This is a programme of the Warrnambool City Council Civic & Thanksgiving Official Service on November 1918. The service was held in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, conducted by the Ministers of the Churches in Warrnambool and led by the combined choirs of the churches. It was a public occasion held to offer thanksgiving for the end of World War One in November 1918. One of the hymns sung had the opening lines: ‘O God of Love, O King of Peace/Make wars throughout the world to cease’. The service was attended by the Mayor of Warrnambool and the City Councillors and Council employees. World War One was a signal event in the history of Warrnanmbool (as it was for all places in Australia) with so many young men volunteering for active service and so many dying overseas.This programme is of great interest as it records an important occasion in Warrnambool – the end of World War One and the official service of thanksgiving that commemorated this happening. This is a programme for the Warrnambool City Council Civic & Thanksgiving Official Service in November 1918. It is a sheet of buff-coloured paper folded in two to make four pages. There is blue printed material on three of the pages. The front page has the City of Warrnambool crest printed in blue with blue edging on the page and some ornamental patterns. The inside pages has a blue sketch of the flags of Australia and Britain. The programme is faded and creased and a little blotched.warrnambool city council, history of warrnambool, world war one

Captain Bruce Bairnsfather was a British humourist and cartoonist. This booklet, Fragments from France contains a collection of his cartoons. The Fragments from France was extremely popular and sold hundreds of thousands of copies. The drawings display a wry humour of the terrible situation of the first world war. This item has strong historical artistic and social significance.Dark green soft card cover with black text. Illustration in black and white tones and white text is pasted on front cover. It shows two soldiers in dugout with explosions bursting around them.Advertisements inside front and back covers. 48 pages with monochrome illustrations with captions underneath each .Capt Bruce Bairnsfather. "To dear father from jean " written in black pen on first page. Two stamps Warrnambool and District Historical Society. Mussell & MacDonald newsagents & stationers Henty.warrnambool, fragments from france, captain bruce bairnsfather

This is a programme for a Service of Intercession in Relation to the War. It was held by the Methodist Church (Victoria and Tasmania Conference) in October 1915. The Wesleyan Methodist Conference at Birmingham, England requested that Sunday October 31st 1915 be set aside as a Day of Thanksgiving and Intercession throughout Britain and all other countries in the British Empire. The service was held to seek Divine intercession and aid for those on active military service in World War One and for the families of these men and women. This programme is of interest as the 1915 service would have been held in Methodist Churches throughout Victoria and Tasmania and this would have included the Warrnambool Methodist Church. World War One was a highly significant event in the history of Australia and Warrnambool, along with all other places in Australia, was affected deeply by the war with many young local people enlisting and many dying on active service.These are two sheets of paper folded in two to make eight pages. The pages contain a programme for the Methodist Church service in October 1915. The printing is in blue on a whitish/bluish background. The front cover is edged with blue lines. There is a blue stamp of the Warrnambool & District Historical Society on the front cover. The programme has been stapled but the staples have been removed. methodist church, world war one

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

This biscuit is called a 'Dog Biscuit' and was produced during WWI. It was part of a rashion kit to accompany another biscuit and a tin of Bully beef. The original owner was presumably a serviceman called Jack was and he created a souvenir for a loved one using another two biscuits, one including an inlaid photograph of himself and the other including an artificial flower decoration.This object is a rare piece. It is rare for items composed of edible goods to remain almost perfectly intact after a century after creation. This biscuit was presumably owned by the servicemand Jack who created a souvenir using another two similar biscuits. This imparts social, historical and research significance to the item.Dry biscuit with impressed inscription.Inscriptions on the front read: "Swallow / (indecipherable word) / Army / Wholemeal / Melbourne" biscuit, military rations, dog biscuit, ww1, world war 1, world war one, the first world war, the great war

This item is a rations label which would have been distributed with two 'Dog Biscuits' and a tin of bully beef to a serviceman. These were rations handed out during WWI. The original owner was presumably a serviceman called Jack. He created a souvenir for a loved one using two biscuits, one including an inlaid photograph of himself and the other including an artificial flower decoration.Small, triangular shaped paper item with inscriptions.Inscriptions on the front read: "Dog Biscuits" / 1914 - 1918 / Rations: / 1 tin bully beef and two dog biscuits military rations, biscuit, dog biscuit, ww1, world war 1, world war one, the first world war, the great war

This uniform was worn by Sister Winifred Ride during World War 2.. Nurses played a key role in the conflict through their care and compassion to the servicemen who were wounded and sick.The nurses uniform is symbolic of the sacrifice and service of the many women who served their country in WW2. Grey fitted, lined jacket with long sleeves, collar and lapels. Three front metal buttons buttons and two smaller buttons on each sleeve. Dark green epaulette with four metal buttons on each shoulder (Right side is faded). Two hip pockets with one button fastener. One internal pocket with small grey button. Unit patches on each sleeve and four inverted service chevrons on right sleeve at wrist. Two ribbon bars containing 5 Campaign Ribbons on left side of front, attached with standard 'brooch' fitting . Belt (same material as jacket) passes through two loops on back of jacket and is fastened by two buttons, hidden when belt is fastened. Metal buttons stamped with map of Australia with crown above and the words Australian Military Forces around. Makers label inside back below collar: " /tailors and habit makers, J .RAVENSDALE & SON Nicholas Bldg Swanston Street Melbourne". Name of owner handwritten "Sister Ride:"

This Skirt is part of the uniform worn by Sister Winifred Ride during World War 2. Nurses played a key role in the conflict through their care and compassion to the servicemen who were wounded and sick.The nurses uniform is symbolic of the sacrifice and service of the many women who served their country in WW2. Grey A line skirt, bak fastening. Five press stud fasteners and two hook and eye fasteners. One fabric hook on each side for hanging.

This skirt belonged to Joan Elizabeth Peck who served with the Royal Australian Air Force in the Second World War. Joan was born on 27 July 1919 in Acton England and enlisted in Echuca on the 6 January 1943. At the time of her discharge from the RAAF in 1945, Joan was serving as an Aircraftwoman with the 2 Air Observers School in Mount Gambier. Throughout the war, the Mt Gambier base operated under the Empire Air Training Scheme.This skirt was donated by the owner, Joan Peck, and has significant provenance. The inscriptions throughout facilitate significant research ability, though records are not publicly accessible and digitised at this time. Joan Peck’s uniform is also significant as an item of social history, revealing the role of local women in the home front war effort. Light khaki coloured skirt in cotton fabric. A-line skirt constructed of four panels with two darts on the back and two pockets on the front (as per photograph in Supplementary File). Side fastening on the left side with a series of four steel hook and eye fasteners. Two fasteners on the back waistband which are tightened by pulling through two steel rings. Peach-cream coloured bias binding on interior of hem. Label attached to the interior waistband of the skirt back, to the left and right of which is a handwritten inscription.Waistband label reads: “V298/MADE IN/AUSTRALIA/1942/SIZE PECK” Inscription handwritten on waistband interior: “105135.” To the right of the interior label: “J. E. PECK”skirt, uniform, second world war, royal australian air force, world war ii, women

The pewter tankard is part of a set of two that were presented to Lt. Col. L.G. Stevens of the 4th Light-horse Regiment. The Regiment was part of the Australian Military force in the First World War (WW1). At the end of WW1 the regiment was disbanded and it was re-raised in the 1920's as a part-time unit in the Shire of Corangamite, South Western Victoria. In World War 2 the 4th Light-horse Regiment was mechanised and became the 4th Motor Regiment. Lt.Col. Stevens served in both wars and was discharged in July 1942.. The tankards were probably presented to Lt. Col. Stevens at his retirement from the service. The set of two pewter mugs is of historic significance because of its connection to WW2 and the AIF. It indicates the relationship between Officers and Men of the regiment. It is of local significance as Lt. Col. Stevens was born and lived in Warrnambool, South Western Victoria. Pewter tankard (one of two) height 13mm circumference 3mm, ornate broken C handle height 9 mm, inscription on front, hall mark on base, mild tarnish, Inscription on front "PRESENTED TO LIEUT COL L.G. STEVENS ED. By the Officers of the 4th MOTOR REGIMENT 1.5.42 Hallmark on base "Crown & Rose" CAST PEWTER, CREST CROWN & ROSE3 surrounded by FIDE IN LONDONpewter tankards, world war 1, first world war, ww1, light horse regiment, 4th motor regiment, australian military force, aif, corangamite, 1942, world war 2, ww2

PaperbackColonial Conflicts World War 1 and the ANZAC tradition World War 11: Enemy on the Doorstep Korea, Malaya and Vietnam From the writers of Two Hundred Years

This RAAF uniform is believed to have belonged to Flying Officer Russell Miller, the son of William and Muriel Miller of Warrnambool. Russell Miller attended Warrnambool High School and worked for the Warrnambool City Council before enlisting in World War 11. He was killed in flying operations over Germany in 1944. Died 28 Sept 1944. Remembered at Rheinburg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. More info @ https://cwgc.org/find/find-war-dead This uniform is a poignant memento of one Warrnambool's brave heroes of World War 11.1 The jacket is made of navy blue wool with a rever collar, four front pockets, eight buttons with air force insignia and navy cloth lining. The two sleeves have metal insignia and black and cream braiding. Above the front left pocket is a stitched blue and white applique. The jacket has a cloth belt with a rusted metal buckle. .2 The trousers are made of navy blue wool with two pockets, a buttoned fly and there are six buttons evenly stitched around the waist band. There is also a metal clasp on the waist band. RAAFraaf, flying officer russell miller, raaf uniform 1940's

This diary was written by Cpl William Donald McDonald 3403 who served from July 1915 to November 1918. The diary covers the period August 5th 1916 to December 31st 1917.William McDonald was stationed in England mostly at the Salisbury Plain for the entire period. This item was mistakenly identified as as the J A G Brass diary, with 11Lieut J A G Brass being written inside the front cover of the diary. However J A G Brass was a distant cousin of W McDonald who still lived in Scotland and along with other names inside the front cover were contacts for the writer. Among the names are A W Hardy, J W Jolly, I J Windsor, Pte H A Jessop. The book itself is a modified British Service notebook, having been cut down by the author to make it a more manageable size. William McDonald was 35 years of age when he enlisted and was a tailor before enlistingThis diary has historic significance as it records daily life during the first world war. It relates daily life in the army ranks. It also has strong links to local families.Modified Service notebook of the type issued for use in the British Army of World War 1. It would have originally measured 5” x 7”, but has been cut down by nearly removing the fly end of the pages to reduce them about 3.5”. The author, who was a painstakingly neat and fastidious man, has also re-rounded the corners, to prevent them ‘dog-earing’. The aim of the modifications is likely to have been to make the item easy to slip in or out of a tunic pocket. Heavy light grey green card with rounded corners bound with two staples. 96 pages, each with 8 faint, light blue, vertical lines. Handwriting in ink and indelible pencil is across the lines.The front cover of the Notebook (now the back cover of the diary) is annotated as ‘Army Book 136A’, effaced with an imperial crown of the ‘St James’? Pattern with a title inscribed in an ellipse, which would once have read - SUPPLIED FOR THE USE OF OFFICERS AND NCOS.warrnambool, ww1 diary, mcdonald 3403, william donald mcdonald, william mcdonald, j a g brass, world war one

William Horne Barrett was the great uncle of the donor and maker of the DVD, Newell Barrett. The DVD contains photographs of Barrett’s enlistment and embarkation for England and the photographs are accompanied by a commentary and text. Sergeant William Barrett enlisted in the 39th Battalion, C Company in 1916, and, although he came from Ballarat, his name is on the Warrnambool War Memorial as a local enlistment. His mother was Mary Ann Horne and the Hornes were farmers in the Allansford/Nullawarre area. Barrett was killed in action in October 1917 at Broodseinde, Belgium. He was buried near the trench he was occupying and today has no known grave. This DVD is of some significance as it contains information on a World War One soldier who was connected to the Warrnambool area through his mother, a member of the Horne family who were farmers in the Allansford/Nullawarre area. It will be useful for researchers.This is a DVD-R disc of the enlistments and embarkation details of William Horne Barrett (World War One). The running time is 56 minutes. The cover has two photographs of the Canberra Australian War Memorial in muted colour and an inset photograph of William Barrett. Front Cover: ‘William Horne Barrett, died 4th October 1917, Battle of Broodseinde, Belgium, Visit to the War Memorial, May 23rd to 24th 2012, Part One, Enlistment to England’. world war one, horne family, william horne barrett

Shows Mrs J. Brown, one of her four daughtrers and her two sons who died in World War One with their dog posing in front of fence of Headmaster's house, at Eltham State School, Dalton Street. Date circa 1902. The building still stands. Reproduced p66 of Pioneers & Painters Mrs Jane Elizabeth Brown (nee Staines) and three children of her large family who left the Headmaster's residence when John Brown (Headmaster 1889-1906) died (on the job) in 1906. John and Jane had ten children eight girls and two boys. Their two sons both died in the 1914-1918 War; George Stewart Brown (1885-1916) and John Leonard Brown (1887-1918). The young girl may be Elsie Maria Brown (1889-1917) which would date the photo around 1902. Wall Bros operated at St Kilda from around 1889 to 1903. John Brown died 23 Sept 1906 after a short severe illness at age 55 and is buried in Box Hill Cemetery (Evelyn Observer 28 Sep 1906 p2). The book "We did open a school in Little Eltham" incorrectly states his date of death as 16/12/1906. Title The Evelyn Observer. (1906, September 28). Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), p. 2 (MORNING.) Url http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article61129880 Description It is with sincere regret we record the death of Mr. John Brown, State school teacher, Eltham, which sad event took place at his residence, "Pine Brae," on Sunday night last, 23rd inst. after a severe illness of some few weeks' duration. The deceased gentleman was highly respected, and always took a lively and active interest in promoting the progress and prosperity of the district, and his loss will be much felt, He was only 55 years of age, and leaves a wife and large family to mourn their loss, and much sympathy is felt for them. The remains of the deceased were interred in the Box Hill cemetery on Wednesday afternoon last. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Sepia photo B&W printSepia photo reverse: Miss Tonkinson Used Pioneers and Painters p66 Could be Miss Brown and part of her family who left the Headmaster's residence when John Brown (Headmaster 1889-1906) died (on the job) in 1906. Then 2 sons both died in the 1914-1918 War Between 1888 and prior to 1906. Also Wall Bros. St Kilda stamp B&W print: 66 and 9 7/16" x 5 5/8" deep (for publication on p66 of Pioneers & Painters)sepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, state school residence, eltham state school, state school no. 209, dalton street, eltham primary school, teacher residence, eltham, headmaster, houses, main road, pioneers and painters, school, school residence, schools, george stewart brown (1885-1916), elsie maria brown (1889-1917), john leonard brown (1887-1918), jane elizabeth brown (nee staines)

This book was produced as a gift for Australian soldiers and their families on the Western Front in 1917. In the introduction General Birdwood, Commander of the ANZACS, explained it was for ‘…those whom we left behind in Australia, and who we know are thinking of us, some idea of our surroundings on the battle fronts…’.This book is a significant contemporary record of life for the Australian soldiers on the Western Front during World War 11.Grey cardboard covered 128 pp book with black and red writing on cover. the title, "FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FRONT" is in black print at the top above a black drawn sketch of two soldiers behind a mound and holding bayonets. at the foot is XMAS. 1917 inside a red rectangle with the insignia of the Australian Army (the rising sun) at the top. It contains cartoons, illustrations and photographs created by the soldiers themselves and put together in the style of an annual. military book-from-the-western-front world-war-11

Teachers from all across Victoria enlisted in the Australian Imperial Army to fight overseas. 752 from the Victorian Education Department are listed as signing up. Many were teachers but also included were clerical staff, medical officers. Included in the book are details of the contributions made by others through donations of "comfort items" and subscriptions. There are details of The Young Workers' Patriotic Guild, the war savings effort in the schools and general school subscriptions. 703.1 was presented to Jarrahmond School and 703.2 to Corringle School. Neither school exists today. This is a useful reference tool for the study of the particpation of teachers of the East Gippsland area in World war 11.Two copies of a hard back book with a light brown/orange cover with the title, "The Education Department's Record of War Service 1914-1919' in gold print. It contains portraits and biographical notes on "the men who fell" and "the men who returned". world-war-11 department-of-education-victoria

Twenty-two young New Zealand soldiers were posted to a clandestine intelligence unit in Melbourne called the Allied Intelligence Bureau. Their task was to undertake espionage and sabotage lines of communication, train natives as soldiers for local resistance and set up a radio link back to Australia. This is the account of the experiences of one soldier’s operation in Borneo – and is an account of their divine protection. Soft cover 174 pageSigned by author.ww2, australian special operations, nz special forces in ww2

Popularly known today as Z Special Unit, or by the wartime cover names of Inter-Allied Services Department (ISD) and Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD), Special Operations Australia (SOA) was the Special Operations component of the US-led Allied Intelligence Bureau in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. From the secret files of Z Special Unit, and the second in a set of five volumes, Volume 2 - Operations describes almost two hundred separate "Z" Operations. Through the examination of this volume, the strategic role of the Special Operations - Australia organisation becomes apparent. Students of history will easily identify the ebb and flow of the Allied campaigns in the Pacific Theatre, with many of the operations of SOA being precursors to larger Allied offensives. Several serious blunders by SRD headquarters are also identified, one of which in particular had the capacity to compromise one of the greatest secrets of the Second World War and could have cost thousands of Allied lives...special operations australia, australian commandos, world war ii, special forces

This badge/broach was issued to the mother of William Donald Alsop - 2/10 Commando SquadronThis badge/broach has historic significance through its connection to William Donald Alsop and World War Two. It displays strong provenance because we have a Deed of Gift.Silver broach issued to mother of William Donald Alsop - 2/10th Commando Squadron Reverse side of broach - A294636 / AMOR / Sydneyworld war ii, ww2, commando

The seated man has been identified as Albert Maddern, France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal Company, World War I. This is a studio photograph of Albert Maddern (Orbost) and another soldier. The name of A W W Maddern is inscribed on the W W I Orbost Roll of Honour of those who served from this district in W W I. A photograph of an Orbost man who served in W W I.A b/w photograph H-21.8cm W-15.2cm of two men in military uniforms, one man seated, the other man standing. world war i, albert maddern

Mount Evelyn RSL Sub BranchPictures on the front page in black and white with title. Back page tan coloured with printing and picture of two flags Australian and British. 88 pages of text and pictures.

Hardcover book exploring Vera Deakin's national and international humanitarian activism and assisting several welfare groups, particularly the Red Cross.The centenary of World War 1 has focused attention on the 32,000 case files of the Australian enquiry bureau and given renewed redcognition to Vera Deakin's key role in the search for the missing. Carole Woods OAM is a Fellow and Honorary Secretary of the Royal HistoricalSociety of Victoria. A longtime advocate for community history, she chaired the judges' panel of the Victorian Community History Awards for seven years. Carole curated two major exhibitions at the RHSV related to the Australian Red Cross. Her books include Vision Fugitive: The Story of David Allen, and Beechworth: A Titan's Field.

From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) Pocket watches were the most common type of watch from their development in the 16th century until wristwatches became popular after World War I. Pocket watches were either stem-wound or key-wound. The very first pocket watches, since their creation in the 16th century, up until the third quarter of the 19th century, had key-wind and key-set movements. On a key-wind watch the mainspring is wound by turning a key which usually fits through a hole in the back inner-lid of the watch case. This item is a key wind watch. A silver lady's pocket watch. There are two keys attached with brown tape. The case has engraved patterns on the top and bottom. There is a small ring for attaching a chain. It opens at the back for winding.46792 anchor lion indecipherable mark (could be a duty stamp) scratched -1864 6 M.S.watch sterling-silver cooke-elsie

Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me)" is a popular song that was made famous by Glenn Miller and by the Andrews Sisters during World War II. Its lyrics are the words of two young lovers who pledge their fidelity while one of them is away serving in the war.This item is an example of the kind of music that was popular in the first half of the 20th century.Sheet music for "Don's sit Under The Apple tree (With Anyone Else But Me). The cover is red with black print. Underneath the title are details of the composer and lyricist. Ther is a black/white photograph of the Andrews sisters who recorded the song on a background of a couple sitting under a tree in the moonlight. In the bottom right corner is the price 2/-.sheet-music don't-sit-under-the -apple-tree

Written on back of photograph, "R.F. Miles". Two pieces of paper are enclosed with the photographs and read as follows: "R. F. Miles. Raoul Fortescue Miles was one of the seven sons of Captain Edward Thomas Miles and Mrs. Charlotte Eliza Miles. There were also four girls. Names of these in order are: Edward Leslie, Amy Florence, Augustus Temple, Lilian Ethel (Mrs. G.M. Parker), Hilda Clare (Mrs. J.W. Barrett), Arthur Hunter, Thomas Alfred, Sydney Derwent, Raoul Fortescue, Kathleen Mary Edith (Mrs. Howe), Keith Lyttleton. The only survivors are Thomas Alfred and Kathleen Howe. Raoul Miles served in the 12 Bn. in the first AIF and rose to the rank of sergeant. He Married an English girl at the end of 1st World War and brought her as an 18 year old bride to Australia. He worked Hendon which was owned by Captain Miles. In the early twenties he went to Seaford and opened a cafe on Napean Highway. He then opened an estate agency as well in front of his house. He was a councillor in the then Shire of Frankston and Hastings. He was Shire President at some time. Just before the 2nd World War he opened an estate agency in Frankston near the station. He also had a post office agency in the building which he owned. After the war he and his brother Sydney subdivided land and built houses at Seaford. His wife died suddenly and for some years he lived alone in a two storey houses divided into two flats. He died when he was about 72 or 73. During World War 2 he was a recruiting officer for the R.A.A.F. He had five children: - Jean (Mrs. Hayward, Portland?), Barbara (Mrs. Collins, Wattle Park), Laurie (Mrs. Thorpe Woods, Kent, England), Ted, Seaford?, Bill, Seaford?".

Awarded to: School Children of the Commonwealth of Australia Other Details: Of the commemorative medals issued to mark the end of the First World War, the most common was the so-called 'Peace' or 'Victory' medal issued to every child in Australia aged 0-14 years (and aged up to 16 if parents were in the armed forces). The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, better known for his work as a sculptor. Time constraints as well as pressure from the production of other victory medals meant that no single manufacturer could make the 1,670,000 medals. Six were therefore selected: Amor, Stokes, Schlank, Parkes, Angus & Coote (who later withdrew) and Platers. The medals were silvered bronze, with silver issues for special presentations. The Defence Department supplied a red, white and blue striped ribbon and pin. Distribution began in March 1919. Victorian school children received their medals on Friday 18 July and on 'Peace Day' on Saturday 19 July.To commemorate the end of World War 1.Round white metal medals issued to mark the end of WW1. On the front "PEACE 1919", and on the reverse, "VICTORY", middle of the medal "THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE". on the bottom "THE PEACE OF 1919". With a plain edge.Peace with two flying doves on pedestal inscribed, PEACE / 1919 below AUSTRALIA; figure in chains on left and another entangled in bush to right (obverse) Australian sailor and soldier support wreath; above, VICTORY; within, THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE; below on plaque, THE PEACE OF 1919(reverse)world war 1, peace, victory medal australia

American Style Ladder, built by the American LaFrance Company, of Elmira, New York, as Lend Lease Appliances, during World War 11 The genesis of the vehicle is the City Service JO Series Ladder, which in this form became the JOX, - X for Export, model, as some items of equipment were not requested in the U.S. Treasury Department specification for these vehicles. Seven of them came to Australia in 1942 / 43, and all bar two are still in existence / preservation, in various States. Initially, they were supplied to the MFB, and later transferred to the CFBB / CFA.

This is a SPRA, or Schermuly’s Pistol Rocket Apparatus. The large firearm type pistol would have been used to throw a line between ships, usually in the event of saving lives. The line throwing pistol consists of a long barrel with handle attached, a pistol grip and trigger, which fires a short blank cartridge. Accessories for the pistol included: flares, 12 gauge adaptor (to shoot 12 gauge flares), a wood plunger, and boxes of faked line. The stamp on the handle, Crown over "NP" is a Birmingham Proof House mark that dates the pistol between 1904 and 1954. However Schermuly's line throwing pistol was invented in the 192s and used on British Naval Ships from 1929. The serial number '22507' is only 806 numbers later than one on sale as a British Military WWII issue SRPA '21701'. This pistol appears to be made 125-1945. The apparatus was used as a life saving device for crew and passengers on vessels in distress that were only a few hundred metres from shore, often eliminating the need to launch a boat and risk lives to go out to the vessel in dangerous conditions. It could also be used from ship to ship rescue. The pistol would launch a line from shore to the vessel. The line would be attached to the vessel, then shore crew would send out equipment, including a breeches buoy, in which the stranded people could be pulled to shore. It has saved many lives at sea. The cartridge is loaded into the breech of the pistol and the rocket is inserted into the muzzle. On pulling the trigger, the gases generated by the fired cartridge eject the rocket on its correct line of flight, and at the same time, burst through the waterproof disc and ignite the propellant mixture, which carries the rocket and line on the remainder of the flight. The rocket consists of a weldless steel case filled with propellant mixture sealed in by a waterproof disc. Fixed to the rocket case is a direction bridle, to the end of which a short length of flexible steel wire is attached, this in turn being connected to the end of the line to be thrown. A complete rocket set, or line throwing kit. would include a wood carrying case, two coils of faked line in separate compartments, three rockets and a can of six cartridges. William Schermuly (1857 – 1929) - Founder of the Schermuly business. In 1897 he invented a trough-fired, line throwing apparatus. In 1920 he and his third son, Alfred James Schermuly, invented the pistol rocket apparatus and promoted this overseas during the 1920s. The system was approved by the British Navy in 1929 through an Act of Parliament, which made it compulsory for ships over 500 tons to carry this equipment. The company, Schermuly Pistol Rocket Apparatus Ltd., grew quickly during and after World War II but business eased off during the 1970s before it eventually closed in the 1990s. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. This line-throwing pistol is part of he Rocket Launching Equipment used to perform life-saving rescue at sea from the 1920s. It is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Pistol, line-throwing, SPRA (Schermuly's Pistol Rocket Apparatus). This line throwing pistol has a wooden pistol grip, brass trigger mechanism, and a long, wide, steel barrel with Bakelite handle attached to the top. Inscriptions are stamped onto the pistol.Stamped on handle: "5" and "[symbol of a Crown] above NP" , "22507", "[within oval] SPRA" Stamped on barrel: "L22507".gun, pistol, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, line throwing, line throwing pistol, spra, schermuly's pistol rocket apparatus, sea rescue, pyrotechnicks, marine technology, schermuly pistol rocket apparatus ltd., william schermuly, alfred schermuly, pistol line thrower, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime village, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, rescue boat, lifeboat, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket apparatus, rocket rescue method, shore to ship, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, line throwing mortar, rocket rescue apparatus, line thrower, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, beach rescue set, rocket set, schermuly, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, pistol rocket apparatus, line throwing cartridge, line-throwing rocket, firearm, life saving, lsrc

In the years following the Crimean War (1854-1857J) there was a great concern in the Colony that Imperial Russia would attempt an invasion. Coastal defences in the colony of Victoria were greatly strengthened by the Government as a result. Warrnambool was originally protected by cannons at Cannon Hill, approximately 1 kilometer west of the Flagstaff Hill Fortifications. These cannons included two 1866 guns, both 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RML) purchased by Victoria’s Colonial Government. They were part of a shipment of 26 such guns sent from England in December 1866. They are registered as No. 23 (80cwt-2qr-0lbs) - Gun 1, and No.13 (81cwt-1qr-12lbs) - Gun 2. They were cast at the Royal Gun Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, in 1866 and have a 6.3 inch bore. Both barrels carry the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, Insignia of the Royal Engineers, within the Garter and Motto surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria within the Garter (letters in centre “VR”, motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it."). The guns were originally supplied with wooden carriages. (The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, England, was established eleven years after the Restoration of King Charles II. It was the principal supplier of armaments to the British and Empire Governments. At the height of its operations during World War One the factory covered 1300 acres and employed very nearly 80,000 workers. Woolwich was the Headquarters of the Royal Artillery since the raising of that Regiment in 1716. The Arsenal was closed in the late 1960’s.) These two cannons were transferred to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery Fortifications erected at Flagstaff Hill in 1887 as part of Victoria’s Coastal Defences. The original wooden carriages were subsequently replaced with the present iron garrison carriages in 1888. They are a “C” pivot. The ‘racers’ or curved track set into the floor of the gun emplacement (which enabled the guns to be traversed more quickly) are as specified for guns up to 10 inch, being of wrought iron 2.78 inches wide. A temporary third gun, now no longer on Flagstaff Hill’s site, was a 5 inch Rifled Breech Loading (BL) Armstrong gun mounted on an Elswick hydro pneumatic disappearing carriage It was faster to load and fire than the 80 pound RMLs and its arrival spelt the end of the older 80 pound guns’ useful life, apart from being used for practice sessions. The 5 inch BL gun was the main defensive weapon of the Warrnambool Battery until the Battery was downgraded in importance and the gun was recalled to Melbourne in 1910. The State of Victoria took over the ownership of the guns at the time of Australian Federation in 1901. In about 1901/1902 the Garrison Battery was converted to the Warrnambool Battery of the Australian Field Artillery (No 4 Field Battery). It was equipped with 4.7 inch naval guns mounted on field carriages. They were now a mobile unit but continued to use the Warrnambool Garrison area at Flagstaff Hill for practice. When the Fortifications were declared obsolete the two 80 Pounder RML were relocated to Cannon Hill in 1910. On the outbreak of World War One the 4.7 inch guns were recalled to Melbourne, and the Battery was disbanded. Most of the personnel probably re-enlisted in the local 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment. The two 80 Pounder RML were moved back to the Fortifications in 1973. They were both fully restored by Army First Year Apprentices at the Ordinance Factory in Bendigo in time for the centenary year of the fortifications in 1987. The guns are capable of firing 80 pound (32.3kg) armour piercing exploding shells 3.65kms out to sea. They were original manned by volunteers before a paid Garrison was established. Now the Guns are again fired by volunteers on Special Event days. Since restoration the Gun Number 1 had been fired on a regular basis but Gun Number 2 hadn’t been fired since the mid 1990’s. In April 2015 Gun Number 2 was serviced in preparation for the firing of both cannons on the ANZAC Centenary commemorations on April 25th 2015. Other guns from the original Cannon Hill location were obsolete by the time the 1887 Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery was built. These guns are (1) a 32 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore (SB) cast in 1813 at the famous Carron Foundry, number 80837 and now located in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens (2) a 68 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore cast in 1861 at the equally august Low Moor Foundry, number 10310 and now located on the lawn area at the entrance to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Both of these guns are mounted on their original wooden garrison carriages. There are only seven 32 Pounder SB made by Carron and fifteen 68 Pounder SB made at Low Moor known to exist in the State of Victoria (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/04)The Warrnambool Garrison has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register H1250 “for its intact battery and guns, a strong reminder of Victoria’s wealth and determination to protect itself from the perceived threat of invasion in the 1880’s.” The City of Warrnambool is one of several custodians of a collection of artillery pieces of heritage significance at a state, national and international level. These pieces are directly related to the defence of south-west Victoria in the 19th century. The care and preservation come under the Heritage Act 1995. Cannon. 80 Pounder Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) Gun on iron carriage and slide, installed in the Battery at Flagstaff Hill’s Fortifications.. Made in 1866 at the Royal Gun Factory (R-G-F), Woolich, England. Gun Reg No - 23. Flagstaff Hill Garrison Gun 1 (Gun No. 1) Insignia of the Royal Engineers, and the weight of the gun, stamped on top of the gun’s barrel. There is a brass plate on the side of the gun with the details of 1987 restoration.Stamped on axle cover on side of barrel “R-G-F / No 23 / 1866”. Stamped into the metal on top of the barrel, Insignia of the Royal Engineers; Garter and Motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria “VR” within the Garter. Also stamped on top of the gun are 2 inward pointing arrows above the weight ”81-2-0”. Brass plate “RESTORATION / BY / FIRST YEAR / APPRENTICES / ORDANANCE FACTORY / BENDIGO 1987”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, cannon, 80 pounder, rifled muzzle, loading, royal gun factory, woolich