This plaque was erected in the Williamstown Sailors' Rest, the former skating ring in Thompson Street. It's one the three memorials to Ethel Godfrey with the stained glass window in the St Peter chapel in the Central Institute (See 0064.2) ) and the optus sectile plaque in the 1888 Port Melbourne Institute (See 2053) . This plaque was moved to the Nelson Place building when the Mission purchased the E,S&A Bank in 1943. In 1982, the plaque ws removed from the Williamstown mission along with 4 other plaques, objects and furniture to furnish the chapel of the new Flagstaff Maritime Museum. The transfer of the 5 plaques was requested in 2020 and they returned to the Mission's collection in 2022.The plaque along with the two other memoriels erected in the memory of Ethel Godfrey demonstrates the gratitude for the her 30 years of work.Rectangular plaque for Ethel Augusta Godfrey ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, williamstown, thompson street, seamen's mission, sailors' rest, flasgstaff maritime museum, lhlg

This is a reproduction of the original 1897 Captains' petition to build a Central Institute on the Yarra river. "To the Executive Committee of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, Melbourne. "Ladies and Gentleman, "We, the undersigned captains of several ships now lying at the Melbourne wharves think it most desirable that the Victorian Seamen's Mission, being the mission that has for so many years shown a most part their interest in the spiritual, moral, and social well-being of the seamen of all nationalities, shall him on the banks of the Yarra an institute such as that at Port Melbourne, where sailors of every grade could profitably and pleasantly spend their evenings. At almost every other seaport in the world such institutions are being provided for seamen, and we are satisfied from our opinion of the Melbourne public that the matter needs only to be prominently brought under their notice to be accomplished. We are confident that the good work of the mission is being hampered by its not having such a place near the shipping at the Melbourne wharves. Our crews are at present placed at a great dis advantage through not having an institute more convenient to the scene of their labours than that at Port Melbourne, which, on a very wet or a very hot, is not easily reached. If a site could be obtained immediately above the Gasworks but on the other side of Flinders street extension, that is to say, on the lower part of the land on which the Harbour Trust offices are built, it would be most convenient for the shipping on both the north and south side of the river. Trusting that it may be possible to do some thing to meet this long felt want, We suscribe ourselves, Yours respectfully, Geo.H Steven, master ship Dharwar; Thos. Curd, master ship Narcissus; James Horne, master ship Loch Garry; T.Tait, master ship Loch Ryan; T. Nilsen, master ship Hebe; G. Ch Christian, master ship Anna; R.E. Peasley, master ship Seminole; Wm. Martin, master ship Loch Ness; T.C. Martin, master ship Loch Tay; W.H. Bennett, master ship Loch Vennachar; J. Raglan Brodie, master s.s. Warrnambool; James E. Coles, master ship Mermerus; J. H. Walker, master ship Hinemoa; R.J. Johns, master ship Ariel; D. Gorchem (sic. Gerckens), master ship Matador; H. Petersen, master ship Nesaia; Wm. J. Reid, master s.s. Star of New Zealand; A. F. Svhanstrom, master ship Hermes; Alex. Smith, master ship Sophocles; W. Y. Bunn, master ship Carmanian; William Anderson, master ship Loch Katrine."Framed and mounted reproduction of Captains' petitionpetition, seamen's mission, yarra river, captains, victoria, melbourne, ships, australia-wharf, signatures, 717-flinders-street-docklands, maritime welfare services, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, mermerus, captain coles, sir john coode, loch line, loch ness, loch gary, loch ryan, ss warrnambool, loch tay, loch vennachar, matador, nesaia, d. gerckens, h. petersen, a.f. svhanstrom, hermes, ariel, loch katrine, william anderson, dharwar, narcissus, hebe, anna, hinemoa, sophocles, carmanian, early origins, 2016, exhibitions

Hardback cover book with white Title (see above) and author text, KVERNDAL, Roald, on pink grey cover. pp 903, ills. Cover image depicts a masted galleon ship at anchor with interior lights at dusk or dawn flying from the stern of the ship is the blue BETHEL flag featuring a star and dove of peace in top and lwr corners respectively. xxviii, 903 p. : ill. ; 24 cmnon-fictionmerchant seamen, missions and charities, royal navy chaplains, missions-to-seamen, mission to seafarers, roald kverndal

non-fictionpadre frank leslie oliver, port of melbourne, beverley kent nee oliver, music, photographs, jacki fowler

It is historically significant as it marks a royal visit made by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester during the Duke of Gloucester's term as 11th Governor General of Australia (1945 - 1947). Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, GCB, CI, GCVO, GCStJ, GBE (born Lady Alice Christabel Montagu Douglas Scott; 25 December 1901 – 29 October 2004) was the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V and Queen Mary. Frank Oliver was MTS chaplain during this period. The Gloucesters did not return to Australia on any official visit until 1965. (see ADB entry for Duke of Gloucester) According to the list of engagements from the Argus, on Saturday the Duke and Duchess left Governor House to visit the Central Institute at 11am where they were received by the Governor and Lady Dugan, the chaplain (Padre Oliver) and members of the committee. They left at 11.15am : the legend of the picture "AS THE DUCHESS LEFT THE MISSION TO SEAMEN Central Institute on Saturday morning, Padre Frank Oliver, chaplain, called for three cheers, which were given heartily."This photograph reveals the contemporaneous relationship between Australians and the British Royal family and connection through the International organisation that is the Mission to Seafarers. Current President is HRH the Princess Royal.Newspaper clipping depicting Alice Duchess of Gloucester at middle left with Chaplain Frank Oliver at middle right. The Chaplain is waving and possibly leading a cheer. He is wearing a naval uniform. The Duchess is wearing a black hat and white short-sleeved dress holding a bunch of flowers. In the left of the photograph is a man holding his right arm up hiding his face from view. In the background there is a crowd of onlookers behind a railing.Written in black ink: Feb 25 1945 / Duke's final visit as Governor Generalpadre frank leslie oliver, duchess of gloucester, flandres street, governor general, duke of gloucester, flinders street

Flyer from 1956-58 woth all the different activities free for seamen in the 3 locations: central Port Melbourne and Williamstown.Digital reproduction of a programme on cream colour paper printed in blue and red ink with a photograph of the Flinders St mission's facade flyer, padre frank leslie oliver, david conolly, peter smith, lay readers, reverend c.j. eldridge-doyle, sports, socials, billiard, cinema, tennis, dance, randall stewart murray, programme

In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. A large plan on tracing paper (original or copy of the original) is held in the MSTV archives.flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916

In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. A large plan copy of the original is held in the MSTV archives.flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916

In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916

In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916

In August 1916, Walter R. Butler presented the plans for the future central Seamen's Institute.The drawings show the original plans with rooms' names and intended use. They also show the original concept for the chapel which was in the Spanish Mission style.Plan copied from the 1983 Howden and Wardrop A4 report. flinders street, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), norla dome, st peter chapel, spanish mission, arts and crafts, 1916

The canteen is part of the Mission to Seafarers building that has catered to visiting seafarers since 1917. The canteen is operated by the Flying Angel Club, which offered services to seafarers including food, drink and souvenirs from the canteen and events held in the main hall which invloved the use of the canteen. The Ladies Harbor Lights Guild also used the canteen facilities for functions and fundraisers held at the Mission to Seafarers. One of the flyer in Chinese helps dating the photograph between 1963-66 when Padre Wong was chaplain at the Mission.Historical record of the Mission to Seafarers canteen post-1963. This is an example of the contemporaneous use of the canteen as primarily a supply shop and in a comparative fashion reveals some of the overall changes at the Mission.A white-bordered, black and white photograph of the Mission to Seafarers Canteen. From the left hand side of the photograph the image portrays an external doorway with six glass windows, emitting light from behind. This leads to the dipslay cabinet and bench of the canteen which is reflecting light from the windowed door. Central to the image is a pillar which is three-quarters wood paling starting from the floor, of which a map is displayed on one edge and a notice board on the remaining visible edge of the pillar. A bench is visible to the right side of the pillar and the far right side of the photograph, posters are hung on the wall. Purple stamp on central back of photograph. "Melbourne Harbor/Trust Photograph/Negative No......." photograph, canteen, tab, koalas, blackboard, archway, pennant, licensed-to-sell-postage-stamps, mission to seamen, mission to seafarers, melbourne, flying angel club, map, bar, milkshake machine, display case, fluorescent light, notice board, wains coting, postcards, milkshake, beverage, plastichrome, matches, razors, gillette, straw, melbourne harbour trust, melbourne harbor trust, donation tin, lighthouse

An original group of plans drawn by Walter Butler who was also the architect of the Central Institute, Siddeley Street in 1906 and the Mission to Seamen building at 717 Flinders St that is still in use today. The early Port Melbourne onshore Mission gradually transformed from a 'wooden shack' to a one storey brick building designed by architect Frederick Williams in 1888. The St Nicholas chapel was added in 1915. Walter Butler was commissioned to add a second storey in 1917. The building retained its functions until 1937 when the Art Deco Mission, designed by Morris was built. The building has survived as a structure into the 21st century, and was incorporated as part of a multi-apartment development. Historical architectural record of Walter Butler's work. Walter Butler was a renowned architect and friend of the Fairfax family.Coloured architect's drawings of the proposed plans for Chaplain's Residence at Port Melbourne on heavy parchment. Including elevation drawings, floor plans and cross sections as well as architect's notes and measurements.Embossed architect's stamp in top right and left corners and bottom right corner "Walter R Butler [indecipherable] Melbourne" Printer's stamp on bottom right hand corner of rear "Printed by J. Creffield Propy. LTD. RIALTO, 493-5 Collins St. Melbourne"plans, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), mission to seafarers, chaplains residence, beach street, nott street, port melbourne, mission to seamen, frederick williams

Photograph was taken at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. It is historically significant as it marks a royal visit made by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester during the Duke of Gloucester's term as 11th Governor General of Australia (1945 - 1947). Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, GCB, CI, GCVO, GCStJ, GBE (born Lady Alice Christabel Montagu Douglas Scott; 25 December 1901 – 29 October 2004) was the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V and Queen Mary. Frank Oliver was MTS chaplain during this period. The Gloucesters did not return to Australia on any official visit until 1965. (see ADB entry for Duke of Gloucester) According to the list of engagements from the Argus, on Saturday the Duke and Duchess left Governor House to visit the Central Institute at 11am where they were received by the Governor and Lady Dugan, the chaplain (Padre Oliver) and members of the committee. They left at 11.15am : the legend of the picture "AS THE DUCHESS LEFT THE MISSION TO SEAMEN Central Institute on Saturday morning, Padre Frank Oliver, chaplain, called for three cheers, which were given heartily."This photograph reveals the contemporaneous relationship between Australians and the British Royal family and connection through the International organisation that is the Mission to Seafarers. Current President is HRH the Princess Royal.Black and white photograph of Princess Alice the Duchess of Gloucester. The Duchess at middle left with Chaplain Frank Oliver at middle right. The Chaplain is waving and possibly leading a cheer. He is wearing a naval uniform. The Duchess is wearing a black hat and white short-sleeved dress holding a bunch of flowers. In the left of the photograph is a man holding his right arm up hiding his face from view. In the background there is a crowd of onlookers behind a railing.Front: "Duchess of Gloucester 1969" in blue pen in the bottom right corner. (see also notes re this date) There is also what appears to be a watermark on the middle left side. Back: "H.R.H. Duchess of Gloucester visiting Missions to Seamen, Melbourne." in the top left corner on an angle. "Copyright The Argus, Melbourne. Photograph Neg. No. U-646 Ref. No." in purple ink in the middle. The Neg. No. is in pencil.uniform, flowers, chaplain, princess alice, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, duke of gloucester, duchess of gloucester, governor general, frank leslie oliver, padre oliver, royal visit, flinders street, melbourne

The Siddeley Street institute, designed by renown architect Walter Butler was built in 1907. The foundation stone was laid in February 1907 by Lord Northcote and the institute was opened in December the same year.The Siddeley Street Seamen's Institute is the first central structure to be built in central Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River as the shipping was moving from Hobson's Bay to the city centre. Originally planned and budgeted for in the mid 1880s and petitioned by Ships masters in 1897 this was a long awaited project for the Mission.Sepia toned photograph depicting the Siddeley Street facility under construction. There are two women dressed in white wearing picture hats and carrying either cloaks or coats to the right of the photograph and a group of five men standing in a row beside them. They are all standing in front of the entranceway with arched windows to either side all of which is covered in scaffolding.Pencil mark on reverse of photograph: "2"siddeley street institute, australian-wharf, 1907, walter richmond butler (1864–1949), seamen's institute, seamen's mission, ladies, lhlg, officers, seamen, sailors, seafarers, mission to seafarers, scaffolding, anne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb

Mission to Seafarers regularly held social events as both a means of fundraising for the continuation of the organisation's work and providing social activities for visiting seafarers. On many Saturday nights there would be dances, concerts or other social events. This photograph depicts one such event.The Mission to Seafarers as an organisation is dedicated to not only providing spiritual and practical support to seafarers, but has long found it important to provide social opportunities as well. In the past there have been many dances, concerts and other social events that have been designed to cater for visiting seafarersSmall black and white photograph of a group of people in the main hall (Flying Angel Club) of the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. Some are dancing and some are standing together. The photograph is taken from an angle that has the bar (canteen) in the background.Pen on reverse of photograph: "5" enclosed in a circle.canteen, clock, ladies, floorboards, women, dance, couples, seafarers, suits, bar, flying-angel-club, mission-to-seafarers-melbourne, arched-doorways, lhlg, flying angel club, central club, plaque, jukebox, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, seamen, sailors, dancing, events, social, asian, flinders street, melbourne

The St Peter Chapel opened in 1917. Funding came primarily from the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild. The artwork "And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter" was donated by Mr R. Stewart Murray in 1940. The procession cross was donated by the Ballarat Branch of the Harbour Lights Guild in 1958 helping dating the photograph to post 1958.St Peter the Mariner's Chapel is ..... by the relationship with the Anglican Church. Although Black and white photograph with a white border, of the interior of Saint Peter the Mariner's Chapel. Central is the aisle with pews on either side. Midground and on the left side is the pulpit and an altar in the background. melbourne, mission-to-seafarers, altar, pulpit, pews, choir-stalls, reverend w.f. haire, walter richmond butler, jesus, st peter chapel, lectern, hymn board

The photograph portrays the main hall of the Mission to Seamen as it was used c.1950.The photograph is documents a moment in history that reflects how the main hall of the Mission to Seamen was used around the 1950s. The photograph also portrays one of many events held by the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild as one of the services provided for visiting seafarers.A black and white photograph inside the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne main hall. In the foreground there are two couples; on the left side of the photograph the couple are facing the left side, a man in a suit, vest and tie and a lady to the right in a mid-length skirt, jumper and short hair. The couple on the right of the photograph are facing each other - the lady has her back to the camera, and the man facing more toward the camera, he is also in a suit and is balding. A couple are standing in the mid ground, central in the photograph; a lady is on the left in a light coloured cardigan, mid length skirt and short dark hair; the man on the right is wearing a dark suit and tie, and a light coloured shirt. There are a number of people in the background that are partly concealed by the couples in the mid-foreground. An archway is visible to the left, that leads to the 'cafeteria', and an arch window can be seen on the right side of the photograph in the background, The hardwood floorboards are visible, as is the wainscote (wood panelling) on the walls in the background. A clock is situated right of centre on the back wall.collar, clock, vest, window, suit, 1950s, main-hall, tie, wainscote, cardigan, jumper, skirt, arch, bald, lhlg, dance, socialising, events, entertainments, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen mission, flinders street, ladies harbour lights guild, hardwood, floorboards, wood panelling

This image shows of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild events held in the 1950s.The Ladies Harbour Lights Guild organised many functions at the Mission to Seafarers Melbourne. As well as providing dance partners, members of the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild provided other services such as serving behind the refreshments counter in the main hall. The photograph is an historic document of the operations at Missions to Seamen and the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild in the 1950sA black and white photograph, with a white border. The photograph shows two ladies behind the refreshments counter, looking out toward the dance held in the main hall. The lady central in the photograph is standing with her arms folded, looking towards the stage-end of the main hall. The lady behind is mostly concealed by the central lady, only part of her torso and skirt can be seen behind the central lady; the lady in the background appears to be leaning forwards against the counter.A man is leaning on the counter to the right of the photograph; his back is facing the camera, and his head is turned toward the ladies behind the counter, or perhaps to the dancers in the background in front of the refreshments counter.dance, mission-to-seafarers, missions-to-seamen, ladies-harbour-lights-guild, main-hall, refreshments-counter, harbour lights guild, hlg

This is one in a series of letters written by various seafarers to Lillie Duncan. Lillie was a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild during the 1920s. She seems to have struck up a number of friendships with seafarers who used the facility. The Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild was responsible for much of the fundraising that constructed and maintained the organisation from its inception in 1902. They were also responsible for arranging dances and other social activities designed to make seafarers welcome in a strange environment.The purpose of the Mission to Seafarers is, as it always was, to provide comfort and welfare services to visiting seafarers. This letter, and the series of which it is a part, underscores the importance of making relationships abroad for those who earned their living on the seasHand written letter in five parts consisting of a white envelope with four white pages of handwritten text in black ink using only the face of the page. There are two post marks, one at the top and central on the face of the envelope, the other at the top right. The first reads: 31 AU 28 3.50/ PORT SAID/A". The second post mark reads: "31 AU28 0.50/ PORT SAID/A""melbourne, ted, letters, 1928, stamps, envelope, missions-to-seamen, mission-to-seafarers-melbourne, ladies-harbour-lights-guild, 11-paxton-street-east-malvern-melbourne-australia, lhlg, lillie duncan, port said, ss mandasor

The register documents twenty-one weddings that took place in the Mission to Seamen's church district between the 22nd of June, 1945 to the 1st of December 1962. Each certificate is a record of all the information needed to legalise a marriage under Commonwealth law, such as names, dates of birth, marital status, parents and employment. Within the register, there are two letters confirming that grooms are bachelors, and one Statutory Declaration signed by a bride, declaring she is a spinster.The register is a historical record of weddings performed at the Mission to Seamen church between 1945 to 1962.Handwritten in black ink on the front cover: REGISTER NO II (underlined) / MISSION TO SEAMEN / PORT MELBOURNE / NO 19 - / 22-6-45 - / (REGISTER NO 1. / 6-4-29 - 19-3-42 IS KEPT AT / CENTRAL).marriage, wedding, 1945-1962, register, marriages, dio-marriages, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission

The book was used as a visitors book for the early Mission to Seafarers. The first date in the book is the 13th of December, 1907, although there are almost six pages of signatures before this. The last signature is dated the 28th of June, 1951. The book documents some of the most significant moments of the Central Institute: - the Opening Ceremony of the "new" Mission to Seafarers building in September 1917. - the signature of HRH Edward, then Prince of Wales, and a newspaper clipping, detailing his visit, during has Australian tour in 1920. - the visit by the Governors General including HRH the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in 1945. Also registered: the Australian Chaplains conference attendees of both 1936 and 1949. Many supporters, ladies from the Guild and seafarers signed the book.The book is a significant record of VIP visitors to the Mission to Seafarers 1907 to 1951. It records respective Opening Ceremonies for Mission Buildings of both 1907 and 1917 and attendees. The book also documents a visit from Edward, Prince of Wales in 1920, travelling on the H.M.S "Renown". Significant national and international visitors throughout the first half of the 20th Century range from the royal, Vice regal and political through to international Members of the Mission to Seafarers, participants in diocesan conferences and AGMs.Printed in gold on the front cover: VISITORS; First name registered and handwritten: "Northcote" in black ink ; Last name entered "Paul Morra"signatures, handwriting, 1907-1951, h.m.s-renown, duke of gloucester, chaplain conferences, catherine florence aviss nee frampton, martin frampton, elizabeth frampton, herbert aviss, prince of wales, duchess of gloucester, seafarers, sailors, seamen, prince edward, opening ceremony, edward northcote (1854-1926)

This photograph depicts the ritual of "crossing the line" which marks the point at which a sailor first crosses the equator. Allan worked aboard the M.T. Ariston during 1946 and worked between Sweden, Central America, North West Indies and South America.This photograph is from the Allan Charles Quinn collection which is a collection of letters and photographs depicting life at sea for a young man in the period immediately following World War II.Black and white photograph of the "crossing the line" ceremony aboard the Ariston.Black ink on reverse: Crossing the equator on Ariston/ 10.9.46allan-charles-quinn, crossing-the-line, sweden, central-america, north-west-indies, south-america, equator, ariston

"Crossing the line" ceremonies were routinely conducted when a crew member made their first crossing of the equator. This photograph depicts aspects of that ceremony and, as Allan Charles Quinn is the photographer, it is obviously not his first crossing. This photograph was exhibited by the Mission to Seafarers as part of the exhibition "Letters from Abroad" in 2012.This photograph is from the Allan Charles Quinn collection which is a collection of letters and photographs depicting aspects of the life of a young man who went to sea in the period immediately following World War II.Black and white photograph depicting aspect of the "crossing the line" ceremony performed at sea on the Ariston. This ceremony was performed to mark a person's first crossing of the equator.Black ink on reverse: Crossing the equator 10.9.46allan-charles-quinn, crossing-the-line, sweden, central-america, north-west-indies, south-america, equator, ariston, letters-from-abroad

"Crossing the line" was an important maritime ritual and denoted the first crossing of the equator by a sailor. This photograph has been taken by Allan Charles Quinn and obviously is not his first crossing but depicts aspects of the ceremony, in particular the way in which crew members would dress up to represent King and Queen Neptune. This photograph was exhibited by the Mission to Seafarers as part of the exhibition "Letters from Abroad" in 2012.This is a photograph from the Allan Charles Quinn collection which is a collection of letters and photograph depicting aspects of life at sea for a young man in the era immediately following World War II.Black and white photograph of the "crossing the line" ceremony aboard the Ariston in 1946. Crew members are dressed as King and Queen Neptune.Black ink on reverse: Crossing the equator/ 10.9.46allan-charles-quinn, crossing-the-line, sweden, central-america, north-west-indies, south-america, equator, ariston, letters-from-abroad

The crossing the ceremony was an important part of maritime lore and marked a sailor's first crossing of the equator. This photograph was taken by Allan Charles Quinn and therefore it is presumably not his first crossing but the photograph does depict aspects of the ceremony.This photograph is from the Allan Charles Quinn collection which is a collection of letters and photographs depicting life at sea for a young man in the period immediately after World War II.Black and white photograph of various members of the crew of the Ariston participating in the "crossing the line" ceremony in 1946.Black ink on reverse: Crossing the equator/ on Ariston/ 10.9.46allan-charles-quinn, crossing-the-line, sweden, central-america, north-west-indies, south-america, equator, ariston

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.