The Soviet Union was one of the first countries to realize the unique potential of parachute forces. As early as 1927 there were reports of parachute troops being used against bandits in Central Asia. Within the next two to three years Leonid G. Minov began to organize the first military parachute units. He traveled to the United States to study parachute strategy and techniques employed in air rescue missions. He returned to his country with a supply of American-made Irvin parachutes. In April 1930, Soviet industry produced its first run of domestic parachutes, not surprisingly patterned on the Irvin style.Red felted wool beret withblack leather hat trimfabric informatiion labelt i.e. dry cleanrussian front 1918-1919, russian paratroopers history of russian paratroopers, history of change in aircraft to cater for paratroopers

Hardback,history of the RAAF & Nhill in World War II 1941 - 1946, written by Kevin O'Reilly. Front coloured white & blue, photo of Avro Anson Mk1 on front, with emblems of RAAF and Shire of Lowan. Reverse in simlilar colours, with cartoons and 8 small photos. Preface by Chris G Spence AO, Air Vice Marshal (Retd).history world war ii, raaf base nhill, 1941 1946, kevin o reilly, john clarkson, peter isaccson wing commander retd am dfc afc dfm, chris, spence, air vice marshal retd

Hard cover book Hard cover - cardboard, mid blue colour buckram, silver print on spine. 276 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Front and back end papers and numerous pages - Owner's stamp. front end paper - price notation.Front and back end papers and numerous pages - owner's stamp, purple ink "AIR CADET CORPS/ CITY OF BENDIGO SQUADRON" Front end papers - handwritten, grey lead pencil "19/9/7570".books, military history, ww2, bomber command

"PATHFINDER" A War Autobiography by Air Vice-Marshal D.C. BENNETT, C.D., C.B.E., D.S.O.. RAF WW2.Hardcover book. Cover - cardboard, dark blue color buckram. Gold print on spine. 287 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs. Front and back end papers - owner's stamps. Front end paper - price notation.Front and back end papers - owner's stamp - purple ink "AIR CADET CORPS/ CITY OF BENDIGO SQUADRON. Blue ink "RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE/ MEMORIAL HALL BENDIGO" . Front end paper - price notation - grey lead pencil "4590/22/6"books, military history, ww2, autobiography, raf

"THE BIRTH OF THE BOMB" "THE UNTOLD STORY OF / BRITAIN'S PART IN THE WEAPON/ THAT CHANGED THE WORLD" Hard cover book. Cover - cardboard, dark orange colour buckram with silver print on spine. 209 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated four black and white photographs opposite the title page. Front and back end papers and numerous pages - owner's stamp. front end papers - price notation.Front & end paper papers and pages - owner's stamp, purple ink "AIR CADET CORPS/ CITY OF BENDIGO SQUADRON" Front end papers - price no9tation - grey lead pencil "20/1 /4610".books, military history, ww2

"The Golden Years/ The Royal Australian Air Force 1921-1971.Soft cover book - folio binding. Soft cover - cardboard, mid blue colour, embossed, Gold and Navy blue print on front and spine. Illustrated RAAF Crest. 124 pages - paper, cut, plain, white. Illustrated, colour and black and white photographs and diagrams.books, history, raaf

This cylinder was used for holding the bomb fin and fuse pistols for 250lb bomb. Belonged to Harold Chatfield, 401493, RAAF. Refer to Cat. No. 198P for Chatfield's RAAF service history.Thick cardboard cylinder with metal end cap. Cotton webbing straps for cover cap and for handle. Inside is 3 squares of yellow rubber on metal end cap.Stenciled on outside, “BOMB GP 250 LB IV TAIL No 2 HEBCO PISTOL No. 27 F.R.I."war, bomb, air force

HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only British Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisions. The ship was laid down for the British Royal Navy as the lead ship of the Majestic class in April 1943, and was launched as HMS Majestic (R77) in February 1945. At the end of World War II, work on the ship was suspended until she was purchased by the RAN in 1947. At the time of purchase, it was decided to incorporate new aircraft carrier technologies into the design, making Melbourne the third ship to be constructed with an angled flight deck. Delays in construction and integrating the enhancements meant that the carrier was not commissioned until 1955. Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. However, she was involved in two major collisions with allied vessels. On the evening of 10 February 1964, Melbourne collided with and sank HMAS Voyager when the Daring class destroyer altered course across her bow. Eighty-two of Voyager's crew were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The second collision occurred in the early morning of 3 June 1969, when Melbourne collided with and sank the Allen M. Sumner class destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in similar circumstances. Seventy-four United States Navy (USN) personnel died, and a joint USN–RAN Board of Inquiry was held. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that Melbourne was jinxed. Melbourne was paid off from RAN service in 1982. A proposal to convert her for use as a floating casino failed, and a 1984 sale was cancelled, before she was sold in 1985 and towed to China for breaking. The scrapping was delayed so Melbourne could be studied by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as part of a secret project to develop a Chinese aircraft carrier and used to train PLAN aviators in carrier flight operations. HMAS Melbourne was decommissioned on 30 June 1982, having spent 62,036 hours underway and having steamed 868,893 nautical miles. A proposal to convert her for use as a floating casino failed, and a 1984 sale was cancelled, before she was sold for scrap in 1985 and towed to China for breaking. The scrapping was delayed so Melbourne could be studied by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as part of a secret project to develop a Chinese aircraft carrier and used to train PLAN aviators in carrier flight operations.The pictorial history of HMAS Melbourne with rare photos. Now a scarce title and highly desirable title that is now long out of print. Has provenance history of all ships movements from 1955 till decommissioned.HMAS Melbourne 25 YearsOn the front page is a picture of HMAS Melbourne with the words at top "H.M.A.S. Melbourne. At bottom are the words in orange, '25 Years'. In white, are the words 'by Ross Gillett' then 'Forward by Rear Admiral G.G.O. Gatacre C.B.E. DSO. DSC & Bar, RAN'. On the rear page is a list of all the Captains that served on the HMAS Melbourne between 1955-1980.hmas melbourne, aircraft carrier, royal australian navy, australian navy, westland whirlwind, sea venom, fairy gannet, bristol sycamore, westland wessex, douglas skyhawk, grumman tracker, westland sea king, fleet air arm, hmas albatross, nowra

The history of the Royal Australian Air Force in WWII beginning with the first offensive against Japan and ends with the return of the RAAF to Australia after the surrender of the Japanese Forces.Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - Air War Against Japan 1943-1945 AIR Maps, Illustrations, Photographs, Australian War Memorialraaf, 1943-1945, japan, pacific war, phillipines, burma, minelaying, mindoro, catalinas, anti-submarine, tarakan, labuan, rabaul, new guinea

Historical record of the Australian Flying Corps from diaries of airmen and the Australian War Museum. No. 1 Squadron - private diaries of Lt. Colonel R. Williams. No, 2,3,and 4 Squadrons.Record of Australian Air Corps using personal diaries.Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume VIII - Australian Flying Corps. Maps and Illustrations Sixth editionmesopotamia, world war one, squadrons 1,2,3 and 4, private diaries, german offensive, air warfare, turkish retreat, gaza, mezzines ridge, somme, types of fighting aircraft

This notebook contains information on air navigation and electrical science. It was issued to Roy Eliason (449852), a Shepparton local who enlisted in 1944 and served as a Leading Aircraftman with the 2nd Operational Training Unit Mildura. Contents include: Appendix I: Law, Discipline, Administration and Organisation, Hygiene and Sanitation, Notes on Meteorology, Definitions, The principles of flight, Airframes, Engine; Appendix II: Mathematics problems for revision.This notebook has significant research potential, as it bears the service number of the owner: Roy Eliason. Roy Eliason's service history is well documented in the National Archives of Australia and this book provides an insight into a period of his service. Notebooks such as this were presumably issued to new recruits in the early stages of their service. Though this copy is in fair condition with several signs of wear, these signs may in fact increase the significance of the item, demonstrating the frequent use of this item in the hands of a new recruit to the Royal Australian Air Force. Series of pages bound via twine passed through four holes along left side. Front and back cover are card with orange vinyl/fabric strip and paper cover bearing title text. Orange pages throughout mark sections. Book printed throughout.Inscribed on front cover: "449852/AC2 ELIASON R/B/2". Inscribed on interior "449852/ELIASON. R./B/2". air navigation, training, royal australian air force, raaf, eliason, world war ii, wwii, second world war

The handbook was distributed to all ex-servicemen on return from WW2 in the Geelong area and was a guide to civil life.This booklet for returned service personnel from World War 2 living in the Geelong Region is og local district significance as a part of the history of Geelong.The Road Back -two of The Ex-Serviceman's Handbooks,1947/ 1950 Geelong Issued Free.One is Light green in colour with black writingThe Road Back The Ex-Serviceman's Handbook Geelong.the road back, the ex-serviceman's handbook, world war 2, ww2, australian aif, australian serviceman, australian servicewoman, rss&aila, army, navy, air force, returned sailor's, soldier's and airmen's imperial league of australia, rsl

British Government-issued brief history of the Battle of Britain.Historical document of Battle of BritainBooklet - The Battle of Britain - August- October 1940 RAF. Outer cover Pale Green light cardboard, interior pages light brown.An Air Ministry Account of the Great Days from 4th August - 31st October 1940. His Majesty's Stationery Office: London.

A brief history of the effort made to return Air Force Personnel to their home lands.WW2 article voyage home of service personnel.Pamphlet - Homeward Bound - Souvenir of the voyage of H.M.T. 'Andes' Oct 45 Cover has green printing of title, ship, U.K. image and a dotted line showing journey to Australia - New Zealand.In the middle of the Booklet is an autographs section. Autographs are from fellow ship board travelers.

Commemorates operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. forces involved in Iraqi and details losses incurred.Glass Mug Operation Iraqi Freedom with pewter lid contain Certificate of Authenticity U.S. Heritage Glass Series Number 2289 of 9000Certificate of Authenticity. US-Heritage Glass Series, The History of the U.S. Operation. Iraqi Freedom Column Crystal Glass with Pewter Lid.Pewter Lid is decorated with an inscription around the edge "Democracy, Freedom, Liberty, Honour, Courage. in the center is an eagle, two crossed U.S. Flags, A five pointed badge surrounded by a laurel wreath and in the center of the badge is a five pointed star. The thumb button has a congressional seal embossed there on.on the front of the glass is an area of gold leaf that has a heading "The History of the Liberation of Iraq" There are emblems of the U.S. armed forces that were involved in the conflict: U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Navy, Dept of Army, U.S. Air Force, Army National Guard, Air National Guard. On the top of this circle of emblems is a pair of crossed swords, on the blade of one the swords "Proud to serve" and the other sword "All gave some, some gave all" under the crossed swords is an inscription "Freedom and Justice for All" The center of this area is a pewter medallion labeled "Operation Iraqi Freedom" in the center of the medallion is map of Iraq with city centers mentioned and below is an eagle clutching a feather and sword. On the outside of this area is small pictures of: plane, helicopter, Parachute, jeep, soldier, large jet, aircraft carrier, oasis scene, truck, soldier, and tank. on the lower section is a representation of an American flag The bars contain details of the number and type of U.S. forces involved. The bottom is embossed with "God Bless the Defenders of Freedom and Democracy of Iraq"

This section of aluminium sheet with Swastika is from a German ME 109 fighter that was shot down by RAAF pilot Brian Eaton over Libya in Nov 1942. This section of the plane was bought back to Australia by Alex ARCHER No 40637 who was a despatch rider with No 3 Sqd RAAF. Refer Cat No 2597 for Alex Archers service details. Brian Eaton. Brian Alexander EATON, CB, CBE, DSO. & Bar, DFC. CO of No 3 SQD RAAF April 1943 to Feb 1944, EATON joined the RAAF in 1936 and retired in 1973 with the rank of Air Vice Marshall. At one point he was shot down 3 times.Swastika symbol painted on aluminium aircraft skin. Symbol is black with cream edging on a grey-green background.On back "Mantuba/Nov 1942/ N.A"military history, army, souvenirs, germany

Out in the Cold - Australia's involvement in the Korean War 1950 - 1953.Soft cardboard cover, black white & gold print on front, spine & back. Front cover has 3 black & white photos - top navy, middle air force, bottom army; with a muted black & white photo of a group of soldiers in a single file in the background. Spine has dark gold background. Book is black, front end paper & fly leaf black & white photo. 92 pages, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black & white & colour photos & maps.books, korea, military

From title page: The ANZAC Squadron. A history of No 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force 1942 - 1945 by Air Commodore Norman Ashworth, RAAF (Ret).Soft cardboard cover, dark blue & black print on front, spine & back. Yellow background with colour photos of a painting of a Flying Boat in action. On back is a black & white portrait photo of the author, Norman Ashworth. 275 pages, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black & white photos & maps.raaf, book, 461

From front cover: The Diary and Log Book of Test Pilot H Leonard Thorne 1940-45..1) Hard cardboard cover, blue coloured paper, gold print on spine. .2) Dust cover is blue, brown, white, black print on front, spine, back. Colour photo of an aircraft & pilot on front, back cover has colour photo of a Log Book. Pages - 254, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black & white photos & documents. Inscription front fly leaf handwritten in blue ink: “To a good friend & brother, Kevin Hogan Gill & Barry” To the Bendigo District RSL & Passchendaele Barracks Memorial Military Museum. Thank you for keeping the memory of our war heroes alive”book, test pilot, dunkirk

Item relates to Reginald Charles ALLARDICE NO 418577 RAAF. Refer Cat No 3627.5 for his service history.Officers medical record card RAF form I 417, blue folded Royal Air Force re RC ALLARDICE No Aus/418577. Inside written in blue pen details re nature and number of vaccinations.On front “ALLARDICE REGINALD CHARLES AUS/418577”vaccinations, medical, officer

Beret, black felt with reinforced black hat band, 2 air vents RHS & back. Silver RAEME (Royal Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers) badge in front.costume-male, headwear, military history - army, raeme, passchendaele barracks trust

Framed Coloured print/photo of Hawker Hurricane A/c KZ 193, Prototype MK5 40 mm cannon. Aircraft in flight with cloud and landscape depicted below. Tropicalised air intake Frame - Light brown timber, glass front. photography-photographs, frame accessories; trades - carpentry; military history - airforce, airforce, photo, aircraft

188 page book, dark blue buckram hard cover with gold print, blue paper cover, dark blue print. Royal Air Force badges on front & back, black & white & colour illustrated throughout. books - military, military history - airforce, raaf

Plastic scale model of Catalina Flying Boat. Twin engines on high main wing. Camouflage colouring on top of wing & tail wings. White fuselage & under wings. Gun mounted in front of cockpit. Two Rockets under each side of main wing. Gun turrets on each side of fuselage.Each side of fuselage under cockpit: "No 88" Each side of tail fin: "No 1188"military history - souvenirs - air force, passchendaele barracks trust

Part of the HEWSTON collection WW1 & WW2.Brass shell casings in shape of aeroplane on brass stand/base. The rear section is missing.military history - souvenirs - air force, trench art

Item issued to Murray Metherall 35455. Refer Cat No 590.2 for his Service History.Hat, bush, floppy, cotton, green colour with metal air holes around crown.uniforms - army, costume - male headwear, bush hat, floppy

Boxed set of 6 books. The Unit Guide, The Australian Army 1939 - 1945. .1) Box, open, cardboard, dark green buckram, white paper lining, gold print on sides. .2) - .7) Hard cover book, cardboard, dark green buckram with gold print on front cover & spine. Pages plain cut, black print, black & white illustrations. .2) 483 pages. .3) 605 pages. .4) 626 pages. .5) 654 pages. .6) 706 pages. .7) 568 pages..2) Volume 1 of 6. Unit & Location Indexes, Bibliography, Orders of Battle .3) Volume 2 of 6. Headquarters, Infantry, Cavalry, Armoured & Intelligence Units. .4) Volume 3 of 6. Artillery, Air Defence & Engineer Units. .5) Volume 4 of 6. Medical & Signals Units. .6) Volume 5 of 6. Aust Army Service Corp, Aust Army Ordnance Corp & Aust Electrical & Mechanical Engineer Units. .7) Volume 6 of 6. Women's Services, Volunteer Defence Corps, War Graves Survey, Labour Salvage, Military Policing, Recruiting & Training, Dental, Bath & Laundry, Veterinary & Animal, Movements & Transit, Pay, Records & Printing & Postal, Amenities & Canteens Units.books-military-history, units, 1939 - 45

Item relates to George William Alfred MARRIOTT RAAF. Refer Cat No 3117 for his service history.Hard cover, khaki coloured loose leaf book held together with screws. Black print. Contains aircraft generator technical data, circuits, landing & bomb bay circuits. Hand made.Front cover top right: “Sgt Marriott Sig School PT Cook”books - manuals/military/eduction/air force, hudson, electrical

Item relates to George William Alfred MARRIOTT RAAF. Refer Cat No 3117 for his service history.Royal Australian Air Force. Blue buckram hard covered book, black printing, not illustrated, approx 150 pages.Hand written on bottom centre cover: "G Marriott" Inside cover: "ACI Marriott 1750 W/T Operator Mechanic" Rear: "Units served in - No 1 FTS, Signal School Lav. No 2 Sqn, No 1 A/C Depot" Aircraft flown - "Avro Trainer, Demon, Anson, Wapiti"military history - records / air force, log book

Item relates to George William Alfred MARRIOTT RAAF. Refer Cat No 3117 for his service history.Air Publication No 3023 1st Edn 1943. Brown cardboard soft cover booklet, black printing, 80 pages. Loosely bound by a boot lace through three holes. Numerous circuits, electronic circuits & wave forms on how radios workHandwritten written top of front cover: “F/Lt Marriott 07” Handwritten signature bottom right.books reference/military/eduction, radio