RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREAThe 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 soldiers and Army Officer watching on as two soldiers in foreground demonstrate equipment2/24th battalion, ww2, ravenshoe, blamey

Dame Gracie Fields, DBE (born Grace Stansfield; 9 January 1898 – 27 September 1979) was an English actress, singer and comedienne and star of both cinema and music hall. When World War II was declared and whilst recovering from surgery she threw herself into her work and signed up for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Fields travelled to France to entertain the troops in the midst of air-raids, performing on the backs of open lorries and in war-torn areas. She performed many times for Allied troops, travelling as far as New Guinea, where she received an enthusiastic response from Australian personnel. In late 1945 she toured the South Pacific Islands. In 1979, seven months before her death, she was invested a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the entertainment industry.Reproduced black and white photograph of female wearing army jacket with soldiers kneeling and standing in background. Handwritten on rear - Gracie Fields in Pacificgracie fields, ww2, new guinea, 1945, south pacific islands

Large fold out map and chronology of Australian Army Operations between 1940-1945 that belonged to Private Joan Spencer VFX12932 (VF507134) born 12/11/1924 at Albury. The family moved to Wangaratta and Joan was educated at Wangaratta High School before joining the Australian Army Medical Women's Service at 115 (Heidelberg) Military Hospital. She served with the 130 Australia General Hospital and was deployed overseas to Japan on 17/6/1947 and returned on 26/1/1949Large cream coloured cardboard folded in three, inside is a coloured map of the Middle East 1940-1942, New Guinea Theatre 1942-1944, Pacific Islands 1944-1945 and Malay and Islands 1942-1945. Front cover has Unit patches from top left to bottom right corner , at top right corner is the rising sun badge and bottom left corner 1940-45 Back cover is a listed Chronology.Hand written at top - VFX Pte Joan Spencer AAMWS 115 (H) M.H.australian army operations, private joan spencer, aamws, 130 agh

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

A group of Australian soldiers photographed outside "The Dome of the Rock" shrine in Jerusalem. During the Second World War, Palestine was under a British mandate and Australian and New Zealand soldiers were back helping the British army to stop the Germans from capturing Egypt and the Suez Canal. They fought alongside several Palestinian brigades enlisted into the British Army under The Palestine Regiment. The soldier sitting second from right is Sergeant Stanley Swainson BEDFORD VX79894 2/24 Battalion. Bedford was born 30/12/1907 and enlisted at Caulfield on 18/5/1942 aged 34 years. He served in the Middle East between August 1942 and February 1942 and Milne Bay New Guinea between August 1943 and March 1944 prior to his discharge on 9/6/1945. He was the Battalion Tailor and is mentioned on page 251 of the book 2/24 - A history of the 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion edited by R.P. Serle. World famous "Dome of the Rock", site of the ancient temple of Solomon and now a Muslim shrine. During the 7th century it served as a testament to the power of the new faith of Islam. The Dome of the Rock is one of the earliest surviving buildings from the Islamic world. This remarkable building is not a mosque, as is commonly assumed and scholars still debate its original function and meaning. With the exception of the two uniformed females, presumably nurses, one soldier if not all identified as serving with the 2/24th Battalion known as Wangaratta's Own.Original black and white photograph of soldiers standing in two rows and a row of soldiers and two females in uniform seated on step with ancient building in background.dome of rock, jerusalem, stanley swainson bedford

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

Photograph taken of 2nd Platoon on the banks of the Ovens River, Wangaratta. After completing training at Wangaratta they marched to the railway station headed by the Town Band prior to travelling to Broadmeadows Army Camp.Reproduction of black and white photograph of soldiers standing in two rows along riverbank lined with trees. There is a small white dog in foreground. Wangaratta's 2nd Platoon of Australia's New Army March 19161916, second platoon, wangaratta, ww1

The Queen's relationship with the Armed Forces began when, as Princess Elizabeth, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. During her time in the ATS, the Princess learnt to drive and to maintain vehicles The Queen has a long and close relationship with the Armed Forces, both in the United Kingdom and in the Commonwealth. As Sovereign, The Queen is Head of the Armed Forces, and is also the wife, mother and grandmother of individuals having served in the Forces.Brown ridged timber frame containing print of lady wearing evening dress and a tiara standing beside floral display on pedestal table.Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II queen elizabeth ii, armed forces

These medals together with striped ribbon miniature bar were awarded to William Keith GRAY VX77837 who was born on 17/10/1915 at Warragul in Victoria.Four medals - Two silver round in shape - only one has ribbon attached. Two brass star shaped with striped ribbon attached. ww2, william k gray, army

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. JAPANESE OFFICER WITNESSING SIGNING OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN.Black and white photograph of japanese officer standing at tableww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. ON THE TABLE IS THE SWORD OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES VICE ADMIRAL KAMADA.Black and white photograph of japanese officer placing sword on tableww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. ON THE TABLE IS THE SWORD OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES VICE ADMIRAL KAMADA.Black and white photograph of japanese officer standing before sword on tableww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. FILMED AND WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS SIGNING OF THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKINBlack and white photograph of japanese officers standing on deck of ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

OFF SAMARINDA, BORNEO. 1945-09-08. WATCHED BY MEMBERS OF THE SHIP'S COMPANY, AUSTRALIAN AND JAPANESE OFFICERS DISCUSS THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON THE QUARTERDECK OF THE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN. Black and white photograph of officers seated around table on deck of ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

JAPANESE VICE-ADMIRAL MITCHISHI KAMADA ABOARD USN PTB377 COMING ALONGSIDE FRIGATE HMAS BURDEKIN ON 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 TO SURRENDER THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO. THE SURRENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL E.J. MILFORD, GOC 7TH DIVISION, AIF AT A POSITION SOME 50 MILES NORTH EAST OF BALIKPAPAN.Black and white photograph of officers and seamen on deck of ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

PHOTOGRAPH IS PART OF COLLECTION TAKEN ON 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 AT THE SIGNING OF THE SURRENDER OF THE JAPANESE FORCES IN DUTCH BORNEO ON BOARD HMAS BURDEKIN. THE SURRENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY MAJOR-GENERAL E.J. MILFORD, GOC 7TH DIVISION, AIF NEAR BALIKPAPAN.Black and white photograph of distant ship at seaww2, japanese surrender, borneo, hmas burdekin

Image depicts a group of 10 unknown soldiers from Wangaratta in Victoria On grey mount original black and white photograph of 10 soldiers in three rows all wearing army coats and slouch hats. Row of tents in back ground.Top left corner - Wangaratta Bhoy's" Attached to rear - newspaper article entitled "Wangaratta's Own" returns wangaratta, ww2, army

Image depicts a group of 14 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2002. They include:- VX24987 Clifford GIERSCH DOB 16/12/1918 POB Culcairn; Bill WILLIAMS; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1908 POB England; VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; VX44006 Robert CLARK DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX34505 James HUGHES DOB 28/5/1920 POB Castlemaine POW 5/1941; VX31279 Eric EDWARDS DOB 3/8/1916 POB Mordialloc POW 1/5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX34760 Reginald GUNNING DOB 29/1/1919 POB Branxholme VX46233 Robert KEE DOB 10/11/1916 POB Sydney; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) VX40320 Edgar SHILLING DOB 12/7/1918 POB England; 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.Colour photograph of 14 men in two rows with Australian flag in background. Attached plaque contained 12 names2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Returned Soldier's Ball held in Wangaratta on 9th August 1937 Captain Mulder and Jim Boyd were floor stewards. A special set of four couples in full regimental dress danced the Quadrilles and other set dances.First Military Ball held in Wangaratta and due to its success it was decided to make it an annual event. Black and white unframed photograph of large group of men and women in front of stage with flags in background mounted on brown cardboardA momento of the Ret. Soldiers Ball Wangaratta 9.8.371937, wangaratta, returned soldier's ball

On 22 December 1890, the military commanders of the then separate Australian Colonies prior to the Federation of Australia met to discuss the introduction of the khaki uniform throughout Australia. They agreed that all Australian Forces with the exception of the Artillery would wear the slouch hat. It was to be looped up on one side—Victoria and Tasmania on the right and the other colonies (later states) on the left. This was done so that rifles could be held at the slope without damaging the brim. After Federation, the slouch hat became standard Australian Army headgear in 1903Today it is worn by military personnel from a number of countries, although it is primarily associated with Australia, where it is considered to be a national symbol.Slouch Hat - this broad brim hat is made of fur felt with an 8 fold hat band (puggaree) around the outside of the crown and attached to the inside of the crown is a brown leather chin strap. The left side of brim is held up by a gold colour metal rising sun badge.slouch hat, australian army, puggaree, rising sun badge, headgear

Proudly 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 Anzac. There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun.The Rising Sun badge, also known as the General Service Badge or the Australian Army Badge, is the official insignia of the Australian Army and is mostly worn on the brim of a slouch hat or, less frequently, on the front of a peaked cap for Army personnel filling certain ceremonial appointments.Timber look laminate box with gold colour metal "rising sun" badge on front. The box opens out flat and contains seven metal " rising sun " badges mounted on black felt on the right side. The left side below an image of the rising sun contains a written history of all seven badges from 1902 to the present.The Australian Armyrising sun, badge, australian army, anzac

Large colour reproduction depicting the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Parade of Guidons at Annual Camp held in 1959 at Beersheba Barracks in Wangaratta.Colour image of soldiers on parade and flag escort mounted on black edged plyboard.Parading the Guidons 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Annual Camp 1959 Beersheba Barracks8/13 victorian mounted rifles, 1959, guidons, wangaratta

Black and white image of three armoured vehicles each with soldier escorting large guidon/flags of the 8th/13th/20th Australian Light Horse regiments on parade through township of Wangaratta in February 1959 Gold colour metal frame containing cream mount and black and white photograph depicting three armoured vehicles each with soldier holding a guidon/flag Regimental Parade Wangaratta February 1959 Guidons of the 8th/13th/20th ALH8/13 victorian mounted rifles, 1959, guidons, wangaratta

Black and white image depicting soldier escort of crosses to cenotaph in Wangaratta on Anzac Day 1986Large black and white photograph of 4 men with soldier escort Anzac Day 1986 Wangarattaanzac day, wangaratta, 1986

Black and white image of Pilot Officer Wilkinson 400444 who was seconded from the RAAF to the RAF flying missions over Germany. His gallantry earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1944 for numerous successful missions over Germany. He was Killed in Action on 30th of August 1944.Brown and black marbled plastic frame containing black and white photograph of an Airman in flying suit, flying goggles on head and long gloves holding two round discs.Handwritten on rear - Flt Lieu John Wilkinson j h wilkinson, raaf, dfc, ww2

King's Condolence Letter sent to family of Pilot Officer John Hudson WILKINSON- killed in action in 1944 during WW2Cream note paper with Royal Crest letterhead containing message and signature in black type.Buckingham Place George RIkia, ww2, raaf, j h wilkinson, 1944

Letter dated 7/1/1945 from Wing Commander ???? 83 Squadron RAF in Lincolnshire to Mrs Wilkinson acknowledging her letter dated 30/11/1944 seeking names and addresses of members of her late son's crew on the night they went missing. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Original letter in black type Single page with embossed crest letterheadpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

Service Medals x 2 and Life Membership Badge awarded to Private Mervyn S HARRIS 6th Aux. Horse Transport Coy - HARRIS MERVYN SYLVESTER WALTER : Service Number - V22764 : Date of birth - 04 Oct 1914 : Place of birth - BENDIGO VIC : Place of enlistment - WANGARATTA Timber frame containing two WW2 service medals mounted on red felt backing.Plaque: Private Mervyn S HARRIS V22764 6 Aux Horse Transport Coy m.s. harris, 6th aux horse transport coy, ww2

Six POW postcards sent by Private Stanley Pascoe CHANDLER VX57554 to his mother Christina Chandler in Wahgunyah Victoria. Chandler was born in Wahgunyah and enlisted on the 11/6/1941 at Royal Park in Victoria. Chandler served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion and was reported missing in Java in April 1942 during WW2. He was discharged on the 15/1/1946 The post cards were printed by the Imperial Japanese Army for POW's to send home that describes the good climate, food, medicine and clothes. They also allow room for a brief message. Chandler wrote that he was interred with his friend Frank Allen, received 10 cents per day and has not had any illness. POWs were supposed to be able to communicate with their family at home through the International Red Cross under certain conditions. For example, they were limited to 100 letters. However, in reality it was impossible for them to communicate with family more than once or twice during the duration of imprisonment, and there were camps where the POWs were not allowed to communicate with the world outside the camp at all. The average number of cards which the Japanese allowed to be sent out was from four to five for the whole period of captivity, and only some of these reached their destinations.Timber frame containing six POW postcards mounted on cardboard. Postcards printed by Imperial Japanese Army for POW's to send to families, describing their health and living conditions.Postcards have messages home, "Dear Mother, prisoner of war, unwounded and well. Hope all well at home. Love and kisses Stan".pow, world war 2, burma, wahgunyah victoria, prisoner of war, stanley pascoe chandler

Containers like these containing tobacco, sweets, cigarettes were sent to allied troops at Christmas in 1914.This box also holds a poem called Far Away by De Siva (1st Battalion), which was likely placed there for safekeeping by its original owner.More than 400,000 of these gift boxes, embossed with the effigy of Princess Mary, were distributed to Commonwealth troops on Christmas Day, 1914. A gift from the Princess, they contained various items including sweets, tobacco and pencils. This box also holds a poem called Far Away by De Siva (1st Battalion), which was likely placed there for safekeeping by its original owner.Brass gift box / container with the effigy of Princess Mary, laurel leaves and elaborate border decoration. Box contains two ribbon bars, one rainbow medal ribbon (no medal), and one red, white and blue ribbon with safety pin. Also inside is a poem called 'Far Away' by De Siva (1st Battalion) printed on white paper.On tin (clockwise from top left): "Belgium / Imperium Brittannicum / Japan / Russia / Montenegro / Christmas 1914 / Servia / France"christmas tin, brass tin, brass, princess mary, princess mary christmas gift box, ribbons, far away, poem