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Lara RSL Sub Branch
Gavel, 1965
This hammer was presented to the Lara RSL by AJ Quick in 1965. Alan James Quick was a member of the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion during the Second World War, and was later a life member of Lara RSL. Alan received the RSL Meritorious Service Medal. Alan was the president of Lara RSL from 1965-1970, and this gavel was used at committee meetings by the president after its donation in 1965.This gavel is a key object of Lara RSL's history. It was used in committee meetings in the 1960s and perhaps later, and provides a documented link to an earlier president.Small wooden hammer with flat head and pointed reverse. The handle is rounded and has five rings carved into it. The wood is smooth and polished. The head has a small metal plaque attached. "Lara RSL. Presented by A.J Quick. 1965."quick, lara, rsl, parachute, ww2, world war two -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Sound Block, 1965
This sound block was presented along with a gavel to the Lara RSL by AJ Quick in 1965. Alan James Quick was a member of the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion during the Second World War, and was later a life member of Lara RSL. Alan received the RSL Meritorious Service Medal. Alan was the president of Lara RSL from 1965-1970, and this gavel was used at committee meetings by the president after its donation in 1965.This sound blockis a key object of Lara RSL's history. It was used in committee meetings in the 1960s and perhaps later, and provides a documented link to an earlier president.Small octagonal wooden sound block with sloped sides and green felt top. Underside is painted dark green and has a round hole in the base.sound block, lara, rsl, quick -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - CITATION DCM, Post 1943
Alan Kenneth Naismith, VX4838 enlisted in the AIF on 23.10.1939 age 24 years 7 months. Hospital 2.11.39 - 6.11.39 unlisted, posted to 2/7th Bn 6th Division 2nd AIF on 25.11.1939, hospital 2.3.40 - 19.3.40 unlisted, embarked for the Middle East 18.4.1940 arriving 17.5.1940, hospital twice between 31.7.40 - 22.8.40 unlisted, total 11 days, embark for Greece 9.4.1941, return to Middle East late May/June 1941 medical, promoted Cpl 20.7.1941, A/Sgt 14.2.1942, embark for Australia 12.3.1942 arriving 38.3.1942, hospital 9.6.42 - 16.6.42 with Threadworm, embark for New Guinea 13.10.1942, promoted Sgt 29.10.42, revert to Cpl at own request 25.11.1942, hospital with Malaria 18.1.43 - 9.2.43. During the period of August 1st - 5th 1943 at an area called Bobdubi Ridge Alan is awarded the DCM and is WIA on the 5th, GSW to right shoulder, embarks from Pt Moresby 27.9.1943 arriving Cairns 30.9.1943, hospital Malaria 13.2.44 - 10.3.44, accidental injury 6.5.1944 fractured left clavicle, discharged from the Army on 8.9.1944. The Official History of Australia in WW2 states that Sgt Naismith had gained a reputation as a booby trap expert and was interested in these gadgets.The citation is on a light parchment type paper rectangular in shape. Colour is into a fawn with stains and marks from handling. Creases from folding have left several small tears. The rear is blank with sticky tape holding the citation together at the folds.At the top of the Citation is a seal, blue in colour with the words, Govenor - General, Commonwealth of Australia. The centre coat of arms of the seal has fine writing which is unreadable. There are no other markings except for the citation wording itself. “Distinguished Conduct Medal Corporal Alan Kenneth Naismith ( VX4838 )”citation dcm, a.k.naismith vx4838, documents - certificates -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, SOLDIERS PAY, Soldiers pay
Archibald Clarkson Jones enlisted in the AIF aged 20 years on the 17.7.1915. No 2672 6th Reinforcements to the 23rd Battalian AIF. He embarked on 27.10.1915. Posted to a Signals Company he was attached to various differant units in the field. He was discharged from the AIF on 29.7.1919. Refer 1040 medals.Soldiers Pay book for Archibald Clarkson Jones 5th Division Signals. Army No 2672A Jones ACdocuments - records, militray history - army -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - BOOKLETS PAY AND RECORDS, C 1915 - 1919
... documents ...WWI Service & Pay Books for John Stanley HOWLETT No. 2676 AIF 59th Battalion. Refer 41 medals, 48.4P photos..1) Soldier's Pay Book, AIF. .2) Soldier's Pay Book, for use on active service. .3) Record of Service Book..1) Pay Book NR 59072 for John Stanley Howlett No 2676 AIF 59th Batt. .2) Active Service Pay Book 59072 59th Batt. 2675 Pte John Stanley Howlett. Attested Aug 15th, 1916. .3) Record of Service Book issued to John Stanley Howlett . Year of birth 1895.documents, military records, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - PHOTO POSTCARDS, c.1914 - 19
... documents ....1) War damage Albert .2) War damage Albert .3) War damage Albert .4) Village scene Native .5) British soldiers in dug outs, colour .6) War damage Hotel De Ville Arras The cards are part of a collection re J S HOWLETT. Refer 41 medals, 48.4P photos..1) - .6) Photo cards of war damage at various sites in different theatres of war.Postcards written in either ink or pencil.documents, postcards, military history, bombardment damage, ruins -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - GREETING POSTCARDS, c.1914 - 1919
... documents ...Cards to Rena were from John Stanley HOWLETT No 2676 AIF WWI. Refer 41 medals, 48.4P photos..1) - .27) Greeting cards sent by Jack HOWLETT to his sweetheart Rena Fergus. The last 3 are embroidered on silk.Either written in pencil or ink. 25 postcards embroidered: To My Sweetheart To My Dear Sweetheart .24) Copy of original postcard.documents, cards, handcrafts - embroidery, souvenirs, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE WW1, 11.7.1920
Francis John Williams No 7326. Refer 69.2 medals for his Service Details also Reg No 69P. Discharge Certificate in wooden frame for Francis John WILLIAMS, No. 7326 8 Battn.. In purple stamp in ink, “117374, 18.6.20, JM”documents - certificates, military history - army -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - MEMORIAL SCROLL, FRAMED, post WW1
Memorial Scroll for L.W. Telford, 12 MGC, A.I.F. These scrolls were issued to wives, families of servicemen who never returned from the war. Refer 157.2 medals for service history, 158.2 plaque, 159P.Gold-framed Memorial Scroll with burgundy background.In red writing at bottom of scroll - Pte Leonard William Telford 12 M.G.C. A.I.F documents-memorials, military history, scrolls -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - GREEK CITATION, 1998
... documents ...Citation to Frederick Lloyd CARLETON VX33476. The Cross of Action of Combat Forces in the West. Issued by Republic of Poland, 8-98-12, Warsaw, 26th day of June, 1998. See also, 143.2. Medal issued to all members of armed forces who served with Polish forces in Tobruk in WW11. Refer Cat No 142 (medals) for his service history. Booklet, red, leatherette covered. Issued to Frederick Carleton. Polish language. Insignia on front in gold.Eagle emblem on front cover. Inside, printed words in Polish. Circular raised stamp on second page.documents, military history, tobruk, polish -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - CERTIFICATE & PHOTOGRAPHS, 1) May 1941
... documents ...Fredrick Lloyd CARLETON VX33476, 2/23rd Batt 9th Div AIF. Fred was one of ten to receive this special commendation signed by General Wavell. Refer Cat No 142 (medals) for his service history. .1) Framed certificate awarded to Cpl F.L. Carleton. Yellow background, black paint re an award for "good services in action in the Western Desert." Frame is wood cream colour .2) Photo, Sepia colour pasted on cardboard, Portrait of F.L Carleton. .3) copy of .2)photography, certificates, photographs, military history, army, commendations, documents -
Bendigo Military Museum
Flyer - DOCUMENT - CARDS
.2) & .3) These cards came in each box that contained a Campaign Medal awarded. Refer R J TYRER on Reg No 1813.5 for his service details..1) Form re Summary of Awards re the wearing of campaign medals, double sided. .2) Card, off white, blue print, re Compliments of the Minister of State for Army. .3) Card, yellow, black print, re Compliments of the Minister of State for Army..1) Ticked in blue ink: 4 Medals entitled to R J TYRER V150812. Bottom of form: Total Awards: FOUR, Army No: V150812, Name: R J TYRER summary of awards, cards -
Bendigo Military Museum
Poster - INFORMATION PANEL, Post 1990
... medals ...Black & white & colour article entitled: Distinguished Flying Cross, Gallantry Awards. Shows photo of a rack of medals probably belonging to Captain Ross Macpherson Smith. Black & white portrait of Captain Ross Macpherson Smith. Right side is large colour picture of ADFC. A small Australian flag in top left corner has wording: Their Service Our Heritage.documents - military history, posters, awards, medals, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - MEMORIAL SCROLL, FRAMED, Post WW1
JAMES PATTERSON MCCALL No 6401 enlisted on 17.10.1916 in the 18th reinforcements 22nd Batt AIF age 29 years 1 month. Embarked for England 25.4.1917. Promoted L/Cpl 19.9.1917, awarded the Military Medal (MM) on 19.5.1918 at Ville-Sur-Ancre near ALBERT, WIA 6.8.1918 Gas Burns. Returned to unit 4.10.1918, KIA 4.10.1918.Memorial Scroll WWI from the King to Cpl James Patterson McCall MM, 22 Bn AIF. Shards of broken glass removed.“Cpl James Patterson McCall MM 22 Bn AIF”documents - memorials, military history, scroll -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document, Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report, 1979, 1979
In 1979 Rex Hollioake was the President of the Ballarat School of Mines Council. A music centre was opened at 4 Hickman StreetBrown covered A4 reportballarat school of mines, annual report, rex hollioake, r.c. muir, n.a. croach, j.gf. mckay, r.j. dobell, e.j. barker, j. chambers, ken flecknoe, jack barker, lindsay hillman, m.b. john, arthur nicholson, r.j. selkirk, j. short, e.j. tippett, f.r. uhe, t.a. wiseman, l.c. yandell, i. aitken, gary little, land laboratory, walkways, music centre, 4 hickman st, lake bolac tafe centre, welfare certificate, jack sewell, plumber andrew trigg wins silver medal, gordon spittle, a. trigg, caravan park management course, mt clear technical high school, betty collier, alistair highway, i. mitaxa, rolly parfenovics, enolments, trevor kellam, eileen kelly, brian mclennan, women's access program, drama, r.c. morgan, intake -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document, Ballarat School of Mines Council Notes
Notes taken by E.J. Barker including the Ballarat School of Mines - Ballarat University College relationship; and support for recommending Public Service Medal for Carole Seymour. .e.j. barker, jack barker, ballarat school of mines, carole seymour, ballarat university college -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - MEDALLION, BOX, CERTIFICATE, 1965
George KERSHAW No 814 enlisted in the AIF in G Coy 6th Batt on 17.8.1914 age 23 years. Embarked for Egypt 19.10.1914, embarked for Gallipoli 5.4.1915, reported missing 25.4.1915, a Court of Enquiry held on 24.4.1916 finds that he was KIA 25.4.1915..1) ANZAC medallion awarded tp George Kershaw .2) hinged lidded presentation box black with purple velvet lining. .3) certificate from the commonwealth of AUST .4) .5) cardboard post box & lid “G Kershaw”numismatics - medals, military, containers - commercial, documents - certificates, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDALLION, BOXES & LETTER
Horace Eli Hambly No 794 AIF. Refer 2325.2 for his service history..1) Letter, small, yellowish with Coat of Arms, writing in blue re Commemorative ANZAC Medallion 1915. .2) Commemorative ANZAC medallion, front has crown over Simpson & donkey, rear has map of Australia & stars. .3) Small box, black, folds open, felt lined in purple, holds .2). .4) Small cardboard box, brown colour, holds .2) & .3)..2) 1915 ANZAC, H E Hamblynumismatics - medals /military, documents - letters, containers -
Bendigo Military Museum
Literary work - LETTERS WW1, 1914-18 (exact)
... Documents ...Letters written by Thomas Magee No 1444 enlisted in F.A.Brigade 2 Ammunition Colunm AIF on 20.8.1914 age 26 years. Embark for Egypt 20.10.1914, embark for Gallipoli 4.5.1915, hospital with Mumps 19.2.1916, transfer to 4th Div Artillery 27.2.1916, embark for France 1.4.1916, promoted Bombadier 2.2.1917, promoted Cpl 30.9.1917, awarded the Military Medal (MM) at Westhoek 4.10.1917, promoted T/Sgt 23.10.1917, WIA Gassed 3.11.1917, rejoins unit 13.3.1918, promoted Sgt 7.5.1918, to No 2 Army Field rest Camp 16.7.1918 to 2.8.1918, to England 13.10.1918 special leave 1914 men, hospital with Influenza then Pnuemonia and dies in England on 25.10.1918.Series of letters, 32 in total written by Thomas Magee MM to his sister & mother. All letters are either pencil, red & black ink. Some are parts of letters with no dates or who to. The letters begin Tues 25th 1914 possibly August and continue through to Sept 1918. Letters are various sizes, some on blue paper, some on note pad size & graph paper.documents, letters, mm, -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - CERTIFICATE, Army Printing & Stationery Services, 15 June 1918 (exact)
... Documents ...James Pianto “MM” No 2672 AIF. Refer 1904 for his service history. Certificate for the Award of "The Military Medal' to No 2672 Private J PIANTO Australian Imperial Force". Certificate has a coloured Coat of Arms at the top followed by his details in ink. Other details are blue printed. Frame is wood with a gold edge.documents, certificates -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - MEDAL SET, FRAMED, Post 2000
Three Korean medals and U.S Unit Citation are displayed in a wooden grain plastic frame with glass front & cardboard back. Wire handing strap on back.: “United States Presidential Unit Citation”numismatics- medals - military, documents-citations, frame accessories, korea, us -
Bendigo Military Museum
Literary work - DIARY, TRANSCRIPT, Frank Pownall, A R POWNALL'S SON, Post 2000
Arthur Reagan POWNALL No 5345 enlisted in the AIF on 16.6.1915 in reinforcements for Convalescent Depot in London age 23 years 7 months. Embark for England 22.7.1915, promoted L/Cpl 6.10.1916, embark for France 5.3.1917, transfer to 5th Div AMC 23.3.1917, transfer to 15th Field Ambulance 25.3.1917, WIA 8.5.1917 GSW’s to legs, rejoin unit 26.6.17, awarded the Military Medal (MM) near Perrone 2.9.18 as a stretcher bearer, awarded a bar to the Military Medal 29/30.9.1918 over 36 hours as a stretcher bearer at Bellicourt, hospital 24.10.1918 accidental injury bayonet wound left thigh, embark for Australia transport duty as N/Staff Masseur 19.4.1919, discharged from the AIF 23.9.1919. A bar to the Military Medal means he has actually won two MM’s. Plastic covered folder with black binding containing typed diary of A R POWNALL 22.7.15 to 9.6.19, 120 pages. Also copies of Service Records, Awards. The rear has folded sheets with photostats of photos & newspaper articles.documents - diaries - transcripts, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Literary work - DIARY / LETTERS WW1, V Kelly (his eldest daughter), Post 2000
WILLIAM EDWARD PEACH No 4272 enlisted in the AIF in 13th reinforcements 7th Batt on 19.7.1915 age 19 years. Embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, embark for France 29.3.1916, hospital 25.9.1916 with Synovitis left knee, rejoin unit 16.2.1917, promoted Cpl 19.7.1917, awarded the Military Medal (MM) near Ypres 4/5.10.1917, promoted Sgt 5.10.1917, WIA 12.1.1918 Gassed, rejoin unit 13.5.1918, WIA 2nd occasion 15.5.1918 GSW hand, rejoin unit 1.8.1918, WIA 3rd occasion GSW right Knee and Back 25.8.1918, embark for Australia re his wounds 5.1.1919, discharged from the AIF 27.3.1921. .1) Diary in plastic sleeve cover with red binding, 75 typed pages from 2.1.1916 to 10.1.1919, also various documents & photo of W E PEACH. .2) Letters in plastic sleeve cover with red binding, 152 letters to his mother written from 14.7.1915 to 4.8.1916. Also other documents & photo of W E PEACH. All letters have been typed from original.documents - diaries, military, correspondence -
Bendigo Military Museum
Poster - POSTER WW1, FRAMED
Copyright J W SANDERS (late AIF).Black decorative wooden frame without glass. Poster in colour with white border & cardboard backing. Poster shows history of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Australian Divisions, also campaign medals.Printed top section of frame: “RECORD OF THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE IN THE GREAT WAR 4TH AUG. 1914 - 28TH JUNE 1919”documents-posters, military history-army, aif -
Bendigo Military Museum
Poster - RIBBONS FRAMED, Australian Honours Research Group 1984, c.1990
Colour illustrated print with black text. Plastic cream & yellow frame.Sequence for Wearing Ribbons of Australian Decorations and Medals.documents - posters, frame accessories, military history, ribbons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - DOCUMENTS, 1916-19
... DOCUMENTS ...Hughy Pippin. Refer 1502 medals..1 Discharge certificate re Hugh Pippin 1895 LCpl 38th Batt AIF, VB No 43552, No 125852. Yellowish colour. .2 Paper re 2nd Anzac corps Lewis Gun School, re H Pippin 1895 passing 9th Course Lewis Gun, dated 20th Oct 17. Paper is yellowed, writing is in ink. .3 Leave pass re. H Pippin 1895. Leave dates 14/4/19-25/4/19. Yellowed paper. .4 Gift diary from Australian Comforts Fund 1919. Red fabric cover with silver circle with red star and letters "ACF". Rear has silver rising sun badge. Only 2 pages remaining..4 "This diary belongs to H Pippin, Euston, Regt No 1895, rank Cpl"documents-certificates, diaries, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - LETTER DCM, FRAMED, Commonwealth of Australia Department of Defence AIF, 1918
DCM awarded to RSM Edgar Frederick Dawson DCM. Refer Cat No 893 for his service history.Sergeant Major E. F. Dawson No 4472, 57th Battalion. Notification of being awarded "The Distinguished Conduct Medal" from the Commonwealth of Australia 19 July 1918.documents-letters-citations, military-army, awards, dcm -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE, 26.7.1919
Discharge Certificate for Walter Henry SMITH, Reg. No 1572, Register No 282. Enlisted 10.4.1915. Discharged medically unfit 26.7.1919. Refer Reg Nos 102.4 Medals, Badges. 105.7P Discharge Certificate on parchment paper with the service details on front and rear of Walter Henry SMITH.Top left: Reg No 282 Top centre: AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Top Left: SMITH Walter Henrydocument, certificate, military history, records -
Bendigo Military Museum
Newspaper - NEWSPAPER CUTTING, FRAMED, Bethany Gallery, HMAS AUSTRALIA, 2.4.1994
Reference 2314 medals and service history re Warick Niven Johanson PM4958 RAN. Also 286P, 2566P. Warwick is first on the left in the article. The other three are; Norman Stanley Winzar PM7506. Enlisted 20.6.1944 age 19 years. Discharged from the RAN 25.7.1946 with the rank of Able Seaman at HMAS Lonsdale. Alexander Dundas Reid PM5769. Enlisted 11.1.1943 age 21 years. Discharged from the RAN 21.5.1946 with the rank OA111 (Ordnance Artificer 3) at HMAS Lonsdale. Neil Knox PM2072. Enlisted 3.11.1939 age 19 years. Discharged from the RAN 31.1.1946 with the rank LDG Seaman (Leading) at HMAS Lonsdale. HMAS Lonsdale was shore based facility in Port Melbourne.Photocopy of a newspaper article, Bendigo Advertiser, page 14, Saturday 23.4.1994. The photo in article shows 4 Bendigo ex Sailors. Magnet for Suicide. The horror aboard HMAS Australia. documents - newspapers, cuttings, frame accessories, hmas australia -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Wood Sample, Before 1878
On a piece of paper subsequently glued near one end of its curved upper face, this length of planed and polished hardwood timber bears the inscription: “A [p]iece of w[r]ec[k] of the Loch Ard wrecked near Sherbroke River”. The timber is carefully worked with rich dark colouring and a uniformly moulded design, suggesting that it was part of a fitting or furnishing that was publicly visible and prominent. If the artefact is what it is declared to be, then it is possible that it formed part of the ship’s railings or companionway stairs. The LOCH ARD was a 1,693 ton, 3 masted barque, built on the Clyde in 1873. In an age of increasing competition for the emigrant passenger trade from steam-driven vessels, special attention was paid to her wooden furnishings and fittings. The Loch Line owners prided themselves on their attractive, distinctively painted, sailing ships. Below decks, where cargo and third class passengers were stowed, was made of iron. But everything above deck, and on show to the saloon and second class passengers, was carved and varnished timber. Captain Daish’s 1878 report for the ship’s underwriters notes “a quantity of general Cargo washed up in a confused mass” in the cove and “a number of Cases, Casks and Bales; also deals and boards floating about in some of the gorges” further west of the shipwreck. Contemporary newspaper accounts also reported a large quantity of cargo and timber washed ashore in the days following the LOCH ARD shipwreck, adding “but those were speedily removed by persons who came down from Port Campbell, Scott’s Creek and other places with carts and pack horses”. The appearance and good condition of this wood artefact, and the aged patina and dated hand-writing style of its pasted on inscription, support the suggestion that it was ‘souvenired’ from the floating debris of the LOCH ARD at or near the 1878 date of its foundering off Mutton Bird Island. HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. The Loch Ard wreck is of state significance – Victorian Heritage Register S417. However there is a lack of documented provenance that limits the interpretive value of this piece of timber (for example, its potential to interpret nineteenth century souveniring and scavenging from shipwrecks along the south west coast of Victoria). Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. A length of hardwood timber, planed and varnished to smooth finish on three sides, with two unfinished tongues protruding from each end (one broken off), possibly from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. The front or upper face is moulded and routed to a regular, linear (skirting board type) design along its entire length, the two sides flat planed. One side contains two inserted dowel rods that have been broken off. The bottom face has not been finished to the same standard. The sample is good quality wood that has retained its density and weight and shows no evidence of having been submerged in seawater for any length of time. Glued on to the upper face of the length of timber near the right hand end is a deteriorated square of paper bearing an inscription. The paper, peeling back and with torn edges, is stuck over an original wood stain but under a subsequent layer of varnish. The faded ink words are indecipherable where paper is missing, but written carefully in an old fashioned cursive script.The inscription on the paper reads: “A [p]iece of w[r]ec[k] of the Loch Ard wrecked near Sherbroke River”. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, nineteenth-century souveniring, shipwreck scavenging, loch line sailing ships, wood sample