SIGNALWOMEN An appreciation by an instructor (Sgt J.F. Larkins). Presented to Signalwoman Ruth Franklin after training in Melbourne 1942. After training, Ruth served on Rottnest Island as a communicator in the Plotting Room, Oliver Hill “Join the Corps of Signals”, the clarion call went forth, “Volunteer for the A.W.A.S. and let another man go north.” So you came into the Signals, in Australia’s hour of need, And let a thousand men go up the line, to meet the yellow breed. Where the lazy Yarra flows, through the green Victorian glade, They formed a school of Signals, to teach you in our trade, And the Old Ones, they were cynical, their tones were full of Jeers, “Women in the Signals! What rot!” But their moans have turned to cheers. You were tossed into the melting pot, that is an Australian Army camp. There weren’t many comforts, there were no electric lamps, There weren’t many blankets, it was cold in those tin huts, But the A.W.A.S. came up smiling; you had good Australian GUTS. The hours were long and wearisome, you were given lots of work, But we didn’t find a loafer, we knew not one to shirk. We made the pace a hard one, sometimes there were tears, But you lasses learned as much in months, as we men absorbed in years. You’re in the ARMY now; you all wear the Rising Sun, Sometimes you’ll be unhappy, but stick till the job is done. Time there will be, when the nerves are frayed, and all you do is bungle, Just feel the badge on your tunic, and remember your mates in the jungle. We wish you luck, and God-speed you on your way, And wherever war may scatter us, we’ll look forward to the day, When the final battle’s over and you’ve sent your last G.B., And the DIGGERS and the A.W.A.S. march in the parade of VICTORY. GB (Golf Bravo) is the sign off God Bless [G] DAH DAH DIT [B] DAH DI DI DIT Transcription of poem by Signals instructor Sgt JF Larkins presented to Signal Woman Ruth Franklin during Training in 1943. Read during 75th anniversary commemoration of proofing of Oliver Hill Battery, Rottnest Island. Computer printed on A4 bond paper.

this document belonged to deceased Marian Dabrowski, ex-soldier, migrant from Poland who came to Australia as a refugee after II World War; It was issued on 8 August 1946 in Bad Reichenhall (Germany)one of a few items of this kind which has survived to present daysgreen papercover - stamp of town hall, No: DPG 09703260 inside - photo of holder Marian Dabrowski and his signature; stamp of town hall and signature of authorised representativedriving licence, germany, migrant

Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Australia’s most influential and celebrated textile designer of the mid-20th century, Frances Burke (1904-1994), employed Australian native flora, garden flowers, marine subjects, Indigenous culture and increasingly, abstract motifs in her stunning modern fabrics. A confident, determined designer and businesswoman; Burke made the shift from fine art to design in 1937. While she began by designing dress fabrics for Melbourne’s fashionable Georges Department store, printing them on linen using lino blocks, she was an early adopter of the screen-printing process and during the war years began printing on cotton. Burke’s furnishing fabrics took their place in influential modern buildings Australia-wide through collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. They included Robin Boyd’s 1949 House of Tomorrow, Roy Grounds’ Quamby flats, Guilford Bell’s Royal Hayman Island Resort for Ansett Airlines, and Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths and Simpson’s Canberra Civic Centre Theatre. In the post-war period, Burke made regular trips to the United States and Europe, on her return advising homeowners and manufacturers on the latest trends in products, colours and home design in lectures and interviews. At New Design her fabric showroom and interior design consultancy Burke introduced furniture by emerging designers Clement Meadmore and Grant Featherston in the early 1950s and presented local and imported homewares, mostly from the United States. She was enthusiastic about the convenient and comfortable lifestyle experienced by ordinary American women. Her fabrics and advice were regularly featured in Australian Home Beautiful, Australian House and Garden and the newspapers of the day. Some of Burke’s designs had remarkable longevity. Tiger Stripe (1938) for example, continued to be produced in a wide range of colours until 1970 and Crete (1946) remained a popular choice for interiors into the 1960s. Drawing from a rich variety of sources including Indigenous culture in Goanna (c.1954) and Pacific Island tapa cloth designs in Bird and Tree (1940), Burke also looked to Japan in designs such as Plum Blossom (1948) and Zen (1965). She loved exploring the potential of native flora, seen in designs including Waratah (1955) and Flannel Flower (1955), while garden flowers were the source for many other designs including Belladonna (1940), Periwinkle (n.d.) and Rose (1947). Burke’s clever interplay of a single striking printed colour with lively gestural lines revealing the white base fabric, gave her designs a vibrancy that characterised the optimistic post-war era. This can be seen in Burke’s fabrics for Hayman Island including Angel Fish and Seapiece (both 1949) which expressed the freshness and excitement of the luxurious new tropical resort and led to further commissions. Burke’s three decades in business (1937-1970) were an unparalleled success in the story of Australian design. Her fabrics have been collected by the NGA, the Powerhouse Museum, NGV, RMIT Design Archives and Sydney Living Museums in addition to Ararat Gallery TAMA. Written by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs.

With the Australian Army in the South-West PacificBrown hardcover booklogo in gold of soldier in jungle on front cover on inside front cover the name N.E.Gulliver

Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book

Book

Ill, p.245.non-fictionThough he was officially known as Lt. Colonel J.H. Williams, the author was known to the world at large as Elephant Bill. That is because he spent 25 years living with the elephants in the mountains and forests of Burma. There he trained them to haul teak logs out of the isolated jungles. Yet this is also a story of great courage because when the Second World War struck, it also came to Burma. The Japanese Imperial Army planned to confiscate the Burmese elephants, drafting them to make the bridges and railways they needed to invade India. When he learned of these plans to put his beloved animals to a war-like purpose, Elephant Bill knew what had to be done. The mighty kings of the jungle had to be evacuated to safety. Elephant Bill is thus the story not only of the peaceful days in the jungle, starting in 1921, but also the story of the largest elephant rescue in history. It tells the amazing account of how Elephant Bill, along with his friends and family, rode 45 of the great beasts across the mountains of Burma, before reaching safety in faraway India. Collapse summary world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - burma, elephants - burma

Maps, p.246.non-fictionA story of the jungle and the sea, of man against nature and man against man... Green Armour is the courageous story of fighting men in the swamps and jungles of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From the earliest days of forlorn hopes to the large-scale, well-organised attacks by land, sea, and air this terrifying first-hand account is distilled from the bloody, despairing experiences of the Australian and American forces in the early days of the Second World War... world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - new guinea, world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - pacific area

New issue from storeGeneral issue Vietnam War eraJungle Green PantsButton up Flyjungle green, uniform, vietnam

New issue from storeGeneral issue Vietnam war eraJungle Green Shirtjungle green, uniform, vietnam, shirt

This belt relates to the Vietnam war and was worn for ceremonial purpose. Black web belt with brass buckle. Exterior has been polished black with boot polished, the interior remains jungle green. Interior - Marker: CPL / HOWE / KJ / 3144504 Stamped: BUSINESS / COMMONWEALTH CLOTHING FACTORY

This bandolier was made in 1967 for Australian military use. It has pouches for 5 round stripper clips of 7.62mm ammunition. Bandolier as worn by Australian personnel serving in the Vietnam War.Jungle green five pocket AUST MK1 ammunition bandolier. The pockets are designed to hold 7.62 mm ammunition. There are six painted brass snap fasteners to secure the closing flap over the pockets. Stamped on the back is 'AUST/MK1 VQ V 5/67'. The bandolier is secured around the wearer via a self-fabric strap with a double brass ring fastening.AUST/MK1/CH/N/12/67bandolier, belt, vietnam, beechworth, ammunition

The authors presentation of the years of the Vietnam War both in Vietnam and in Australia.One of many books written about the Vietnam War (Australia).Book, Paperback - The Vietnam Years (from the jungle to the Australian suburbs) by Michael Caulfield; Published 2007.Cover of the book has at the top, a picture of Australian soldiers in Vietnam; at the bottom presents pictures of activities in Australia at same time of pictures of anti-war protestors. The book tile rests in the middle of the cover: The Vietnam Years. From the jungle to the Australian suburbs. The authors name is at the very bottom of the cover: Michael Caulfield. vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Supplied to soldier in Jungle situation to carry compass or watch in action, clips onto ma webbing beltAs supplied by GMH during world war 2Camouflage painted canvas pouch with cover velcro strip and stud to close on front of pouch. Two straps on rear to attach to beltmilitary, canvas, pouch

Hard cover, 208 pages with text and black and white and colour photos

A copy of an announcement issued by Lieu-General S G Savige on 8 September 1945 at the end of World War Two. It advised the troops that Japan has surrendered. It says it was his privilege to Command 2 Aust Corp during the successful operations in Bouganville. It discusses the need for patience until demobilisation. One paragraph says: "Leadership and planning, important though they be, obtain success only by the good fighting qualities of the Troops to whom a commander owes everything ; as his own reputation depends so utterly and entirely not the behaviour of his Troops. I very gratefully acknowledge your courage, devotion to duty, and the uniformly high standards you established in the performance of every task it was my duty to call upon you to perform. You fought magnificently under exceedingly difficult conditions against a skilful foe whom you defeated. You endured sufferings and hardships attributable to dense jungle, vile swamps, heat, rain and mud, without losing your cheery smiles and determination to stick it out." Donated by Legacy Widow Mrs McIntyre in May 1988. This historic document belonged to her husband and is well worn and inexpertly repaired - better examples exist in other archives, such as Adelaide and Auckland. However it is an important part of founder Stanley Savige's life story, recording his communication to the AIF on 8 September 1945 as Commander 2 Aust Corps that Japan had surrendered. He acknowledged the efforts of the troops throughout the war and praised their tenacity and bravery before confirming his intention to ensure the best possible start in civilian life upon demobilisation for them.A document that illustrates the care Savige took of his troops.1 x printed sheetMathematical jottings on the back in blue/black ink, unrelated to the document.savige, legatee, world war two

Ill, p.208.non-fictionMost of the items in this volume were received in a competition for stories, verse and drawings, with this competition showing a better representation from the Women's Services than in previous years. Previous titles include: Active service, Soldiering on and Khaki and green. world war 1939-1945 - australia, world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - australia

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black a white photograph of Diggers from A Company 8 RAR steady one of their wounded mates as he is winched out of the jungle for transport to 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau following heavy contact in the Hat Dich area north west of the Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat.photograph, a coy, 8 rar, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, hat dich, 1st australian task force, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, wounded soldier

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of a RAAF 'Slick' Huey helicopter at the 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, preparing to lift out a Special Air Services patrol for insertion into the jungle somewhere in Phuoc Tuy Province. On this occassion, the operation was supported by US Huey 'Cobra' Gunships.photograph, raaf, huey helicopter, 1st atf base, nui dat, special air service regiment (australian army), phuoc tuy province, us huey 'cobra' gunships, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white

The Ordnance QF 25-pounder was the major British field gun and howitzer during the Second World War. Many Commonwealth countries used them during WW2 and Australia produced the guns at General Motors Holden. They were renowned for their rapid rate of fire and when firing at maximum range (12,253m -13,400yds) one gun could have up to 5 shells in the air at once. In North Africa during WW2, they were sometimes called upon to act as anti-tank guns. A shortened and lightened version of the gun was made in Australia and used in jungle operations.Steel conical projectile25 PR MK 1 L35 ME 11/54

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of an RAAF Huey 'slick' crew member steadying the winch wire as a wounded Digger from 8 RAR is medivaced out of thick jungle North West of the Australian Task Force at Nui Dat. The Digger has an armful of rifles belonging to some of his mates already medivaced.photograph, raaf, huey helicopter, digger, 8 rar, 1st atf base, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

Growing up in a small Victorian country town during the 1950's I saw many an Anzac Day march. They were really big parades, with brass and highland bands. As children we would follow the march along the main street to the Public Hall where they would hold a service.vietnam war, 1961-1975, personal narratives - australian, neil roberts

Growing up in a small Victorian country town during the 1950's I saw many an Anzac Day march. They were really big parades, with brass and highland bands. As children we would follow the march along the main street to the Public Hall where they would hold a service.vietnam war, 1961-1975, personal narratives - australian, neil roberts

In July 1965, Pfc. Craig Roberts crossed the Da Nang River with the 9th Marines - into the heart of a jungle alive with savage Viet Cong. Eight months later his unit would be called 'the Walking Dead'.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - personal narratives, craig roberts, da nang river, 9th marines, operation starlight

Growing up in a small Victorian country town during the 1950's I saw many an Anzac Day march. They were really big parades, with brass and highland bands. As children we would follow the march along the main street to the Public Hall where they would hold a service.vietnam war, 1961-1975, personal narratives - australian, b coy, 8 rar, neil roberts

They were the biggest Ranger company in Vietnam and the best. Charlie Company, 75th Infantry, provided the six-man hunter-killer teams that specialized in ambushing the enemy, outfighting jungle guerrillas using their own tactics.united states - army - history, vietnam war, personal narratives - american, charlei company, 75th infantry, nva

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A colour photograph of a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) discussing operational problems with one of his American counterparts, while leading a Mike Force Battalion of Montagnards, in the thick jungle on the Cambodian border of 2 Corps.photograph, aattv, mike force, 2 corps, montagnard mike force, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), mike force battalion of montagnards, cambodian border

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a rotary (helicopter) wing 'Possum' aircraft from 161 (Indep) Recce Flight, stationed at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Vietnam. The pilot searches the jungle below, for signs of the elusive NVA/VietCong forces operating in the area.photograph, possum aircraft, 161 recon flt, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, 1st australian task force, viet cong

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of a rotary (helicopter) wing pilot and his 'Possum' aircraft, swooping low over the jungle of Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, in search of a very elusive NVA/VietCong enemy. These unarmed aircraft were part of the eyes of the Australina Task Force.photograph, helicopter, possum aircraft, jungle, phuoc tuy province, south vietnam, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, viet cong, australian task force