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Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Honour Board, Wangaratta Sub Branch Life Members
List of Wangaratta Sub Branch Life Members who have been awarded Life Membership of the Returned & Services League of Australia.The elevation of a Service Member to Life Membership of the Returned & Services League of Australia is an honour that may only be approved by the National Executive on the recommendation of a State Branch. Great care must be displayed when considering nominating a Service Member for the honour of Life Membership of the League. Life Membership of any organisation is a single honour of great importance and any nomination must qualify the nominated member beyond all doubt as to their outstanding service to the League.Brown laminate five sided honour board with RSL crest and 12 names in gold coloured paintWangaratta Sub-Branch Life Membersrsl, wangaratta sub branch, life members -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Honour Board, Legacy Widow's Office Bearers
Wangaratta Legacy Widows Group - Office Bearers 1964 - presentLocal widows of ex servicemen who are supported and cared for by the Victorian Returned Services League.Stained brown timber five sided with Legacy crest and list of names in gold coloured paint.Wangaratta Legacy Widow's Group - Office Bearerslegacy widows group, wangaratta rsl -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Japanese Flag
Australian servicemen who served in the Second World War often returned home with souvenirs from battle. Whilst the provenance of this particular flag is not documented, it may be a Good Luck Flag or yosegaki hinomaru; a flag signed by family members and given to Japanese servicemen deployed during the Second World War.Large black frame with gold inner surround. Charcoal fabric mounting. White part of flag is covered with Japanese writing in black ink around red circle in center.Japanese writing in black ink on front. flag, japanese, japanese flag, wwii, world war 2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Flag
Flag of the Force Logistic Support Group (FLSG) - This flag was flown at the Headquarters of FLSG and 145 Signal Squadron until all Units returned to Australia in June 2000The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a multinational non-United Nations peacemaking taskforce, organised and led by Australia in accordance with United Nations resolutions to address the humanitarian and security crisis that took place in East Timor from 1999–2000 until the arrival of UN peacekeepers.Large red rectangle flag with large central white circle containing silver image of a horseflag, force logistic support group, timor, interfet -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed photograph, Colonel H J SHANNON
Image of Lt Colonel Herbert James SHANNON DSO,VD - Commanding Officer of the 8th Light Horse AIF. Returned to Australia 3/7/1919 and died 27/12/1960. Colonel Shannon became the 1st President of the Wangaratta RSL when it was organised under Anzac House and the present constitution. He was born at Bowman's Forest in 1874 and died in Wangaratta in 1960. He served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles at the turn of the century, rose to the rank of Captain and commanded the Wangaratta Detachment and Company - this later became the 8th Light Horse Regiment. In 1915 he embarked as Major in the 8th Light Horse and served in Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and Syria whee he commanded the 8th Squadron. Later he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and commanded the Regiment. During the Amman raids, he won the D.S.O at El Salt. This award was presented to him by the Duke of Clarence. In post war period he commanded the 8th Australian Light Horse and later as Colonel of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade During the second world war Colonel Shannon came from retirement to organise the V.D.C in North East Victoria. Colonel Shannon became the 1st President of the Wangaratta RSL when it was organised under Anzac House and the present constitution. He was born at Bowman's Forest in 1874 and died in Wangaratta in 1960. He served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles at the turn of the century, rose to the rank of Captain and commanded the Wangaratta Detachment and Company - this later became the 8th Light Horse Regiment. In 1915 he embarked as Major in the 8th Light Horse and served in Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and Syria whee he commanded the 8th Squadron. Later he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and commanded the Regiment. During the Amman raids, he won the D.S.O at El Salt. This award was presented to him by the Duke of Clarence. In post war period he commanded the 8th Australian Light Horse and later as Colonel of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade During the second world war Colonel Shannon came from retirement to organise the V.D.C in North East Victoria. Gold coloured metal frame containing sepia photograph of Army Officer with moustacheTyped below image - "Col.H.J.SHANNON.D.S.O.;V.D." "FIRST PRSIDENT WANGARATTA PRSIDENT RSL. 1928." Handwritten on rear of postcard image inside frame as follows: - Salten(?) at Cairo 10th November, 1916 "I hope you like this. I think it a very good photo. Wishing you a happy Xmas" Bert Rear of frame- "Col.H.J.SHANNON D.S.O.,; V.D. Photographed CAIRO 1916 hj shannon, 8th light horse aif, dso, wangaratta -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Badge Collection
Allied military badges collected during the Great War 1914 to 1918 by Private (Shoeing Smith) John BLAIKIE 2341 who was born at Wangaratta. He was a Blacksmith and at the age of 42 enlisted on May 28 1915. He embarked on August 10 1915 and served with the 14th Battalion. He returned to Australia in January 1918 and discharged as medically unfit on April 10 1918. Inset photograph is of John BLAIKIELarge collection of allied military badges collected during the campaigns in France, Belgium and Egypt in 1916-17 by John BLAIKIE 2341. A Blacksmith who at the age of 42 years enlisted in the Army and served during the first world war. On his return to Australia he was discharged medically unfit due to rheumatism and senility. He was a stalwart of Wangaratta RSL and his collection was present to the Sub Branch as a souvenir of the first world war.Brown timber frame in the shape of Australia containing a large collection of badges and small photograph Souvenir of the Worlds Great War 1914 to 1918 Military Badges Collected by J BLAIKIE 14th Batt 4th Div AIF In Belgium France & Egypt 1916-1917military badges, ww1 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Sketch
Limited edition plaque containing artwork by Dick Evans to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia created exclusively for members of the RSL and their next of kin.Silver plate frame with black mount containing RSL crest and sketch of Airman"Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Returned Services League of Australia 1916-1986rsl, 70th anniversary -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed photograph, ALP Art Gallery & Custom Framing, 5 Pl, B Coy, 7 RAR
On 26 August 1967 members of 5 Platoon, B Company, 7 RAR were lifted by United States Army Iroquois helicopters from their location beside the road leading to Dat Do, and returned to their base at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province. These soldiers had completed the cordon and search of the village of Phuoc Hai, part of Operation Ulmarra. This iconic image is etched on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial on Anzac parade in Canberra. Brown timber frame with grey mount containing photograph/print of three helicopters above group of soldiers in the fieldMembers of 5 Pl, B Coy, 7RAR Just north of the village of Phuoc Hai, In August 1967vietnam, 5th platoon b coy 7 rar, operation ulmarra -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed print, HMAS Sydney, 2008
Depicting the boarding of Australian Troops from Vung Tau, Vietnam for return to Australia following active service in Vietnam. HMAS Sydney was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built for the Royal Navy and launched as HMS Terrible (93) in 1944, but was not completed before the end of World War II. The carrier was sold to Australia in 1947, completed, and commissioned into the RAN as Sydney in 1948. Sydney was the first of three conventional aircraft carriers to serve in the RAN, and operated as the navy's flagship during the early part of her career. From late 1951 to early 1952, she operated off the coast of Korea during the Korean War, making her the first carrier owned by a Commonwealth Dominion, and the only carrier in the RAN, to see wartime service. Retasked as a training vessel following the 1955 arrival of her modernised sister ship, HMAS Melbourne, Sydney remained in service until 1958, when she was placed in reserve as surplus to requirements. The need for a sealift capability saw the ship modified for service as a fast troop transport, and recommissioned in 1962. Sydney was initially used for training and a single supply run in support of Malaysia's defence policy against Indonesia, but in 1965, she sailed on the first voyage to Vũng Tàu, transporting soldiers and equipment to serve in the Vietnam War. 25 voyages to Vietnam were made between 1965 and 1972, earning the ship the nickname "Vung Tau Ferry". Sydney was decommissioned in 1973, and was not replaced. Despite several plans to preserve all or part of the ship as a maritime museum, tourist attraction, or car park, the carrier was sold to a South Korean steel mill for scrapping in 1975A pictorial image of troops returning to Australia from Vietnam.Timber frame with mount containing print of ship at sea and soldiers in a barge in foreground.Homeward Boundhmas sydney, ran -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Photograph, Peter Cardwell - Life Member Wangaratta RSL
Peter was born on 16/4/1950 at Corryong before moving to Barnawatha, Wodonga then Wangaratta in 1963. On the 5/1/1966 he joined the RAN as a junior recruit HMAS Leeuwin W.A. On 1/1/1967 he joined HMAS Yarra - Far East Strategic Reserve and Vietnam. Arriving back in Australia on 1/1/1968 he was posted to HMAS Watson in NSW. In 1969 he volunteered for submarine training in the UK at HMS Dolphin (Gosport). Joined HMS/m Onyx (3rd squadron at Faslane Scotland (Garelock Head) (HMS Neptune) On returning to Australia in 1971 posted to HMAS Platypus and HMAS/m Otway. In 1973 Peter was posted to HMAS Sydney - later decommissioned - then HMAS Torrens. Following the Royal Tour Pacific Islands in 1974 he joining the Naval Police in 1975 specialising in Fire fighting. Peter was discharged whilst still in hospital from the RAN in 1983 following a serious motor cycle accident in 1982. In 1984 on his return to Wangaratta he rejoined the RSL and held the office of Secretary for 10 years and Welfare/Pensions Officer for 22 years. In 2012 in recognition of his long service he was appointed Life Member of the RSL.Brown timber look frame inner edge gold painted with photograph of male wearing service medalsPeter L CARDWELL Appointed Life Member of the RSL in December 2012peter cardwell, wangaratta rsl, ran -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Certificate, Private Sidney PLUM
Borough of Wangaratta Certificate of Thanks and Apppreciation presented to Private Sydney Spencer Plum. 3431 1st Pioneer Battalion A.I.F, Born January 3rd 1894 at Dockers Plains. Father's name Albert F Plum. Mother's name Mary Plum. He was educated at North Wangaratta and Docker's Plains State School. He was a blacksmith when he enlisted June 12th 1915. He trained at Flemington Racecourse and embarked on SS "Nestor" October 11th 1915. He fought in battles; Peronne, Cambrai, Somme. Being wounded 3 times. He embarked for home per SS "Orontes"; disembarked January 28th 1919 and was discharged March 16th 1919. Later, he entered the service of the Victorian Railways Department.Oak framed certificates were presented by the Borough of Wangaratta to the relatives of soldiers killed in action and returned soldiers who enlisted from the Borough during the First World War. These ceremonies were well attended by the local communities and held at intervals when the soldiers and nurses returned home from active service.Burgandy wooden frame with sand coloured mounting of a certificate of thanks and appreciation from Borough of Wangaratta to Pte Sidney S PLUM. At the top of the certificate, it has the Australian and Union Jack flags entwined over some wattle. At the bottom it has the rising sun surrounded by a wreath with two crossed rifles underneath. To the bottom right there is a large red leather seal. Mounted beneath the certificate is a black plaque. On the back is a typed history of S.Plum.Plaque is inscribed: 3451A Pte Sydney Spencer Plum. 1st Pioneer Battalion A.I.F. Served 12/6/1915 to 16/3/1919. Peronne, Cambrai and Somme. Born 3/1/1894 - Died 25/7/1958. Certificate: For King & Empire, Borough of Wangaratta. The Mayor, Councillors, and Ratepayers of the Borough of Wangaratta hereby place on record their Thanks and Appreciation for the conduct of S.S.Plum who served his King and Country in the Great War, which commenced 4th August 1914. In Witness Whereof the Corporate Seal of the Municipality is hereto attached in the presence of Mayor, Town Clerk. He answered his country's call. D.W Patterson Co PTY LTD 495 Collins St Melbsidney, plum, wangaratta, wwi, world war 1, peronne, cambrai, somme, north wangaratta, dockers plains -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Ex-Serviceman's Annual Book of Humour, Clyde Press
Small book of yellowing pages, with marron coloured lettering and picture of the Australian flag and three men, army, navy and air force. Book is titled Ex-Serviceman's Annual.On front cover: No other Book of Humour can Beat this Unique Collection! In front cover: Complied by P. Walsh, 1st A.I.F and A. Williams, Returned Sailorex-serviceman's annual, book of humour, wwii, world war 2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Pocket Book, Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book
Pocket Book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to George Denis Parker VX123730 who served with the 6th Australia Infantry Training Brigade. He was deployed in February 1944 to New Guinea and assigned to HQ New Guinea Force Details Depot. Based in Buna, in Papua, they carried out garrison duties as well as patrols around the areas surrounding Milne and Nassu Bay. In May 1944, they moved to Lae. Parker returned to Australia in June 1944.An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from the Australian Comforts Fund 1942australian soldier's pocket book, george denis parker, ww2, png -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Poem
Poem entitled Bruce Ruxton by Fred Homburg aka Barry from the Bush Bruce Carlyle Ruxton, AM, OBE (6 February 1926 – 23 December 2011) was an Australian ex-serviceman and President of the Victorian Returned and Services League from 1979 to 2002.Black metal frame with poem on cream paperPoem entitled Bruce Ruxton bruce ruxton, poem, fred homburg -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Framed Certificate of Appreciation
Certificate of appreciation dated 30/6/1946 presented to Wangaratta Comforts Fund by RSS & AILABlack plastic frame containing certificate with black and red writing below two symbols and picture of a buildingThe Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmen Imperial League of Australia Presented to Wangaratta Comforts Fund in grateful appreciation of meritorious service rendered to the RSL War Service Fund during 1939-1945.comfort fund, ww2, wangaratta, certificate -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Plaque - Shield, Women's Auxiliary
Women’s Auxiliaries were formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the First World War. In May1918 a small band of women from the "Friendly Union" organised themselves,under the leadership of Mrs F C Purbrick, into a Women's Auxiliary of the Wangaratta Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). Their first task was to furnish club rooms for the RSA and this was achieved by seeking donations and raising money by selling jams, jellies and posies of violets by selected girls wearing special badges in the street. Over the years funds have been raised through raffles, competitions, street stalls and catering at numerous events to assist the aims of the Returned Services League. In 2018 the Wangaratta RSL Women's Auxiliary celebrated its centenary. Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community. Today, there are more than 1200 auxiliary members in Victoria.Red timber shield mounted on brown laminated base of particle board in a larger shield shape with metal emblem. Women's Auxillary RSL on metal logo with Crown and Australian Flag mounted on red shieldwomen's auxiliary, wangaratta rsl -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Framed Photograph and Medals, L.Cpl. Harold Prest M.M
Photograph of L.Cpl. Harold Pearson Prest M.M. Service Number: 1334 Enlisted Wangaratta 24/3/1916 Embarked on 3/6/1916 on board "Persic" Returned on 20/12/1917 37th. Battalion A.I.F Awarded Military Medal for Bravery Ypres, Belgium 4th of October 1917 Harold's brother George PREST 1333 served with the 38th Battalion Brown timber frame with maroon felt mount containing photograph,three medals with ribbons and metal plaqueL.Cpl. Harold P. Prest M.M. Service Number: 1334 37th. Battalion A.I.F Enlisted 24th March 1916 Awarded Military Medal for Bravery Ypres, Belguim 4th of October 1917 harold prest, 37th battalion aif, ww1, military medal -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Badge, RSL
The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. Gold badge with white on outside, crown on top, blue circle in the middle with gold in centre, Has red banner at bottom.On front: 97 in crown. Returned Services League. Australia. On back: Badge remains property of League. Brim Melb. Vic. 18915australia, rsl, badge -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Badge - Returned Service
Dark brown metal badge with boomerang at bottom, anchor above, rising sun in middle and crown at the top.Front: Returned from active service Back: 22770. G & E Rodd 1940. Issued by the C'Wealth Govt. australian army, australia military badges, returned service badges -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Award - Citation
Citation of Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to JOHN HUDSON WILKINSON: Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN Victoria - tragically killed in action over Germany on 30th August, 1944. Citation reads: - "Pilot Officer WILKINSON is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion, in March 1944, when engaged in an attack on Stuttgart, a Junkers 88 attacked the aircraft five times, but Pilot Officer WILKINSON, by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire, drove off the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew." The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Original typed document on blue/grey parchment with blue letterhead containing crestGovernor General Commonwealth of Australiapilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, wilkinson -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Booklet, Wangaratta Returned Servicemen's Club RULES (1955-6)
Booklet of Rules of the Wangaratta Returned Servicemen' s Club which contains the names of Office Bearers - President - Mr W. H. FIELD - as per Honour Board verified as President in 1955-6.Wangaratta Returned Servicemen's Club Booklet of Rules - Mr W. H. FIELD was President of the Club in 1955-6 Cream coloured booklet with blue RSL logo and inscriptionWangaratta Returned Servicemen's Club - RULESwangaratta rsl, club rules and bylaws, 1955-6 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Booklet, Sons of Anzac
Booklet of Humorous tales of the Diggers belonging to Harry Trudgen -Service Number - VX132215 : Date of birth - 15 May 1923 : Place of birth - ALBURY NSW : Enlisted - IN THE FIELD QLD (records not available) Next of Kin Father - TRUDGEN John Henry Service Number - 9550 : Place of Birth - Beechworth VIC : Enlisted in 1915 - Driver with the 13th FAB - received gun shot wound to hand and returned to Australia in 1919.Beige paper booklet with picture of Australian Flag and three Servicemen on cover with writing in red above and in blue below.Sons of Anzac Humorous Tales of the Diggers Harry Trudgen 1914-18 handwritten top right hand corneranzac, humorous tales of diggers -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Diary, John William ELLIS
Personal diary of John William ELLIS Born: Rupanyup. Home Town: Nyarrin Occupation: Farmer Private 5334 Enlisted 1915 aged 37 24th Battalion Fought on the Western Front. Wounded on 9/10/1917 at Ypres - gunshot wound to right leg and returned to Australia 16/4/1918. Diary entry ......"Oct 9 was in the charge this morning and got wounded ankle and arm".....Diary contains principal events written in pencil between leaving Australia on the 10th April 1916 and arriving back in Melbourne on the 16th April, 1918.Thin brown leather book with attached holder for pencil.private john william ellis, 24th battalion, ww1, diary -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Soldier's Pay Book, Gunner Barry Seymour 19825
Soldier's Pay Book belonging to WW1 Gunner Barry SEYMOUR 19825 108 Australian (Howitzer) Battery Born Box Hill Enlisted Melbourne 7/12/1915 aged 22 years 3 months Awarded Military Medal in 1918' Returned to Australia 22/7/1919 and Enlistment terminated 5/9/1919Brown canvas booklet with black writing and rising sun crest Australian Imperial Force Soldier's Pay bookgunner barry seymour, ww1, military medal, 108 australian (howitzer) battery -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter, RS&SILA, 26/2/1941
Letter of sympathy to Mrs Seymour on the passing of her husband Gunner Barry SEYMOUR 19825Cream coloured paper letter with black type below letterhead and crest.The Returned Sailors and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia dated 26/2/1941 and signed by State President G.W. Holland addressed to Mrs R. H. Seymour 29 Barnett Street, Kensington.rs&sila, barry seymour -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Papers - assorted personal, John William ELLIS
Assorted personal papers, cards and letter belonging to Private John William ELLIS 218,5334 24th Battalion and Australia Flying Corps. Born Rupanyup. Occ Farmer at Nyarrin. Served Gallipoli and Western Front. Returned to Australia 15/2/1918YMCA Aldwych Hut x 2 No 46137 and 46200 Bed only YMCA In the Field notepaper dated Jan 7 1918 handwritten letter in pencil Receipt dated Mar 29 1919 for Australian piano and stool. Four page letter written in pencil dated July 10th France from brother Bob Statement of Account for AIF pay and allowances Pte J W Ellis Card - cream coloured - From the Majoress of Exeter and Committee Wishing you good luck Card - cream coloured stamped in red Massage Dept. Daily Appointment with handwriting in pen Card x 2 one pink one orange Welcome Home - Returned Soldier's Hospitality Committee, FremantleAs abovejohn william ellis, 24th battalion, ww1, personal papers -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
Photograph depicting the official Unveiling of Soldiers Memorial at Wangaratta on 25th of April, 1923.From the History of Wangaratta RSL.. In 1918 there were two aims a) to organise a club for returned men and b) erect an outstanding war memorial in a beautiful garden setting. It took many years before the erection and unveiling of this memorial which took place on Anzac Day 25th April, 1923.Black and white photograph of large number of people sitting and standing around monument.Unveiling Soldiers Memorial Wangaratta 25.4.23soldier's memorial wangaratta, unveiling 1923 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, SGT A R Wills
Image of burial site of Sgt Albert Robert WILLS born 16.11.1917 at Bendigo -VX 5275 He enlisted in 1939 embarked on HMT 'Ettrick" on 14/4/1940 after basic training at Puckapunyal. Disembarked in Egypt on 18/5/1940 and saw action at Bardia, Greece and Syria. Spent time in Lebanon and Ceylon before returning to Australia on 4/8/1942. On 13/10/42 disembarked at Milne Bay New Guinea and took part in the battle for Wau securing the airstrip and surrounding area after heavy fighting. Between 6-9 Feb 2/5 Bn C and D companies supported by A company spearheaded the attack engaged and defeated the enemy thus ending the battle of Wau Sgt WILLS was one of 28 men killed in action in the Crystal Creek area on 7/2/1943 and is buried at Lae War Cemetery. Black and white image of grave with white cross Cof E VX 5275 SGT A R WILLS 2/5 Aust. Inf. Bn. 7.2.43 Rear is stamped with Photograph supplied by Directorate of Graves Registration Victoria Barracks Melbourne - Buried at Laea.r. wills, vx 5275, 2/5th aust. inf. bn, new guinea -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter, 2/5 Australian Infantry Battalion Assoc, 2000
Letter lists the service history of Sgt A R WILLS VX 5275 2/5 Infantry Battalion. He enlisted in 1939 embarked on HMT 'Ettrick" on 14/4/1940 after basic training at Puckapunyal. Disembarked in Egypt on 18/5/1940 and saw action at Bardia, Greece and Syria. Spent time in Lebanon and Ceylon before returning to Australia on 4/8/1942. On 13/10/42 disembarked at Milne Bay New Guinea and took part in the battle for Wau securing the airstrip and surrounding area after heavy fighting. Between 6-9 Feb 2/5 Bn C and D companies supported by A company spearheaded the attack engaged and defeated the enemy thus ending the battle of Wau Sgt WILLS was one of 28 men killed in action in the Crystal Creek area on 7/2/1943 and is buried at Lae War Cemetery.Letter consisting of letterhead above black typing on white paperAt top 2/5 Australian Infantry Battalion Association 1939-1945 Dated 27 April 2000 At bottom "Sans regret"a r wills, 2/5th aust. inf. bn, lae, new guinea, battle for wau, kia, crystal creek -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
Photograph of soldiers taken circa 11 October 1914 All enlisted on the 17th of August, 1914 at Wangaratta unless stated otherwise, assigned to the 7th Battalion C Company and identified as follows:- Colour Sergeant William Baker 290 - Prior to enlistment at Essendon was serving with the 58th Battalion. He embarked Australia on the 21/10/14. Brothers Charles POWLEY 347 and John Hall POWLEY 348 from Boweya - Embarked 19/10/14 on HMAT Hororata. Charles aged 21 years KIA 25/4/15 at Gallipoli and John returned to Australia on 31/10/15. Charles attended Wangaratta High School. John Crocker 346 was born at Clunes and enlisted at Broadmeadows. He was 36 years old, a butcher by trade and served with the 2nd Scottish Horse in the Boer War. His mother was listed as next of kin residing in Bracknell Tasmania He was wounded at Gallipoli and discharged on 19/1/1917 Nelson Albert Hardy 363 Born in England and a butcher by trade .KIA 23/8/1915 at Gallipoli aged 22 Edward Fahey 364 Ovens Street Wangaratta, Aged 29 years, a Painter by trade. He returned to Australia in December 1915 and appointed a Recruiting Sergeant. He resigned from this position on 8/5/1916, went AWOL and on 21/7/1920 discharged due to desertion. Joseph Cowham 360 enlisted at Broadmeadows on 19/8/1914. Thomas Peter Williams 404 - Aged 24 and a Blacksmith. He received a gunshot wound to the wrist on 26/5/1915 and returned to Australia. Joseph Nathaniel O'Brien 376 or John William O'Brien 365 both of Rowan Street Wangaratta Handwritten on rear “Wangaratta Boys C Company 7th Battalion October 11th 1914 From Private John Crocker 346”Sepia photograph of 11 men six standing and five kneeling dressed in military uniform wearing forage cap with row of pine trees in background. Photograph is mounted on brown cardboard with handwriting across top border.Rear - Wangaratta Boys C Company 7th Battalion October 11th 1914 From Private John Crocker 346 Front - list of names handwritten in ink J Powly, Col Serg Baker? Corp Naldress?, Private Couham?, C Powly, L Williams N Hardy J Crocker, E Lahy?, J?? K Jarrot? wangaratta, c company, joseph cowham 360, nelson hardy 363, john crocker 346, charles powley 347, john powley 348, hororata, gallipoli, edward fahey 364, thomas peter williams 404, william baker 290, joseph nathaniel o'brien 376, john william o'brien 365, ww1, 7th battalion