The Mark II Pilot Balloon Slide Rule was made of wood laminated with heavy white plastic with a length of 24.5-in. and width of 2.5 inches. Mark II rules were manufactured in Australia by W & G (Melbourne). The W & G rule differs only slightly from the English A. G. Thornton LTD rule. The W & G rule uses serif fonts and has some fiducial marks that the English rule lacks. Exact dates of production are not known but the MK II is known to have started production by 1927. The printed scales are engraved in the plastic faces. The slide rule has 4 captive cursors (glass windows and brass guides) that ride in slots on the top and bottom edges. Each can be moved independently of one another. The cursors are missing from this item. Brass knobs at both ends of the slide facilitate its movement. The case is fabric covered wood with felt lining. No known history for this item as located in a property after purchase. The Pilot Balloon slide rule is used to convert the observed azimuth and elevation readings into wind velocity and direction records. The use of slide rules was abandoned with the wide spread adoption of computers and programs to do the calculations, as well as the decline in the use of optical pilot balloon theodolites.Made in Australia by White & Gillespie (Melb) Pty Ltd. Established in 1910, the firm was involved mainly in printing plate manufacture, but during the Second World War it manufactured a variety of navigational aids and range finding devices for the military. About 250,000 instruments were made during that period. After the war the company produced, among other items, drawing instruments and slide rules. The long narrow case is fabric covered wood with felt fabric lining containing a long black laminate ruler with numerous white markings and numbers. Top of the ruler is in three sections with the centre section movable by small gold metal knobs at either end. This slide rule contains a engraved notation on the rear face "IMPORTANT. NORMALLY NUMBER OF GRATICULE SCALE DIVISIONS PER RADIAN (K) X LENGTH OF TAIL IN FEET (I) = 12X 105. IN OTHER CASES MULTIPLY GRATICULE READINGS BY 1.2/KI BEFORE CALCULATION ON RULE" Top of Slide Rule - RAAF Ident No G268/480 Serial WG/22pilot balloon slide rule, raaf

Spitfire. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II.Small khaki plane with red spot within a blue circle on wings and yellow blue and white circles around red dot on sidesKLB P9398 Image of Kiwi bird near cockpit. model airplanes, spitfire.

One of the first books published about Australian Tramway systems. Compiled by Jack Richardson as Editor who went on to publish the Destination series of tramway books. Provides information about the tramcars of each Australian tramway system and some photos and information on USA systems.Demonstrates publishing of magazines and books after the second world war and the work of Jack Richardson.Book 56 pages, grey covers, side stapled and bound.books, tramways, australia, melbourne, traction publications

A section of four riflemen was the basic element of a Light Horse unit. In action when forced to dismount, three men formed the firing group while one man took the horses to cover.The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph mounted on card of four mounted horsemen being a section of the 20th Light Horse Regiment circa 1939. A fine image but the keen eyed observer will note the negative has been reversed in the processing.

This book contains 190 pages including illustrations and photographs. The front cover features a photograph of Ernest Forras. It is subtitled "Earnest escapades, or, Seriously for fun only"non-fictionErnest Forras was a pioneer of the ski industry in Victoria. This autobiography traces his time as a young officer in the Hungarian army during the Second World War. It follows his escape from Hungary and escapades in Europe. Ernest then tells the story of his journey to Australia with his brother Aurel. He reveals all the colour and excitement of pioneering the Australian snowfields which he helped to develop, including establishing Kooroora at Mt. Buller in 1953. Ernest Forras died at Mt Buller on Sunday 31st October 2010. victorian high country, "earnest escapades", ernest forras

Reginald Charles ALLARDICE enlisted first in the CMF on 10.8.1940 age 21 years Regt No V40236. During this time he applied to join the RAAF so was discharged from the Army on 21.5.1942 as a Pte in the 24/39th Bn. Two days later he is in the RAAF as a Trainee Aircrew WEF No 418577. On 31.12.1942 he is listed as a LAC (Leading Aircraftsman. Ongoing training sees him at Benalla, Mallala in SA, Mt Gambier, Pt Cook, Camp Miles Standish USA. Finally he is stationed in England at Pembroke with 461 Sqd RAAF with the rank of Sgt on 10.10.1943. This was a Sunderland Sqd which was a large long range patrol Flying Boat. The unit was mainly Australians from many nations. He rises through the ranks to T/F/Sgt, Officer, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer and last Flight Lieutenant on 10.3.1945. He is discharged from the RAAF on 7.12.1945 at RAF Station Beecles Suffolk England. 461 Sqd was a Coastal Command unit mostly involved in submarine detection and hunting in the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay. They were involved in the D Day landings. The Sqd lost 20 aircraft to enemy action and accidents. A total of 86 Sqd members were lost of which 64 were Australian.Medals, individual with ribbons re R.C.Allardice. (1) 1939 - 45 Star, original not engraved. (2) Atlantic Star, original not engraved. (3) Defence Medal. (4) British War Medal 1939 - 45. (5) Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. (.3, .4, .5) “418577 R.C.ALLARDICE”medals, campaign, service, world war2

A book of 54 pages including photographic images, an index and acknowledgements detailing the stories of 100 service personnel whose names are inscribed on the Albury War Memorial. non-fictionThis book was written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Albury War Memorial on Anzac Day 2025. It reveals the real people behind the names of 100 people amongst the 234 names inscribed on the Memorial. Those recognised served their nation in the Boer War, World War I and World War II and Vietnam. The Albury War Memorial was built by Thomas Bartleson whose eldest son, John Henry Bartleson who was killed in battle in 1916 at Pozieres in France. John’s story is one of those captured in this book. albury war memorial, howard c jones, australian military

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

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

non-fictionAutobiography of a First World War veteran ; includes account of trip made to Central Australia in 1927-28 and the author's encounters with and impressions of Aboriginal people. john frederick edey, mallee (vic.), soldier settlement

British bookmark from Dr Lovelace's Soap issued during World War One, one of a series featuring historical British military figures and allied soldiers and in this example the Australian digger.bookmark, soap, dr lovelace, australian digger

The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Lambert Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.The Bruck Inhaler is a historically, aesthetically and scientifically significant piece. The basic design is based on the Clover Inhaler, but with a rounded bottom. The idea of a glass viewing window was possibly inspired by Wilson-Smith Inhaler. The Bruck Inhaler is historically significant as it is the first inhaler to be made with a completely clear lower glass section. This improved the usability for the ether administrator, and eliminated much of the guesswork associated with dosage and ether levels, which in turn improved the patient experience. This piece provides a strong local link to both anaesthetic and general medical practice at the turn of the century. The design is credited to Ludwig Bruck of Sydney, and was presumably manufactured in the same area. Bruck, as the attributed designer, holds much relevance to the significance of the object, as connected with him is much historical information about the social context of medical practice. Ludwig Bruck was a prominent figure in the medical industry. He started his medical career in Sydney as a Medical Transfer Agent, and later owned a shop at 16 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. This business is listed in the 1903 Register of Firms as a Medical Agent and Importer of Medical Instruments and Books. Bruck was vocal as a journalist and published analyses of medical statistics, as well as the well known Australasian Medical Dictionary and Handbook, which included the “List of Unregistered Medical Practitioners”. Ludwig Bruck was an immigrant. He was of German descent, which placed him in a precarious position within Sydney society during the turn of century. Bruck conducted several public conversations with prominent members of the Australian Natives Association through the Sunday News in regards to his disagreement of the employment of medical practitioners by the ANA specifically to corroborate their health insurance policies. He was also a stalwart supporter of the Australian arm of the British Medical Association, being the publisher of the first and subsequent editions of The Australian Medical Gazette. Bruck chose to end his life with a combination of poison and chloroform on 14 August 1915, after being accused of trading with the enemy during World War One. His suicide note stated his horror at leaving his business partner to deal with the tarring of his reputation as the reason for his decision. The Bruck Inhaler has aesthetic significance as it is a beautiful example of turn of the century surgical design and craftsmanship. Aseptic methods of surgery were well known by 1909, and the aesthetic design of the Bruck Inhaler conformed to these principles. The ability for the surgeon to unscrew, clean and sterilize each part of the Inhaler contributes to the streamlined design of the piece. The Buck Inhaler holds scientific significance. There is the capacity for further research to be undertaken on the object. Geoffrey Kaye often collected multiple examples of equipment, usually one for reverse engineering and another for teaching. There are currently two examples of the Bruck Inhaler in the collection, presenting an opportunity for further technical research on the object. The inhaler is oval shaped with one half made of glass to allow observation of the ether level. A vertical cross tube, 22mm in diameter passes between the face-piece and the bag [missing]. There is a stopcock for admission of oxygen or nitrous oxide opposite the bag attachment. There is a central tube, 28mm in diameter, with controllable ports on either side. There is also a tear-drop shaped fask mask.Hand engraved on side of base: L. Bruck / Sydneyclover, joseph, bruck, lambert, inhaler, rebreather, nitrous oxide, oxygen, williams, probyn

xvii, 388 p.; 24 cmnon-fictionThis biography explores the remarkable life of Jessie Traill - artist, traveller, humanitarian and independent spirit. From the ten-year-old who first met Tom Roberts painting on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, to a student of Frederick McCubbin and etchers John Mather and Frank Brangwyn, Jessie developed her professional skills. She interrupted her career to work as a voluntary nurse in France during World War I, later raising funds for and revisiting war-torn Europe. She also became one of Australia's most outstanding etchers, working in a field uncommon for women of her time. Through diary extracts, descriptions of her world travels and personal letters we hear her voice and see through her eyes, beauty, humour and the joys of simple living. jessie traill, frederick mccubbin, tom roberts, artist

Colour photos of an Anzac Day march with Legatee Ron Austin in a jeep. More photos from the march include Jeff Kennett, Bruce Ruxton, John Brumby, and Peter Costello who appear to be the distinguished guests. It is Anzac Day 1995. The article in The Answer in May 1993 says: The ever-smiling L/ Ron Austin is an inspiration for all. Ron has the distinction of being the youngest surviving Melbourne Legatee to have served in WW1. He joined over 300 Legatees to march as part of the Legacy contingent to mark Legacy's 70th anniversary, and he marched again for a few blocks as he joined members of his wireless unit to catch up with old friends. Ron was just 14 and a half when he joined the R.A.N. in 1917 as a Boy Seaman. He served for 10 years, resumed civilian life, then in 1931 joined the RAAF Telecommunications. WWII kept him busy! In 1949 he became Assistant Air Attache in Washington, D.C. Ron retired from the Service in 1955 as Wing Commander. It comes as no surprise that Ron was awarded an O.B.E. for his tireless devotion to duty and you might sense Ron has been a tireless member of Legacy too." Plus a note in the Answer in 1997 after Ron passed away aged 94.A record of Legatee Austin being one of the last surviving World War 1 veterans and him attending Anzac Day in the 1990s.Colour photo x 3 of an Anzac Day march with WW1 veteran Ron Austin in a jeep.ron austin, jeep, anzac day, march

ill, maps, p.208.non-fictionThe Iron Roads of the Australian Outback - the legendary Commonwealth Railways were built through some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. They were railways like no other, where men and women battled extreme temperatures, flash floods and maddening isolation to keep the trains running. This publication is the culmination of 25 years of Outback exploration, research, photography and interviews by author Nick Anchen. The result is a diverse book which brings to life both the beauty and harshness of the Australian Outback, through a collection of fascinating and historic images, along with the memories of former Commonwealth Railways employees. Following an introductory chapter on the vastness and grandeur of the Australian interior - highlighted by the memoirs of 1950s flying doctor Macarthur Job - the book delves into the story of the Central Australia Railway. This was the line built through the 'back of beyond' - the forbidding desert country of South Australia and the Northern Territory. It was here that operators of famous trains such as The Ghan battled searing heat, dust storms and raging floodwaters to keep the trains running. The chapter includes stories by well known Ghan conductor 'Aspro' Lyons, and 'Piano Playing Chef' Paddy Greenfield - along with enginemen Wolf Markowski and John Theel, both of whom worked trains on this famous railway. The story of the North Australia Railway - 'The Line to Nowhere' - is the tale of a ramshackle railway which came alive during the dark days of World War II. The memoirs of wartime engineman Jim Prentice are eye opening, as are the hair raising accounts of surviving Tropical Cyclone Tracy, as told by rolling stock foreman Bill Donaldson. The Trans-Australian Railway was built across one of the harshest and loneliest environments on Earth - the vast Nullarbor Plain. Stories from enginemen Jack Slattery and Ron Howrie, along with Nullarbor resident and roadmaster's wife Cathy Beek, tell not only of the rudimentary living conditions and maddening isolation, but of the great camaraderie amongst the railway people who kept trains such as the Trans-Australian and the Tea and Sugar running. As well as examining the ruins and relics from the long-closed CR narrow gauge lines, the book also includes a chapter on the much-loved Pichi Richi Railway - the last surviving portion of that great Transcontinental Railway dream from another age. commonwealth railways (australia) -- history., central australia railway -- history.

Published by A Special Study Group on Vietnam of the Victoria Branch of the World Federalist of Canada. Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation publisher.A faded paper 8 paged 'magazine'. Black type; front cover has border around edge. Each page is numbered. New Facts/About The/War In/Vietnamrussel, bertrand, world federalist of canada, vietnam

non-fictionAgainst Time and Place is a highly imaginative and well-crafted re-creation of a family history which transcends the particular to become a fascinating microcosm of British migration and settlement in Australia. The lives of members of the Booth and Backhouse families unfold against a rich backdrop of places and events, including the coal-mines and tenant farms of Yorkshire; the First World War and the Russian Revolution; the goldrushes, pioneering the wheatbelt and small town life of Western Australia; the Great Depression; the Second World War and its aftermath. 'What Elizabeth Backhouse has done in Against Time And Place is to unravel her family's history and make it live and sing for us all. The stories told are engaging and varied, ranging from the pastoral to the spine-chilling, and the prose in which they are told is evocative, intimate yet dignified, carrying sometimes the cadences of poetry. Like all the best stories, they reveal much but leave more unspoken, leaving the reader to mull over subtle implications. . . In all, a delightful and engaging book.' Kate Veitch (Inside cover)booth family, backhouse family

non-fictionAlexandra Hasluck is well-known as one of a distinguished group of female historians who have done so much, by their perceptive biographies, to enlarge our knowledge of the characters of our history. In her autobiography she brings her discerning eye to bear on her own ancestors, and with vivid sketches of her English, Irish and Scottish forebears portrays what she regards as the typical experiences of British settlers. The same observing eye and mind follow her basically happy childhood and youth in Western Australia to becoming herself a 'Governor's Lady'. She married Paul Hasluck, then sub-editor on the West Australian newspaper. When he entered the diplomatic sphere she moved with him to Canberra and her descriptions of life in war-time Canberra and later in America, are enlivened by humorous sketches of people and events which few people have been fortunate enough to experience. These opportunities increased when, on their return to Australia, her husband became a member of Parliament and a Cabinet Minister in Sir Robert Menzies' Government, first as Minister for Territories and later as Foreign Minister. Both positions provided them with many new experiences: of journeys to the remoter parts of Australia and New Guinea in his responsibility for Territories and, later, as Foreign Minister, of visits to the capitals of the world, meeting most of the great men of our time. Even wider vistas opened when her husband became Governor General of Australia and the observing historian was able to record characteristically life at Government House with its constant stream of visitors colouring its own equally interesting inner life. Portrait in a Mirror is not only a fascinating story but also a remarkable self-portrait, told through letters diaries and speeches as well as her own commentaries ot a watching woman: a dispassionate observer of the famous people and great events of her time, who was unaffected by her varying environments and remained, as she had begun, a typical scion of that early colonial stock - intelligent, literate, strongly-opinioned - and staunchly Australian. (Cover)autobiography, alexandra hasluck, paul hasluck, governor-general

non-fictionMore than a history. A vivid illustration of life in an Australian rural family pre and post the thirties depression and World War II. Spoken in their own words with humour and feeling, recorded thoughtfully and sensitively. This book is not only entertaining, it is real life! Days of big draught horses, when a man's word was his bond, and doors were left unlocked. Real, readable, challenging for the every day reader and serious student. (Back Cover)farmers, victoria, bruton family

non-fictionIn this evocative narrative, Dorothy Richards shares memories of an idyllic childhood in Victoria's historic seaport, Williamstown. She gives tantalising glimpses of a time when life was lived at a more leisurely pace, and neighbours and local shopkeepers were known by name. Her recollections invite us to travel back with her to the wide, leafy streets, the wharves, piers and old-world shops of pre-War Williamstown. This beautifully written collection of anecdotes captures the unique charm and atmosphere of a bygone age. - Helene Richards (editor)williamstown (vic.), dorothy richards

non-fictionChauvel Country is the history of a family whose roots can be traced into France, then England, and who came to Australia as pioneers of the Clarence River in New South Wales. It is the story of the individual members of that family, soldiers and sailors who fought their battles in the far places of the Empire. There are memories of the First World War of the author's hero father, and of the idyllic English countryside. In more recent times we share the author's experiences of riding through the Australian bush, of the lure of distant snow-capped mountains to be explored on skis, in the days before easy access roads, of skiing in North and South America, Europe and New Zealand. We also share the lonely years of the Second World War, when she carried on the family property while her husband was a prisoner of war in Changi prison. Elyne Mitchell is a remarkable woman, and in this book the reader is led on a unique journey through her life from childhood to an aware maturity and wisdom.elyne mitchell, clarence river (nsw)

non-fictionThis is the story of a soldier John Arthur Metson during the 2nd World War serving in the Australian 2/14th Battalionjohn arthur metson, les cook

This framed lithograph print in watercolour and gouache was produced on November 19th, 1924, by 20th-century marine artist, Mr R.N. Duffield. It depicts the event of a sea rescue that took place two years earlier. The framer was A.L. Frith of Footscray, Melbourne, who actively advertised from 1933 to 1935. The now disbanded Shiplovers' Society of Victoria (1930-2018) donated the print, and it seems likely that this print was framed for that organisation. This graphic image shows the conditions in which the rescue from the wrecked Helen B. Sterling happened. Captain George Harris was master of the American-owned, four-masted windjammer. His wife Edith and their ten-year-old son Leslie were on board, along with a crew of fifteen seamen. The ship set off from Newcastle, NSW, on January 5th, 1922, loaded with a cargo of coal to deliver to the Society Islands and on to San Francisco. Young Leslie later wrote a lively school composition for his teacher about his experiences on board the Helen B Sterling. He tells of a fire that broke out the day after they departed and burned a hole in a beam. Then another troublesome time on the 9th, when a strong gale blew a sail off the ship. Finally, he tells of the highlight of his voyage when, on the 18th January, the ship was right in the path of a strong cyclone, which broke the mainmast. Huge waves crashed over both sides of the deck, meeting in the middle, and the ship began to sink. The rescue from the wreck was an exciting time for the young boy, and even more so when one of his cats survived after being carefully wrapped in a pillowcase and thrown down from the ship for the boy. Reporters later wrote about Leslie’s comments, “... what had grieved him most was the thought that he might never see his two little sisters again”. Captain Harris said in a published statement, “… the gale was the worst he had met in his 12 years’ experience at sea. All went well for the first week. We then encountered a strong blow from the south-east. We tried the gasoline pump, but the engine broke down, and we had to do the pumping by hand. We at once shortened sail, but the sea increased in fury to such an extent that men were washed from the pumps. I was below at 5:30 on Sunday morning [January 22nd, 1922] when the main mast went over the side, … I at once sent out SOS signals, and got word that HMAS Melbourne was coming to our assistance. I had made a mistake with regard to our position, but did not know it until 11:30 o’clock, when I sent out the correct location. This was picked up by the Melbourne and I received the following reply: “We will reach you about 2 am. Keep a good heart. The Melbourne will do all she can.” Our ship was practically awash when we were taken off.” (Ref: the ‘Helen B. Sterling Disaster’, Maitland Weekly Mercury, NSW, 4-2-1922.) Officers from the Royal Australian Navy, Captain Henry J Feakes (later Rear-Admiral) and Commander Wilfrid Ward Hunt, were on board the light cruiser, HMAS Melbourne (1913-1928), when it left Sydney for New Zealand. After the SOS was received, the ship sped at full steam towards the sinking Helen B. Sterling. They found the vessel at about midnight and shone bright search lights on the distressed ship to illuminate the desperate scene. The Melbourne was unable to move close to the schooner, so sixteen seamen, including Commander Hunt, volunteered to man the Melbourne’s lifesaving 12-oared cutter. They rowed the sea boat with great urgency towards the victims of the sinking ship, keen to save lives no matter what the conditions. When the cutter was close to the Sterling, a line was secured between the Sterling and the cutter. The weary, waterlogged and anxious men on board could be rescued, one at a time, in the breeches buoy equipment, which looked like canvas shorts with a lifesaving ring in the waistband. The victims were hauled along the line and pulled aboard by many willing hands. All eighteen crew and passengers were saved, including Captain Harris and his family. The seamen of the Melbourne received a heroes’ welcome when they arrived in New Zealand. The grateful survivors were taken to Auckland, where they received the care and comfort they needed. Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Cr. Swanston, on behalf of the citizens of Melbourne, formally recognised the heroic rescue efforts of the seamen of the HMAS Melbourne on March 2nd, 1922, at a special presentation. Two large flags, a White Ensign and an Australian “Jack" Flag, were presented to the Captain of HMAS Melbourne, and souvenirs were awarded to the sea boat’s crew and its Commander, Wilfred Ward Hunt. Commander Hunt was also presented with an original watercolour depicting the heroic rescue from the wreck of the Helen B. Sterling, painted just after the event by renowned marine artist Arthur V Gregory (1867-1957), and he received a silver cigarette case bearing the City’s coat of arms and the inscription, "To Commander Ward Hunt from the Citizens of Melbourne as a memento of the rescue of the crew of Helen B. Stirling by H.M.A.S. Melbourne, on 23.1.22". Both the painting and the cigarette case are now treasured items inherited by his grandson; a reminder of “… a very fine naval gentleman who believed in leading by example." R.N. DUFFIELD: - The Lithograph print in our collection by 20th-century English artist R.N. Duffield is dated Nov. 19, 1924. It is very similar to, and possibly created from, the original A V Gregory watercolour presented to Commander Hunt and dated 1922. Mr R.N. Duffield has art works in the Yarmouth Museums, Norfolk Museums Collection; “Orient Liner Otranto …,” and "Convoy of six ships at sea", both painted in watercolour and gouache during the 1940s. Some of his other works, also painted in watercolour and gouache, have been advertised for sale on Internet sites. Some details differ between the original A.V. Gregory and this Lithograph Print: - -the words on the bow on the original watercolour are “Helen B. Sterling, Blain”, which is in Washington, USA, where the Sterling Shipping Company was registered from around 1919; the words on the print are “Helen B. Sterling, Halifax, N S”, for Nova Scotia, Canada, which is the hometown of Sterling Shipping Company founder’s wife, Helen B Sterling. -The watercolour is coloured and has fine details; the print is monochrome - The A V Gregory signed the watercolour in 1922, on the lower left; the print is signed with the Lithographer’s name on the lower right; “R N Duffield, Nov. 19. 1924” ARTHUR VICTOR GREGORY (1867-1957): - A.V. Gregory is a renowned marine artist who worked in watercolour and gouache. He painted actively between 1899 and 1932, creating over 3o0 works. South Melbourne, Victoria, was where he lived and worked. This Lithograph print is significant in that it depicts the rescuing of the passengers and crew of the schooner “Helen B Stirling”. At the time this was a significant event that made most Australian and New Zealand papers because of the involvement of the Australian cruiser “Melbourne”. The image demonstrates the perilous conditions experienced by seafarers. It includes an example of the line and breeches buoy method used to save lives at sea from the 1860s and into the 20th century. It reflects a time in our history when sail and steam ships cruised the world’s seas together, the former trading with a cargo of coal from Newcastle, the latter defending our country in World War I. The print is part of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum’s Collection of maritime artworks that depict famous events, vessels and locations, showing the evolution of sea craft, and aiding the interpretation of our maritime history. The Lithograph print is behind glass in a black painted timber frame and mounted under a cream matte. The vivid image depicts a sea rescue in progress. The night scene is illuminated by a light beaming from a steamship, the Cruiser HMAS Melbourne. It reveals figures on the deck of a sinking sailing ship, the schooner Helen B. Sterling, as foaming waves roll across it. The stricken ship has a broken main mast, and a sail has been detached. A small figure is floating in the choppy sea, secured in a breeches buoy that is attached to a rescue line between a lifesaving cutter and the sailing ship. The crewmen in the cutter are ready to haul the shipwrecked victim aboard, while the figures on the foundering ‘Sterling’ watch them. The print’s paper-covered wooden backboard is attached to the frame with small tacks. A metal hanging wire is secured to two dissimilar eyelet screws. Inscriptions include text on the bow of the sinking vessel, a handwritten title below the picture, and a handwritten name in the print’s lower right corner. On the reverse are two oval, black ink stamps and a round cream label with printed text. The hand-painted print was reproduced from a lithograph, signed in the lower right, by R.N. Duffield of England, on November 19th, 1924. A Frith of Footscray, Melbourne framed it. Painted on the ship’s bow: “HELEN B. STERLING / HALIFAX N S” [Nova Scotia, Canada] Handwritten below the print: “AUSTRALIAN CRUISER “MEMBOURNE” (Tons 5600) rescuing crew of sinking four-masted schooner “HELEN B. STERLING” of Halifax NS Canada, Tons 1343 in a gale in the Pacific Ocean.” Handwritten on lower right: “R.N. DUFFIELD / Nov. 19. 1924” (underlined) On paper label: “Phone: / Footscray 398 [some of the text has torn off] / “A. FRITH / PICTURE FRAMER / Manufacturer / 17 Paisley Street / Footscray.“ On both oval stamps: “SHIPLOVERS SOCIETY OF VICTORIA / LIBRARY” flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, lithograph, lithograph print, reproduction print, helen b. sterling, the sterling, american owned schooner, halifax, halifax n s, halifax nova scotia, nova scotia, halifax n s canada, schooner, windjammer, sailing ship, four-masted ship, captain george harris, george harris, edith harris, leslie harris, sterling shipping line, hmas melbourne, hmas melbourne (1), cruiser hmas melbourne, the melbourne, australian cruiser, captain henry j feakes, commander wilfred ward hunt, sinking ship, shipwreck, sea rescue, gale, cyclone, 1922 rescue, shipwreck rescue, breeches buoy, line rescue, rescue line, lifesaving, cutter, cutter melbourne, sea boat, lifesaving crew, 12-oar cutter, shipwreck victim, r.n. duffield, marine artist, nov. 19. 1924, 20th century artist, a frith, footscray picture framer, shiplovers’ society of victoria, shiplovers’ society library, watercolour, a v gregory, arthur victor gregory, melbourne artist, newcastle coal, newcastle nsw, society islands, san fracisco, aukland new zealand, school composition, ship’s cat, sos signal, lord mayor cr. swanston, heroes, cigarette case

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