The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December. The port continued to be held by the Allies until its surrender on 21 June 1942. HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970'sMervyn Hutchins owned this jacket. He was both a RAT of Toburk and a patient at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Navy blue woolen jacket pocket with embroideryLarge letter T with red crown. Overlay of the RATS of Tobruk logo with Victoria embroidered across the bottomrats of tobruk, wwii, world war two, second world war, uniforms, mervyn hutchins collection

Sir Zelman Cowan, Governor General of Australia, made a visit to Bandiana to present the Sovereign's Banner to the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC). The 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Light Horse Heritage Troop provided a mounted escort for Sir Zelman and Lady Cowan. The escort was under the command of Captain (later Major) Robert Morrison, a keen horseman, who had been the prime mover in raising the Heritage Troop. All riders were serving soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles and their horsed activities were additional to their normal training responsibilities. Black and white photograph of Lieutenant R Morrison riding Cherokee (left) and Sergeant S Berg riding Postie (right) either side of a car carrying the Governor General Sir Zelman Cowan at Bandiana 4 December 1981.bandiana, light horse, morrison, berg, sir zelman cowan, governor general

Sir Zelman Cowan, Governor General of Australia, made a visit to Bandiana to present the Sovereign's Banner to the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC). The 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Light Horse Heritage Troop provided a mounted escort for Sir Zelman and Lady Cowan. The escort was under the command of Captain (later Major) Robert Morrison, a keen horseman, who had been the prime mover in raising the Heritage Troop. All riders were serving soldiers of A Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles and their horsed activities were additional to their normal training responsibilities. Black and white photograph of light horse escort to Governor General Sir Zelman Cowan at Bandiana 4 December 1981. Riders are Lieutenent R Morrison, Sergeant S Berg, Corporals F Reynolds, A Florient, Lance Corporal Milgate, Troopers C Ellison, K Dudley, Anderson, McDonald.light horse, morrison, bandiana, sir zelman cowan

This poster, published by the State Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, depicts Lieutenant Albert JACKA, VC, as a role model for a huge campaign to enlist sportsmen into the Australian Imperial Force in 1917. Jacka achieved instant fame back home when he became the first Australian to win the Victoria Cross during the First World War. It was said that one of the reasons he was such a good soldier, and had such a fighting attitude, was that he had been a boxer before the war. The campaign to enlist sportsmen was fuelled by a strong belief that by playing sport young men developed specific skills and qualities that could be used on the battlefield.Representative of two common recruiting devices used in Australia, a well-known local soldier and a target number of men required for a specially named group.Depicts Lieutenant Albert Jacka, VC, as a role model for a huge campaign to enlist sportsmen. Surrounding Jacka are colourful depictions of healthy young men engaged in a variety of sports: football, rowing, cricket, tennis and golf are amongst the sports.Full Text: Enlist in the Sportsmen's Thousand, Join Together, Train Together, Embark Together, Fight Together, Show the enemy what Australian sporting men can do.albert jacka, ww1, poster

This booklet was issued to householders in Australia giving information on meat rationing during World War Two. Meat was rationed because much of the meat processed in Australia was sent overseas to Britain and to soldiers in war areas. The booklet includes hints on how to make the most of the meat ration. Meat and other key foods such as tea, sugar and butter were rationed during World War Two. Each person in Australia was allowed two meat coupons a week and, depending on the type of meat, this equated to one pound to two pounds of meat per coupon. Products such as sausages, brains, tripe, poultry, rabbits, bacon and ham were not rationed (but few people could afford poultry). This booklet is of interest because it is a memento of the times in World War Two when several food items were rationedThis is a small booklet of 10 pages. The front cover has a beige background with an orange border, red and black printing, a Commonwealth Government crest and a sketch of a casserole dish. The back cover has red and black printing on a beige background. The cover is slightly faded. The pages have red and black sketches and black print. The contents include recipes, meal plans and hints for cooking and storing meat. The booklet has been bound with metal staples. world war two, food rationing in world war two, history of warrnambool

A display folder for a set of 20 cent coins issued in 2015 to commemorate 100 years of Anzac and the First World War. Based on photos chosen from the Australian War Memorial archive, the ANZAC Official Coin Collection includes fourteen coins that have been designed and produced by the Royal Australian Mint to mark significant aspects that occurred in the First World War. Our set contains 13 coins. The First World War themes featured in this collection include the war years, mateship, Light Horsemen, the home front, the Royal Australian Navy, Remembrance Day, Nurses, wartime animals, The Last Post, War Correspondents, Australian Flying Corps, Australian Imperial Force, the Unknown Soldier, and the Gallipoli Landing. Project was issed by the Royal Mint and supported by the Australian War Memorial, Newscorp, Westpac and Legacy. The set, including coins was used as a prize in the JPESA speaking contest that Melbourne Legacy ran for many years until 2022.A type of prize given at a Legacy speaking competition that commemorates World War 1.Cardboard folder for a coin collection to be inserted in. Folds out into 6 sections. Red cord to tie the folder closed.coins, world war one

In the first years after European settlement of Australia, a varied collection of international coins, tradesmen's tokens and promissory notes were used by European settlers, while soldiers participated in the notorious rum trade. In 1825, the British government made the English Pound the only form of legal currency in Australian colonies. With Federation in 1901 the Commonwealth government became the only body with the constitutional power to issue currency. In 1910, nine years after Australia federated as a nation, a national Australian currency was formed, based on the British money system of pounds, shillings and pence. The Australian penny was first minted in England from 1911 to 1915, then in India from 1916 to 1918. Australia started minting most of its own pennies from 1919 until the introduction of decimal currency in 1966. This collection was donated by Mr. Heinz Kaupert of Wodonga. He was an active member of the German-Austrian club of Wodonga. He died in Wodonga in 2014.These coins reflect developments in Australian currency and were donated by a member of the Wodonga Community.A collection of 20 penny and half penny coins mounted in a frame behind glass. They are divided into 3 sections - English currency used as Australian Currency before 1939, Australian coins used 1901 - 1939 and currency used from 1939 - 1966.australian coins pre-decimal, australian penny, australian halfpenny

Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. These postcard scenes include the Sphinx, the Pyramids, Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez including mosques and marketplaces. The Suez Canal was used by troop ships, so this was often the first time soldiers from Australia saw Egyptians. Many troops in World War 1 were stationed first in Egypt (including near Cairo) to train before heading to Gallipoli, Turkey or on to the Western Front. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs (none of these have been written on or posted). He also had a vesta (match) case from Belfast, so it is likely he visited there. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. Postcards as souvenirs or as correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1. These places in Egypt could have been visited by the first Legatees when they were soldiers in World War 1.Postcards x 16 with images from Cairo, Alexandria and Suez in Egypt and a purple card holder that once contained 12 views of Suez (only 3 here).01137.1 Cairo - Sphinx and Pyramids 01137.2 Cairo - Arab Village near the Pyramids 01137.3 Cairo - The Citadel 01137.4 Cairo - General View of the Citadel 01137.5 Cairo - Sebil of Abbassia 01137.6 Cairo - Barrage Bridge 01137.7 Cairo - Native Woman 01137.8 Suez - Market Street 01137.9 Alexandria - San Stefano Casino 01137.10 Alexandria - Native Bazaar new Napoleon's Fort 01137.11 Alexandria - Mohamed Aly Place 01137.12 Alexandria - The Light House 01137.13 Alexandria - Column of Menasce 01137.14 Alexandria - Ramleh Boulevard 01137.15 Suez - The Port -Twefik Quay 01137.16 Suez - Railway Station Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. Different makers.souvenir, world war one

This short history is in a display of photos and a copy of a letter written home by Sgt Carroll to his Aunt.A brief written life history from birth to death of William Carroll service Number 815. As written by a member of Red Cliffs R.S.L. in consultation with the family.Born in Wangaratta in 1891, was a drover and boundary rider in Queensland when enlisted.Sgt. Carroll was one of the original members of the 21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st AIF, which was formed at Broadmeadows early 1915. The battalion embarked from Melbourne on the Uylsses on the 8th May 1915 enroute to the Middle East. Saw action Middle East> Gallipoli>Middle East to reform and reorganise > Western Front> Somme> Bullecourt> Ypres> Somme> Mont St. Quentin> Villiers Bretonneux> Hamel Mutiny./ Sgt. Carroll was twice wounded in action (at Fluers and Broondseinde)and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, with a Sgt Cozens (No 825 also original member, on the 15th September 1916, for exceptional zeal in the performance of their duties and coolness in action, which had a great affect on the moral of their mem. He was discharged medically unfit with gun wounds to his left knee and back. Of the full Battalion strength of the original Officers and men, there were 16 Officers and 24 Or's left. 21st Battalion left buried on foreign soil 47 Officers and 827 Or's. It was the highest decorated Battalion of the 6th Brigade. Listed are some of the Battles and Misfortunes that Sgt. Carrol survived to return to Australia. Torpedoed on the troop ship Southland enroute to Gallipoli 1915;/ First Australian troops to Garrison Cairo; First Australian Infantry Unit into line in France; Last out of the line; Staging a successful mutiny; 21st Battalion was disbanded in 1918. Sgt. Carroll was given block 276 Red Cliffs, he sold his block in 1982. He was interested in Community affairs and was involved in ADFA, RSL, Mildura Club, and Mildura Show Society and was the third last Red Cliffs Soldier Settler to die. He was in his 100th year.medal, distinguished, battalion, aif, 21st, 6th, brigade, 1st, mutiny, gallipoli, wangaratta, 1891, boundary, rider, ulysses, middle, east, western, front, conduct

Photo L to R/ John Howard Prime Minister of Australia shaking hands with John Henry Lockett, in the background is Mr Bruce Reid MHR and behind Jack is Kevin Lockett Jacks son. This photo was taken in the Billiard room of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo on 21 7.1998 when Jack was presented with the French Legion of Honour by the French Ambassador Dominique Giraud. Refer Cat No's 8143, 8144 & 8145.10PFramed photograph of Jack Lockett Aged 107 with the Australian Prime Minister Mr John Howard. Photograph: colour photograph of 2 persons shaking hands with 2 persons in background. Frame: timber with brushed gold coloured paint glass front. Mount: mid-grey colour cardboard. Label plate: gold colour metal bottom centre. Back of frame: Handwriting red ink.Label plate: engraved print. "PRESENTED BY THE / PMC AND MEMBERS/ VICTORIA BARRACKS SERGEANTS MESS" smi, smirsl, photograph, lockett

The posters are photographs of monuments in and around Melbourne. All have a side with the name Palestine. These monuments commemorate the presence of Australian soldiers in Palestine during World War I and their role in the 1917 British capture of Bir Sab'a (Beersheba). Comparative Monument (Palestine), 2012. Proposition for a monument, articulated as nine stacks of 1000 two-sided off-set printed posters for visitors to take away. Posters were also pasted up around RamallahNine posters - white card and colour image. Information written in English and ArabicPalestine zilles printers, war memorials, victoria, avoca, caulfield, coburg, donald, kew, longwarry, mooroopna, north melbourne, terang, palestine, bir sab'a, be'er sheva, commemorate australian soldiers in palestine, ramallah

A newspaper cutting from 1934 showing the crowd at the opening ceremony of the Shrine of Remembrance. The Shrine was officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester. The caption says 'Marshalled at the Shrine in hundreds of thousands, troops of all arms and services returned soldiers of Australian, British and Dominion units, and a countless mass of citizens, yesterday witnessed the ceremony of dedication performed by the Duke of Gloucester. This aerial view of the vast crows was taken as the Duke and his escort arrived at the southern steps.Early legatees fought hard to have the Shrine of Remembrance accepted as the preferred form of commemoration of the first World War. Early legatees would have been at this ceremony and kept this clipping as a memento.Double page spread in The Sun News-pictorial newspaper on 12 November 1934 after the opening of the Shrine.shrine of remembrance, wreath laying ceremony

This is a set of five photographs featuring 4th Field Survey Squadron work areas at Keswick Barracks, Adelaide SA in 1994.This is a set of five photographs featuring 4th Field Survey Squadron work areas at Keswick Barracks, Adelaide South Australia, in November 1994. The colour photos are on 35mm negative film and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 96 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1994. Work area. .2) - Photo, colour, 1994. Unidentified Warrant Officer’s office. .3) - Photo, colour, 1994. Work area. .4) - Photo, colour, 1994. Work area. SSGT Brian Collings. .5) - Photo, colour, 1994. Office work. Unidentified soldier..1P to .5P – There are no personnel identified. royal australian survey corps, rasvy, 4 fd svy sqn

From the title page - "NOTHING OVER US/ The story of/ The 2/6th Australian Infantry Battalion" Part of the "William (Bill) THOMASON" Collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Hardcover book with dust cover. Cover - cardboard, mid brown colour buckram, gold colour print on spine. Dust cover - paper, white and dark green colour print on front and spine on dark green, mid brown and cream colour background. Front illustration - brown colour crayon drawing of an Australian soldier. Flaps - white colour printed information. 604 pages, cut, plain white colour paper. Illustrated black and white and colour photographs, maps and drawings. End papers - front and back - sepia toned photograph of troops on Parade, background streetscape of trees and tram. publications, books, history 2/6th infantry battalion, william (bill) thomason collection

See Cat 4867.2 Small booklet - Khaki cardboard cover, with black printing on it. It has the Australian Coat of Arms near the top centre. At top of cover are spaces for NR, rank and name. The book has 40 pages. Page 4 has soldiers name and NR etc. P.10 has clothing issues. P.22 has personal equipment issued. P.26 Record of leave. P34 has x pay records. P.35 Chevrons issued. P.36 Medals. p.37 Medical classification. P.38 Vaccinations and innoculations, P.40 Next of kin.Front cover, written VX119118 Pte Letts R.C. service record, ww2

Refer service of Pte BASIL DARBY SX9423 2/14 Bn.1. Pamphlet, 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service, Sunday, 19 Feb 2012, Darwin Cenotaph. This is a single sheet of cardboard folded to make 4 pages. The image on the front is an Aust soldier in steel helmet, looking over from a ships rail at a column of smoke rising from the edge of the Harbour. 2. Pamphlet - frontline Australia Ball - 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. This is 4 sheets of stiff paper - colour printing. It has images, messages from politicians, maps. 3. This is a single small strip of cardboard - useful as a bookmark. It is for the 70th Anniversary of Bombing of Darwin at frontline Australia. It is for a dance dated 18 Feb 2012. 4. Card. Invitation to the Ball from Chief Minister of NT to Mr Basil Darby and Guest. 70th Anniversary of Bombing. Dated - Sunday 19 Feb 2012darwin ww2, darwin 70th anniversary ball

Three volumes. Dark Blue hard covers with dust jackets Author MajGen RR McNicoll CBE. .1) Ubique the royal Australian Engineers 1835-1902 "the colonial Engineers." Blue and While dust jacket with soldier in red and navy uniform standing with sword in right hand 203 PP .2) The Royal Engineers 1902 - 1919 " Making and Breaking." 232 PP. Author Maj Gen RR McNicoll CBE, cream and sepia coloured dust jacket photograph of the building of Watson's Rer Anzac Cove June 1915. .3) The Royal Australian Engineers 1919 -1945 "Teeth and Tail." 432 PP Author Maj Gen RR McNicoll CBE AM. Cream and Sepia coloured dust jacket photograph of sappers disarming anti vehicle mines near Derna, Cyremaica 1941..1) .2) .3) Donated by the Batham Family written in ink on title pages,books, military history

A set of thirteen 20 cent coins issued in 2015 to commemorate 100 years of Anzac and the First World War. Based on photos chosen from the Australian War Memorial archive, the ANZAC Official Coin Collection includes fourteen coins that have been designed and produced by the Royal Australian Mint to mark significant aspects that occurred in the First World War. Our set contains 13 coins - missing the Australian Flying Corps. There is also a folder to store the set in. The First World War themes featured in this collection include the war years, mateship, Light Horsemen, the home front, the Royal Australian Navy, Remembrance Day, Nurses, wartime animals, The Last Post, War Correspondents, Australian Flying Corps, Australian Imperial Force, the Unknown Soldier, and the Gallipoli Landing. Project was issed by the Royal Mint and supported by the Australian War Memorial, Newscorp, Westpac and Legacy. The set, including coins was used as a prize in the JPESA speaking contest that Melbourne Legacy ran for many years until 2022.A type of prize given at a Legacy speaking competition that commemorates World War 1.Thirteen uncirculated 20 cent coins in cardboard mount, each commemorating an aspect of World War 1. coins, world war one

Built in 1885 of red brick, the Webster Street Ballarat mansion was once a private hospital designed by architects E. James & Co. The 900sqm building had eight bedrooms, four bathrooms and five living areas plus a large separate bluestone summer house under the main dwelling. Used as a repatriation hospital after World War One, it was later used by St John of God hospital. In 2018 Ballarat OSM moved into the building. "Novar" is typically Victorian with its faceted wrap around verandah with ornate cast iron filigree lacework. The polychromatic clinker brick banding that spreads across the building's facade is also typical of the Victorian era, as is the use of large bay windows to allow light to fill the mansion's formal reception rooms. "Novar" also has exaggerated chimneys with fine stonework detailing. "Novar" was so named in recognition of Lady Helen Hermione Munro Ferguson (1865 - 1941), the wife of the then Governor general Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson (1860-1934). Lady Munro Ferguson was also the Countess of Novar and founder of the Australian Red Cross movement. In 1918 she was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for her war work during the Great War. When her husband's term as Governor-General came to an end in 1920, the Munro Fergusons returned to "Novar House"; an Eighteenth Century residence located north of the village of Evanton in Ross, Scotland. After boom turned to bust, Mr. Stephens sold "Novar" to Mr. John Heinz, a wealthy local butcher. He named the building after his home town - Nieder Weisel. In 1919, "Novar" was the first property in Victoria to be purchased by the Red Cross Society for use as a convalescent home for soldiers wounded in battle. Its size, especially after the 1901 two storey rear extension, and its large gardens, made it a perfect place to nurse the wounded. After the war in 1922, "Novar" continued life as a hospital; the Novar Private Hospital. It was sold in 1956 and reverted to a residence, which it remains to this day, only it is no longer known as "Novar", but "Valhalla". Photographs of the house Novar in Webster St Ballarat. novar, webster street, ballarat, nieder weisel

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. (This Statement of Significance is quoted from the Significance Assessment : Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Book Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, February 2009, by Annette Welkamp, Cultural Connections, for Delise Oldfied, FHMV) References Juvenile Department in Warrnambool Public Library In August 1903 The Age newspaper reported in its Warrnambool news section that “With the object of discouraging boys from reading literature of the “penny dreadful” class, the committee of the local public library has decided to open a juvenile department and to stock it with hundreds of suitable books attractive to the youthful mind.” 100 new novels added to Warrnambool Public Library Shelves In November 1905 The Argue newspaper’s Warrnambool news section announced “The committee of the Public Library is bringing the collection of books more up to date. It has recently added 100 new novels to the shelves, and arrangements have been made for a supply of the latest novels immediately they arrive in the state.” Warrnambool Town Council takes over Mechanics’ Institute, Art Gallery, Public Library, Museum – and will double the building’s size In 1912 The Age reported in its Warrnambool news section “Considerable improvements are being effected by the town council in the most picturesque part of Liebig Street. Between the fire brigade station and the mechanics’ institute and art gallery a vacant block of land is being transformed a garden for carpet bedding and flowering plants. The council, which recently took over the control of the art gallery, public library, museum and mechanics’ institute, is doubling the size of the substantial stone building containing these institutions. The new building will contain a supper room for use in conjunction with functions in the town hall, adjoining, and a new reading room.” Mr Pattison, Public Librarian, says Library has a book per head of population In 1953 The Age reported an interview with the Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison, who said “Warrnambool has an insatiable thirst for reading. And its reading recipe contains a strong dash of fiction – 73 percent of it. Fiction makes up 10,000 of the 13,000 books in the senior section of the public library. That works out at a book per head of population. Warrnambool today is really book minded. This city has an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge as well as fiction. We’re lending 400 books a day. We supply 33 percent of the reading population of Warrnambool.” The reporter goes on to say “Warrnambool Public Library also has an ultra-modern children’s section of 3,400 books, open to every boy and girl attending school in Warrnambool. Mr Pattison hopes to show travel-talk films and install a radiogram in the children’s section “later on”. But it won’t disturb adult reading next door because the junior section is sound proof. “ Mechanics’ Institutes and Museums Mechanics’ Institutes were important sites for collecting in country Victoria … Warrnambool … all had museums attached to Mechanics’ Institutes before the end of the twentieth century” Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Ms Tierney said FHMV holds the collection of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute in three different locations on its site. “The Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1871, was demolished in the 1960s and was one of the oldest in Victoria. “FHMV intends to create a new storage area and bring the collection together in one place which will greatly facilitate access and research. “The collection consists of books and archives dating from the 1850s to 1959s. “Some of the books are rare and valuable but it is unclear as to their relevance to the history of Warrnambool or Victoria,” Ms Tierney said. Warrnambool TAFE History South West TAFE has a long and proud history of providing technical and specialist education, with links back to the formation of the Mechanic’s Institute in 1853. Warrnambool Art Gallery’s History The Warrnambool Art Gallery began in 1886 when retired police officer Joseph Archibald opened its doors in a building behind the mechanics institute in Liebig Street. The Gallery began with an eclectic mix of artworks and museum curios. Before long Archibald mobilised public support and paid for a new gallery annex. Loans and grants allowed the Gallery collection to grow with significant early acquisitions by French, German, and Belgian artists, which were less expensive than British works. Despite its enthusiastic start the economic downturn of the 1890s brought the Collection to a halt. In 1910 the Council took control of the Mechanics Institute and ran the Gallery there until 1963 when the building was allocated for municipal offices. The Collection was dispersed on loan to galleries in Shepparton and Hamilton and not reunited until 1971. In 1986 the Gallery’s Centenary year, a permanent home was built next to the ‘Civic Green’ and named in memory of one its champions Sir Fletcher Jones O.B.E. 2016 Warrnibald Entries Joseph Archibald established the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery in 1886 while his son Jules Francois Archibald founded the Archibald Prize through his bequest of 1919. His aim was to foster portraiture, as well as support artists, and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. Official History of Australia In The War of 1914-18 Vol 4 The Australian Imperial Force in France 1917 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1936 Label on spine cover with typed text PATT 994.04 OFF Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front end pastedown paper has a type written paper that reads "Unknown Soldiers. Last year 795 bodies of British Soldiers of which 47 were Australiands, were recovered from the battlefields of France and Belgium. The High Commissioner ( Mr. S. M. Bruce) states in his annual report that, althoughthe 47 bodies were readily identifiable by their uniforms,caps,and badges and shoulder titles as those of Australian soldeirs, it must be regretfully recorded that in most cases their names will never be known." warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 4, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18, the australian imperial force in france 1917, a.i.f., c e w bean, s. m. bruce

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of all aboriginal unit on paradeAttached to rear - Changing of the Guard at Wangaratta end of 1940 - J A Wright 1940no 9 camp wangaratta, ww2, aboriginal soldiers, 1940

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of 7 aboriginal soldiers with rifles on grass ridge.Attached to rear - Posting sentries - Wangaratta end of 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of aboriginal soldier holding rifle and young girlAttached to rear - Little girl asking Guard if she can go into Showgrounds Wangaratta end of 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of all aboriginal platoon on parade in two row formation during Officer's inspection.Attached to rear - Inspection Platoon by Colonel Rogers Wangaratta Dec1940 - J A Wright 1940no 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white photograph of all aboriginal platoon in single file holding rifles.Attached to rear - Platoon by Colonel Rogers Wangaratta Dec 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon

Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of ANZAC formed at the Gallipoli landings 1915 There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. 1902 - 1991. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun. The Third Pattern Rising Sun Badge. May 1904 The third pattern Rising Sun badge carried a scroll inscribed with the words ‘Australian Commonwealth Military Forces’ and was worn throughout both World Wars. There were, however, a number of variations of the badge; a special version was struck for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 and there were badges of the Commonwealth Horse and the Australian Instructional Corps, each with its respective title on the scrolls. This pattern badge formed the template for all subsequent General Service badges. The most widely accepted version of the origin of this badge is the one that attributes the selection of its design, c1902, to a British Officer, Major General Sir Edward Hutton, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Forces. Hutton had earlier received as a gift from Brigadier General Joseph Gordon, a military acquaintance of long standing, a ‘Trophy-of-Arms’ composed of mounted cut and thrust swords and triangular Martini-Henry bayonets that were arranged in a semi-circle around the Crown. To General Hutton, the shield was symbolic of the cooperation between the naval and military forces of the Empire. This Third Pattern Rising Sun Badge.- May 1904 - was worn on the Slouch hats of soldiers serving in the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces during World War 1 1914-1918World War1 1914-1918, soldier’s, rising sun hat badge, made of oxidised copperRising Sun with central Crown AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH / MILITARY FORCES australian military uniforms, military insignia, badges, city of moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, major general sir edward hutton, anzac, gallipoli, australian imperial forces, ww1 1914-1918

RSL paraphernaliaMedium significancea) Small round red, blue and gold cap badge with gold crown on top with a light green background b) Round blue and silver brooch type badge with a crown on top c) Round key ringa) Front:- Gold Army, Airforce and Navy emblems. Rear on a blue background. Gold lettering TB Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Association of Victoria. Gold crown with 99 on a light ground background. Rear:- Swann & Hudson. Frankston. 3862 b) Front:- Australian Flag on a Silver background. Womens Auxiliary. R.S.S.A.I.L. Crown with 99 on a green background Rear:- Swann & Hudson. Frankston c) Front:- Australian Flag on a Gold background. Gold lettering around the rim, "Women' s Auxiliary. RSL on a blue background with a red crown on top Rear:- blankassociation badges

Item is a commemoration of Vietnam and those who served 1962 - 1973.The item is one of many similar items over the years that commemorates those soldiers who served, suffered and died in Vietnam 1962 1973.Bottle of Port, 750ml with two clear glasses.Bottle label: Iconic picture of soldiers awaiting Dustoff. At top of label: "For all those who suffered and died in Vietnam 1962 - 1973. At bottom of label: Mt Aitken Estates, Calder Highway, Gisborne South, Vic, 3437, Australia. At righthand side of bottom of label: 18% Alc/Vol 750ML. Two clear wine glasses on stem. Transfer on both glasses: Vietnam War Memorial 1992 below which is sketch of the Vietnam Memorial at the Australian War Memorial and below that is "For all those who Served Suffered and Died. Vietnam 1962 - 1973.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. This postcard also records Gallipoli for those who didn't have cameras. This type of souvenir would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1 and many had served at Gallipoli.Postcard showing black and white image of the bridge at Rodah, Guizeh (Giza). Several figures and a tram are also pictured crossing the bridge. A black postal stamp in the top left quadrant of the postcard indicates it was posted from Cairo. The back of the postcard contains a message. Based on the date and location it was posted from, the text could be Egyptian Arabic or it could be Pitman shorthand.Front - “(Guizeh) Nouveau grand pont de Rodah - (Guizeh) New large bridge at Rodah.” Back - “J/15/1912/ CARTE POSTALE / M J?. Hinaul / 20 Rue de Landrecies/ Le Cateau (Nord)/ France/ Ghino Dukich, 21 Rue Nubar Pacha - Le Caire, Egypte/ Serie A No. 25. Reproduction interdite” Stamps - Postes Egyptiennes/ Un Millieme”souvenir, war correspondence

The 11th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF was was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War It was first raised at Black Boy Hill Camp in Western Australia on 17 August 1914 and recruited from militia units. This picture of the 11th Battalion at the Cheops pyramid in Egypt in 1915 was taken just before the landing at Anzac Cove. Not many of the soldiers in this picture survived the 8 month campaign. After the Campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the 11th Battalion went on to serve with distinction in France and Belgium from 1916-18. They returned to Australia at the end of the war and disbanded on the 5 February 1919. The Battalion was awarded a Kings Colour for its service during the war which was held in the of custody the Militia 2/11th Battalion. Prior to leaving Egypt, a photograph of more than 800 original officers and men of the battalion was undertaken at the great pyramid of Cheops This picture was taken just before the landing at Anzac Cove during the First World War. Not many of the soldiers in this picture survived the 8 month campaign. This now famous picture of the 11th Battalion AIF at the Cheops pyramid in Egypt in 1915 is shown throughout military history displays and books the world over.Burgundy frame, black mounting, gold writing with a photo of 11th Battalion soldiers standing and sitting on the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. There are seven rising sun badges beneath photo.ANZACS at War. Fall an ANZAC Rise a legend. The 11th Battalion at the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. We will remember - Lest we forget. Limited edition 4438 of 5000.anzac, wwi, world war 1, cheops, pyramid, soldiers