Showing 1743 items
matching personnel.
-
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
ANZAC Commemorative Medallion of 551 L Harry Atkins, No makers mark, Mid 20th Century
This medallion has been awarded to 551 Pte L Harry Atkins who served with the AMF during WW1 with 'C' Company 22 Bn.This is the original Medallion awarded to Pte L Harry Atkins. The ANZAC Commemorative Medallion was awarded to personnel who served on Gallipoli.Round bronze medallion surmounted with King Edward Crown ANZAC printed round the bottom of the medallion, the reverse of the medallion has an impression of Australia and New Zealand and the Southern Cross.Inscribed on the back of the medallion L H Atkins.amf anzac commemorative medallion, ww1 551 pte l harry atkins -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - HMAT Runic, Early 20th Century
A fleet of transport ships was leased by the Commonwealth Government for the purpose of transporting various AIF formations to their respective overseas destinations. When not committed to military transport the ships were used for other duties. HMAT A54e Runic was one of these ships.The HMAT Runic weighed 12,480 tons and was owned by the Oceanic SN Co Ltd. Liverpool. The HMAT Runic was leased by the Commonwealth Government until 27 November 1917. She carried AIF Personnel to overseas destinations during WW1.Photograph HMAT Runic on a cardboard backing.HMAT Runic 20-06-16. J E Barnes, Photo, Kew.hmat runic, ww1, aif, commonwealth government, leased -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - HMAS Warrnambool, Early 21st century
HMAS Warrnambool (FCPB 204) was a Fremantle-class Patrol Boat. The Warrnambool was Launched in 1980 and Decommissionbed in 2005.Designs for new class of patrol boat began in the late 1960s, the HMAS Warrnambool (FCPB204) was launched on 1980 and de commissioned in 2005. The Warrnambool was built by North Queensland Engineers and Agents and carried a company of 22 personnel.A black and white photograph in a black wooden frame with a gold stripe on the inside edge of the frame. There is a presentation plaque on the glass of the frame.The presentation plaque 'Presented by the Officers abd Ships Company HMAS Warrnambool'hmas warrnambool (fcpb204), patrol boat, -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Badge - RSSILA, Early 20th Century
These Badges were made between 1922-1940 , there are two figures in the centre of the badge - Sailors and Soldiers.These badges are originals that were issued to Returned Service Personnel in the period 1922-1940Brass badge, crown on top, red,white and blue on the front, two figures in the centre of the badge - small version of the badge. Front - Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League, Australia Back - Stokes Melb, 85803, Badge remains property of Leaguerssila badge, 1922 -1940 period -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Postcard - Postcard - militia, Portland, n.d
Black and white photo postcard. Members of the local militia, in uniform, standing around gun carriage.militia, battery, military personnel, uniform -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Document - Bulletin, Royal Australian Armoured Corps Bulletin No 35(B), June 1958
An eight page document giving a list of qualifications for Warrant and NCO rank gained by RAAC members as at May 1958.raac bulletin, personnel qualifications -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Box Starch, circa 1914 to late 1900's
This brand of starch was first manufactured in 1914, during the First World War, and continued to cover the other wars and military conflicts that followed. It was a time when Australian made was important due to the limited supplies coming from England and Europe. This was a period when the demand for "home grown" produce was at its peak. This was in a time when by necessity not by the "Buy Australian" campaign (of later years) which was the major factor for the demand of goods. It was in a time when starch was used in formal clothing to put a "crisp" or fresh new appearance for clothes. The important social more of "clothes make the person" was in vogue.This box which once contained starch powder is very significant to a rural semi isolated region because it clearly demonstrates that the social mores of the city were also entrenched into the rural population. The fashion of the day, even in remote areas, especially rural, were still a requirement to be maintained on certain special occasions. Cleanliness and stiff "upper lip" persona were just as important in the rural sector as in city and Government circles. Institutions such as hospitals, Government Offices and the legal personnel were bound by the fashion of the starch appearance (no dirt sticks to a personage with the "starch" look). Appearances, especially the first ones, were the judgmental image that remained in the uppermost regions of the viewer. This box with white writing and a "formally clad" man on a navy blue background held Australian grown maize based starch powder(1 LB gross). The package is made from 200 gsm thick cardboard. As production was made during the two World Wars 1914 to 1945 the promotion was heavily focused on Australian made and Australian grown maize.The same cover both front and back, "DANDY" below this a figure outlined in white on a navy blue background "hat and tails" outfit. Next to the sketch in smaller lettering" STRONGER THAN OTHER STARCHES. LESS REQUIRED". Below the figure "GLOSS" and below this in larger print "STARCH". Below this and in smaller print "CONTENTS. NETT WEIGHT 14 1/2 ozs" Below this and in smaller print "MANUFACTURED BY MAIZE PRODUCTS PTY LTD FOOTSCRAY VICTORIA" On one side of the box and in large white print on royal blue background"PURITY, STRENGTH AND UNIFORMITY." On the other side are the manufacturers directions. On the left side "FOR RAW STARCH" Underneath and in smaller print,"Dissolve in warm water a quantity to give the required thickness. Add bluing if required Stir before each using. On the right side "FOR BOILING STARCH" underneath this in small print"Mix well in small quantity of cold water to creamy consistency. Add boiling water, and stir constantly while cooking. Allow to cool, and add blueing if required. Underneath these two sets of instructions is "Make your consistency thinner than if using another kind of Starch"household starch, household cleaning, domestic laundering. -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Red Ensign, Surgeons' Banner, 1850 (estimated)
Red Ensign 1801 design. - The British red ensign was altered in 1801 to include the change to the design of the Union Jack. British legislation required, with a few exceptions, that all merchant shipping throughout the British Empire fly the British Red Ensign, without any defacement or modification. The ensign is sometimes referred to as the red duster. The Royal Navy stopped using the Red Ensign in 1864. This red ensign was used by the Surgeons of the Kyneton District Mounted Rifles to indicate their location. The Banner is a large red ensign mounted on a 10 foot long polished wooden pike. The Banner was used by the Kyneton District Mounted Rifles, later The Royal Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (Prince of Wales Hussars), then Prince of Wales Victorian Light Horse, ancestor units of the modern day 4th /19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment. In the binding is the inscription ‘Kyneton Prince of Wales Light Horse’ and three names: Surg-Major S Smith MRSLE, Dr McMillan, and Maj Thirkettle. These surgeons played a significant role in the military and civil affairs of Kyneton. Dr McMillan Dr McMillan was the first surgeon but left KPWLH 2-3 months after its formation and little else is known of him. Surgeon-Major Samuel Smith 1836 Born, Scotland 1857 Surgeon to the Hon. Hudson Bay Company. Ship “Prince Arthur” from London to Moose Fort, Hudson Bay. June 13 – Aug. 24 1857. 1858 Appointed Medical Officer of large immigrant ship to Port Phillip 1859 Appointed Assistant District Coroner, Castlemaine 1859 Appointed to Castlemaine Hospital 1862 Appointed first resident surgeon and manager of Kyneton Hospital Foundation member of Kyneton District Mounted Rifles 1874 Appointed Surgeon-Major Kyneton Volunteer Prince of Wales Light Horse Conducted a private practice in Kyneton. 1909 Died 8 November 1909, aged 73 years Samuel Smith was a Life Governor of Castlemaine Benevolent Asylum, a member of St Andrews Presbyterian Church, a Mark Master Mason of the Edward Coulson Lodge No 17, Kyneton. He also had a notable collection of stuffed native birds and animals of which he had great knowledge. Major Thirkettle 1855 Major Thirkettle arrived in Kyneton Established a timber merchant and ironmongery business in Kyneton with Robert Burton. 1857 By 1857 he was practising as an architect. His house is still standing in Yaldwin St, West Kyneton. 1860 Joined the Prince of Wales Light Horse 1863 Joined Rifle Volunteers and appointed Captain. On their disbandment he was made Honorary Major. 1864 Won Queen’s prize for rifle shooting. Major Thirkettle was noted for his skill with woodwork. He won many prizes and orders of merit for his models of yachts It is believed likely that he made the wooden pike with its metal head (now missing). He was Tyler of the Zetland Lodge, also Secretary of the MUIOOF and Bowling Club. 1904 Died in Kyneton, aged 75 years Protection for medical services The Surgeons’ Banner indicated the location of the Regimental Aid Post. The use of this device in the 1860’s overlapped the adoption of the Red Cross which became the symbol for the protection of sick and wounded soldiers. In 1864 twelve European nations signed a treaty stating that in future wars they would care for all sick and wounded military personnel, regardless of nationality. They would also recognise the neutrality of medical personnel, hospitals and ambulances identified by the emblem of a red cross on a white background. The treaty was called the Geneva Convention. This Convention was concerned only with soldiers wounded on the battlefield. Over the years, however, it has been expanded to cover everyone caught up in conflicts but not actually taking an active part in the fighting. The Surgeons’ Banner complements the Colours of the Kyneton District Mounted Rifles, also held by the Unit History Room, in presenting the colonial period of the Regiment’s history. Provenance It is believed that the Banner was manufactured in Britain and brought to Australia by Samuel Smith. After the disbanding of Colonial units, the Banner was in the care of the Shire of Kyneton until presented to the 4/19 Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment on 14 September 1986 on the occasion of the Regiment exercising its right of freedom of entry to the city. There are many examples of Regimental and King’s/Queen’s Colours held by various organisations. However A Surgeons’ Banner such as this is rare, if not unique, in Australia. A large red ensign, post 1801 design. - The British red ensign was altered in 1801 to include the change to the design of the Union Jack. British legislation required, with a few exceptions, that all merchant shipping throughout the British Empire fly the British Red Ensign, without any defacement or modification. The ensign is sometimes referred to as the red duster. The Royal Navy stopped using the Red Ensign in 1864. On the binding is the inscription: "Kyneton Prince of Wales Light Horse", and three names - Surgeon Major S Smith MRSLE Dr McMillan Major Thirkettlekyneton district mounted rifles, heraldry, red ensign, surgeons banner -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Tripod, Bren Light Machine Gun
Used for setting up in defensive position for firing on fixed linesThe 4/19 PWLH Regiment was previously equipped with Bren guns. However being a mounted unit, Bren LMG were either carried as personal weapons of the unit's assault troopers or mounted on Mk1 Ferret Scout Cars or Saracen Armoured Personnel Carriers. As far as is known, this tripod was not on issue.weapons, mounts, bren gun, tripod -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Boots Army - left boot, 1980's
These boots were used by the military in Australia during period when there were no active conflicts.Typical of boots worn by military personnel during the nineteen eighties.military boots black leather, front lacing with ten eyelets, mid calf length, rubber sole imprinted with ROSSI and 7/6 Rubber sole ROSSITERLTD FOOTWEAR Made in Australia. Black cotton laces.label. inside boot top. R251 with vertical arrow below (arrow indicates government ownership). On right 7/6, B69 below. On Rubber Sole, impressed lettering 'Rubber Sole ROSITER LTD FOOTWEAR made in Australia. 7,6 stamped on instep of solemilitary boots, army boots, footwear, military uniforms -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Boots Army - right boot, 1980's
These boots were used by the military in Australia during period when there were no active conflicts.Typical of boots worn by military personnel during the nineteen eighties.military boots black leather, front lacing with ten eyelets, mid calf length, rubber sole imprinted with ROSSI and 7/6 Rubber sole ROSSITERLTD FOOTWEAR Made in Australia, Black cotton laces. label. inside boot top. R251 with vertical arrow below (arrow indicates government ownership). On right 7/6, B69 below. On Rubber Sole, impressed lettering 'Rubber Sole ROSITER LTD FOOTWEAR made in Australia. 7,6 stamped on instep of solemilitary boots, army boots, footwear, military uniforms -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Film, Australian Commando Association et al, Double Diamond Commandos, 2019
A 2019 produced history of the initial training at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria of Australian and New Zealand Independent Companies later renamed Commandos and their activities during WW2 and post war development. Tidal River is the birth place of Australian and New Zealand Commandos and later Special Operations personnel.Short documentary film ww2, world war 2, independent company, commando, australian special forces, tidal river, wilsons promontory -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Stretcher, 1965 to 1999
A Neil Robinson stretcher is a lightweight carrying device modelled on Japanese bamboo litters, the Neil Robertson rescue stretcher was developed in the early 1900s by John Neil Robertson. Used for lifting an injured person vertically. The stretcher is made from stout canvas reinforced with bamboo slats. The stretcher is designed for removing an injured person from spaces wherein access, doors or hatches are too small to permit the use of regular stretchers. Spaces such as ship engine room spaces, cargo holds, pump rooms, boiler rooms etc. are a few examples of such compact spaces.An item designed to transport injured personnel from tight places, either at sea or on land.A rescue stretcher made from white canvas reinforced with bamboo slats and adjustable canvas straps. The canvas straps are secured with metal buckles and there is a metal ring attached to lengths of ropes at both ends. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, stretcher, neil robertson, neil robertson rescue stretcher, rescue equipment -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Elsternwick Mechanics Institute and Public Library
This file contains four items: 1/An undated and unsigned receipt for stocks from the Melbourne branch of the English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited. Elsternwick Mechanic Institute has been handwritten in ink on the top right-hand corner. 2/Two stock certificates issued by the English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited to the Elsternwick Mechanics Institute and Public Library on the 18/06/1908. One is a Preferred Inscribed Deposit Certificate No.4354 and the other is a Debenture Stock Certificate No.10.947. both for the amount of fifteen pounds. 3/A typed letter to the Branch Inspector, Melbourne from the Elsternwick Mechanics Institute and Public Library regarding the stock certificates. The letter is dated 25/06/1930. 4/A typed letter dated 10/01/1962 to the General Manager’s Accountant from the Elsternwick Mechanics Institute and Public Library regarding Deposit Stocks.elsternwick mechanics institute and public library, elsternwick, caulfield historical society, elsternwick branch, williams j. d., urquhart a., banking, documents, matthews percy, clubs and associations, financial documents, mechanics institute, the english scottish and australian bank limited, bank personnel, bank managers, commercial establishments, business and finance, educational and research establishments -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Photograph, Unknown, 2 COMMANDO COMPANY Ripponlea pay parade July 1958, 1958
Unit members in the photo: Back row: Peter Herd, Mick Stewart, Ian Bunston, Russ Bradley, Bob West, Peter Reid, Norm 'Doc' Willoughby, Brian Hinneburg, Claude Gillard, _______ , Kevin Hatfield, Ian Hicks, Mack Hinds, John Woodruff. 4th row: Geoff Smith, Phil 'Juni0r' Meakins, Phillip Roff, George Wing, 'Bluey' De Clerk, Bob 'Canada' Johnston, Jim Walsh, Mike Hicks, Ern Jeffries, Carl 'Dutchy' Hulsbergen, Leigh Power, __________ , Norm 'Mick' Kennedy, Ray Bunyard, Jack Murray. 3rd row: Jeff Tomlinson, ______ , Vince Nehill, Jim Stephens, Bert Boatwright, Bill Leach, Bob Reid, Peter 'Padre' Bowden, ______ , Frank Read, Peter Higgins, Bill Salmon, John Hutchinson, Gus Kongas, Tony Poole. 2nd row: Roman Stuczynski, Stan Polan, Allan Moore, Don Bergman, Col 'Ali' Barbour, Peter Askew, Ron Smith, OC Major John Hutcheson, Adj Capt John Pritchard, Lt John O'Rourke, Ron Scott, George 'Taffy' Drakopoulos, Ted Malone, Ray Sanders, Kevin Collins, Barry Creighton. 1st row: Tom Massey, Mick Thurlough, Glen Watterson, Joe Frazer, Warren Hutchings, Max Coulson, Graham Gould?, Maurice 'Elvis' Priestly, _______ , 'Bluey' Darlington, 'Bluey' _____ , _____________ , 'Tich' McIntyre, Jim Trainor. Proovided by Jim Trainor.One of a very few photos only of (almost) the complete personnel of 2 Cdo Coy in its early years. B & W group photo unframed, 5 rows tiered, 73 men in winter battledress at the 2 Commando Company depot at Ripponlea, Melbourne in 1958. A separate document names most of the men. Described by Jim Trainor as Ripponlea pay parade July 1958. 2 commando company - 1958 - pay parade - ripponlea depot - unit personnel -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Private War of the Spotters: A history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company, February 1942-April 1945
The history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.gray plasticnon-fictionThe history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.world war ii, special operations, new guinea, new guinea air warning wireless company -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - 6th Div, Shawn OLeary, To The Green Fields Beyond:The story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos
The comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollnon-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Machine - Voice Recorder, Thomas A. Edison, Edison Laboratory, 1916-1929
This Edison Ediphone voice recording electronic business machine is manufactured to suit a small office and is light enough to carry between work and home for use outside normal business hours. It is a dictation machine, also called by the competitor’s brand name ‘Dictaphone’, and is used for recording spoken words that would later be transcribed and typewritten. A wax cylinder would be installed onto the machine’s drum and the Reproducer on the machine would be lowered onto the cylinder. The user would speak a message into a microphone and the reproducer would then convert the sounds to scribed marks on the cylinder. Later, the cylinder could be played and the Reproducer would enable the sound to be amplified through an attached speaker. This machine is currently without its power cord, microphone and speaker horn. Thomas A. Edison extended the technology of the telegraph to his phonograph machine, invented in the late 19th century. It could record and play back sounds of music and voice on a manually operated mechanical machine that used wax cylinders to store the sound. He envisaged the way this technology could be an asset in the office, and he was right! However, most of his phonograph machines were used for entertainment, some for playing lessons, and some for-teaching languages. In 1916 Edison introduced the Ediphone, which grew in popularity after the First World War and into the late 1920s until flat round records replaced the wax cylinders. This Edison Ediphone is significant for improving the way business administration was carried out in the early 20th century, freeing up precious time for professionals and administrative personnel. It was the forerunner of audio tapes and digital technology. The Ediphone enabled letters to be dictated when the time and place suited and reduced the time professionals needed to spend with their secretaries. Secretaries were able to type the letters as they played the recording and they could replay the message if necessary.Voice recorder; a dictation machine; desktop model Edison Ediphone. The electronic machine is in a medal case with remnants of the original grey colour. It has a rectangular base with an A4-sized footprint and a domed hood that retracts halfway into the back of the base. The corners of the base have metal reinforcing, and a short metal bar is on the front centre edge of the lid and the base. A long metal drum is mounted inside the machine. A round device called a ‘reproducer’ is mounted above the drum. There is a folding handle on the left front of the machine and an angled stand with paper guides in front of the drum. A rear cover has the maker’s name stamped on it. An electrical socket with eight pins is recessed beside the cover. Made by Edison.In white letters; “EDISON”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, edison, ediphone, dictating machine, office equipment, voice recorder, usa, dictation, communication, office machine, dictaphone, speaking phonograph, thomas edison, ediphone voicewriter, voice writer -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model - Diorama
M113 APC Stopped on track near simple sapling river crossing. Twp Crew are in attendance, all hatches are open, soldier sitting in top hatch is holding a can of coke. Soldier at front of APC appears to be stretching, taking a break.m113, armoured personnel carrier, diorama, at rest -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model - Diorama, APC And Infantry Mortor Team
Fire support base. Ammunition resupply by APC to infantry mortor crew in action. Rear hatch of APC open. Mortor crew are in a sandbagged fire position with mortor ammunition ready to fire on sandbags.White playboy bunny logo on gunshielddiorama, armoured personnel carrier, infantry mortor team, ammunition resupply -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model - Diorama, M113 APC Being recovered
M88 Hercules armoured recovery tank with boom crane lifting damaged APC. In the background is another APC providing armed support. A 1/4 tonne trailer is alongside.White US Army stars on both APCs. Foreground APC bears Reg. no. 12827469recovery tank, armoured personnel carrier, diorama, m113, m88 -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model, M-113 APC
APC with Saladin turret and 76mm cannon with crew. Crew hatches open. Carrying two rolled up cam nets. APC is olive green in colour.Armd TAC sign red and yellow divided square. Yellow circle with numeral 12.m-113, armoured personnel carrier, model -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model, M-113 APC
APC with Saladin turret and 76mm cannon. Gunner's hatch is open. No crew visible. APC is coloured oflive green.Armd TAC sign red and yellow divided square. Yellow circle with numeral 12.m-113, armoured personnel carrier, model -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Model, M-S77 Command Post Vehicle
APC variant with additional headroom and aux motor to provide power when stationary. Carried additional radios and crew. Used for artillery and signals.Tank is coloured olive green.armoured personnel carrier, m-s77, command post vehicle, model -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Memorabilia of Paul S Donohoe, 2002-2004
Contains 8 issues of a newsletter titled "Issues" and then later, "Resilience", which was produced by the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service for children of veterans in Tasmania. Paul was the co-editor and major writer.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - veterans - australia, children of military personnel - australia -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Memorabilia, Memorabilia of Jill & Roger Cheal, 2001
Contains a letter, a Article, Clipping and a copy of a speech their daughter, Georgia gave at a forum in Melbourne titled, the Vietnam War & the next generation. There is also a copy of Time Australia magazine 9 November 1992children of military personnel - australia, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - veterans - australia -
Tramway Heritage Centre
Photograph Album, Ray Pearson's Photo Album - Trams of Victorian Railways, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong
This photo album was collated by Ray Pearson, a tramways history enthusiast and collector. It was donated to the museum in 2012 along with one other photo album, by his grandson.This photo ablum is significant for containing a large volume of historic photographs of vehicles, personnel and events related to the the Victorian tramways - particularly Victorian Railways, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong tramways - from c1920's to c1994.Brown rectangular photo album (landscape format) containing photographs, newsclippings, postcards and other paper documents. The album contains 25 separate leaves plus a front and back cover. The album is bound on the left edge with brown cord, tied in a knot at the front. The spine and page edges are tattered and many of the photographs and documents within are loose.The front cover has a printed decorative border, rectangular in shape with a geometric pattern. The corners of the border also have decorative geometric shapes. Printed inscription within the border: PHOTOGRAPHS Hand written inscription in white-out or white pen: TRAMS of VICTORIAN RLYS. / BALLARAT. BENDIGO. GEELONG. Hand written inscription in black biro pen: RAY PEARSON collection Hand written inscriptions in biro and white-out or white pen for photographs and documents within. Sticker on inside left of back cover. Printed fine rectangular border with logo (depicting a lion holding a flag within a shield shape) and text within. On left: DICKINSON / LION BRAND / PHOTO ALBUMS On right: When ordering ask for / THE LUCETTA / ALBUM / Size of Leaf / No. 3011 10 X 8 / Also Stocked in / No. 3010 8 X 6 / No. 3012 12 X 10 Bottom edge outside of border: BRITISH MADE.victorian railways, photo album, victorian tramways, ray pearson, melbourne tramway museum, ballarat tramways, bendigo tramways, geelong tramways, melbourne tramways, vintage trams, historic tramways, cable tram, steam tram, dickinson, lion brand, lucetta album -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Peter Harclerode, Fighting dirty the inside story of covert operations from Ho Chi Minh to Osama Bin Laden, 2001
In the wake of the September 11th horror, nothing could be timelier than this exploration of world terrorism and the forces that fight it--armies and missions often shrouded in mystery. A foremost expert on guerrilla warfare presents, for the first time, a comprehensive investigation of covert military operations from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Among the revelations: that the CIA handed out shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles "like lollipops" to Osama bin Laden and other mujahadeen leaders, weapons they may now turn against us how British SAS operated inside Afghanistan against the Russians and used "former special forces" personnel for clandestine missions why secret militia and locally recruited fighters successfully defeated guerrillas and terrorists in Oman, Malaya, and Borneo, but could not in Indochina and Algeria and how "fighting dirty" sometimes meant helping drug dealers in exchange for their support. Most relevant is the detailed analysis of why Russia failed to conquer Afghanistan, what we can learn from their experience, and the perils awaiting any invader.Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.625.non-fictionIn the wake of the September 11th horror, nothing could be timelier than this exploration of world terrorism and the forces that fight it--armies and missions often shrouded in mystery. A foremost expert on guerrilla warfare presents, for the first time, a comprehensive investigation of covert military operations from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Among the revelations: that the CIA handed out shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles "like lollipops" to Osama bin Laden and other mujahadeen leaders, weapons they may now turn against us how British SAS operated inside Afghanistan against the Russians and used "former special forces" personnel for clandestine missions why secret militia and locally recruited fighters successfully defeated guerrillas and terrorists in Oman, Malaya, and Borneo, but could not in Indochina and Algeria and how "fighting dirty" sometimes meant helping drug dealers in exchange for their support. Most relevant is the detailed analysis of why Russia failed to conquer Afghanistan, what we can learn from their experience, and the perils awaiting any invader. special forces - operations - 20th century, special forces - operations - 20th century -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Naval Institute, U-boat adventures : firsthand accounts from World War II, 2010
Twenty-two U-boat veterans tell their stories in this collection of their experiences, recorded by the author during several years of travel throughout Germany. While many books have been written about the U-boat war, this is one of the few that focuses on the lives of the submariners, and rarer still is its concentration on the crewmen rather than the officers. Melanie Wiggins interviewed seventeen men of the enlisted ranks, along with five commanders, to take readers into the terrifying world of underwater warfare, where every single crewman made a crucial difference in the fate of his boat. As she searched for and interviewed U-boat men, Wiggins also collected photographs from scrapbooks and archives, and consulted war-era personnel records and secret diaries. Her attendance at a reunion of the crew of U-682 netted a wealth of information as did her interviews with submarine veterans in Gؤrlitz, former East Germany. Her interviews with Admiral Otto Kretschmer just two months before his death and ninety-four-year-old Commander Jѓrgen Wattenberg in Hamburg add important dimensions to the work. Among the individual sagas included are Radioman Hans Bѓrck's description of his 1942 patrol to Aruba and the visit of Japanese submarine I-30 at Lorient; Fireman 2nd Class Josef Erben's explanation of how his boat, U-128, got stuck on a large rock and had to be hauled free; POW Ernst Gؤ:thling's memories of being wounded in a British prison camp when German planes mistakenly dropped bombs in the area.Index, bibliography, notes, ill, p.250.non-fictionTwenty-two U-boat veterans tell their stories in this collection of their experiences, recorded by the author during several years of travel throughout Germany. While many books have been written about the U-boat war, this is one of the few that focuses on the lives of the submariners, and rarer still is its concentration on the crewmen rather than the officers. Melanie Wiggins interviewed seventeen men of the enlisted ranks, along with five commanders, to take readers into the terrifying world of underwater warfare, where every single crewman made a crucial difference in the fate of his boat. As she searched for and interviewed U-boat men, Wiggins also collected photographs from scrapbooks and archives, and consulted war-era personnel records and secret diaries. Her attendance at a reunion of the crew of U-682 netted a wealth of information as did her interviews with submarine veterans in Gؤrlitz, former East Germany. Her interviews with Admiral Otto Kretschmer just two months before his death and ninety-four-year-old Commander Jѓrgen Wattenberg in Hamburg add important dimensions to the work. Among the individual sagas included are Radioman Hans Bѓrck's description of his 1942 patrol to Aruba and the visit of Japanese submarine I-30 at Lorient; Fireman 2nd Class Josef Erben's explanation of how his boat, U-128, got stuck on a large rock and had to be hauled free; POW Ernst Gؤ:thling's memories of being wounded in a British prison camp when German planes mistakenly dropped bombs in the area.world war 1939 – 1945 –naval operations - germany, germany - u-boats -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Random House, Write home for me : a red cross women in Vietnam, 2006
Working as a journalist at the Adelaide Advertiser in 1966, Jean Debelle yearned to be involved in the biggest story of the decade - the Vietnam War. But only male journalists in Australia were being sent to cover the escalating conflict. Instead, she volunteered to work in Vietnam for the Red Cross to tend to the non-medical welfare of the sick and wounded ANZAC forces. Jean had planned to report on the war in spare moments - but there were none. For one year she lived in the spotlight: a young Australian woman among 5,000 men. This intimate personal account is told from the rare and compassionate perspective of a young woman living close to the battlefront. Jean tells of the resilience of the soldiers in the face of daily atrocities and of the international medical personnel fighting to save lives and to rebuild shattered bodies and minds. It is also the story of the Vietnamese, struggling to maintain not just their traditions but their very lives in the face of brutal hardship. With infectious humour, Jean tells of striving to be like a sister to the men when sex was in the very air they breathed. But she experienced stark terror when she faced a crazed gunman, had a close call in a minefield and was caught in the midst of a Vietnamese skirmish. Jean also offers an unvarnished look at the Australians' worst battle in Vietnam, Long Tan, and their worst landmine disaster. With unblinking candour, she writes of the harsh realisation that after nine months in Vietnam she had grown cold to the unrelenting horror of war. From diaries, letters and Red Cross reports, Jean Debelle Lamensdorf has researched and written a story not only of tragedy but also of hope and humour. It is a compelling adventure story - and one of love.Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.302.non-fictionWorking as a journalist at the Adelaide Advertiser in 1966, Jean Debelle yearned to be involved in the biggest story of the decade - the Vietnam War. But only male journalists in Australia were being sent to cover the escalating conflict. Instead, she volunteered to work in Vietnam for the Red Cross to tend to the non-medical welfare of the sick and wounded ANZAC forces. Jean had planned to report on the war in spare moments - but there were none. For one year she lived in the spotlight: a young Australian woman among 5,000 men. This intimate personal account is told from the rare and compassionate perspective of a young woman living close to the battlefront. Jean tells of the resilience of the soldiers in the face of daily atrocities and of the international medical personnel fighting to save lives and to rebuild shattered bodies and minds. It is also the story of the Vietnamese, struggling to maintain not just their traditions but their very lives in the face of brutal hardship. With infectious humour, Jean tells of striving to be like a sister to the men when sex was in the very air they breathed. But she experienced stark terror when she faced a crazed gunman, had a close call in a minefield and was caught in the midst of a Vietnamese skirmish. Jean also offers an unvarnished look at the Australians' worst battle in Vietnam, Long Tan, and their worst landmine disaster. With unblinking candour, she writes of the harsh realisation that after nine months in Vietnam she had grown cold to the unrelenting horror of war. From diaries, letters and Red Cross reports, Jean Debelle Lamensdorf has researched and written a story not only of tragedy but also of hope and humour. It is a compelling adventure story - and one of love. vietnam war 1961-1975 – australian involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 - red cross - women