Soldiers of the 2/24th Battalion C Company.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of large group of unknown soldiers in four rows, standing and sitting on the ground in front of open structure with corrugated roof. Partial C Company2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground with four rifles upright in foreground. Resting during march Wangaratta to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

TARAKAN, BORNEO, 1945-05-08. GENERAL SIR THOMAS A. BLAMEY, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, (4), DRINKING COFFEE WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OUTSIDE THE SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD HUT DURING HIS INSPECTION TOUR OF THE 2/23 INFANTRY BATTALION. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE:- BRIGADIER D.A. WHITEHEAD, COMMAND 26 INFANTRY BRIGADE, (1); LIEUTENANT COLONEL F.A.G. TUCKER, (2); LIEUTENANT COLONEL DWYER, (3); LIEUTENANT GENERAL F.H. BERRYMAN, GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING 1 CORPS (5). Brigadier David Adie Whitehead had a distinguished and decorated career in both First and Second World Wars. He joined the Citizen Military Forces when it was raised in 1947 and commanded the 2nd Armoured Brigade (4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse and 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiments) till 1953 The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of four Army Officers having a brew under roof of thatched hut and in front of banner of The Salvation Army/Australian Comfort Fund Handwritten on note attached to rear -Whitehead on L Blamey on R - Qld tablelands (?)general blamey, brigadier whitehead, 26th brigade

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of male figure running toward signTop left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Left side "Beer Issue on at 1900hrs" Bottom "Boy OH Boy I'll be in on that" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of palm trees, hut, mountains and clouds on left of scroll.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp/No stamps available Top left - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Band - Winners of the 7th Division Band Contest in Palestine February 1941 The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of band of soldiers with musical instruments Handwritten on rear - 2/24 Bn Band Winners of 7 Div Band Contest Palestine 19412/24th battalion, wangaratta, palestine, 1941, 7th division band contest

One of several letters sent to Mrs M MacDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta by soldiers during the second world war. This one is from Private Peter Alan ANDERSON VX 33905 Born 17/2/1910 Enlisted 21/2/1941 Served with 2/24th and 2/29th Battalions Prisoner of War - B Force / Japanese Died 25/2/1945 due to illness in Borneo - Labuan Memorial Malaya - POW No 282 Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with censor stamp and stickerTop left - By air mail Left side - AIF Censor stamp and sticker along fold "Opened by Censor" Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Rear VX33905 Pte P Anderson R.O.D A.I.F Malaya ww2, pow, private peter alan anderson vx 33905, 2/24th batt, 2/29th batt

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of palm tree and mountains.Top left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of palm trees and hut on left of scroll.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Top left - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

Image depicts a group of 3 soldiers who served with the 2/24 Battalion VX32810 William John McKILLOP DOB 23/11/1914 POW May 1941 Italy- 2/24 Battalion VX31847 George Cecil OLLEY DOB 14/7/1917 - 2/24 Battalion. The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Original black and white photograph of 3 soldiers standing Handwritten on rear - Geo Olly centre, McKillop R & L, Frankston, 2/24 Btn2/24th battalion, wangaratta, george cecil olley, william john mckillop

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of soldier holding green snake. Signature above sketchTop left - AIR MAIL and red cross Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Signature above sketch Below sketch - "The boys are tough here" / Australian Red Cross Society ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of three palm trees an ambulance and plane overhead with bomb exploding in distance.Top left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom - "The good samaritan" 1943 ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with brown coloured sketch of palm tree with stick figure at base. Signature left of sketchTop left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Centre- AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Signature left side of sketch ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of a soldier pointing to a mosquitoTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp and signature Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom - "Hey who let this thing in?" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of Wangaratta Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of waterfall from mountainsTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of full moon over water and palm trees - to the left of this outline in blue of map of Australia with red shield in centreTop left - AIR MAIL above The Salvation Army Red Shield War Services Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Bottom left - " A Merry Christmas to you all" Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes without letter sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with a circular sketch of an eagle holding shell/bomb Top left - Red Cross Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp and signature Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom Left - Australian Red Cross Society ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes without letter sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of two mountainsTop left - By Air Mail - ACF in red star Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp and signature Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom left - "They shall not pass" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of Wangaratta Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of a soldier in bed and a nurseTop left - "The reason for not writing sooner" Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australi Rear - Red cross ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes without letter sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of three tall palm trees in front of mountainsTop left - By Air Mail Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art