Showing 579 items
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Bendigo Military Museum
Book, 2/29 Battalion AIF Association, A History of the 2/29th Battalion - 8th Australian 8th Division, AIF, 1991
Book, soft cover, black print on front, back & spine. Black & white photograph of military tank & 2/29 Battalion colour patch on front cover with light yellow colour background. 224 cut plain pages, illustrated black & white photographs. Handwritten in black in on title page: To Bill Toan Thanks for getting me (nice and pissed in Singapore) Feb 1992 My son Peter joins me in sending best wishes Kind regards Clem Sheppard. Donated by Bgo Y Mens Club In black ink on front page: RSL Stampbooks, military history -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Map, Victoria, 3rd Military District, 3rd and 5th Brigades of 2nd Cavalry Division, 1 January 1921
The 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment is now the only Victorian Light Horse Regiment and the custodian of the histories of the six Light Horse regiments depicted on the mapColoured print of map (2 copies) showing Victorian Light Horse regimental areas of 3rd and 5th Brigades of 2nd Cavalry Division. 5th Brigade: 4th, 19th, & 17th Light Horse Regiments 3rd Brigade: 20th, 8th & 13th Light Horse RegimentsIssued by authority of the District Commandant -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Diary -Maj R D MCLeish, Believed to be Major R S McLeish, OC D Sqn. 4th LH, 1916 (exact); Entries over period 1916-1936
Personal diary of - Major R S McLeish (?) containing entries for three periods - 1. Operations of 4th Light Horse Regiment on Western Front in July-August 1916. Includes Regimental key appointments as at July 1916. 2. Light Horse training in Bulla, Little River area of Victoria (undated) 3. Entries re Dog Pavilion, believed to be Royal Melbourne Show - 17-26 September 1936. ARMY BOOK 152, CORRESPONDENCE BOOK, (FIELD SERVICE)ww1, 4th light horse, d squadron, western front, war diary, bailleul, marseilles, strazeele, sercus, hazebrook, staple, wallon, cappel, longuecroix, aire, merviele, boeschem, flerbaix, estairs, doulieu, sially, appointments 4th light horse, cyclists, otago mounted rifles, 49th division, 51st division, staughton vale, kirks bridge, pringles bridge, little river, ballan, bulla, royal melbourne show 1936 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Greatcoat, abt 1940
Not of particular significance to this collection. Available for "swaps" with other collectionsWorld War 2 pattern greatcoat. With Australian Military Forces buttons and colour patch of 6 Division Engineers on each sleeveOn label sewn inside " M TX"clothing, uniforms, greatcoat -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Aide-Memoire Card (2 copies), Coaching the Rifleman, 1960's
A tri-folded card for coaching the rifleman, showing target grouping, faults and correction measures, coaching procedures etcsmall arms training -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet (2 copies), The Division in Battle Pam No 9 Intelligence, 1965
... History Room Simpson Barracks Macleod melbourne Booklet (2 copies ...A semi-soft covered booklet outlining the organisation, tasks and employment of intelligence in the division. One copy has amendment No 1 and is held together with ringsDSN 7610-66-024-7173intelligence -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Diary, The Personal Diary of Kenneth Alan McKenzie DSO, Major, Australian Staff Corps, Gallipoli to Beersheba 1915-1917, Aug 1993
Kenneth Alan Mckenzie was the youngest of the six children of George and Martha McKenzie of Geelong, Victoria . Attended Duntroon. Commissioned 3/11/14. Embarked 12/2/15. Prom Captain 19/9/15. Prom Major 19/3/16. Brigade Major 4 Brigade 18/2/17. GSO 3 - Imperial Mounted Division 21/3/17. Brigade Major 4 LH Brigade 16/4/17. MID. DSO MID GSO 2 Descorps 4/10/18. Appointed Adjutant of Duntroon 1920, later 2nd Cavalry Division, Served in World War 2 in command of 4th Motor Brigade. After the war he retired with rank of Brigadier . Died in 1948, aged 54 Annotated transcription from original diaries of Major McKenzie. A4 bound pagesdiary, mckenzie -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, Operations Military Training Pamphlet No 23 Part X The Infantry Division in the Advance 1941, 1941
Soft covered booklet dealing with the considerations of the advance of an Infantry DivisionNot to be published Document must not fall into enemy handsinfantry tactics, world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, McLaren & Co Pty Ltd, The Tactical Handling of the Armoured Division and its Components. Military Training Pamphlet No 41 Part 2. The Armoured Regiment 1943, 1943
Soft covered booklet. Superseded the 1940 edition.Warning about communicating content to any person or the press.armour tactics, world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet (2 copies), Victorian Railways Printing Works, Tactical Handling of Army Tank Battalions Military Training Pamphlet No 22 Part III: Employment 1939, 1941
Soft covered booklet. As modified for Australia in 1941.Not to be taken forward of Divisional Headquarters.tank tactics, world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet (2 copies), Modern Printing Co Pty Ltd, M.E.T.P. No 2 Part VIII Tactical Handling of Armoured Divisions in the Middle East, 1940's
Paper covered bookletarmoured tactics, middle east, world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, The Cooperation of Tanks with Infantry Divisions. Mil Training Pam No 63, 1944
Soft covered booklet providing a sound foundation for training tanks and infantry divisions to work togetherinfantry armour cooperation, world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, The Tactical Handling of the Armoured Division and its Components. Mil Training Pam No 41 Part 3. The Motor Battalion 1943, 1943
... booklet Armoured Division Tactics World War 2 ...Soft covered bookletarmoured division tactics, world war 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, Australian Military Forces The Division in Battle Pamphlet No 5 Artillery 1969, 1969
Soft covered booklet with amendments 1& 2 covering Artillery - its characteristics, role, equipment & ammunition, organisation, principles of employment, applications of fire etc. 3 copies7610-66-031-4752artillery command deployment -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, Australian Army Manual of Land Warfare Part 2 Artillery Training Vol 3 Pam 6 Mortar Locating Troop 1980, 1980
Soft covered booklet providing information and doctrine for the Mortar Locating Troop, Divisional Locating Battery 7610-66-104-8349artillery, mortar locating -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, The Division in Battle Pam 2 Administration 1966
... The Division in Battle Pam 2 Administration 1966... The Division in Battle Pam 2 Administration 1966 Soft covered booklet ...Soft covered booklet containing doctrine based on known principles of war, experience of other armies, and studies of the divisional organisation. With amendments 1 & 2. 2 copiesarmy battle administration -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Card
Christmas card sent to a family in Australia by Australian Army serviceman, Noel Blundell who served in Syria during World war 2. The card is in the form of a booklet consisting of the cover and one double page insert. The card front cover has the Australian 'Rising Sun' badge and the words "9th Australian Divisional Cavalry Regiment" and "A. I. F.". The centre pages have an illustration of a village scene on the left page and the words "A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year" printed on the right page. The serviceman has written "To Alice From Noel" beneath the Christmas message. At the bottom of this page are the words "MIDDLE EAST" and "DECEMBER 1941". The rear cover page has an illustration of two camels, one leading the other.christmas, middle east, 2nd aif, army, aif, ww2, world war 2, syria, blundell, noel blundell, 9th australian division -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Collection, Burma Railway
Framed collection of railway spikes and clips from the Thai-Burma Railway recovered from Hell Fire Pass in 1987. These items were recovered during a visit to the site by Australian Army World War 2 ex-serviceman John William Toon, service number VX30397. J W Toon (also known as Bill Toon) served with the 8th Division and was a prisoner of war. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Compass, Divers
Diver's underwater compass used by British Royal Navy clearance divers during World War ll. Originally issued to ex-RN demolition diver (frogman), PO Leslie Wade, service number RJX 162991 of the Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Unit (LCOCU), 1939 to 1945. Wade participated in the 'Operation Overlord' D Day landing at 'Juno' Beach, Normandy, France on the 6th June, 1944, in the early hours of the morning prior to the Canadian Army task force landing. Wade was with the LCOCU team tasked with clearing anti landing craft obstacles which were destroyed by placing explosive demolition charges. note: at some stage during the day Wade was wounded by enemy mortar fire and successfully evacuated to England for treatment. This compass is a large round prismatic type compass in a substantial watertight housing designed to be worn on the lower arm (wrist area). There is a thick leather two piece strap for attaching to the arm. The compass is presumably oil filled with a rotating disc marked with the numerals 2 to 34 in mirror image characters. The compass reading is viewed through a prismatic lens attached over the fixed heading marker.The rotating disc is marked with the usual compass markings of "N, E, S, W". The disc is marked in five degree divisions with mirror image numerals indicating the "2nd to 34th" major divisions. The circular bezel surrounding the compass viewing glass is stamped "Patt 251, No 177D"compass, frogman, diver, underwater -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Medal Set (set of 4)
Set of four service medals issued to Australian Army serviceman James Marshall, VX103257, Lance Corporal, 3rd Australian Division Signals, 2nd AIF who served in Bouganville during World War 2. Set consists of the Australian Service Medal 1939-1945, the War Medal 1939-1945, the 1939-1945 Star and the Pacific Star, all medals are complete with ribbons and have been mounted on a common bar for attachment to the wearer's clothing. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
Copy of framed photograph of World War 2 Australian Army serviceman Lieutenant Edgar Burton Chapman, service number VX43645, who served in the 2/10th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. The 2/10th FC was attached to the 8th Division. Chapman later transferred to the 2/12 FC which was in Singapore when the Japanese invaded. Chapman was captured and spent 3 1/2 years as a Prisoner of War in Changi Prison. Chapman was born in Dromana, Victoria, on 21st March, 1914 and lived in Frankston and attended Frankston High School. He trained as a Civil Engineer and commenced work with the British Phosphate Commission in Nauru. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Map - Kiewa Valley, County Map of Bogong, 27/11/1905
This map has been owned by the Ryder Family of the Kiewa Valley for possibly over 100 years (1905?). It was used when the family mustered and maintained cattle on their grazing lease on the Bogong High Plains. Obviously a field map used on these occasions.This map was used by the Ryder Family who lived in the Kiewa Valley and who grazed cattle on their lease on the Bogong High Plains during summer.Showing reserves Under the Forest Act of 1907. This is a paper map which has been mounted or glued on pink and cream floral cotton. It is obvious by its poor condition that it has been used outdoors in the field. It is not in very good condition as it has been folded 4 times (8 divisions) and it is badly worn and cracked in the creases.Photo Lithographed at the Department of Lands and Surveys by T.E.McGauran 27/11/05 Price 1/3d. Scale - 2 miles to an inch. F.S. Hilcke Oct. 2nd 1905.department of lands and surveys map; ryder family; bogong high plains -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Books - Ron White Collection
Ron White was b. 1920. he received a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering at Footscray Technical School in 1946. He worked for the SECV from 1948 until 1985. In 1961 he was officially recognised as deputy for the General Superintendent, Kiewa. He was 'Principal Hydro Engineer, Hydro Division, Transmissions Operations Deparment - a position held until his retirement in 1985. Ron White studied engineering at Footscray Technical School. His books are part of his collection as he was principal Hydro Engineer from 1966 to 1985 with the SECV on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. He had a close association with the local communities and care for the welfare of employees. He lived at Mt Beauty and passed away on 30th September 2019, aged 99 years.1. x7 Charles Dickens novels. All red hard cover and bound with 764 pages. Gold embossed title & author on spine. 2. x2 English Books used at Footscray Technical School. Green hard cover with black title and print and Blue cardboard cover with black title and print. 3. x8 Science and Maths Books used at Footscray Technical School. All hard cover text booksAll with 'R. White' written on cover pageron white, secv engineer, charles dickens, footscray technical school, khes -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Booklet - Pre-natal, Pre-Natal Booklet - A Practical Guide for every Expectant Mother by Department of Health Victoria
The Maternal, Infant, and Pre-school Welfare division of the Victorian Health Department published this booklet to assist expectant mothers with information regarding their confinement.Pre-natal information was important for expectant mothers especially those living in isolation eg. the farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Cream coloured booklet with 65 pages held by 2 staples. It has 10 chapters on pre-natal and 4 chapters on post natal. It is very comprehensive with a few black & white illustrations. There is an 'Obstetric Table' on page 5 "To calculate the date of confinement." It was produced by the Maternal, Infant, and Pre-School Welfare Division. prenatal, victorian health department -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Commando White Diamond: Unt History of the 2/8th Australian Commando Squadron, 1996
The detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded.non-fictionThe detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded. -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - 6th Div, Shawn OLeary, To The Green Fields Beyond:The story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos
The comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollnon-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, A history of the 2nd Independent Company and 2/2nd Commando Squadron
The history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron during World War II – scarce as a 1st edition dated 1986. Having completed its training at Foster, on Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, the 2nd Independent Company was raised and travelled north to Katherine, in the Northern Territory. However, following Japan’s entry into the war, as with the other independent companies that were sent to the islands off Australia, the 2nd was sent to Timor, where it joined the 2/40th Battalion and the rest of Sparrow Force. Sparrow Force divided itself between west Timor, part of the Netherlands East Indies, and east Timor, which belonged to Portugal. The 2/40th Battalion defended the capital of west Timor, Koepang, and the airfield at Penfui. Most of the independent company moved to the airfield at Dili, in east Timor, and the nearby mountains. Portugal was opposed to the stationing of a Dutch or Australian garrison in case this provoked the Japanese, but despite this opposition, on 17 December 1941, elements of the 2nd Independent Company and Dutch troops landed near Dili. On 20 February 1942 the Japanese invaded the island, attacking east and west Timor simultaneously. The 2/40th Battalion held out for three days, but were overrun and were killed or captured. Similarly, the 2nd could not hold the airfield and were also driven back. But they were not captured and instead retreated to the mountains where they conducted a very successful and pursued a guerrilla war against the Japanese which lasted for over a year. Following the capture of Timor, the 2nd occupation the company was listed as “missing”, the company’s signallers were able to build a wireless transmitter, nicknamed ‘Winnie the War Winner’, and on 18/19 April were able to contact Darwin. At the end of May RAN vessels began landing supplies for the Australians on the south coast of east Timor. These supply runs were very dangerous but they allowed the Australians on Timor to continue fighting. In September the guerillas were reinforced with the 2/4th Independent Company. However, this could not go on indefinitely. In August the Japanese lunched a major offensive against the guerrillas and Japanese reprisals against the civilian population of east Timor reduced their support for the Australians. The 2nd (now named the 2/2nd Independent Company) and 2/4th were withdrawn in December and January 1943 respectively. Although the 2/2nd Independent Company is best known for its time on Timor, it also saw extensive service in New Guinea and New Britain. The independent company reformed at the army’s training centre at Canungra, Queensland, where it was reinforced and reequipped. The company then moved to the Atherton Tableland, where it briefly became part of the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. Due to this reorganisation, in October, the 2/2nd Independent Company was renamed the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. When this happened though, the 2/2nd was back in action. In June 1943 the 2/2nd sailed from Townsville for Port Moresby and was subsequently flown to Bena Bena, in the Bismark Range in New Guinea’s highlands. Here they supported the 2/7th Independent Company in patrolling the Ramu River area. In the second week of July the 2/2nd moved into position, with its headquarters at Bena Bena and with its platoons’ occupying neighbouring positions. By the end of the month their patrols were skirmishing with the Japanese. The 2/2nd remained in New Guinea until October 1944. After 90 days leave, the squadron reformed at Strathpine in Queensland before sailing to New Britain in April 1945. The 2/2nd landed at Jacquinot Bay on 17 April. The squadron then moved to Wide Bay, in order to support the 13th Brigade of the 5th Division, and was based at Lamarien. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or transferred to other units. For those who were left, they returned to Australia and in early 1946 the 2/2nd Commando Squadron was disbanded. Includes Nominal Roll Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 270 pages -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Japanese Sword, circa 1940's
Notes with sword. This Japanese sword was received by 2/8th Australian Field Regiment at the surrender at Miri, Borneo, in 1945. The Regiment served in the Middle East (1940-43) as part of the 9th Australian Division. It's final action was in Borneo, once again with 9th Division.Japanese NCO Army sword has ornate cast alloy and brass hilt which has 3 small Lotus flowers. Steel blade and metal sheathNumber on Blade 136088 -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Replica Medals, WW1 & WW11 Medals Awarded to Nathaniel Barclay, (estimated); between 1914 & 1945
Born 5th October 1895 in Adavoyle, United Kindom Occupation Grocer and later horticulturalist Married after WW1- Wife - Daisy Florence Barclay World War One Staff Sergeant Regimental Number 2139 Enlisted AIF in Melbourne 29th December 1914, having previously served 3 months with the Ulster Volunteers and to camp Broadmeadows, to depot Battalion 29th December 1914. Embarked from Melbourne for the middle East with 3rd reinforcement group for the 5th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 25th February 1915 per transport 'Runic'. Disembarked Alexandria and to camp Heliopolis, Egypt. Operation Gallipoli from 5th May 1915 with 5th Battalion. Sick with dental problems 2nd Field Ambulance 17th September 1915. To hospital Lemnos 20th December 1915. To Alexandria hospital with pluerisy 12th January 1916. Returned to Australia with enteric per 'Nestor' 9th February 1916.To duty Broadmeadows 4th April 1916. Wmbarked with 4th reinforcements group for the 58th Battalion, 15th Brigade per transport 'Themistocles' 1st August 1916 Returned to England 14th September 1916. Operations France and Flanders from 6th December 1916. To 59th Battalion 29th December 1916. To 5th Division Infantry School 18th February to 28th March 1917 as Lance Corporal. Corporal 7th April 1917. Sergeant 2nd May 1917. To 3rd Southern General Hospital Oxford 4th October 1917. Returned to Melbourne per Transport 'Persic' 12th February 1918. Discharged 14th March 1918. Second World War. Regimental Number V5571 Emlisted in the Australian Military Forces in Royal Park, Melbourne 22nd August 1940 and to 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, Fyansford. Staff Sergeant 24th August 1940. To 2/14th Training Battalion Wangaratta 11th October 1940. To 2/23rd Training Battalion, Wangaratta 18th October, 1940.To Southern Command Training School 26th May 1941.to Camp Bonegilla 15th May 1942. To Camp Caulfield 11th November 1942. Discharged to Reserve Occupation 19th November 1942. Remarks. Awarded 1915-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal 1914-1919 Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal as Lance Corporal vide London Gazette 30111 of 31st July 1918. Citation for action on 9th July 1917 during the third Battle of Ypres reads- " For conspicous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rendered invaluable service during operation in carrying important messsages through heavy fire" Awarded War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45 in 1951. Described as 71.5inches tall, medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He died 11th September 1962.WW1 - Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914/15 Star 1914/18 British War Medal Victory Medal WW11 - 1939/45 British War Medal Australian Service Medal 1939/45 All medals with associated coloured ribbons. These are replica medals made in the exact metals as the originals. Also in display is a record of War Service which can be found in the narrative. Noneservice, medal, 1918, citation, ww1, military, gazette, london, ww11, medals, 30111, 31st, july, ypres, distinguished -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Collage, Collage of WW1 photos of E. H. Rowe, 1st April, 2001 (exact)
This is part of the E.H. Rowe Collection.A brown wooden frame, containing 7 photos and a history of Ernest Henry Rowe. The frame has a small plaque on the bottom front.Photos from left-top to bottom: (.1) 1 Australian Divisional Headquarters- Orderlies, Grooms & Police- Derna Camp - Egypt 1914/ (.2) Two Pals and Ernie Rowe -Pyramids, Egypt, 1914/ (.3) Morning fatigues- Derna Camp- Egypt, 1914/ Main Photo: (.4) Officer Cadet Ernest Henry Rowe/ Queens College, Oxford, England/ October 1917./ Top right to bottom: (.5) Recovering at Al Hayat Hospital- Egypt after being wounded at Lone Pine Battle, Gallipoli, in August 1915./ (.6) The boy from the Bush- heading to France with Engineers- 1916./ (.7) The Sphynx and Pyramids - Egypt - 1914/ Plaque: To The Red Cliffs R.S.L. / from/ The Rowe Family of Red Cliffs/ 1st April, 2001. camp, australian, ww1, 1, gallipoli, henry, egypt, ernest, rowe, derna, divisional, headquarters, queens, college, oxford, lone, pine