The Gallipoli Star and its ribbon were designed in 1917 by R K Peacock, but official approval from King George V for the proposed campaign medal was withdrawn after the ribbon, but not the medal, had been manufactured, because it was to have been presented only to Australians and New Zealanders, but not British or other Empire soldiers involved in the campaign. Some Anzac veterans are known to have been issued with lengths of ribbon during the war in anticipation of the medal's production. In 1990, Mr Ross Smith, a former Australian Army Warrant Officer and Vietnam veteran, arranged, at his own expense, for dies from the original design to be manufactured, and for A J Parkes & Co Pty Ltd, of Brisbane, to strike 1000 examples of the medal. 200 of these stars were presented to surviving Australian and New Zealand Gallipoli veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of the campaign. The remainder were sold to the public. A further 1000 were later struck for sale to collectors. The design features an eight pointed star, representing the states and territories of Australia (seven points) and New Zealand. The colours of the ribbon are blue, representing the ocean, gold, representing Australian Wattle, silver grey, representing New Zealand fern, and red for the colour of Australian gum blossom and the New Zealand Rata flower. This full size accurate replica was presented in the early 1990's to the remaining survivors of the 1915 Gallipoli landing. The Gallipoli Star Medal 1914-1915 was to be awarded to survivors of the Anzac landing but a political dispute of the exclusion of British Soldiers saw the idea withdrawn. Timber look frame containing medal on yellow/blue/red ribbon and paper with black writing on grey cardboard surround.gallipoli star, medal, 1914-1915

Roy Tobias MM Born 2/1/1924 at Wangaratta . He enlisted on 9/4/1942 and served with 57/60 Battalion in New Guinea during the Second World War. He was wounded by a gunshot wound to the left thigh. He died in 2001 at the age of 77 years.Timber frame surrounding green and brown print of four soldiers in a village.57/60 BTN in Action at Bougainville Loaned by 57/60 Btn Assoc. Donated by Roy Tobias M.M. 199957/60 battalion, bouganville, ww2

Photograph and medals belonging to Private John Leonard PARKER VX56265 2/23 Battalion AIF Killed in Action on 24/11/1943 during WW2. Buried at Lae cemetery in New Guinea. The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in August 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The battalion did its initial training in Albury before moving to Bonegilla, Victoria, before sailing for the Middle East in November. The 2/23rd left Alamein on 2 December and headed back to Gaza in Palestine, where it participated in the 9th Division parade on 22 December. The battalion left Palestine in the third week of January 1943 and reached Sydney at the end of February. Reorganised for jungle operations, on 4 September the 2/23rd participated in the division's amphibious landing at Red Beach, north west of Lae. Shortly before the landing occurred, the invasion fleet was attacked by six Japanese fighters and three bombers. Most of the Japanese bombs missed the Allied ships but one bomb hit the landing craft carrying the 2/23rd headquarters - killing the battalion commander and the ship's captain. The landing craft, however, made it to shore and the 2/23rd participated in the subsequent fighting around Lae, Finschhafen, and Sattelberg. After Sattelberg, the 2/23rd continued to move inland, capturing Masangkoo, Kuanko, and finally on 9 December, Wareo. Brown timber frame with dark blue background containing photograph of soldier, three round and three star shaped medals and document with coloured crest."This scroll commemorates Private J. L Parker Australian Military Forces held in honour as one who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died."private john leonoard parker, 2/23rd battalion, ww2, new guinea

Operation Battle Group (West) was established in July 2006 and was based at Tallil Airbase in Dhi Qar Governorate. It consisted of units previously assigned to the third, and final, rotation of the Al Muthanna Task Group. It was withdrawn in June 2008.Overwatch Battle Group (West) was an Australian Army battle group that represented Australia's largest contribution to the Multinational force in Iraq. No Australian military personnel were killed in the course of the deployment, during which the Australian contingent helped train 33,000 Iraqi soldiers. Approximately 200 Australian personnel remained in Iraq on logistical and air surveillance duties after its withdrawal.Large brown timber frame with brown mount containing photograph of soldiers standing and In armoured vehicles in foreground of ancient brick fortress with soldiers across and leading to top of fortress. Gold coloured rising sun in bottom left corner and red coloured kangaroo in bottom right corner.Over watch Battle Group (West) 4 December. 2007 - June 2008 Photographer Corporal Rob Nyffeneggeroperation battle group (west) 4, iraq

Image depicting the explosion of a ship, filled with TNT and ammunition, hit during the first Japanese air raid on Australia's mainland, at Darwin on 19 February 1942. In the foreground is HMAS Deloraine which survived unscathed. On that day, 236 people were killed when 242 Japanese aircraft, in two separate raids, attacked the town, ships in Darwin's harbour and the town's two airfields in an attempt to prevent the Allies from using them as bases to contest the invasion of Timor and Java during World War II. MV Neptuna was a 5,952 ton cargo motor vessel. and was 1 of 11 sunk during the Japanese air raid on Darwin on 19 February 1942. In January 1942 HMAS Deloraine evaded an attack by the Japanese submarine I-124 north-west of Darwin and was jointly credited with the submarines' sinking after she inflicted the initial damage. The Bombing of Darwin, also known as the Battle of Darwin, on 19 February 1942 was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia. Brown timber frame containing blue black and white print of ships being bombed.February 19th 1942, Darwin Harbour In the foreground the corvette HMAS Deloraine. Smoke billowing in the background is from burning oil tanks on shore, the mushroom cloud is from the explosionof the ammunition ship Neptuna. Watercolour by Tom Offordbombing of darwin, battle of darwin, 19 february 1942, ww2, mv neptuna, hmas deloraine

52 Decorations and Campaign Medals awarded to Australians for bravery and service in theatres of war from1860Gold and brown coloured frame containing 52 medals and decorations with written explaination for eachDecorations and Campaign Medals AUSTRALIAcampaign medals, australlia, decorations

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

Unknown WW1 SoldierGold coloured oval frame with sepia photograph of WW1 Soldier wearing capww1, unknown soldier

Unknown WW1 SOLDIERGrey coloured metal rectangular shape with rounded edges containing sepia photograph of a moustached Soldier wearing slouch hat ww1, unknown soldier

Combined operations plaque - designed and carved by Petty Officer Joiner 3rd Class A W VENABLES on behalf of the Commanding Officer of HMS Northney attached to Combined Operations in the Second World War.Combined Operations made a huge contribution to the successful outcome of the Second World War by undertaking dozens of Commando raids and landings, mostly against the Axis forces, from Norway in the north to Madagascar in the south and from North Africa and the Mediterranean in the west to the Far East, culminating in the D-Day Invasion on the 6th of June 1944.Round solid timber plaque with eagle over sub machine gun over anchor carved in centre.Combined Operations - United We Conquercombined operations, ww2

Memorial plaque and Letter of condolence from Buckingham Palace signed by King George V sent to the family George William PAGE - born 20/5/1900. He served with the RAN aboard HMAS Tingira a training ship for boys during the First World War. He died by accidental drowning in Sydney on 16/3/1919. Service No 6790George William PAGE served with the RAN aboard HMAS Tingira a training ship for boys during the First World War. On 16/3/1919 he died by accidental drowning. In 1911 Sobraon was purchased by the Commonwealth Government for £15,000 and fitted out as a boy’s training ship at Mort’s Dock Balmain. The name chosen for her was an aboriginal word meaning ‘open sea’ and she was commissioned into the RAN as HMAS Tingira on 25 April 1912. On 1 June 1912 the first batch of 37 boys recruited from New South Wales joined Tingira. Drafts from other states quickly followed, completing the first intake of 100. Entry was limited to boys between the ages of 14½ and 16 years who were bound to serve for seven years following their 18th birthday.Round metal plaque and letter with red crest mounted on rectangular timber board."HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR" GEORGE WILLIAM PAGEgeorge william page, memorial plaque, royal australian navy

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

Photographs and medals of brothers Leslie and James HANDLEY both killed in action in FRANCE 2458 Leslie Lionel HANDLEY was born at Benalla and enlisted at Wangaratta on 28/5/1915 aged 18 years. He served with the 14th Battalion and was killed in the field on 7/8/1916. He is buried at Pozieres in an unknown grave. 2813 James Albert HANDLEY was born at Williamstown and enlisted at Wangaratta/Melbourne on 3/10/1916 aged 29 years. He served with the 38th Battalion and was killed in the field on 18/7/1918. He is buried at Villiers-Brettoneux. Parents James and Elizabeth resided in various locations including Wangaratta and Laceby West.Timber frame with rising sun badge, two coloured patches, two photographs of soldiers and 5 medals2458 Pte Leslie L HANDLEY 14th Battalion KILLED IN ACTION POZIERES 7th August 1916 2813 Pte James A. HANDLEY 38th Battalion KILLED IN ACTION THE SOMME 18th July 1918killed in action, ww1, leslie lionel handley, james albert handley, 14th battalion, 38th battalion

Australian Army Cessna 180 A98-044 which suffered bullet damage whilst operating from Bien Hoa South Vietnam on 6th July, 1968Two black wide narrow shaped wings with white strip on ends either side of round grey nose centerpiece.Plaque - This Propeller powered Australian Army Cessna 180 A98-044 It suffered bullet damage whilst operating from Bien Hoa South Vietnam on 6th July, 1968 Pilot 2nd Lt Steve TIZZARD Observer Lt Kev LUNNYvietnam war, bien hoa, australian army cessna

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

Turkish FlagBlack timber frame containing red cloth with white star and crescent.turkish, flag

Life Buoy from HMAS Sydney II - On 19 November 1941, Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive engagement with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, and was lost with all hands (645 aboard).Three Australian warships have carried the name Sydney. Following the tragic loss of HMAS Sydney II and all 645 crew members in 1941 the Life Buoy was found in poor condition discarded in a bin at Spectacle Island in Sydney and later restored. The Life Buoy made from kapok ceased to be used by the RAN in the early 1950's. Solid white circle surrounded by attached ropeHMAS SYDNEY hmas sydney, life buoy

HMAS Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. She was, however, involved in two major collisions with allied vessels; though Melbourne was found not to be the primary cause of either incident. The first occurred on the evening of 10 February 1964, in which Melbourne rammed and sank the RAN destroyer HMAS Voyager when the latter altered course across her bow. Eighty-two of Voyager's personnel were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The second collision occurred in the early morning of 3 June 1969, when Melbourne also rammed the United States Navy (USN) destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in similar circumstances. Seventy-four American personnel died, and a joint USN–RAN Board of Inquiry was held. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that Melbourne was jinxed. HMAS Melbourne was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisionsMoulded patterned black plastic frame and mount containing black and white print of hand drawn ship at seaThe Majestic Melbourne Dedicated to those who servedhmas melbourne, ran, aircraft carrier

HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940. On 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia she was lost at sea with all hands after engaging the German raider Kormoran. On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy with an impressive record of war service, was lost following a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. The loss of the Sydney with its full war complement of 645 remains Australia’s worst naval disaster. The Kormoran was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 were rescued. The fate of the Sydney remains one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries; even the location of the wrecks was not established until 2008.Black plastic frame with moulded pattern with grey mount containing photograph of ship and Sydney Harbour BridgeBanner - HMAS Sydney HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940 Lost at sea with all hands 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia after engaging the German raider Kormoran. hmas sydney, ww2

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

Photograph of Wangaratta RSL Life Member Frank "Rooster" Ramage. with Vic Novak and Bruce McIlroy in background left and right respectively. Frank joined the C.M.F in 1943 and transferred to the 6th Field Ambulance A.I.F. in 1944 and discharged in 1946. He served in New Guinea and New Britain Frank joined the joined the RSL in 1956 and became a Life Member in 1996.Black plastic frame with white border mount containing photograph of elderly male smoking a cigarette with two males in background.Roosters's Corner Life Member Frank (Rooster) Ramagefrank ramage, rsl life member, wangaratta sub branch

Image of soldiers of the 2/6 Australian ARES Regimentblack metal frame with white mount containing reproduced photograph of regimental soldiers2/6 Australian ARES REGT 2/6 australian ares regiment, army reserve

Battle of Australia poster commemorating the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February, 1942 and includes facts and defence resourcesThe Bombing of Darwin, also known as the Battle of Darwin, was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia.Brown timber frame of poster featuring map of top end of AustraliaThe Battle for Australia 1942-1945 bombing of darwin, ww2

Photograph of Private later Corporal Sperry Bodsworth born 27/8/1909. In 1940 aged 30 years he enlisted in the Army and assigned to the 2/21 Battalion. On 13/12/1941 the Battalion was deployed from Darwin to Ambon in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia, to form part of "Gull Force". The Battle of Ambon occurred between 30 January to 3 February, 1942. In April 1942 Bodsworth was listed as missing and on 1/6/1942 was reported as a Prisoner of War. Bodsworth was awarded a Mention in Despatches.The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber frame containing black and white photograph of WW2 Soldier wearing slouch hatww2, gull force, ambon, sperry bodsworth, pow

On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber frame with gold coloured inner edge containing badge and tribute on grey backgroundGull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha In memory of and tribute to the Officers and Men of "Gull Force" comprising of 2/21 Battalion and attached Units.gull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

2/1st North Australia Observer Unit 1942-1945 The Nackeroos - During the second World War the 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit guarded Northern Australia against Japanese incursions. The unit established positions in remote areas and carried out patrols on foot and horseback, reporting back by wireless.The unit was barely 550 strong, and with their headquarters in Katherine, in the Northern Territory, they were given the task of patrolling northern Australia to look for signs of enemy activity. The men made use of the knowledge of local Aboriginals and maintained coast watching outposts. As the threat of invasion passed, the unit was reduced in strength and disbanded in March 1945. A similar role is now carried out by the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) Black plastic frame containing a dedication on black background with red and green joined square symbol 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit 1942-1945 The Nackeroos In memory of those who served Dedicated on 27 August 20082/1st north australia observer unit, the nackeroos

The Rising Sun crafted from timber by Alan Darwin of Wangaratta Woodworkers Inc., and presented to the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch to commemorate the 100 year ANZAC campaignProudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of AnzacCarved timber badge in the shape of the Rising Sun above crown and bannerCarved "The Australian Army" Gold plaque engraved"To commemorate the 100 year ANZAC campaign "rising sun, anzac

Large brass shell casing converted into a bell by addition of ringer.Brass Bell made from artillery shell casinglarge shell casing, bell

During World War II, the RAAF established twelve Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS) to meet the rapid demand for pilots in an expanding Air Force.Due to a shortage of pilots, observers, wireless operators and gunners, the Dominions of the Commonwealth agreed to establish a co-ordinate scheme to train 28,000 air crew each year to help England fight the war in Europe. It was known as the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). The Dominions would supply the trained aircrew and the mother country would provide the aircraft. Brown timber frame with cream mount containing print of two planes flying over landA17-468 cavorts over a RAAF EFTS airfield during World War Twoa17-468, raaf, ww2

Dark timber frame with gold edging depicting sketch of Aussie Diggers with campaign ribbons 1901-2001. Image of Rising Sun Badge centered at top , Australian Flag left top corner, three rows of campaign ribbons either side of circular map of the world across the bottom.The Australian Army 1901-2001 "The Spirit - Ordinary people - Extraordinary Service"campaign ribbons, australian army, 1901-2000