannot determine the colour, and therefore cannot establish which battalion this soldier was part of. Furthermore, the man seated in the middle of the front row has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the sepia nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / hyossest (?) / 6538 /military album, army, aif, australian imperial force, postcard, wwi, world war i, portrait, soldiers -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian ...Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of Villers-Bretonneux in France, a region which was part of the Western Front during World War I. The image mostly shows rural landscape. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. The First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 30 March - 5 April 1918. It took place during Operation Michael, part of the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. The offensive began against the British Fifth Army and the Third Army on the Somme, and pushed back the British and French reinforcements on the north side of the Somme. The capture of Villers-Bretonneux, close to Amiens, a strategically important road and rail-junction, would have brought the Germans within artillery-range. In late March, troops from the Australian Imperial Force were brought south from Belgium as reinforcements to help shore up the line. In early April, the Germans launched an attack to capture Villers-Bretonneux. After a determined defence by British and Australian troops, the attackers were close to success until a counter-attack by the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade and British troops late in the afternoon of 4 April restored the situation and halted the German advance on Amiens. The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 24 - 27 April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive to the east of Amiens. It is notable for being the first occasion on which tanks fought against each other. A counter-attack by two Australian brigades and a British brigade during the night of 24 April partly surrounded Villers-Bretonneux, and on 25 April, the town was recaptured. On 26 April, the role of the Moroccan division of the French army was crucial in pushing back German units. Australian, British and French troops nearly restored the original front line by 27 April.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. Additionally, the record's significance is enhanced by its depiction of Villers-Bretonneux. The battles that occurred in this town during World War I are especially historically significant to Australia as this is where the Australian Imperial Force had one their greatest World War I victories. An Australian flag still flies over Villers-Bretonneux in the present. Furthermore, a plaque outside the Villers-Bretonneux Town Hall recounts the battles fought to save the town in 1918. Kangaroos feature over the entrance to the Town Hall, and the main street is named Rue de Melbourne. More officially, recognition of the significance of the battle in Villers-Bretonneux is found at the Australian National Memorial, which was built just outside the town. It commemorates all Australians who fought in France and Belgium and includes the names of 10,772 who died in France and have no known grave. Each year, a small ceremony is held at the memorial to mark the sacrifice made by the soldiers. Lastly, the record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: yAE.2.35. / 125 / 62d.2834.35.36.VA.5. / 12.G.18-11 / F.-(?)" /military album, wwi, world war i, villers-bretonneux, australian imperial force, aif, france, war, army, conflict, germany, 1918, battle -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Newspaper - Photograph, c.1950
Taken in the 1950s, this picture is of two veterans of the First World War, Colonel Sir William Leggatt and Brigadier Sir Lionel Harris who fought together in France over 30 years prior. The two men were invested by the Queen at Buckingham palace as Knights, a prestigious honour for Australian soldiers, who for another 20 years would have no official recognition by the Australian government through the 'Order of Australia.' This image showcases the role of Australian service members who fought during the first world war being honoured by the British Government, personally meeting the Queen. Black and white photograph accompanied by text below taken from a NewspaperObverse: VICTORIA'S Agent-General, Colonel Sir William Leggatt (right) and his old / cobber's Brigadier Sir Lionel Harris, outside Buckingham Palace yesterday after hav- / ing received the accolade form the Queen. Thirty-two years ago as sergeant and private / they shared a trench in France. Yesterday as they waited to be knighted by the / Queen, Sir William said, "if anyone had told us then that we were ever going to / meet like this, we would have thought he was off his block. - Today's radiophoto / Reverse: 6539 (in pencil) / burke museum, beechworth, beechworth museum, world war one, military album, trenches, nighted, queen, buckingham palace, wwi, sir william leggatt, sir lionel harris -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1914
Aerial photograph of a battle field in France during World War OneBlack and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paperReverse: 6534 / Australian Official Photographs, No. E1253 /military album, burke museum, beechworth, beechworth museum, world war war, wwi, trenches, aerial photo, battlefield -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c.1914
This photograph depicts a soldier, credited on the reverse as Fred Foster. The young man is dressed in military attire and is standing tall with a gun beside him. He is located in the Australian bush and the date of the photograph is unknown. Frederick “Fred” Arthur Foster was nephew to famous Bushranger Edward “Ned” Kelly. He was born on the 15th of March 1889 in Forbes, New South Wales. He was the eldest son of Catherine “Kate” Kelly and William Henry “Bricky” Foster. After the death of his mother in October of 1898 from apparent drowning, Foster (then aged 9) was raised by his grandmother Ellen Kelly (née Quinn) at Eleven Mile Creek in Victoria. On the 29th of June 1915, 26 year old Foster travelled to Melbourne, Victoria and enlisted in the Australian Army. He was a Private in the 17th Infantry Battalion (originally C.Company, 47th battalion). He previously was attached to the 55th Battalion but transferred in 1916. Prior to enlisting in the army, Foster worked as a Bee Keeper and served in the 16th Light Horse regiment at Benalla. Foster had blue eyes, brown hair and was of Presbyterian faith. On the 28th of February 1917, Foster travelled to France aboard SS “Golden Eagle”. He was killed in action in Lagnicourt, France on the 15th of April 1917 at 28 years old. The Battle in Lagnicourt France, on the Western Front, occurred from the 1st of March to the 30th of April of 1917 and was the location of fierce fighting between Germany and the British Empire. Germany became aware of a weakness they had along the Hindenburg Line, one of these weaknesses was located in Lagnicourt which is a small village in Northern France. Therefore, the Germans decided to launch a counter-attack in this area on the 15th of April at dawn. During this fight, German forces captured several batteries of the 1st Australian Division’s artillery but the Australians led a strong counter-attack by four of their battalions and recaptured the village and most of the guns from the German forces. German forces were forced into a premature withdrawal. This battle was not undertaken in typical WW1 “trench” style warfare. Instead, the battle was up on the ground in what was described as “old open style warfare”. In this battle, slightly more than 1000 casualties were Australian, with 300 of these prisoners of war. German forces suffered a loss of over 2300 casualties with 360 taken captive. Foster was one of 43 in his regiment who died, 87 were wounded and 51 reported missing. Foster was buried at location in Lagnicourt and whilst the grave was initially marked, it is now unknown. Foster’s service, alongside those who fell at Lagnicourt, is commemorated at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France along with other national Australian memorial sites.Photography played an important part in World War 1. Photographs of men in their military uniforms served as propaganda during the Great War to reassure civilians back at home of the military prowess of their nation and the bravery of their men. It did this while hiding the true horrors which faced the men in battle. These photographs, which includes those taken at home prior to embarking overseas like Fred Foster’s, act as censored memory for those who have lost a loved one at war. It enables families to remember their relatives in their youth and standing proudly rather than having to face the actual danger and horror which faced these men at the front line. The battle of Lagnicourt France was a victory for the European Empire and therefore, men who lost their lives protecting their countries became heroes and were awarded posthumous medals for their service. Photos of soldiers in their uniforms, were undertaken by men like Foster, so their families would be able to retain their memories and likeness before they embarked for war. Many men were killed or horribly wounded so these images were important for reminding families about their sons/ husbands/ brothers/ cousins and friends. This photo is a part of the Burke Museum Kelly album which includes numerous photographs relating to the Kelly Gang. As the son of Kate Kelly and William “Bricky” Foster, Fred Foster is an important part of the Kelly story after the execution of Edward “Ned” Kelly which has information it can impart relating to the history of the family after 1880. Whilst an important element of the Kelly Album, Foster’s photograph is also historically important in its own right for its connection to the Great War and the experiences of a soldier at the Western Front.Original sepia rectangular photograph developed on matte photographic paper, unmounted.Reverse: (Top right corner of reverse:) FRED FOSTER/ (Top centre of reverse:) Kate Kelly's son.kelly album, fred foster, kate kelly, photograph, australian soldier, the kelly gang, australian bush, burke museum, sepia photo, gum trees, family of the kelly gang, world war i, langnicourt, france, great war, 1917, ned kelly, frederick foster, william "bricky" foster, ellen kelly, military history, australian military -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Medal - Order of the British Empire Medal, 01/01/1976
David Aloysius Patrick McKenzie-McHarg, L.I.B, O.B.E was born on 20th June 1918 in Albury, NSW to Hugh Patrick McKenzie-McHarg and Laura May (Dunne) McKenzie-McHarg. McKenzie-McHarg served on the Council of the United Shire of Beechworth for more than a decade during the 1960s-70s, including seven years as president. He was renowned as a public speaker and played a significant role in the community. In recognition for his outstanding achievements and services rendered to the Beechworth community he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976. David McKenzie-McHarg died on 6th June 1992 and is buried in Beechworth Cemetery. David McKenzie-McHarg’s wife, Marjorie Jean McKenzie McHarg, was well known to the Beechworth community as a brilliant pianist and played at all the balls and house parties. Apparently, she could play without sheet-music and would only have to hear a tune once to play it to near perfection. Together, they were a formidable asset to the Beechworth community over many years The British honours system has various orders, usually relating to the monarchy, military and colonial officials. An OBE (or order of the British Empire) is given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others. This Order was established by George V in 1917 in response to recognising the thousands of men and women who served in a variety of non-combatant roles during the First world war who didn’t otherwise receive any formal recognition but were certainly worthy of acknowledgement. Recommendations for appointments to this Order were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, however this soon became available to Commonwealth countries as well. However, Australia officially ceased to recommend the Order of the British Empire in 1989 with the establishment of the Order of Australia. Silver badge suspended from red ribbon with pearl-grey edges. The badge is in the form of a cross patonce (having the arms growing broader and floriated toward the end), the obverse of which bears the same field as the star pictures George V and Queen Mary. The reverse bears George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher. Both are within a ring bearing the motto of the Order: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE. The presentation case in which the medal is housed is of a black outer boarder edge leatherette finishing, block letters in gold OBE. The inside has a cream velvet base with a silk padded liner to the roof with the full set of Royal Mint Crest Mark. Obverse: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE / burke museum, obe, obe medal, beechworth, david mckenzie-mcharg, british honours system, george v, beechworth community, order of australia., order of the british empire, marjorie jean mckenzie mcharg -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1944
Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the surrounding farmland from Mt. Stanley in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.1 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, beechworth, victoria, 1940s, australian army, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals