non-fictionThe Siege of Tobruk lasted for 241 days in 1941. Tobruk was the only harbour between Bengazi and Alexandria and became crucial in preventing Rommel's sweep to the Nile. Tobruk was captured in 1941 and became a beleagured fortress until its garrison was relieved in November 1941. Churchill and his War Cabinet had declared that "Tobruk must be held to the death". The Australians under Major General Morshead fought like tigers . Nazi propaganda radio broadcasts spoke contemptuously of the Tobruk defenders as ‘rats’. In defiance, the soldiers proudly adopted this nickname and have been known by it ever since. During the siege, they designed their own medals, in the shape of a rat, made from the scrap metal of a downed German aeroplane. Anthony Heckstalk-Smith who was himself a Flotilla Officer the "A" Lighters which provided supplies to the garrison, researched evidence from officers of all units involved - Australian, South African, German and British to write this controversial story of men in battle.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, siege of tobruk

non-fictionOne of a series of travel books produced by Frank Clune. This volume details his travels and observances in the Middle East during 1942. Clune was an honorary commissioner of the Australian Comforts Fund. Clune allegedly “left a very bad impression” on General Sir Thomas Blamey for his ‘irregular methods and indiscreet utterances’ about the British ‘only playing at war’. Blamey therefore ensured that Clune was subject to military censorship. Royalties from this book and funds raised during a lecture tour promoting it in 1943 were donated to the Australia Comforts Fund to whose voluntary workers it is dedicated. world war 11, world war 1939 - 1945, middle east

non-fictionThis book represents the wartime service of the author through a series of caricatures and humorous anecdotes. Ken Lovell saw action in Greece and Syria before being transferred to the 2/23rd Battalion, Ninth Division as a Signals operator. Although reflecting the Aussie dry humour, on many pages of the book containing sketches of a mate there appears a small cross with the letters K.I.A. and a date. world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury Rats of Tobruk Association. 14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A jacket, tie and tie pin belonging to the Victorian Rats of Tobruk Association. This jacket was owned by Arthur Lock.On pocket- Rats of Tobruk Association Victoria Emblem. Inside garment Size M 102world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

non-fictionThe Siege of Tobruk has become one of the famous sagas of courage against the odds. Much has been written about it. This publication was the first visual record covering the Siege from all points of view. It includes more that 500 photographs, many taken by troops in the forward areas. The compiler of this publication was a Liaison Officer attached to Headquarters, 26 Australian Infantry Brigade and was mentioned in despatches for his part in the withdrawal from Benghai and the Battle of the Salient in Tobruk.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

This tray was handcrafted by Mr James Ripper, a great uncle of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A rectangular serving tray, hand crafted from wood with a leaf pattern. handcraft, wooden tray, raper family

From the Raper Collection, Wodonga Historical Society.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A Jewellery box made from metal featuring an embossed dragon design on the lid and also on the sides. The box is lined with red satin. Chinese and Japanese artefacts were popular at the beginning of the 20th century.Embossed dragon designjewellery, dragon design

This sugar bowl was manufactured by the firm Stewart Dawson & Co. The firm was active as jewellers and watch manufacturer at Hatton Garden London, with premises in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. In 1907 the firm was converted to Stewart Dawson & Co Ltd under which name in traded until c1935.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. It belonged to her mother, Mrs. Yardy.A sugar bowl fashioned in the shape of a coal shuttle with a scoop-shaped spoon. Made from silver plateOn underside of bowl: "EP SD & Co. LTD in shield BM/ 4662'sugar bowl, plate silver

This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small container silver metal fitted lid. It features a painting of 2 women sitting under a tree playing with a naked child. It has a pseudo marble finish.domestic items, hand painted jewellery items

THE CARRON COMPANY The Carron Company established its ironworks on the banks of the River Carron in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1759, and became an incorporated company in 1773. The company was the largest ironworks in Europe during the 19th century. It supplied ammunition and armaments, steamboat engines, pig iron, cast iron goods such as flat irons, balustrades, fire grates and bath tubs, pillar boxes and telephone boxes, and even cast iron rings for underground tunnels. In 1982 it became insolvent and was taken over by the Franke Corporation, using the brand Carron Phoenix.This iron is representative of the domestic appliances used throughout Australia up until electricity became widely available for domestic use.An antique Carron iron made of solid cast iron. These types of iron were nicknamed "sad irons" from the Old English where "sad" was originally a word which meant "heavy and solid". Typically, there would be two irons simultaneously in use: one to iron with and one being heated up on the stove or in the fire. This iron has a flat bottom and back and it curves to a point at the front. It has a goose neck handle which has a twist. Irons such as this were often given the name "goose" irons. Near the front of the iron on its top '11' is marked. These irons were used from the late 18th to mid 20th centuries before electricity was widely available in all areas, particularly in rural environments.On top of iron "CARRON"flat irons, domestic appliances

Sad irons, also called flat irons or smoothing irons, are shaped pieces of metal that are flat and polished on one side and have a handle attached to the other, created for the purpose of de-wrinkling fabric. “Sad” is an Old English word for “solid,” and the term “sad iron” is often used to distinguish the largest and heaviest of flat irons.This iron is representative of the domestic appliances used throughout Australia up until electricity became widely available for domestic use.A small cast iron flat iron. The triangular shape of the iron made it easier to iron around buttonsdomestic appliances, flat irons, sad irons

Hotpoint Irons were first developed in 1903 in California. The invention was named Hotpoint, after the heating elements that converged in the iron's tip, allowing it to be used to press around buttonholes and in and around ruffles and pleats on clothing and curtains. 'Hotpoint' electric irons were first sold in Australia around 1914 and remained a popular product for many decades. From the late 1920s they were manufactured in Australia by the Australian General Electric Co. Ltd.This iron is representative of early electrical appliances manufactured under licence in Australia from the late 1920s onwards.Early electric iron manufactured under license by Hotpoint Australia. The iron has a metal base into which a power cord is plugged. The iron has a wooden handle.Label: " Hotpoint. Made in Australia. Licensed by Edison Elelectric Appliance Co. Inc. Chicago, U.S.A. Cat.915 F61. W.575, W200."domestic appliances, early electric appliances, hotpoint australia

From the late 1920s several brands of irons, including Hotpoint and Light' N Easy were manufactured in Australia by the Australian General Electric Co. Ltd. Light' N Easy irons were marketed as a versatile iron, small and light enough to be taken with you if you needed to travel away from home.This iron is representative of electrical appliances developed under licence in Australia from the late 1920s onwards.Small yellow steam iron. There are controls and a water level indicator on the side of the iron. There are 25 steam vents in the base. Steam and dry iron with surge of steam. A 3 metre electrical cord is attached.Label: " General Electric Housewares Pty Ltd. Vic/ Nottinghill Melbourne 3166/ 700 Watts/ APP NO. V79008 Cat 04/06 240 Voltsdomestic appliances, light 'easy irons

This iron was used by women to press the clothes from the mid 19th century. Coal embers were put inside, heating the base of the iron. Small bellows could be used to fire up the embers in order to keep the iron hot. This item is significant as it represents the appliances used by women from the mid 19th century until the advent of electricity.This charcoal iron is made of cast iron. It has a hinged lid so that embers can be put inside as the source of heat. The lid has a curved funnel and a wooden handle. The funnel kept the smoke away from the clothing. Bellows would be used to blow air into the iron and keep the coals burning. It has a wooden handle and the lever used to open the lid is also made from wood. There is a hole with a swivel cover at the back of the iron to check the coals. "S" on the swivel cover.domestic appliances, household items, women's work

Creda had its origins in two companies: the Simplex Steel Conduit Company Ltd. (later Simplex Conduits Ltd.) formed in 1898, and the Credenda Company Ltd. which was the first to use Creda as a brand name. These companies were two of the founding companies of Tube Investments Ltd. From 1919, the Simplex name was used for installation equipment ranges, and Creda for heating, cooking and other domestic appliances. In 1932 Simplex Conduits Ltd. and the Credenda Company Ltd. merged to form the Simplex Electric Company Ltd., but the distinct Simplex and Creda brands continued in use. In 1987 the Simplex Electric Company was taken over by General Electric Company, and formed part of General Domestic Appliance Company Ltd. the following year. In 2015 the large corporation, Whirlpool, took over the Indesit Appliance Company, which owns the Creda brand name. Since then the Creda brand as such has become rare, and where it does appear it is as a re-badged version of Indesit and Hotpoint home appliances.This iron is typical of the electric irons used in the 1950s. It is representative of appliances used by women in their domestic roles.A "Creda" Electric Iron with plug-in cord. It has a metal steel base iron with a wooden handle and a thumb rest. The handle is bolted onto the iron with 2 large screws. The cord socket plugs in behind the handle of the iron. On attached metal plate: "CREDA/ Cat. No 6; Volts 240; AMPS 8"domestic appliances, creda irons

Sad irons, also called flat irons or smoothing irons, are shaped pieces of metal that are flat and polished on one side and have a handle attached to the other, created for the purpose of ironing fabric. “Sad” is an Old English word for “solid,” and the term “sad iron” is often used to distinguish the largest and heaviest of flat irons. They often had a trivet on which to rest the hot iron. These irons are representative of domestic appliances used prior to the advent of electricity in the home.A pair of triangular flat irons. They are made of solid cast iron with hollow iron handles. Flat irons were commonly heated on trivets in front of open fires, or on the tops of closed ranges. They were made in numbered series which related to their size, but there did not appear to be any standardisation in the series between manufacturers.domestic appliances, flat irons, sad irons

Mrs Potts Sad Iron Set . This double point design with detachable handle was patented in the United States of America by Mary Potts in 1871. It was sold in sets of three bodies with one handle and a stand or trivet. The detachable insulated handle was designed to always remain cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies. This item is an example of an invention that was universally adopted to make the task of ironing safer and more efficient.A set of double pointed flat irons which detachable handle. This set includes a trivet to rest the unused iron on. All components are made from cast irondomestic appliances, flat irons, sad irons, mrs potts irons

This silver and bone fork is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A silver cake fork with bone handle and etched design on the fork tines.sillverware, domestic utensils

This silver embossed fork is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A 3 pronged silver serving fork with a looped handle. The tines and handle are decorated with an embossed floral design on both sides. It includes a satin and velvet lined case. floral designsillverware, domestic utensils

This ostrich feather fan is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A black ostrich feather fan with vanes of faux tortoiseshell.accessories, fashion, vintage fashion

This inkwell is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small inkwell with hinged lid. Inkwells such as these were used by naval officers during World War 1. The mark on the lid has been identified as being of either Austrian or Russian origin. KKA PRIV is an abbeviation for Kaiserlicher Konigslicher Adler Privilig – Imperial Royal Eagle Priviledge. This is said to be the Austro-Hungarian equivalent of ‘By Appointment to Her Majesty’.Engraved on inner cover `K.K.A. Priv" with double headed eagle and anchor.vintage inkwells, writing implements, naval equipment

This silver mirror is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It was owned by her aunt, Mrs. Mary Burrowes nee Dinsmore.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A round silver hand mirror decorated with raised ribbon and floral designs repeated on the back and handle. The initial "M" is also embossed on the centre back.Engraved on back "M"vintage mirror, personal accessories

This cruet set is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It was produced by Harrison Brothers & Howson of Sheffield, England. This company was founded in 1847 by James William Harrison, Henry Harrison and William Howson. The firm, originally at Norfolk Street, Sheffield expanded in the 1880s to the Shoreham Street Works. A new factory was built at Carver Street in 1898. The trademark was taken over by Viners of Sheffield in 1923. The firm used the trade mark ALPHA PLATE, BEACON PLATE, HALPHROID and LUSTROUSThis item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A condiment cruet set consisting of silver plate stand and handle and glass salt, pepper and vinegar holders. The maker's mark of Harrison Brothers and Howson is embossed on the underside of the stand.On base beneath a crown "ALPHA/HB&H/7932"domestic items, condiment set, silver plate

This belt buckle accessory is part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean RaperThis item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A rectangular gold metallic belt buckle with an embossed leaf design. It also features entwined loops.fashion accessory, metallic jewellery

This hair accessory is part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper. It belonged to her great grandmother Mrs. Eliza Reardon.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A pronged hair ornament used to decorate a woman's bun and hold it securely in place.hair decorations, personal accessories

This pen and ink set is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper. It was used by the teacher at Upper Gundowring Primary school, Victoria. The school, number 2733, opened on 13 July 1886. Due to changing demographics in the region, in 1953 the school was merged with schools from Dederang North, Kergunyah, Gundowring, Kiewa, Red Bluff, Charleroi and Gundowing North on a 10 acre site with 11 rooms at Kiewa to become Kiewa Valley Consolidated School.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A china pen and ink set painted with a floral design.pen and ink, personal items, teacher supplies, upper gundowring primary school

A hat pin is a decorative pin for holding a hat to the head. During the 1880s, bonnets gave way to hats, and the popularity of hatpins soared. They remained a standard women's accessory through the 1910s and were produced in a vast range of materials and types. They were typically around 20 cm in length, with the pinhead being the most decorated part. In some countries they were viewed as a potentially dangerous weapon which could be used by women in self-defence, so regulations were introduced to limit the length allowed. These hat pins were used c1900.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A pair of simple hat pins with faux silver ball shaped head.jewellery, hat pins, fashion accessory

This milk jug and cup are part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper. They belonged to her grandmother, Mrs. Alice Dinsmore.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A navy blue and white china milk jug and cup. Both have a floral design and the cup has a blue line around the rim.domestic items, chinaware

This vase is part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper. It belonged to her grandmother, Mrs. Alice Dinsmore.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small ruby glass vase. Although this vase has no markings, decorative items made from ruby glass were popular during the Victorian era and the early 20th century.vase, glassware, decorative items

The First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work was held at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, from 23 October to 30 November 1907. It was opened by Lady Northcote (the wife of Australia’s Governor General) and Pattie Deakin (wife of the Prime Minister), who also ran a model creche during the exhibition. The five week exhibition showcased the work of women musicians, artists and craftswomen with over 16,000 exhibits in all fields of artistic endeavour. It was attended by approximately 250,000 people. Exhibits were divided into Classes, including Fine Arts; Applied Arts; Photography; Plain Needlework; Cookery, Preserves and Laundry Work; Horticulture; and Medical and Nursing. This item was owned by Mrs. Mary Burrowes, aunt of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small ruby glass and crystal jug which was produced as a souvenir of the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work held at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne in 1907. It has been inscribed in gold coloured paint. "Mary Women's Exhibition 1907"vase, glassware, decorative items