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Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Clare Gervasoni, Memorial to Francis Davis in the grounds of Federation University, SMB Campus, 2019, 20/01/2019
Francis Gordon Davis was born in Ballarat on 09 August 1899. He is the only former student of the Ballarat Junior Technical School who was killed on service during World War One. Davis enlisted into the Australian Flying Corps, Laverton, on 12 April 1918 at which time he was 18 and 8 months and served as a second class Air Mechanic. His service number was 3310. He died accidentally from shock resulting from an accident resulting from skidding a Leyland Motor Lorry at Leighterton, Tetbury, Gloucester, England on 28 January 1919 and is buried in Grave 6 in the Soldiers Corner of the Leighterton Cemetery. Francis Davis was accorded a full military funeral, firing party, bugler and pallbearers. The coffin was draped in the Union Jack and surmounted in several beautiful wreathes sent from his brother 2/A.M. E.H. Davis (A.F.C Leighterton), officer of the A.F.C. Leighterton, Gloucester, Cadets of A.F.C. and many other personal friends of the deceased. The "Last Post" was sounded at the graveside, and the Rev. Major K.D. Norman C. of E. A.I.F. officiated. The grave was to be turfed and an oak cross erected by the A.I.F. London. Administrative Headquarters A.I.F. London were represented at the funeral. (http://bih/index.php/Francis_G._Davis) In June 1922 Alfred Davis, the father of Francis Davis, planted a tree in the grounds of the Ballarat Junior Technical School in honour of hos son. It was the first tree of six planted in the grounds of the Ballarat School of Mines on Arbor Day 1922. Speaking of the planting of the tree by Mr Davis the Chief Secretary (Mr M. Baird M.L.A.), said he trusted the memory would ever remain green at the school. Had he and others not given their lives nothing that we could have done to-day could have retrieved the time. Australians had indeed done splendidly, but they should take a wider outlook than Australia, and reading the history of the Genoa Conference he had been struck by what had been done ... We should honor such men as he in whose memory that tree was planted, and the schools that sent them out to fight for us. He hoped the empire would always be able to produce such men, so that the Empire would always be able to lead the World's struggle for the benefit of humanity. The last post was then sounded by Mr. H. Green. ... (Ballarat Courier, 19 June 1922)A number of photographs of a tree and marble plaque in the grounds of the Ballarat School of Mines. It was a memorial to Francis Davis, a former student of the Ballarat Junior Technical School, who died on active service during World War One.ballarat school of mines, ballarat junior secondary school, world war one, memorial, marble plaque, marble memorial, tree, memorial tree, davis, francis davis, centenary -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Environmental/Physical Plan: Little Desert Region, 1996, 1996
Black plastic binding on a report tourism and development strategy report.tourism, tourism strategy, michelle johnson, amanda lockey, belinda page, deborah phelan, emma warhurst, nhill, dimboola, sale, hindmarsh shire council, wimmera river, pink lake, nhill post office, drumbanager homestead, john edward eyre, neilson's cottage, german fest, little desert national park -
Federation University Historical Collection
Report, Sarah Portanier, Sequestering the Past: The Commemoraton of Pioneering Life at Australia's First Outdoor Museum: Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement 1961-1998, 1999
White bound report with clear cover and white plastic ring bindingoutdoor museums, swan hill pioneer settlement, p.s. gem, paddle steamer, swan hill, chemist, post office, historical parks, murray river, swan hill folk museum, j.m. cohn, r.g. holloway, heritage experience, interpretation -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, TAFE BOARD, Principles for the Future Development of Community Colleges in Victoria, 1983, 1983
Blue soft covered TAFE report on the future development of Community Colleges in Victoria.post compulsory schooling, statistics, tafe, technical and further education, community college -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet - Book, Ministerial Review of Postcompulsory Schooling: Discussion Paper, April 1984, 04/1984
Salmon coloured soft covered report.post compulsory schooling, blackburn report, robert fordham, minister of education -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Report, Ballarat School of Mines Submission to the Enquiry into Post Secondary Education in Victoria, 1977, 1977
.1) A typed report from the Ballarat School of Mines to the enquiry into Post Secondary Education in Victoria from the School of Mines and Industries Ballarat. .2) A typed report from the Ballarat School of Mines to the enquiry into Post Secondary Education in Victoria from the Teaching Staff and Senior Administrative Staff School of Mines and Industries Ballarat. ballarat school of mines, post secondary education -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Buninyong Heritage Walks and other Interesting Cycle Rides and Scenic Drives, 2008
Blue soft covered book, with maps, plans and photographs relating to Buninyong, Victoria. buninyong, de soza park, buninyong tannery, buninyong railway station, eagle hotel, old buninyong library, hastie's hill, buninyong town hall, hastie's spring, crown hotel, buninyong post office, bowen tree, aborigines, buninyong primary school, buninyong cemetery, gold monument, mount buninyong, lal lal falls -
Federation University Historical Collection
Coloured - Post Card, Car Driving Through Grange Borrowdale, c1945
Harry Holmes was from Ascot and was a member of the 18th Company Australian Army Service CorpsColoured painting by A.R. Quinton on a post card from post war England.harry holmes, ship, canal, world war one, holmes family collection, chatham-holmes family collection, henry smerdon holmes -
Federation University Historical Collection
Printing plate, Ballarat College of Advances Education Franking Machine Printing Plate, c1980
This plate was used on a post office franking machine. The franking machine and the Ballarat School of Mines printing plate is Catalogue Number 13145.Metal printing plate to make identification stickers of Ballarat College of Advanced Education Equipment.ballarat college of advanced education, printing plate, stickers, franking machine -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Trav Munro, Through the Lens: A Photographic Journey Through the University's Historic Landscapes, 2016, 2016
Brown soft covered books featuring beautiful photographs featuring Federation University's historic landscape, and items from the Federation University Historical Collection. federation university, federation university historical collection, historic campuses, enrolment book, ballarat east plan, ballarat schhol of mines associates boards, assay kilns, stained glass, former ballarat gaol, smb campus, leather tools, camp st, arts academy, former ballarat post office, post office gallery, mace, federation university mace, former stawell school of mines, jacarandah restaurant, ballarat mechanics' institute -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Increasing Educational Opportunities: A Study of Post-Primary Schools in the Central Highlands, c1983, c1984
Red soft covered book.central highlands, education, post-secondary education, bob dobell, les o'brien, john minotti, john poliness, michael broderick, kevin caulfield, jack chisholm, joyce robinson, peter shiells, alex stoneman, ian hirst -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Happy Valley Post Office, c1905
Happy Valley (Victoria) was originally called Lucky Woman's. it is a former gold mining town 28 kilometres south-west of Ballarat.Black and white photo of four men and three women outside the Happy Valley Post Office. One man sits on a horse which stands in front of a carriage. The post office sign includes E.R. - designating Edward VII as the ruling monarch. He sat on the throne from 22 January 1901 to 6 May 1910On front written in ink "Happy Valley Post Office"happy valley, happy valley post office -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Black and White, Elite Photos, Cox Family of Nihill
Beryl Cox b Yung was the daughter of Ernest Herbert Yung, son of George Edward Godlip and Clara Emma Yung (b Smith) of Happy Valley. Ernest was a returned soldier having fought in the Battle of Menin Road, Belgium, in WW1.Three black and white photographs of the Cox family of Nhill .1 Beryl Yung and Bridesmaid .2 Two children - possibly Beryl and her brother. Children of Ernest Herbert Yung .3 Wedding photo of Beryl and Jeff Cox.1 Half of a Post Card. Verso: Beryl + bridesmaid, married Geoff Cox. Elite Photos. no. 24213 .2 Verso: Jas Brown print Nhill .3 Half of a Post Card. Beryl + Jeff Coxyung family, happy valley, beryl cox, 1940's wedding, children 1920's, jeff cox, beryl yung -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Reid's Coffee Palace, Lydiard Street, Ballarat, c1930s ?
The special guest in the car appears to have arrived in Ballarat by train. Could it be William Birdwood to plant trees in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour? There is a band in the background. Note the folded back roof which allows the passenger to be seen by the public. https://architectureau.com/articles/heritage-listed-gold-rush-era-ballarat-coffee-palace-receives-700000-conservation-grant/Black and white photos of a car leaving the Ballarat Station (possibly carrying William Birdwood?). Reid's Coffee Palace is in the background Verso - Post (Correspondence)reid's coffee palace, ballarat railway station, visitor, bunting, celebration, ballarat -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Sepia, G.L.Massingham, Photographs - Watson Family, 1 1905; .7 c1844
This collection of items belonged to Emma Eliza Jane Watson's (bPhillips) son and daughter-in-law, John Richard and Edith Emma Watson (b Yung). Emma married Thomas William Watson at St Paul's Anglican Church , 11/11/1865.They lived in Sebastapol, Ballarat North and lastly at "Gracedale" Yendon - a small farm. They had 10 children and also brought up three grandhildren. .7 Emma Eliza Jane Phillips was born on 25th April 1844 in Barrabool (Geelong), the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Anne Phillips (b Goodenough). Sometime in the 1850"s after the death of Richard and the breakup of her marriage to Anthony Beck, Elizabeth moves to Ballarat with her children. The eldest boy Richard William Phillips would have been in his late teens. Elizabeth died on 4th August 1858 (aged 42?) before any of her children married. Emma married Thomas Watson in Ballarat. .1 Black memorial card with gold ink for Henrietta Tierney who was the wife of Daniel Tierney of the Victorian Police. Henrietta died April 28, 1905, aged 25 years. .2 Black and white photographic post card of two girls (Florence and Esma) addressed to Mrs Watson from Maurice H. It was sent from Mascoffs, High Street, Rushworth. c 1910-1915. .3 Black and white photograph of two children (Alma and Ida Watson) sent as a 1920 Christmas Greeting to Auntie Edie and Uncle Jack (Watson) from Ted and Jean Watson. Sent from "Kia Ora", Olinda Court, Bendigo. .4 Embossed presentation folder containing a black and white photo of two women and a man who is in an air force uniform. Inscription - "With love to mother from Bill 6th May '42" (possibly Beatty family NSW - connection through Richard Henry Watson's wife Margaret Alison Pike. Richard (Harry) was the son of this collection's owner Edith Emma Watson) .5 Post Card addressed to Jack and Edith .6 Sepia photograph of Ethel, 1890 .7 Sepia photograph of a small child sitting on a cushion . G.L. Massingham. Geelong. Frank Lauder (Hand written in biro) Verso: Gran Emma Eliza Jane Watson b Phillips in Geelong (Barrabool) .8 Two army officers seated on rocks between large cactus plants, possibly overseas in WW1. .9 Black and white photograph of three sisters .10 Black and white photograph of Reverend Stubbings, Mrs Stubbings and their daughter Jackie Stubbings.watson, emma eliza jane phillips, elizabeth anne goodenough, richard phillips, g.l.massingham, geelong, barrabool, reg. g evans, post card -
Federation University Historical Collection
Report, Report - Ballarat School of Mines Centenary Final Report, February 1971, 02/1971
A ten page report in a manila folder outlinging the purpose and aim of the centernary committe, events, and a statement of income and expenditure.ballarat school of mines, centenary, ballarat school of mines centenary committee, e.j. tippett, m.b. john, rex hollioake, w. anderson, f.j. hillman, geoff biddington, edith lawn, e.j. barker, stan sweatman, d. bowers, centenary dinner, centenary lectures, centenary medal, victor greenhalgh, centenary art show, centenary booklet, centenary plaques, centenary poster, l. judd, d. chiball, mt helen campus open day, postage stamp, centenary stamp, centenary post mark, greenhill prospect, reunion, mt helen campus opening -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photographs - Colour, Trav Munro, Federation University Camp Street Campus, 2016, 2016
Colour photographs by Trav Munro of buildings at the Federation University Camp Street Campus, including the former Ballarat Post Office (now Post Office Gallery), Former Law Courts (State Offices), New South, New Northtrav munro, federation university australia, camp street, arts academy, post office gallery, post office gallery, former ballarat post office, former ballarat law courts, former ballarat state offices, new north, new south, old sheriff's office -
Federation University Historical Collection
Souvenir Ware, Lantian Jade Reproduction of Bronze Chariot-and-Horses
Boxed souvenir from University of Post and Telecommunicationssouvenir, lantian jade, chariot, horses, university of post and telecommunications -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Ceramic Pot
Black and white photograph of a ceramic postphotography, tafe photography -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Framed Photograph, Lieutenant W.T. West, MM, MC, (estimated)
1789 Corporal Walter Thomas West was recommended for Military Medal 13th May 1917. Citation: For conspicous gallantry in action at the Hindenburg Line on 3rd May 1917. When he attacked with few bob=mbers an enemy post using MG fire against the right brigade. Having taken up the post he moved down the first trench and with 6 men engaged an enemy party who were resisting the 2nd attack of the tight brigade. Recommended by GOC 6th Australian Infantry Brigade. Lieutenant Walter Thomas West was recommended for MC 21st Ocrober 1918. Citation: During the attack on Montebrehain, east of Peronne on 5th Ocober, 1918, Lt West acted in a skilful and courageous manner when his platoon was held up by an enemy strong post, he rushed forward alone under heavy machine gun fire, threw a bomb at the post and captured the gun and crew of three. Later his flank was being held up by a strong post manned by the German guns in cemetary. Lt. West crawled round to the right and rushed the post. One ran he killed 3 of the nemy and took 3 prisoners. The men in the other post ran off with their gun and so escaped. Throughout the day he led his platoon with skil and when the company commander was killed assumed charge and supervised the consolidation of the line with great activity and courage. A framed black and white photgraph of Lieutenant West in dress uniform, showing Unit Insignia (colour Flash) service ribbons.Photo clearly shows unit insignia, ranks pips, service and valour ribbons.of, 1919, australia, 1917, ww1, commonwealth, gazette, london, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc, page, 2, collection, july, w t west, gazettte, 9, location, 6839, 8th, nov, 2937, position, 104, april, 4337, 12, 23, 1163, 45 -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Copy of a letter, Letter to Walter West from W.H. Birdwood, 19/4/1919 (exact)
Sent by W.H. Birdwood but no signature. This is another of 5 documents in a large frame called the West Collectioncopy of typed letter to Walter West from W.H. BirdwoodTop left corner: Copy. Top right Australian Imperial Force 130 Horseferry Road, Westminster, S.W.1 19th April, 1919 Dear West, I send you my heartiest congratulations on the award to you of the Military Cross, of which I have only now been informed; in recognition of your very good and gallant work in our operations at Montbregain on 5th October last. When your platoon was held up by heavy fire from a strong post, you most gallantly rushed forwatd alone, and bombing the position captures the gun and crew. Later, when your flank could not make progress owing to fire from a post containing two machine guns, you crawled round to the right, and rushed this post, which you captured with one of the guns, killing three and taking another three of the garrison prisoners. On your company commander becoming casualty, you took command, and consolidated the line with good judgment and ability. throughout you displayed courage, initiative and determination of a very high order. I am indeed pleased that your splendid work has been recognised in this way. with kindest regards and good wishes to you for the future. Yours sincerely. W. H. Birdwood ww1, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Telegram, Telegram from Minister for the Army to Mrs. Roddy, 5:MMMM, 1941 (estimated)
A hand written telegram from the Minister for the Army to Mrs. J. Roddy to inform her of the capture of VX8007 A.J. RoddyCOMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA POSTMASTER GENERAL's DEPARTMENT/ RECIEVED TELEGRAM/ Typed section of Telgram: FUNDS MAYBE QUICKLY, SAFELY AND/ECONOMICLY TRANSFERRED BY/ MONEY ORDER TELEGRAM/ PLEASE TURN OVER./ RECIEVED TELEGRAM./ The first line of this Telegram contains the following/ particulars in the order named/ Office of Origin, Words, Time Lodged, No/ (hand written)Melbourne, 36/1, 9a, 12 , 2./ Top right hand corner: T.G. 42 (not stamped)/Office Date Stamp/sent at...../Ch'nl No..../ By ....(all of which have no markings)/ Mid Document: Remarks. This message has been recieved subject to the/post and telegraph act/ and regulations./ The time received at this office is shown at the end of this message./The date stamp indicates the date both of lodgement and of reception/ inless otherwise shown after the particulars/ of the time lodged.// Beside this is: TO (hand written) Postal acknowledgement/ Personal/ Mrs. J. Roddy 20 Emily St/Merbein 6365.// Under this handwrittten in ink: Distre 1319 To inform you that/ VX8007 A J Roddy Previously/ reported missing is now reported/ Prisoner of War Interned Carinthia/ Minister for the Army/ 9.25 ww11, pow, a j, roddy, vx8007, 1941, carinthia -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Print, Commando Golden Jubilee commemorative print, Late 2004
The print depicts the evolution from WW2 Commandos to present-day post-WW2 Commandos, to 2005. The print celebrates the formation of the post-WW2 Commandos and their 50th anniversary in 2005.Framed print, showing WW2 and post-WW2 Commandos and the original post-WW2 'Strike Swiftly' beret badge. Limited edition print 12/100.2 commando company- 1st commando regiment- golden jubilee- 50th anniversary- commemorative print- post-ww2 commandos -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Photograph, Major Peter Seddon, circa 1950s
Major Peter Seddon was the founding Officer Commanding of 2 Commando Company when it was first raised in Melbourne in 1955.I and 2 Commando Companies, in Sydney and Melbourne, were the first of the post-WW2 Commando and Special Forces units raised in Australia since the disbanding of the WW2 Commando units. Rectangular black and white glossy head and shoulders photograph of subject."Peter Seddon" Donated by Peter Seddon.The first Officer Commanding 2 Commando Company.major peter seddon - founding officer commanding - 2 commando company - post-ww2 commando - special forces units -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Photograph - Photograph of Major WH 'Mac' Grant
Major WH 'Mac' Grant was the founding Officer Commanding of 1 Commando Company when it was first raised in Sydney in 1955.1 and 2 Commando Companies, in Sydney and Melbourne, were the first of the post-WW2 Commando and Special Forces units raised in Australia since the disbanding of the WW2 Commando units. Major Grant served as a Commando in WW2.Rectangular black and white glossy head and shoulders portrait print of 'Mac' Grant.From Mac Grant.major wh mac grant - founding officer commanding - 1 commando company - post-ww2 commandos -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Booklet, The Development of Australia's Special Forces
The booklet is a reprint of Brigadier WH 'Mac' Grant's history of WW2 Special Forces, written originally in 1995, and was presented to attendees at the 45th anniversary celebrationsThe reprint marked the 45th anniversary of 2 Commando Company, the first (along with 1 Commando Company) post-WW2 SF unit, and explained the origins of its WW2 predecessors. brigadier wh mac grant- history of ww2 special forces-2 commando company-1 commando company-post ww2 sf units -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Framed photograph, The Krait on Sydney Harbour, Photo taken in 1964
Cdo Assoc Victoria presented it to Exmouth Heavy AA Assoc. This was because the Krait left Exmouth on the successful Opn Jaywick raid on Japanese occupied Singapore Harbour in 1943. Exmouth Heavy AAA has now disbanded and daughter of a foundation member donated it back to the (post-WW2) Vic Cdo Assoc in July 2012.The former Japanese fishing boat, as MV Krait left Exmouth on the successful Opn Jaywick raid on Japanese occupied Singapore harbour in 1943. The vessel was partly restored, and motored into Sydney harbour in 1964 with former Z Special members on board, including the Jaywick operatives Berryman, Carse, Jones and Young. Black wooden frame with gold-painted border. Photo has large white borders. Black and white photograph of the WW2 Krait of Operation Jaywick fame, on Sydney Harbour in 1964 with crew members and four former Jaywick operatives on board - Berryman, Carse, Jones and Young. Legend: October 1972 Presented to EXMOUTH HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION by the VICTORIAN COMMANDO ASSOCIATION. Four original crew members standing at forward well deck 1964. L to R Moss Berryman, Horrie Young, Ted Carse & Joe Jones. Brass plate on frame: "KRAIT." On back: "Barilyn Images 59 85 4666."japanese fishing boat mv krait exmouth operation jaywick singapore harbour z special berryman carse jones young. -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Booklet, Double Diamond - Australian Commandos at Wilsons Promontory
... conducted by the post-WW2 Australian Commando Association Victoria ...A publication to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the WW2 Commando memorial at Tidal River on Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, where the first Commando units trained. Wilsons Promontory is regarded as the birthplace of the Australian and New Zealand WW2 Commandos.An annual service is conducted each November at the Tidal River WW2 Commando memorial. Since almost all of the WW2 Commando veterans have passed, the annual service is now conducted by the post-WW2 Australian Commando Association Victoria. The WW2 Commando Association disbanded in 2010. The booklet recognises the raising of the Commandos and their training at Wilsons Promontory, and their continued recognition by the annual memorial service.Booklet , 175 mm by 245 mm, staple bound, 30 pages, full colour cover and centre pages. -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Private War of the Spotters: A history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company, February 1942-April 1945
The history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.gray plasticnon-fictionThe history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.world war ii, special operations, new guinea, new guinea air warning wireless company -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, A.B.Feure, Australian Commando: Their Secret War against the Japanese in World War II
non-fictionww2, australian commandos, australian special operations, australian special forces, world war ii