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

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

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

White cloth with Japanese verse in a black frame. The cloth has a red circle and Japanese writing mounted on cardboardVerse translates to " We pray that the soldier's good fortune would last forever"japanese verse, wwii

Limited edition poster displaying images of Australian Victoria Cross recipientsThe Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the Australia Armed Forces. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service, and to civilians under military command. Being the highest award in the Australian Honours Order of Wearing, the Victoria Cross takes precedence over all other postnominals and Australian orders and decorations. Timber frame containing images of Victoria Cross Medal recipients AUSTRALIAN VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS Limited Edition Seriesvictoria cross, vc

On the night of August 24, 1941 HMS Kanimbla, with 300 Indian troops on board led a flotilla in a surprise attack on the Iranian port of Bandar Shahpur capturing eight German and Italian merchant vessels all containing valuable cargoes, as well as two Iranian gunboats and a floating dock. Kanimbla went alongside the burning Italian tanker Bronte and fought the fires while engaging a train with her main armament and with her 3-inch guns. She remained in the region until October 11, supervising the port and carrying out salvage work on the captured vessels, including salvage work on the German freighter Hohenfels. After further work in Indian waters during the latter part of October and November, Kanimbla proceeded to Singapore and escorted the first convoy out of that city after the Japanese attack on Malaya. She arrived in Melbourne on Christmas Day. She carried out further convoy work off the Australian coast and in both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. At the end of the war HMAS Kanimbla was employed in repatriating Australian servicemen from the Pacific Islands and also in returning Dutch dependents to the East Indies (Indonesia). Between October 1946 and June 1948 she sailed between Australia and Japan transporting British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. MS Kanimbla was unique for many reasons, she was the only passenger liner in history to have a fully operational radio broadcasting station built into the ship at the time of construction. The equipment was manufactured by AWA in Australia and had been shipped to Ireland for installation whilst the ship was still under construction.Brown timber frame housing white mount and dark blue print with grey ship in the centre above list of names below and top right and left corners.THE GREAT GREY RAIDER Captured 22 Ships, / Floating Dock, / 1Train Ships captured: Weissenfels, Wildenfels, V. Mayakovsky, Sheng Wha, Marienfels, Karakoram, Hathor, Winford, Sturmfels, Hohenfels, Store Nordiske, Tonjer, Chahbaaz, Barbara, Talisman, Corona, Carboto, Dah Pu, Sygna, Gabon, Bronte, Agnes Pre War: M.V. Kanimbla, McIlrath McEachern Line, 12000 Tons War: Commissioned as H.M.S. & Later H.M.A.S as armed Merchant Cruiserkanimbla, great grey raider, hohenfels, bronte, ww2, 1941

Douglas C47 minature plane part of a 25 model aircraft collection made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years.Douglas C47 (DC3) plane. Dark green with large red cross on the top and two smaller ones on the side.model airplanes, douglas c47 (dc3) plane

The navigational computer was a circular slide rule used for calculating height and air speed corrections when flying an aircraft. The front cover lifts to reveal a further calculator used to solve vector triangles and plot course alterations. The device was intended to be strapped to a pilot's leg. The instrument was made by White and Gillespie (Melbourne) Pty Ltd c 1940 for the RAAF and used during WW2.Black metal box with silver metal flap top cover affixed with rotating circular rule . Two adjustable belts are affixed to the base of black box. A small spiral bound note book is contained beneath the flap top. RAAF Computer Navigational system MK. III. D. Serial No WG 2833navigation, raaf, computer, aircraft, ww2, 1940

Stones mounted on brown timber with black plaque attachedANZAC beach Gallipoli April 25 1990anzac beach, gallipoli

In the Australian army (whose regimental traditions are largely those of the British army) the red sash is worn by sergeants and warrant officers on ceremonial parades-the sash and it's colour came from it being used to drag wounded soldiers out of the battle line and to the rear in the times when battle was a close quarters fight.In the Australian army (whose regimental traditions are largely those of the British army) the red sash is worn by sergeants and warrant officers on ceremonial parades-the sash and it's colour came from it being used to drag wounded soldiers out of the battle line and to the rear in the times when battle was a close quarters fight.Two red sashes made from woven fabric with red cording/fringe at both endsNilred sash, army, ceremonial

The Bofors 40 mm gun, often referred to simply as the Bofors gun, is an anti-aircraft autocannon designed in the 1930s by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors. It was one of the most popular medium-weight anti-aircraft systems during World War II, used by most of the western Allies as well as some captured systems being used by the Axis powers. A small number of these weapons remain in service to this day, and saw action as late as the Persian Gulf War.Brass shell casing 1955 40 mm. and gold coloured plaque with black writing.40mm. MK4. LOT 428 MF A^N 1955. Plaque: Bofers 40mm Mk II Anti-Aircraft Gun Dated 1955.anti-aircraft gun, shell casing, brass, wwii, world war 2, bofers

Inert Australian made Hand Grenade used in the Vietnam WarOval shaped green metal object with lever on top with ring pin attached.hand grenade, vietnam war, australian army, australian hand grenade, m26 grenade

History has it that the origins of the Slouch Hat began with the Victorian Mounted Rifles; a hat of similar design had been worn in South Africa by the Cape Mounted Rifles for many years before 1885. The design of the Victorian Mounted Rifle hat originated from headgear of native police in Burma where Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Price had recognised its value. The Victorian hat was an ordinary bush felt hat turned up on the right side. The intention of turning up the right side of the hat was to ensure it would not be caught during the drill movement of “shoulder arms” from “order arms”. The Slouch Hat became standard issue headdress in 1903 and its brim position was mostly standardised. The slouch hat became a famous symbol of the Australian fighting man during World War One and continued to be worn throughout World War Two. Its use since that time has made it a national symbol.Slouch Hat - made of fur felt with an 8 fold hat band (puggaree) it has the blue/gold unit badge on the band denoting the 8th Light Horse brigade with a leather chin strap. The right hand side is held by a brass rising sun badge.army, slouch hat

Parachute bag issued to Flight Officer D.C. Williams, O315980 who enlisted in the RAAF and served in the Military Police between 1962 -1965. A general issue parachute bagOff white canvass Parachute Bag Dominion Parachute Manufactured by Light Aircraft Pty Ltd Sydney Flight Officer D.C. Williams, 0315980 RAAFparachute bag, raaf

Wangaratta Comfort Fund final Meeting Report dated 18th December 1945 and 2 x Lists of Camouflage Nets sent to CWA Headquarters dated 24th and 31st of August 1943 2 x newspaper cuttings 3 page photocopy of handwritten notes dated 13th August 1941 detailing gift of Autoclave (medical apparatus) for use by the AIF presented by the then Mayor of Wangaratta Cr J F Dundas and President of the Wangaratta Branch of RSSILA Mr W Law The ACF provided a source of comfort, support and encouragement for the troops abroad and offered a means for women at home to contribute to the war effort and identify with the men in the trenches. The ACF acted as a vital link between home and the battlefields. The Australian Comforts Fund officially closed on the 27th June 1946. Typed and photocopied handwritten notes.Wangaratta Comforts Fund.comfort fund, wangaratta, ww2

Two up is a traditional Australian gambling fame involving a designated "spinner" throwing two coins or pennies into the air. Players bet on whether the coins will fall with both heads up both tails up or with one coin head and one a tail. It is traditionally played on Anzac day in pubs and clubs throughout Australia in part to mark a shared experience with diggers through the ages.Green cardboard package containing two coins and three timber paddles.1955 and 1984 pennies in a wooden board made in the Perth Mint Logo of Perth Mint embossed on board. Perth Mint EST 1899 together with Bird two up, anzac day

Camouflaged brassard issued to service personnel prior to leaving Australian shores on deployments. A brassard is an armband or piece of cloth or other material worn around the upper arm; the term typically refers to an item of uniform worn as part of military uniform or by police or other uniformed persons. Unit, role or rank badges or other insignia are carried on it instead of being stitched into the actual clothing. Army camouflage brassard with Australian flag patch.Australiabrassard, arm band

An example of the standard issue webbing belt used by Australian service personnel.The ceremonial belt is worn by Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) rank and below with ceremonial orders of dress and is black with brass keepers, which are to be highly polished.Long narrow black woven belt with brass fitting at both ends.Nilbelt, brass

Army kit bag belonging to Private Henry JONES VX48340 who enlisted at Wangaratta on 25th July 1940 and served with the 2/23rd Battalion 2nd A.I.F. He was twice wounded and after being wounded at Tobruk spent time in hospital in Alexandria. (refer item 69) He was discharged from the army on 26th of September 1945. Keywords Light khaki canvas kit bag with metal eyeletsH.G. Jones VX48340wwii, kit bag, h.g. jones vx48340

This black and white image taken of Australian soldiers at the Headquarters of the AIF Overseas Training Brigade based at Longbridge Deverell in Wiltshire England prior to distribution of Comfort Funds Xmas Boxes in 1918. One of the soldiers in the image is Private Llewellyn EVANS 5335 of the 24th Battalion. EVANS was born on the 9/8/1879 at Moyhu in Victoria. He was a farmer and enlisted on the 8/2/1916 at the age of 36 years. He embarked on the 1/8/1916 and was wounded twice, first in 1917 receiving a gunshot wound to the right leg and again in 1918 receiving a gunshot wound to the right arm and leg. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 30/4/1919.Sand Hill (Longbridge Deverill)- Sand Hill camp was built in 1914 to accommodate infantry units. Australian troops arrived at Longbridge Deverill in October 1917, when their Overseas Training Brigade was moved from Perham Down and established there to train soldiers who had recovered from illness and wounds for a return to active service. Brown timber frame containing photograph of large group of soldiers and band members in an open field.Distribution of "Comfort Fund" Xmas Boxes to A.I.F. Longbridge Deverall, March 1918 comfort fund, ww1, llewellyn evans, 24th battalion, longbridge deverill