One white sheet with blue printing. On the sheet are the words' Returned Sailors' Soldiers & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, Bendigo Sub-Branch ANZAC Day Commemoration Ceremony.' Friday April 25th. 1952. Includes speeches, music prayers. Situated at the Upper Reserve. Collections 'in aid of distressed and indigent ex servicemen.'event, official, anzac memorial service, lydia chancellor, collection, war, wwii, soldiers events, ceremonies, anzac day, program, programme

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

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. Badge issued to 3978 Private Wilfred FITTON born in Lancashire England, enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 28/7/1915. Served with the 5th Battalion 12/5 Rein.Embarked 23/11/1915 and was discharged on 6/7/1920. Post war worked for the Victorian Railways and lived at Tarrawingee.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 crown on top, blue circle in the middle with image in gold centre, red banner at bottom surrounded in white enamel. Coat lapel pin attached.On front: Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League Australia On back: 48257 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic. australia, rsl, private wilfred fitton, 5th battalion, ww1

Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 issued to Flying Officer Owen Campbell MORTIMER 420235. Discharged 2/7/1945 at own request to resume civil occupation. Awarded 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Victory Medal and eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge.Cream paper with black print and type with emblem centre top contained within a black border and attached by staple top left corner to large sheet of paper.Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 Rear - To the Secretary the Returned Soldier's League with compliments Dr Owen Mortimer 29th May, 1989owen campbell mortimer, raaf, ww2

Tankard to commemorate conflicts in which the Australian Army has been involved since and including World War I. From the Returned Services League, Mitcham Sub-Branch, 26 McDowall Street, Mitcham, cnr Harrison Street when it closed early 2014.Australian Army Tankard with Australian rising sun badge on front. Tankard is made of pewter with a glass base. On the tankard all the conflicts that the Australian fought in are commemorated from World War I to Vietnam.The Australian Army Tankard, World War I, World War I, Mesopotamia, Flanders, German New Guinea, Gallipoli, France, Palestine, World War II, North Africa, Crete, Malaya, S.W. Pacific, Timor, New Guinea, Java, Bougainville, Borneo, Greece, Syria, Singapore, South Africa, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam.military history, army, metalcraft, pewterware

The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) was the forerunner of today's Returned and Services League (RSL). Formed after the First World War, the organisation was a veterans' association formed by returned servicemen to care for and advocate for the returned service community. The organisation later changed its name to the RSL. This badge is dated to the 1920's by the name of the organisation. It is significant because it has the capacity to represent an earlier incarnation of today's RSL.Small blue, white and red enamel and metal badge. Inset embossing of two soldiers advancing. Words enscribed on the front. A white shield shape with a crown mounted on the top.Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League Australia.rsl, rssila, returned services

Various Historical significance.Australian returned from active service badges. 2 x Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League Badges. (1919 - 1947.) 2 x 1971 to 1990 Life Member Badges. Maralinga & Monte Bello Association Badge. Boomerang with Rising Sun badge. Royal Australian Engineers 1930 - 1942 badge. Silver badge "To the Women of Australia. Vintage Turkish Medal. Inscribed To The Women of Australia Crown surrounded by Laurel Leaves with Map of Australia in centre. Returned From Active Service. Two or Three Servicemen shown. RAAF #A1102 - 1942. Boomerang with Rising Sun below Crown. Royal Engineers Badge inscribed "FACIMUS ET FRANCIMUS" encircling GviR in centre Crown over Laurel leaves.

This object relates to Hugh Forrester BETHUNE. He was born on 15/11/1924 in Sydney, NSW. Hugh Forrester served in the RAAF (430155) enlisting on, 01/01/1943 in Unknown before being discharged from duties with the 9 AIRCREW HOLDING UNIT as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Warrant Officer (WOFF) on 26/02/1946. Hugh Forrester BETHUNE was not a prisoner of war. Hugh Bethune was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Defence Medal, France and Germany Star, War Medal 1939-1945. The RSL badge represents readiness to serve the crown, country and former comrades. It can be purchased however it should only be worn by returned service personnel.Metallic badge with enamel sections depicting a white shield with a red and gold coloured crown and the number "95" at the head of the shield. In the top corners of the shield are images of a leek, rose, thistle and shamrock. An image of a red ribbon with the words "Australia" is at the base of the shield. In the centre of the shield is a blue circle with the words "Returned Services League", encircling an image of three servicemen in gold coloured relief.Inscriptions on the back: "V Property of League Swann & Hudson Vic." "91382" And another inscription that is partly obscured and includes "Bad.....ns" ballarat, ballarat rsl, badge, returned services leage badge, rsl badge, uniforms

This is an example of posters with a patriotic theme the purpose of which was to raise money for goods for service personal overseas, during WW2. "Tin-hat" badges were sold for 1 and 2 shillings and 1pound. The 'tin-hat' appeal was conducted from 4 Sept - 17 Sept in 1943. Organised by the Returned Soldiers League. A poster is superimposed on a hidden print. The poster which is on top of a hidden print has these words written on it: "Don’t Let the Boys down, Help the tin hat appeal for the Australian Comforts Fund, Friday 1 Aug buy a tin hat or send your donation to RSL War Service Fund Tin Hat Appeal Office – Town Hall Melbourne"australian comfort funds, ww2, tin hat appeal

Blue leather covered diary, with RSL logo on cover. The first 40 pages have information relating to returned service personnel. The diary pages have pencil hand written entries in the last pages. Cover: RSL logo Victorian branch 1948. Title page: Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia. Victorian branch 1948 Diary And Serviceman’s Guide.

Standard dress uniform jacket for soldiers.Khaki coloured single breasted jacket fastened with four centre plastic buttons and a belt. Belt attached to jacket on back via two leather loops buttoned around a fabric loop. Jacket carries two breast pockets on exterior with flap, each fastened with single plastic button and two metal press studs. Two hip pockets with flaps, unfastened. Interior is lined with synthetic fabric; one interior chest pocket on the left hand side underneath which is a manufacturers label (transcribed below). Small square paper tag sewn into left jacket interior (transcribed below).Interior label reads "E.W. P/LTD./SOUTH AUSTRALIA/1968/[broad arrow symbol]/SIZE 36 SHORT/CLASS 8406/66-019-8479/ARMY No./NAME/DRY CLEAN ONLY./REPRESS USING IRON AND DAMP CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO HOT STEAM IRON./CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPELS ONLY." Written on the label is handwritten text "J.V." And "12/0L/0/67." Stamped in purple ink "BATCH No./385." Paper tag reads "62000/LOT 12 36S/GLOBE6/67."military, uniform, vietnam war, 1960s, dress uniform, beechworth, returned services league

Allan "Strad" Jones was born in Stawell but lived in Wodonga from the age of two years old. He worked with several companies before establishing Strad Jones Smash Repairs in Mulqueeney Street, Wodonga. He was a courageous football player and played for the Wodonga "Bulldogs" senior team from the age of 17 years. Allan initially played as full forward, then the centre and wing positions. He suffered a serious injury playing football whilst completing National Service at Puckapunyal and was hospitalised for 5 months. Mr. Jones returned to play for Wodonga and also coached Kergunyah and junior football teams in the 1960s. He also managed the Wodonga Little Athletics Club in the 1970s. Mr. Jones was an active member of the Wodonga Historical Society until his death in 2002. He worked not only to collect historical items but to ensure they were properly preserved and displayed. Two of his interests came together when he researched the history of Australian Rules football in the Ovens & Murray League and surrounding districts from its formative years through the 1940s. This publication was titled "Football - Glory Days Gone By". Mr. Jones died in Albury on 13 July 2002.This image is dedicated to a respected member of the Wodonga community and the Wodonga Historical Society.A framed photo of Allan Jones (1935 - 2002)Beneath the image: "Allan Stradling Jones/(Strad)/1935 - 2002)/ A valued member and tireless worker for the Wodonga Historical Society"allan "strad" jones, wodonga community members, wodonga football club

Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for military service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Artillery Regiment. He embarked on overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15th April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22nd April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, de Kerilleau in Wodonga which was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as Mayor. Ian was President of the RSSAILA (Returned Sailor's, Soldier's and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia) branch at Wodonga from 1953 to 1955 and remained as a member after that time. The League was renamed to the Returned Services League in 1965. Mr Ian Watson died on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it recognises the service of Ian Darnton Watson in support of Returned Servicemen in Wodonga.A framed certificate mounted on card. The frame is plastic with a wood grain finish.On Certificate:- R.S.S.A.I.L.A. VICTORIAN BRANCH Presented to Ian D. Watson, As a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as President of the Wodonga Sub Branch Years 1953 to 1955.wodonga rssaila, ian darnton watson, watson family wodonga, rsl wodonga

This photograph shows the Protestant Hall on Nepean Highway Cheltenham, which at the time of the photograph was used by the Returned Sailors' Soldiers' and Aimen's Imperial Leage of Australia (RSSAILA). The building facade, World War I memorials, fire station building and road plantation are also in view. The Protestants Hall was built by the Cheltenham Protestant Hall Company Limited in 1886. The hall has been used for a wide variety of purposes; in earlier times it served as the Sunday School for the Methodist Home for Children, and later as a schoolhouse when the Beaumaris School (now Cheltenham State School) No 84 met with overcrowding problems. It was also a popular venue for annual balls and regular dances held by church groups and sporting organisations. The City of Moorabbin purchased the building in the 1920's for use by the Returned Soldiers and Sailors League, in whose hands it remained until the late 1970s when it was taken over by a catering firm. During the 1920s, and right up to the late 1950s, it also served as Cheltenham's picture theatre. The three memorial columns, one from the South African War, one from World War I and one from World War II previously located in front of the hall were relocated when Nepean Highway was widened. The Protestant Hall still stands at 1261 Nepean Highway CheltenhamBlack and white digital image depicting three buildings. The right hand building bears a sign that reads RSSAILA. There are trees and a bench seat in the foreground. There is a World War I memorial pictured. world war i, world war ii, protestant hall, cheltenham, returned sailors' soldiers' and aimen's imperial leage of australia (rssaila), returned and service's league (rsl)

Two member badges from the The Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The number 68 on the front could be 1968 as it is detachable and could be updated each year. The badge with 1921 could be the year of membership. The member number is engraved on the rear. 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 RSSILA was the precursor to the Returned Services League (RSL) and provided support for returned servicemen after World War One. Worn by members of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, those eligible being members of all services, both wars, including nurses, who have returned from active service outside Australia. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).The RSSILA was an important organisation for ex-servicemen and many Legatees would have been members.Enamel badges from the R.S.S.I.L.A. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. 01124.1 Front has '68' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'V92210 Badge remains the property of League'. 01124.2 Front has '1921' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'R 3871' and 'C.C Roeszler and Son Pty Ltd Melb.'world war one, rssila

Sir George Victor Lansell (1883-1959), businessman, politician and philanthropist, was born on 3 October 1883 in London, elder son of George Lansell, the Bendigo 'Quartz King', and his second wife Harriet Edith, née Bassford. George was educated at St Andrew's College, Bendigo, and Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. On 20 January 1910 at All Saints Pro-Cathedral, Bendigo, he married a skiing champion, Edith Florence Gwendoline Frew; they had three daughters. As a young man Lansell excelled in revolver shooting, boxing and swimming but his militia interests endured longest. First commissioned in the 8th Australian Infantry Regiment in 1904, he was a captain in 1909. In May 1916 he was commissioned captain in Bendigo's 38th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Entering the front line in France on 1 December he was wounded two days later and invalided back to Australia next March for discharge in August. After the war he rose in 1923 to major commanding the 38th Battalion, Australian Military Forces. Lieutenant-Colonel in 1927, he retired as honorary colonel in 1942 after having organized the north-west Victorian group of the Volunteer Defence Corps early in World War II. Lansell's major contribution was his service to returned soldiers. He was president of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia for nearly thirty years. His work extended beyond grand gesture and he is remembered affectionately for his personal generosity to ex-servicemen and their dependants. Lansell was director of the powerful Sandhurst Trustees' Co., the Bendigo Mutual Permanent Land & Building Society and many other local companies. In 1926 he brought to Bendigo the overseas-based Hanro Knitting Mills (Hanro comes from the Swiss firm Handschin and Ronus which made high quality underwear and knitwear at Liestal, Switzerland) and the Australian Swiss Watch Co. Early in his business career he acquired the Bendigo Independent and amalgamated it with the Bendigo Advertiser in 1918. He had interests in the Riverine Herald, the Rochester Irrigator, the Stock and Station Journal and Central Victorian Broadcasters Ltd, and was a delegate to Empire press conferences in Canada (1920), England (1923) and Australia (1925).Lever arch folder containing Hanro black and white promotional photographs. 53 studio photographs of women's knitwear and lingerie 20.5cm x 25.2cm. 1 studio photograph of men's knitwear 19cm x 23.5cm. 2 x photo's 19cm x 23.3cm Photographer Reg Brock. 27 black and white photo's 15cm x 21cm of men's knitwear, womenswear and lingerie, were donated by Ann Peters.Reg Brock Studios Bendigo. Labels or stamps on back of photographs.business, retail, hanro promotional photographs, george victor lansell, bendigo hanro, ralph birrell collections

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

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

Booknon-fictionThe History of the Returned Services League 1916-1986

John Bruce MacCathie. POB: Dalkeith, Scotland. DOB: 4 AUG 1923. WWII: He served in the Royal Navy, Service No C/JX340061. POST WWII: As a member of the British Armed Forces he applied to stay in Australia – the National Archives holds his application form. MARRIAGE: He married Isabel Noel Fulton in 1949, in Vic. AUST. MIL. FORCES: He joined the Aust. Army and served from 1953 to 1977. His number then was 35175 in the Royal Aust. Engineers. His last rank was Sergeant. Returned Service League: He spent some time as a member of the Castlemaine Sub Branch. DEATH: He died 28 JUN 2005. His remains are in the Garden of Remembrance, Springvale, VIC. FAMILY: He was survived by his wife Isabel ( dec 2020) and two children. Ribbons 1. 1939-45 Star 2. Atlantic Star with Rosette, 3. Africa Star with Rosette. 4. Italy Star, 5. Defence Medal, 6. War Medal 1939-45, 7. General Service Medal 1962, 8. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.1. Jacket - Khaki, woollen. On both arms are Sergeants cloth stripes and a cloth badge for Royal Aust. Engineers. It has eight medal ribbons on left breast. 2. Trousers - Khaki, woollen. Zip fly, no cuffs on ankles. 3. Lanyard - cotton, black. Small loop one end, large loop at other end.Written in jacket is “35175 MacCathie” A tag in jacket shows his Navy no. “C/JX340061” - British Navy.post ww2, uniform, winter, passchendaele barracks trust

Herb Jackson. Herb served in the RAF in Bomber Command WW2. After the War Herb came to Australia and soon joined the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. He was very active in Both Appeals each year and did so for 70 years. He passed away in 2022..1) .2) Both cards are the same both folding with the same text in respect to the Printing. the only differance is inside with the background print for the year. .1) is in red for "1985", .2) is in blue for "1986". .1) has been stamped inside in blue "Returned Services League Bendigo", .2) the same in red. Both are signed by the Issuing Officer, the year 1985 by "........ Mulqueen" the other is unreadable. "This is to certify that H Jackson is a financial Member of the Returned and Services League Bendigo Sub Branch"brsl, smirsl, membership