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Federation University Historical Collection
Image - black and white, Barwon River Man (New South Wales)
Digitised directly from 'The Native Races of the British Empire: Victoria' The Barwon River in New South Wales is formed through the confluence of the Macintyre River and Weir River (part of the Border Rivers system), north of Mungindi, in the Southern Downs region of Queensland. The Barwon River generally flows south and west, joined by 36 tributaries, including major inflows from the Boomi, Moonie, Gwydir, Mehi, Namoi, Macquarie, Bokhara and Bogan rivers. During major flooding, overflow from the Narran Lakes and the Narran River also flows into the Barwon. The confluence of the Barwon and Culgoa rivers, between Brewarrina and Bourke, marks the start of the Darling River.Black and white Image of an Aboriginal man from Barwon River, New South Wales. Aboriginal people from six language groups originally occupied the area of the Barwon River wetlands. These were the Ngemba, the Baranbinja, the Murrawari, the Ualayai, the Weilwan, and the Kamilaroi peoples. The Aboriginal people generally used the wetlands for hunting, fishing, and gathering uses, and for cultural association.(Wikipedia) The name "barwon" is derived from the Australian Aboriginal words of barwum or bawon, meaning great, wide, awful river of muddy water; and also baawan, a Ngiyambaa name for both the Barwon and Darling rivers. The history, culture and livelihoods of the local Aboriginal people are closely intertwined with the Barwon River and its associated tributaries and downstream flows. (Wikipedia)aborigine, aboriginal, barwon river -
Bendigo Military Museum
Manual - MANUALS, MAP READING, British War Office, 1929 - 1943
Items in the collection re Col J. Swatton, refer Cat No 6719.2P for his service details. 1. This is an Army Training Manual. on the front is the British Coat of Arms. The book's title dated 1929. Khaki cardboard cover. Printed in black ink. It has 93 pages of text, maps and drawings. 2. Small boklet, Khaki cover, Prtinted in black ink dated 1943. British War Office.1. On front cover is "Illegible" and W. Swatton. Inside front cover is handmade amendment chart. Daily entry is dated April 1938. On rear cover is a sticky label with the words "On loan from the Estate of Colonel J, W. Swatton" Ref No JWS M18. 2. On front cover is written name "Swatton". On rear cover is a sticky label with words..."On loan from the Estate of Colonel J. W. Swatton." Ref NoJWS M19.map reading, j. w. swatton -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Australia in the War of 1939-1945 South-West Pacific Area-First Year Kokoda to Wau
This book is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 South-West Pacific Area-First Year Kokoda to Wau This volume describes the fighting on land in the South-West Pacific from mid -1942 to March 1943 Author: Dudley McCarthy Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1959Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 south-west pacific area-first year kokoda to wau, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, dudley mccarthy -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - World War 11 Cartoons by Armstrong, Harold Armstrong, Argus cartoonist, War Without Tears - 100 of the War's Wittiest Whimsies, late 1940s
World War 11 War Cartoons by ArmstrongThis is a book of war cartoons. The cover has two cartoons in colour and black and white and red and black printing. The spine is slightly torn.The pages contain comic sketches in colour, black and white and brown and white and sepia tones. Some pages at the front are of a shorter width than the other pages. The pages are stapled.fictionWorld War 11 War Cartoons by Armstrongworld war two, world war two cartoonist armstrong -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Reserve Forces Day Council Boer War Commemorative Round Medallion (for descendants) 2012 issue, 2012
Reserve Forces Day Council Boer War Commemorative Medallion 2012 Descendant Medallion with ribbon suitable medallion has been struck to allow descendants and supporters to honour those who served in this all-but forgotten conflict 100 years ago. The Reserve Forces Day Council recognises it was a War fought in the main by Reservists. Permanent forces were small in number with only a Permanent Force Artillery unit and a number of staff officers and soldiers serving in the war. The Reserve Forces Day Council’s objective is to "Raise the profile of the Reserve Forces and to thank serving and former members for their service, and their families and employers for their essential support." This medallion has been struck for descendants and in memory of those Soldiers who fought in the War. The "In Memory" medallion is oval 50mm high by 40 mm wide and bears the inscription "BOER WAR 1899-1902" bordering the face within a colour infill and a clear cover of epoxy. The central image is of an Australian soldier in a uniform of the era. The attractive medallion is 'gold', appearing as surrounds for the inscription. The neck ribbon is in the colours of the Queen’s official service medal, all enclosed in a presentation pouch. A space on the reverse side of the Medallion provides for a personal message to be engraved at a later time. An example is "Presented to Leslie Perrett Descendant of Tpr Frederick Avard, NSW Lancers who died in combat 10 October 1900". The Medallion may be worn at memorial ceremonies and will become a family keepsake. It does not matter on which side your ancestor fought, or if the soldier fought in a unit from elsewhere in the then Empire. The Medallion marks an Australian connection, and shows your support for your ancestor's achievement.Associated with the 110th anniversary of the Boer War 1899 to 1902. A descendant's medal issued as a commemorative by the Reserve Forces Day Council in 2012. A round enamel and epoxy medallion issued by the Reseve Forces Day Council for descendants to remember the 110th anniversary of the Boer War and their descendants contribution. The Medallion is round measuring 40mm x 40mm and has the Boer War Campaign Red, Blue and Orange coloured ribbon attached, The medallion has a gold and red border with a photograph of a Boer War Soldier contained in the middle of the medallion. Surrounding wording on the medallion is : Boer War 1899-1902 A War Fought By Reservists. The bottom of the medallion has the letters RFD 2012 (which stands for the Reserve Forces Day National Council). The medallion has a gold and red border with a photograph of a Boer War Soldier contained in the middle of the medallion. Surrounding wording on the medallion is : Boer War 1899-1902 A War Fought By Reservists. The bottom of the medallion has the letters RFD 2012 (which stands for the Reserve Forces Day National Council). boer war descendant's medallion 2012, boer war commemorative medallion, reserve forces day national council boer war commemorative, boer war associated 1899 to 1902 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, WW1, The War to End War and General Monash, July 1977
The War to End War and General Monash as seen by a frontline soldier. By Captain Samuel Storer, 14th Battalion, 4th Brigade, AIF. ... this book a most enlightening & interesting insight into 'the war that was to end war'.Cover - soft cardboard, brown print on front & spine. Beige background, sepia tones, full length portrait of General John Monash, AIF on front. 62 pages, cut plain, beige. Illustrated with black & white photos. Autobiography - eye witness account of WWI.Handwritten in black ink on front fly leaf: “To dear Dad, Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Love from Bev & Tom, xxx, 25-12-1977”books-military-history, monash -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book, Bruce Scates et al, World War One: A history in 100 stories, 2015
"World War One: A history in 100 stories" Stories from men and women who had returned from WWI. The gassed, the crippled, the insane - all those irreparably damaged by war. Hardcover book of 369 pages. Compiled by Bruce Scates, Rebecca Wheatley and Laura James(inside title page) " For the people of Port Melbourne in memory of Allan Whittaker, Best, Bruce. Signed by Scates, Wheatley and Jamesarmed services, memorials, war - world war i, allan whittaker -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, Ernest Russell Paterson, 1914-1918
A short article about Ernest Russell Paterson and his service in World War 1. Ernest joined parents in Greensborough in the post-war period.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, ernest russell paterson -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, William John Thompson, 1914-1918
A short article about William John Thompson and his service in World War 1. William Thompson lived in Montmorency in the inter-war period.1 page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, william john thompson -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, Harold Cheshire Yeaman, 1914-1918
A short article about Harold Cheshire Yeaman and his service in World War 1. Harold Yeaman lived in Greensborough in the post-war period.1 page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, harold cheshire yeaman -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, Peter Killen, 1914-1918
A short article about Peter Killen and his service in World War 1. During the war, Peter's wife and two sons lived in Greensborough.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, peter killen -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Book, VICTORY ROLL. The RAAF at War
Hard Cover with Dust Cover .Subtitled: The Royal Australian Air Force in its sixth year of war. Prepared by the RAAF Directorate of Public Relations Published for the Royal Australian Air Force by Australian War Memorial Canberra, ACT. 1945.ww2. raaf. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Painting - PAINTING UNFRAMED, OIL ON CANVAS, Sharon HACKETT, "MY FATHER'S WAR", 2023
Information from artist. " Oil painting titled/ My Father's War! by Sharon Hackett/Phd/ My father, John Peter Hackett served in World/ War Two. This painting by myself is an expressionist realist oil painting, about / a young man serving in/ New Guinea". John Peter HACKET V146209 Enlisted 27.01.1942 aged 18 years 6 months. No discharge date. States on Attestation form 609 days 2nd AIF, 485 days overseas.Painting - oil painting in colour, with red, yellow, blue and black. Style - expressionist realist. Artist's signature bottom left. Unframed canvas on timber.painting, military history, ww2, new guinea -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Medal - Medal Set - African Boer War and WW1 Campaigns awarded to soldier Sidney William Eustace, Boer War Campaign 1899 - 1902 and WW1 Campaign 1914 - 1918
The Boer War Campaign (1st and 2nd Campaigns) 1899 - 1902 WW1 Campaign "The Great War" 1914-1918 All relate to Soldier Sidney William Eustace, Chiltern resident. The Boer War 1899 - 1902 WW1 The Great War - 1914-1918 Chiltern Resident and family connection5 Medals Group of 3 medals WW1 : The 1914-1915 Star, The British War Medal and The Victory Medal all related to service in WW1 1914-1918 - all medals brass and silver metal, 38mm diameter. Group of 2 and Brass Medals : The African Boer War Campaign medal Queen Victoria with three clasps depicting Cape Colony, South Africa 1902 and the Transvaal, and the King George Meritorious Medal African Campaign. Medals made from silver metal and are both 38mm diameter. WW1 : The 1914-1915 star shaped medal has inscripted crossed swords and scroll with the scroll having the inscription 1914-1915 across it. The British war medal has an engraved picture of of King George and the Allied Victory medal has a winged figure engraved upon it. Boer War : One side has an engraving of King George with the reverse having a lady with a torch and the wording South Africa inscribed around the edge. The Meritous Service Medal has an inscription "for Meritous Service". ww1, chiltern family residents, the boer war, sidney william eustace -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, Albert Keith Lines, 1914-1918
A short article about Albert Keith Lines and his service in World War 1. Albert Keith Lines lived in Greensborough before and after the War.Two pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, albert keith lines -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Military memories of servicemen, Soldiering on: The Australian Army at Home and Overseas, 1942
World War 2 published by Australian War Memorial Printed and bound by Halstead Press p/l 9-19 Nickson St Sydney 1942red fabric over card, text in gold,, text with photographs and line drawingsDonated to the Stawell Biarri Group for Genealogy inc. by Nino and Ellenor Musumeci. September 2012world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Weapon - Commando Knife, World War 2 Fairbairn Sykes Commando knife, abt 1940
World War 2 Fairbairn Sykes Commando knife, double edged 16.5 cm blade with leather scabbardknife, commando -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Book, Paul Hamlyn, A Pictorial History of Australians at War, 1970
Re Borneo Confrontation. On page 262 is a photo of Ferret Scout Car with Australian crew commander (4/19 PWLH Regiment Sergeant) Caption : " Several Australians joined the British Life Guards serving in Borneo. This photo taken in 1966 at the end of Confrontation shows British and Australian soldiers who stayed on in Malaysia, at the base camp near SerembahHard covered book, 323 pages. Photos, drawings and narratives depicting Australians at war from 1885 to 1970history australian army -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, View of War Memorial and Main Street Ringwood, est >1928, c.1928
Construction of the clocktower was completed in 1928.View of War Memorial and Main Street Ringwood, tinted, est >1928. Small print 6.3cm x 8.5cm. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Vietnam War Memorial, Toowoomba QLD
A framed collection of coloured Photograph of the Offical opening of the Vietnam War Memorial in Toowoomba, Qld on the 18th August 2004photograph, vietnam war memorial, toowoomba -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Poster, The American Combat Aircraft and Helicopters of the Vietnam War, 1986 (exact)
A book noting all aircraft & helicopters the US used during the Vietnam War (there is some damage to the lower spine)book, vietnam war, american aircraft and helicopters -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, War memorial
Contained in a letter from Hon Secretary of McClean District Historical Society, stating - Sydney Norman TILL born at Harwood Island, the son of Richard Ernest TILL and his wife.Coloured photograph of war memorial on Harwood Island, enclosed by iron rails and stone posts. Background of the Clarence River.war memorial harwood island, till, sydney -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Clare Gervasoni, Smeaton World War One Honour Board, 06/10/2013
Photograph of the Smeaton State School World War One Honour Board on display in the Smeaton Primary School in 2013.world war one, smeaton state school, smeaton state school honour board, smeaton, nurse anderson, nurse redman, w. anderson, j.l. archibald, e.o. archibald, j.e.b. archibald, w. bridgeford, l. brooks, v. brooks, g. buchanan, a. barnes, t. barnes, t. bourke, w. boadle, j. boadle, b. branagan, w.s. bell, w.t. bell, j. bourke, d. curran, c. curran, s. curtis, l.e. coulson, r.e. carling, j. dean, c. daniels, f. daniels, l. davies, w. davis, e. davis, r. forrester, t. flanagan, p. fullarton, a. goodlet, a. goddard, a. hurn, e. harris, j. haris, g.c. hurley, w. jeffrey, a. kilfoyle, r. kirkpatrick, h. kuring, w.e. mitchell, f.t. mitchell, c. mehlert, n. mckenzie, h. mcleod, d. mcalpine, j. mcalpine, j. mcmahon, j.g. o'halloran, p. o'dea, p. pollard, w.h. richards, w. risk, r. risk, l.r. sheehan, m. stewart, f.x. slattery, g. spring, g.e. waggingham, a. boyes, r. dilena, t. dilena -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Ballarat Old Colonists' Club World War Two Memorial
Brass plaque memorial for members of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat who served during World War Two.ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists association, world war two, world war 2, memorial, plaque -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Magazine, Orbis Publishing Limited, War in Peace
7 magazines bound by a single cover titled war in Peace. Vols. 1-7. pp 1-1588 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Newspaper, The Courier Ballarat, "Last trip by man who was on the first", 20/09/1971 12:00:00 AM
Newspaper clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, of Monday 20/9/1971, titled "Last trip by man who was on the first" in the Outlook profile Section of the newspaper about Mr. Charles Rollan who was a passenger on the last Sebastopol tram and rode on the horse trams on the Sebastopol line. Noted that a photo of Mr. Rollan was in the supplement Section of the newspaper. See Reg. Item 269. Mr. Rollan, 91, who was a compositor for the Evening Echo newspaper, retold stories about the horse tram days. One of a large group of newspaper cuttings from John Bainbridge, 7/4/02. Item has been folded for inclusion within a scrap book. Has a piece of plain paper Secured to the back of the portion that was not Secured to the scrap book itself.horse trams, sebastopol, last tram -
Melbourne Legacy
Memorabilia - Medal, British War medal, 1921
A British War Medal from World War 1 awarded to Pte J B McLean for his war service in World War One. The British War Medal is a campaign medal of the United Kingdom which was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces for service in the First World War. The ribbon that would have attached to the medal is missing (mostly orange with white, black and blue stripes either side) and the ribbon bar shows he would have also had a Victory medal. There is part of the ribbon for the Victory medal in the collection (rainbow colour). The ribbon for the miniatures is present but the two miniatures are missing. Included are stock photos to show what the medals and ribbons should look like. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM). In it is a record of this medal being given to him on 16 September 1921.This is an example of a World War 1 medal. The first Legatees were ex-servicemen from World War 1 so would have been familiar with this medal.Silver medal World War 1 medal engraved around the side with Service number and name of JB McLean. Also a cut ribbon and bar of ribbons. Silver medal with King George V facing left, with the legend "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" The reverse, shows Saint George naked on horseback and armed with a short sword, an allegory of the physical and mental strength which achieved victory over Prussianism. The horse tramples on the Prussian eagle shield and the emblems of death, a skull and cross-bones. In the background are ocean waves and just off-centre near the right upper rim is the risen sun of Victory. The years "1914" and "1918" appear on the perimeter in the left and right fields respectively.Engraving '13824 P.T.E J.B.M. MCLEAN A.S.C. A.I.F.'medals, world war one -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, Gwladys Parker Field, 1914-1918
A short article about Sister Gwladys Parker Field and her service in World War 1. In the post-war period ,she was Matron of the Macleod Repatriation Sanatorium.2 pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, gwladys parker field -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough Historical Society et al, Edith Sommerville Thistlethwaite, 1914-1918
A short article about Nurse Edith Sommerville Thistlethwaite and her service in World War 1. Following the War, Edith was a sub-matron at 16 AGH Macleod.1 page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, edith sommerville thistlethwaite -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Tobruk and El Alamein
This book is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Tobruk and El Alamein This volume's main theme is the 9th Australian Division's contribution in 1941-1942 to the defeat in North Africa of the German and Italian Army commanded by Field Marshal Rommel. Author: Barton Maughan Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1966Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 tobruk and el alamein, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, barton maughan