Date is that given by descendant Julia Thornton. William Ernest Palstra married May Aurunui Holdaway (1885-1964) in 1920; this was their first and only home. They had 3 children, Margaret, Jocelyn and William. The family were connected with the Canterbury Salvation Army Corps. William's father was a Salvation Army officer; he spent his early life in South Africa. Prior to marriage he lived in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills. He was an air force officer. He joined the RAAF in 1925. The family was in London when William was killed on the maiden flight of the Airship R101 to Karachi. It crashed near Beauvais in France. His widow and children returned to live at 60 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. The donor Margaret Thornton was a daughter of William and May Palstra; one of her daughters, Julia Thornton still lives in the house in 2023. The houses across the road were demolished in the 1970s to build the Surrey Hills Salvation Army Church.This home is one of very few in the area which has been continuously owned by the same family over 3 generations. It is the only known image of the homes purchased and demolished by the Surrey Hills Salvation Army Church.Black and white photo of May Palstra with a baby, identified as Margaret, in a cane pram and with her fox terrier dog on the nature strip in front of her home. In the background can be seen the houses across the road. The road is unmade and the gutters are of bluestone construction.may palstra, margaret palstra, margaret thornton, julia thornton, may aurunui holdaway, guildford road, surrey hills, canterbury salvation army corps, demolished houses, babies, childhood

Map, p.302.When Admiral Richard E. Byrd set out on his second Antarctic expedition in 1934, he was already an international hero for having piloted the first flights over the North and South Poles. His plan for this latest adventure was to spend six months alone near the bottom of the world, gathering weather data and indulging his desire "to taste peace and quiet long enough to know how good they really are." But early on things went terribly wrong. Isolated in the pervasive polar night with no hope of release until spring, Byrd began suffering inexplicable symptoms of mental and physical illness. By the time he discovered that carbon monoxide from a defective stovepipe was poisoning him, Byrd was already engaged in a monumental struggle to save his life and preserve his sanity. When Alone was first published in 1938, it became an enormous bestseller. This edition keeps alive Byrd's unforgettable narrative for new generations of readers. antarctica, polar exploration

A Control Joy Stick presented to Pilot Officer Eric V. Read in 1937 after it was recovered from an aircraft he was flying had crashed in the Brisbane Ranges in December 1936. Eric Read was a 21 year old RAAF pilot who was on a flight over the Bacchus Marsh region to make meteorological observations. Read's plane came down in bad weather and crashed into a heavily wooded area of the Brisbane Ranges between Staughton Vale and Mount Wallace. An extensive air and ground search was conducted and after 32 hours Read was located, alive, but badly injured and unable to get out of the cockpit of the plane. He was first located from the air and then a rescue party was able to reach him through rough country and bring him to safety. Read recovered from his injuries and many years later gifted the control stick of the aircraft he had been flying as an item for the collection of the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society.This item is of local historical significance as an object related to a notable aircraft accident and subsequent rescue of the pilot. It is also significant for its rarity as a surviving piece of aviation equipment from this era.Control or Joy stick mounted on a wooden base.aircraft, aircraft accidents, eric v. read

Edna Barrie at the cairn, photo received from Graeme Minns in 1988. The cairn marks the site of Jimmy Melrose's plane crash in Melton South. The accident which happened on July 5th 1936. In 1934 Melrose made headlines with a series of spectacular flights. In July of that year, he set around Australia record and in that year established a new solo Australia England record when he flew to England to compete in the MacRoberston race with a De Havilland Puss Moth VH- YQO. The only Australian and the only solo pilot to complete the course within the time limit. He was seventh in finishing order and third in the handicap section making news again during the race with a dramatic landing in Darwin with empty fuel tanks. Late in 1935 Melrose imported the Phoenix for his “Adelaide to Anywhere” Charter Service. The previous year the Heston Aircraft Company had taken over the interests of the well known Comper Aircraft Company, and the first production of the new firm was the Phoenix, a single-engined all wooden five seater machine of sesquiplane configuration. The forward half of the fuselage was a streamlined rectangular section and the rear portion was a monocogue shell; the whole was of plywood fabric covered. The wing was built up of spruce box spars and lattice ribs, ply covered from the leading edge to the front spar and the fabric covered over the remainder. The tail surfaces were of similar construction. The most notable feature of the design was the lower stub wing which ran right across the fuselage embodying two box spars, plywood covered it housed the main undercarriage wheels when retracted and provided a substantial anchorage for the Nu form wing struts. The Dowty undercarriage retracted inwards, operated manually by hydraulic packs, Dual control fitted, with side by side seating for the pilots and three passenger seats behind. Power was a 200 h.p. De Havilland Gipsy VI 6 cylinder inverted in-line air-cooled engine. Six Phoenix were built; five of them registered in Great Britain and one of those was later sold abroad the remaining four were impressed into the R.A.F. in 1940. Specifications were: 40 feet 4 inches length 30 ft 2 ins height, 9ft 7ins, wing area 270 sq ft, Tare weight 2,600lbs loaded weight 3,300lbs; cruising speed 360 m.p.h. landing 50mph ceiling 14,000 ft range 700 miles. Melrose’s machine the first production aircraft was built early in 1936 and test flown of the 24th March. Painted green it carries the words “South Australian Centenary 1936” in silver of the fuselage and the name “Billing on the engine cowling in honor of Melrose’s uncle Noel Pemberton Billing, pioneer designer and founder of the Supermarine Aviation Company. The delivery flight was planned as a goodwill mission to publicise the forthcoming South Australian Centenary celebrations. Melrose left Dympne on the 9th April 1936, and flying via Marseilles, Naples, Athens, Baghdad, Basra, Karachi, Jodphur, Calcutta, Akyab, Penang, Singapore, Lombok, Darwin, Newcastle Waters and Alice Springs reached Adelaide on the 25th of April. Continuing the goodwill flight to other States, he visited Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Grafton, Brisbane, Coff’s Harbour, Sydney again, Launceston, Hobart and Mount Gambier before returning to Adelaide on the 13th May. During June Jimmy made some charter flights and early in July was engaged by Mr. A.J. Campbell a director of several mining companies from Melbourne to Darwin to commence at Essendon on the4th July. However on that day low cloud and steady rain caused the postponement. There was little improvement and Melrose was advised to delay the departure again. However he wished to reach Oodnadatta that night, and when he observed the break in the clouds decided to leave. He planned to climb above the cloud and fly to Adelaide at 3,000 feet. The aircraft was airborne about 8.10 a.m. and was last seen from Essendon climbing above the clouds. At 8.45 people at Melton (30 miles West of Melbourne) heard an approaching aircraft. The engine noise increased abnormally and eye witnesses saw the machine fall out of control from the cloud base about 800 feet and then disintegrate, fragments were scattered for 1½ miles and both occupants were killed. Hand written carbon copy by Edna Barrie.Typed by Wendy Barrie March 2014 Last Flight of Jimmy Melrose by John Burke Parade Magazine July 1972 Page 2 –4 This article gives the take off time of 7.50 am from Essendon Airport Eyewitness account at the time Maisie Arthur’s description. Newspaper article. Edna Barrie at the site of the 'Cairn'local identities, local significant events

These plates were manufactured for use by Victorian Railways. The stylised monogram of "VR" and wings was introduced for the locomotive "The Spirit of Progress", which completed its first journey on 23 November 1937. A badge of this design was also worn by the crew of "The Spirit" and the monogram was also emblazoned on the front of the locomotive. An article published in The Argus of 17 November 1937, in reference to the tremendous power of the locomotive said "The great V.R. monogram flanked with wings spread for flight enhances the illusion." The "Spirit of Progress" travelled between Melbourne and Sydney until its last journey on 2 August 1986.These plates are representative of those used on the iconic locomotive the "Spirit of Progress" which travelled from Melbourne to Sydney from 1937 until 2 August 1986 A collection of 4 plates from Victoria Railways. Made of white "Duraline" chinaware. All bear the insignia of Victoria Railways.Logo of VR in between stylised wings"spirit of progress", victorian railways, steam locomotives

This medallion was produced to commemorate the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's fourth annual air show which was held at Wodonga on June 14 and 15, 1980. It took place at Joe Drage's Air World Museum in Wodonga, Victoria. The event included a fly-in by members of the Antique Aeroplane Association which attracted 105 vintage planes from all parts of Australia. The show incorporated the Amy Johnson memorial rally to recognise the 50th anniversary of Amy Johnson's flight from England to Australia in 1930. Radio 2AY, the sponsor of the annual air show began broadcasting in 1930. This medallion and 2 other linked medallions were owned by Mr. Clive Cossor. He spent a lot of time at Drage's Historical Aircraft Museum and also helped transport gliders. He was also at the Albury racecourse as a teenager to assist in moving the Uiver when it was forced to land in a storm during the MacRobertson Trophy Air Race from London to Melbourne in October 1934.This medallion is significant as it records an important event recognising aviation in Australia and recognises Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia.A medallion produced to commemorate the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's fourth annual air show held at Wodonga on June 14 and 15, 1980 On the front around the medallion: "ON THE AIR FOR 50 YEARS/ANTIQUE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION 1980" . In the centre "SPONSORS/ 3AY/ALBURY-WODONGA/50th/ANNIVERSARY AMY JOHNSON/FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA/41/WODONGA 1980" On reverse: a depiction of Amy Johnson with wings inscribed "JOHNNIE 1930"aviation history, antique aeroplane association of australia, joe drage airworld, airshow wodonga, amy johnson

A letter written by Norm Smith and addressed to Kem Kemsley on 21 July 1975. It outlines recollections compiled by Norm Smith about the Intermediate Legacy Club (ILC) and individual members. His letter mentions 'Looking back over those years, recalling old time, old faces and places, we as Junior Legatees have a lot to be thankful for and I, for one, have always been exceedingly grateful to you, and those like you in legacy, who helped us so much.' Graham Billiet's letter dated 23 Mar 1974, mentions taking Frank Doolan to the reunion in 1974. Graham felt the ILC was winding down and was only running on half steam. He gives ILC members' addresses. Norm Smith's letter includes: Ted Kennedy, was the first president of the ILC, he was 'tall rangy lad with fiery red hair' who worked for United Distillers Ltd for 40 years (mostly in Brisbane where he joined Brisbane Legacy). Had been a keen junior legatee and taken part in Literary and Debating group and the Dramatic group where he met his future wife, Florence Pittard - which was the first marriage between junior legatees. He had been a naval cadet in the 1928 compulsory training and later joined the CMF where he was closely associated with L/ Stan Savige. He rose to rank of Major in AIF. Jack and Tom Kennedy, his brothers were in the Lacrosse team and his sister Molly in the JLC for years. G Billiet, a first nighter, very well known to legatees of the time. Bill Johnston, a studious type, went to MHS and university, became a Solicitor. Served in the RAAF as a Flight Lieut. Frank Corrie, prominent Junior Legatee in the Literary and Debating group, a fitter and turner by trade, was on JLC cricket and lacrosse teams, joined the AIF. Fred Hollingsworth, a motor mechanic, he joined CIG. He joined the AIF and served in the Middle East, and was one of the Rats of Tobruk as a sergeant. Bert Hollingsworth (brother of Fred) also in AIF and rank of Lieut. Is a past president of ILC. Bert Wood, a past president, worked for Victorian Railways, moved to Coolangatta. Dan Fitzgerald, active in the Drama group of JLC, worked as an announcer at the ABC. Alan Davidson, keen gymnast - particularly wrestling, helped with Alan Beattie (instructor of boys classes). Roy Davidson (brother of Alan) joined the AIF, afterwards joined M&MTB as a driver, married a Junior Legacy girl. Their younger brother Arthur was also in the lacrosse team. Roy Gilbert, keen junior legatee took part in Literary and Debating group and the Dramatic group and lacrosse team. Worked for Vacuum Oil Co., a past president of ILC and also married a Junior Legatee, Miss Lil Edmunds. Served in the AIF and was a Lieutenant in the Middle East. 'Jimmy' MacGregor, a colourful and handsome Junior Legatee, born in Collingwood, was one of L/ Stan Savige original contacts. Keen JLC gymnast and member of the football team. Worked at the Ret. Soldiers Woollen Mills in Geelong and was in the Geelong ILC. Frank 'Happy' Holliday, was in the lacrosse team, foundation member of ILC and past president. Served with the RAAF as an air frame fitter. Worked for L/ Con Fahle in the printing workshop for 40 years. Howard Auterey, joined the RAAF during the war and returned work for the State Saving bank before retiring in Warrnambool. Norman Smith, was working as an apprentice with M&MTB, took interest in Literary and Debating group and was in the lacrosse team. Was ILC president in 1946. Enliseted in the RAAF as airframe fitter. Retired from M&MTB after serving 50 years, married for 40 years to a daughter of an original Anzac who has also been an active member of the Ladies ILC for many years. Background: The ILC was formed in 1929. The idea of the club sprang from those boys who had outgrown the Junior Legacy Club. In the early days it fielded a lacrosse team and it was this that mainly held the members together (formed under guidance of L/ Jimmy Downing). Enthusiasm wained after a few years as it lacked a solid objective. The answer came from one of its members and in 1938 they founded the Don Esses Club. This was a club for the children of incapacitated ex-servicemen which met every Thursday night at 7.30 run by the ILC members. The name came from the signallers' code Disabled Servicemen's Sons. During the second world war 80% of the members of the ILC enlisted in the services. Leaving only 8 members that could not join due to ill health or reserved occupations. They continued the Don Esses and whatever aid they could to Legacy. ILC members had always helped Legacy where possible including being camp leaders or camp staff, with the annual demonstrations, and coffee stalls at the ANZAC dawn service. Post second world war some ILC members were nominated into Legacy, others drifted away in civil occupations. It was found difficult to recruit new blood into the ILC and eventually membership waned when the boys from the Don Esses clubs found other youth activities to join. The ILC ceased to meet regularly in the mid fifties. However a strong comradeship still existed between members and they would meet in one anothers homes. Members were always ready to help the senior Legacy Club in any way in their power and still helped at Christmas parties and summer camps. ILC was a service rendering organisation and was self governing. Non-sectarian and non-political, the members were ex-junior legatees over 18 years of age. After serving in World War 2 members were eligible to become members of Legacy. Was in a folder of material collated about the ILC by an early archive committee. A record of a Junior Legatee recording what he knew about ILC members and their life outside of Legacy in response to a request from L/ Kem Kemsley. It could have been part of the early archive committee working to capture Legacy history.White note paper x 18 pages handwritten by Norm Smith about the ILC members and a handwritten letter x 3 pages from Graham Billiet about ILC members with addresses.ilc, membership, junior legatee

BHS Collection1923 Concert Tickets: Cream Card with blue print for 3 Concert tickets with perforations separating the tickets. The ticket number is 86.. The First Concert about May, 1923. This coupon books two seats at Flights (or the any subsequent concert of the year). The second Concert about July, 1923. This coupon books two seats at Flights (or for any subsequent concert of the year). The third Concert about Nov. 1923. This coupon books two seats at Flights. Also on the front is the second half of the name of the Society holding the Concerts, the other half has been torn off. Box 625theatre, flights

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of a Huey helicopter Gunship from the 1st Platoon 'The Playboys' 334th Armed Helicopter, peeling off to attack sampans entering South Vietnam, from Cambodia, down the Mekong River. The gunships hunted in flights of three with the 1st Platoon the first unit in the US Army to get helicopter gunships, followed by Huey 'Cobra' Helicopter gunships.photograph, 1st platoon, 334th armed helicopter coy, cambodia, mekong river, huey 'cobra' helicopter, us gunships, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, the playboys, us army

Souvenir cover, centenary envelope and postcard commemorating the flight of Basil Watson in 1917 to Mt Gambier. (a) Pale green envelope with image of Basil's airplane on LH side, stamp with Basil on top RH corner. Written on envelope 'Basil Watson Air Mail Centenary 1917 - 2017 Mount Gambier to Melbourne, First Air Mail, Sth Australia - Victoria. (b) postcard: photo of Basil Watson's airplane situated in the backyard of the family home in Brighton. Stamped on back with Basil Watson Essendon 27 Feb 2017 Airport Vic Centenary. Basil pictured with his father James Watson, in front of plane at Albert Park, Melbourne.aviation, civilian, basil watson

Digital image of "Electric Tram Driver's Certificate No. 407", issued to D. (Daniel) Patience, signed by G. Barker Instructor, with "A. W. Murdoch" stamp authorising the document, dated 23/3/1929. Donated by Betty (daughter - aged 90) and Cheryl Williams (grand daughter) of Daniel. Reported to have been the first driver leaving the then new Camberwell depot. Born in Avoch Scotland, was a police constable there, before emigrating to Melbourne. Was a cable tram Gripman in the Albert Park Area. Became an electric tram driver, then signalman at St Kilda Junction and trained as an inspector, but did not like the green uniform. Ran in the Stawell Gift of 1925 (injured foot during the race), was a Navigator on Transport RAF/RAAF flights during WW2. War memorabilia to the War Memorial Canberra. Cheryl advised 26/11/2019 - My grandfather was born 2nd June 1903 and died 11th Nov 1977.trams, tramways, drivers, gripmen, camberwell depot, signalmen, certificates

32 page booklet ''The first aeroplane voyage from England to Australia'' by Sir Ross Smith KBE, MC, DFC, AFC with 27 aeroviews by Capt. Frank Hurley. Four page description of the flight by Ross Smith (no flight photos). NSW Edition with aerial photos of Sydney, suburbs and country towns. Inscribed on front cover (handwritten) ''Left England November 12th 1919; Arrived Australia December 9th 1919''. Also, stamp of ''R Keith Munro'' and inside cover: address of ''Inveresk'', 126 Forest Street, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia 16-4-20''Sir Ross Smith, K.B.E, A.F.C,D.F.C, M.C.event, official

Newspaper cuttings of 50th anniversary flight of the re-enactment of the first South Australia Victoria air mail. Item enclosed in small envelope. Re-enactment done by Douglas Watson, a nephew of the pioneer airman, Basil Watson.. a. Bendigo Advertiser, 24th Feb. 1967; b. The Age 28th Feb, 1967. (in an envelope marked ''Re Basil Watson'' - newspaper and date written in biro.) person, individual, basil watson

WWII Historical significance with some information of the Dandenong area.Black and white framed photo of 408537 Sgt R.R.E. Swords 23 Sep 1912 - 21 Jan 1943. This photograph is a tribute to the late Robert Richard Falkiner Swords. 'Bob' as he was known to his friends and most townsfolk of Dandenong and it's people. His older brother James, served in the First World War and later was a founding member of the Dandenong RSL Sub-Branch, formed in 1919, was its second President and also served a term as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. James was the Editor of Dandenong's first newspaper, the Dandenong Advertiser. 'Bob' Swords was also a member of the Dandenong Advertiser newspaper and was a driving force in Dandenong getting it's own Hospital. For many years his photo hung over the entrance to the old building, which was demolished some years back. Regrettably this photo was lost. Bob enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force to train as a pilot on 26 April 1941 and after initial training embarked to Southern Rhodesia. After completion of initial flight training he then moved to England for advanced training, prior to postings onto an OTU. He was tragically killed during this phase of training on 21 January 1943. The gentleman with in this photo is believed to be his South African Flying Instructor 'Panda' Watkins. His grave in England has a lovely headstone and the inscription: 'Service Above Self'. (As advised by Robert Richard Kudyba OAM).Brass plaque stating 4085537 Sgt R.R.F. Swords 23 Sept 1912 - 21 Jan 1943.