This diorama is the central feature in the World War 2 Gallery - South West Pacific area. Soldiers are shown still wearing khaki uniforms including shorts. Details include helmet, .303 SMLE rifles, small pack and fighting order. Japanese "Woodpecker" machine gun is show abandoned beside the track.1:1 scale diorama showing Australian patrol advancing up the Kokoda Track in light fighting order circa August 1942.kokoda

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 2 Gallery - New Guinea and Islands area. A private soldier is shown in mixture of green and khaki uniforms, US style long leggings, long trousers with Thompson and Owen guns.The diorama shows the gradual introduction of green uniform elements and recognition of passive anti malaria measures (long sleeve and long pants)1:1 scale diorama showing soldier of Australian soldier of the 7th Division at the time of the advance into the Markham and Ramu Valleys, September 1943ramu, markham, shaggy ridge, 7th division, 9th division

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 1 Gallery - 1918 experience. The figure shows details of the Lewis gun and webbing including the documented but irregular positioning of the entrenching tool.The diorama text discusses the transition from manpower to firepower with the restructure of infantry battalions to incorporate more light machine guns and to give the platoon an all round versus specialist capability. The increase in firepower and the reduction to three from four battalions in an infantry regiment in part offset the decline in voluntary recruitment. The offensive capabilities of an infantry battalion was therefore generally maintained but with 700 men instead of 1100 when fully manned .1:1 scale diorama showing a Lewis gunner of 44th Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Division, Australian Imperial Force in May 1918amiens, last 100 days, lewis gun, spring offensive

Universal / Bren Gun Carrier

This gun sight was brought home from WWI (1914-1918) by members of the 13th Battery 5th Field Artillery Brigade (Albury Battery) as a souvenir of its action in the first battle of Bullecourt April 1917. On one occasion during the battle the Battery was surrounded by a German counter attack. They dragged their guns out of the gun pits and continued firing to the flanks and rear and supported the Australian counter penetration attack which restored the situation. After the war a recreational reserve in Albury NSW was named Noreuil Park after the French village near where the action occurred.A rare object with significant connection to Albury NSW and its citizen soldiers who served with the AIF in WWI (1914-1918). The engraving gives it close association with the recreational park in Albury named after the French village of Noreuil and honouring the soldiers who fought there with great courage. Range drum portion of the sighting mechanism from an 18 Pounder field gun made of brass and other metals. The object is engraved with the word NOREUIL and the date 2.4.17.Serial No 5459; and NOREUIL 2.4.17gun sight, noreuil, albury, 13th battery

Battery Quartermaster Sergeant Harold Bauerle served with the Albury Battery in the 1920s and 1030s. Shortly following Federation the military unit in Albury was redesignated No 4 New South Wales Battery Australian Field Artillery (AFA). It was under the command of Major John Wilkinson, an Albury solicitor and comprised about 100 citizen soldiers, 4 guns and about 40 horses. Training centred on the Albury Drill Hall located in Victoria Street. A reorganisation in 1912 resulted in the Battery being named No 17 Battery AFA. When war broke out in 1914 the Battery then under the command of Major Joseph Shellshear, and Albury doctor, offered its services as a trained artillery battery to the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). The Battery cooled its heels and continued to train till July 1915 when a second division was raised in the AIF and trained artillery was needed. When the call came 150 officers and men of the 17th Battery went into the AIF, many to the 13th Battery with Major Shellshear in command and others to other AIF batteries of the 4th and 5th Artillery Brigades. The 13th Battery was adopted immediately by the townsfolk of Albury as the Albury Battery. The Battery served in France and Belgium and was involved in all the major battles fought by the Australians perhaps most notably at Noreuil where the Battery found itself surrounded but continued to fight till eventually the enemy was driven back. Following the war members of the Battery nominated this battle as their most significant achievement and consequently a newly developed recreational reserve on the Murray River foreshore was named Noreuil Park. In 1919 the Battery resumed training as part of the Citizen Military Forces or Militia. Changes of title were frequent, first 27th Battery, then 60th Battery and finally 40th Battery AFA. Battery commanders included Captain Leslie Colquhoun, an Albury real estate agent, Captain Roy Collings, Albury town clerk and Captain Clifton Mott a newspaper editor. The Depression of the early 1930s almost brought about the closure of the Albury Battery but it survived through the intervention of the mayor, Alderman Alfred Waugh, who made direct representation to the Minister for Defence. When the Second World War erupted in 1939, the Battery was at full strength and a rich source of officers and trained men for the second AIF. Militia training of the few remaining officers and Albury adopted the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion which had been raised at the Showground. Following WWII, CMF soldiering recommenced in the form of an armoured regiment, the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. After nearly a half a century of service in war and peace the Albury Battery has faded and exists now in this collection of objects and images. This trophy is representative of community support for a Citizen Military Forces unit drawn from a regional NSW Town in the period between the World Wars.Silver cup with two handles mounted on Bakelite base being the McClure Cup for most efficient NCO in Albury Battery 1935-36 . inscription on side of cup."McClure Cup / for / Most efficient NCO / 1935-36 / won by / BQMS H.C. Bauerle"bauerle h c bqms, albury battery, mcclure cup

Guns arriving in Warrnambool for Warrnambool and Port Fairy ArtilleryBlack and White Photograph of Soldiers standing on train carriages with guns and gun carriages aboarddefence, guns, artillery, rail, railway, soldiers, warrnambool, port fairy

bore sighting telescope for 6 pounder anti-tank cannon for calibration & testing; the canon was used in WW2 by British & other forces. Australian Army had about 100Bore sighting telescope 57mm for 6 pounder Anti-tank gun in painted wooden caseCase: #7, MK2, V1/05 588 GAtelescope bore sighting, w ottway & co ealing, artillery, 6 pounder cannon, world war 2

The collection of thirteen model horse drawn vehicles were carefully handmade by Mr Chas W Davis 1925 - 2002. He was a talented artist and saw doctor. These models are of single horse drawn military gun carriages and accessories.Three gun carriages: 1. A brown four wheeled wooden model of a gun carriage for military use with a white horse. The carriage wheels have black rims with grey painted spokes. There is a brown storage box at the front for the driver with a brown vinyl padded seat.Three wooden slats form the footrest. A gun cleaning rod and lighter rod are attached to the back of the narrow support tray towards the back wheels. The saddled horse is linked to the carriage by a wooden shaft. A gun carriage is a frame and mount that supports the gun barrel of an artillery piece allowing it to be maneuvered and fired. These platforms often had wheels so that the artillery pieces could be moved more easily. 2. A brown large two wheeled gun carriage with no horse. The wheels have grey painted spokes and black rims. There is a cleaning rod and a lighting rod attached to the carriage shaft near the wheels. An additional accessory is included of a black vinyl saddle with lambswool lining as well as clips for attaching to the horse tack. 3. A grey two large wheeled gun carriage with no horse. The wheels have grey painted spokes and black rims. There is a cleaning rod and a lighting rod attached to the carriage shaft near the wheels. There is a chain to attach the carriage to the horse tack.56 VIR (3rd VIR)military vehicles, military models, gun carriages, military equipment

Charles Frederick Clark was 1 of 3 sons of Thomas and Elizabeth Clark of Bonegilla who served in WW1. Charles, Ernest and Thomas were the eldest children of a family of 12 children. At the age of 25, Charles enlisted in 13th Light Horse Brigade 1st Reinforcement on 25 January 1915. He was later transferred to the 2nd Division Artillery Column and the 4th Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery. Charles served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. As a result of his actions at the Third Battle of Morlancourt on the Western Front, Charles was awarded the Military Medal. The citation for the medal read:- Awarded: Military Medal 24th June 1918 Recommended by: Brigadier-General O. F. Phillips Commanding 2nd Division Artillery Column Action for which commended: 637 Bombardier Charles Frederick Clark 868 Bombardier (T/Corporal) George Traill McLennan "On the night 10/11th June 1918 during the attack South of MORLANCOURT near ALBERT, these NCOs showed great courage and determination under most trying conditions. They were each in charge of 6” Newton Mortars which had very important tasks. Just prior to the attack their gun positions were very heavily shelled and this continued throughout the barrage fire covering the advance. The work of these NCOs, who could not remain under cover all the time, was extremely dangerous, the enemy batteries having the range exactly. Their great gallantry set a splendid example of coolness to their men." (Signed) C. Rosenthal, Major General Commanding 2nd Australian Division He also received the 1914-15 Star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.This uniform is significant as it was worn by a Wodonga District resident who received the Military Medal which was awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire during World War 1.Khaki Australia WW1 uniform for AIF. This uniform has 2 external patch chest pockets and 2 internal pockets with opening flap. It has 5 central buttons and 4 pocket buttons. There is a buttoned down epaulet on each shoulder and unit badges sewn onto each arm. An AIF Rising collar badge is on each peak of the collar. A strip of service ribbons is attached at the top of one chest pocket.australian military uniforms, ww1 bonella, military medal, 13th light horse, 4th australian medium trench mortar battery

A greeting card published by the Australian Comforts Fund for Christmas and New Year 1918-19. It shows important battles involving Australians in 1918. A painting of Villers Brettonneux battle on 8 August 1918 by Captain Will Longstaff who was an A.I.F. War Artist with an explanation of the offensive. Also a painting of the capture of Hamel Village on 4th July 1918 where Australians were assisted by a detachment of Americans. The war artist was A. Pearse. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from J.B. McLean. Some of the text: 'On the night of 24th August 1918, the Australians made a daring and clever counter attack in the darkness, recaptured Villers-Brettonneux, stopped the German advance and saved Amiens. This, and the Battle of Hamel, were only a prelude to the smashing advance which commenced on 8th August. Extract from Australian Corps Order, issued on 7th August:- "For the first time in the history of this Corps all five Australian Divisions will tomorrow engage in the largest and most important battle operation ever undertaken by the Corps." 85,000 Australians were engaged (with Canadians on their right and British Divisions on their left), supported by powerful artillery, tanks and aeroplanes. In this battle 7,000 prisoners, 150 guns with an immense number of machine guns and war material were captured. On August 31st and September 1st and 2nd Mont St. Quentin and Peronne fell to the Australians in three days, defeating the flower of the Prussian Guard.'A example of publications made for the troops in World War 1.A greeting card published for the Australian Comforts Fund in 1918.Greetings from Billworld war one, souvenir

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak

This framed photograph is of the Victoria Challenge Shield which was presented in 1888 by the Warrnambool firm of Cramond and Dickson for competition among the Victoria Garrison Artillery members in Victoria. There were 8 garrison groups in Victoria at that time. The shield was 22 inches wide and two feet six inches high.The quality of the shield can be gauged by that fact that it was exhibited at the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1888 and was one of the items inspected by Queen Victoria. The stipulation by the donors was that the competition had to be held in Warrnambool. The Warrnambool artillery group won the trophy in 1898 and this is noted in one of the newspaper cuttings included with the photograph of the shield. The Cramond and Dickson general store in Warrnambool was founded in 1855 by John Cramond and James Dickson and was a prominent business in Warrnambool until it closed in 1973. This photograph is of considerable interest as it is a reminder of the Victoria Challenge Shield that was a competition prize for competing groups of the Victoria Garrison Artillery in the times when volunteer militia groups were strong in Victorian country towns ( from the 1860s to the beginning of the First World War). This is a framed oval photograph of the Victoria Challenge Shield. The photograph is of poor production and fading. The shield details include images of War and Peace, Coat of Arms, militia figures and guns and a rifle match (in the centre). There are two newspaper cuttings included in the frame and a handwritten date. The photograph has a beige background and is under glass in a wooden frameVictoria Challenge Shield inspected by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen at the Glasgow International Exhibition 24th August 1888 presented by Messrs Cramond & Dickson Warrnambool cramond & dickson warrnambool, victoria challenge shield, garrison artillery groups in victoria

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Gunners of 161 Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery attached to 1st Australian Field Regiment prepare their gun in parade ground order to carry out a copy book gun drill and firing for visiting NZ politicians (circa Feb 1967)photograph, 161 battery, 161 battery rnza, 1st australian field regiment, gunner, gibbons collection catalogue, nz politicians, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of 7 RAR Fire Support Base, housing the Battalions direct artillery support, 106 Battery. The Fire support Base also contained the Battalions Mortar Platoon, while the guns and mortars were "in the open", the Battalion elements were in the "scrub. (Circa May 1970)photograph, 7 rar, 106 field battery, gibbons collection catalogue, fire support base, mortar platoon, artillery support, denis gibbons

Harold Thomas Victor George joined the Australian Imperial Force on 19 May 1916. He was 19 years old at the time. In October of 1916, Harold embarked for overseas deployment, arriving in Plymouth in January 1917. In October 1917 he received a gun shot wound and compound fracture to his upper thigh while on active duty. He was hospitalised at Rouen, later transferred to England and, in May 1918, returned to Australia for discharge. Harold's mother, Amelia George, was listed on his attestation papers as his next of kin, with a note that his father was absent. Amelia lived in Murrembeena. It's likely Harold lived with his mother as well, while working on the Victorian Railways. Sepia toned photograph of a man in a World War I uniform, adhered to heavy brown card.Handwritten on reverse: George / 1916 / Bombardier / Harold George / Field Artillery / Brigade / AIF / No. 27511 world war i, military uniform, field artillery

One of two sets of stereographs donated by the O'Beirne family along with a stereoscope for viewing (Stereoscope is Registration no. 2014-51).Stereographic image showing two men standing beneath two 12-inch guns, nicknamed 'Ben' and 'Jim', on board a U.S. naval vessel."12,817. THE AMERICAN FLEET IN AUSTRALIA. The two 12-in. guns, 'Ben' / and 'Jim', on the U.S. battleshiop Louisiana."stereographs, artillery, american fleet

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a gun crew member of the 103 Battery, reseting his gun during a fire mission in support of infantry operating on a search and destroy mission, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam (Circa 1967). The digger is wearing ear plugs for protection against the sound of the gun.photograph, artillery, 103 battery, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak

This cannon ball formed the basis of a discussion with artillerist Peter Webster and historical society members in 2011. The following ideas were put forward. It was approximately 5 inches in diameter and weighed 10lb, Such cannon balls were used in an 18 calibre cannon, which were used only on ships. (12 calibre guns were field artillery). Australia was behind England in its artillery use and used hand me downs. In the 1800's Australia did an audit of artillery and cleared out those no longer in use. By the time of the 1830's 18lb cannons were largely obsolete and removed from service Australia used 18 calibre cannons in Northern Australia at Port Essington and Fort Dundas (Melville Island) Perhaps this cannon ball has no real connection with Australia and came as ballast from some other country.This is one of the more interesting items in our collection and there has been much conjecture over the years as to the story of how it ended up in Warrnambool. In that way it has built its own mystery and provenanceRound metal ball measuring 5 inches in diameter, weighing 10lb. The surface is pitted with the original surface visible in some parts.defence, war, ships, cannon ball, exploration, warrnambool, warrnambool history, warrnambool cannonball

The Ordnance QF 18-pounder was the standard British field gun of the First World War and was used by both British and Commonwealth Forces. It was horse drawn until the army replaced horses with motor vehicles in the 1930s. The gun was still in use with the Australian Army in the early days of WW2 until replaced by more modern 25 pounder gun/howitzers. Rimmed brass shell with iron and steel projectile.18 PR II M.A.C. 255 F BA 19816 1916artillery

The Ordnance QF 25-pounder was the major British field gun and howitzer during the Second World War. Many Commonwealth countries used them during WW2 and Australia produced the guns at General Motors Holden. They were renowned for their rapid rate of fire and when firing at maximum range (12,253m -13,400yds) one gun could have up to 5 shells in the air at once. In North Africa during WW2, they were sometimes called upon to act as anti-tank guns. A shortened and lightened version of the gun was made in Australia and used in jungle operations.Steel conical projectile25 PR MK 1 L35 ME 11/54

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of an oblique view of 7 RAR Fire Support Base, housing the Battalions direct artillery support, 106 Battery. The FSB also contained the Battalion's mortar platoon. The guns and mortars were 'on the open' and the Battalion elements can be seen, under cover, in the 'scrub'. (Circa May 1970)photograph, 7 rar, fire support base, 106 field battery, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, artillery support, mortor platoon

Item in the Cooper Collection. Hard cover book with dust cover. Hardcover - cardboard, with adhered mid blue colour buckram. White colour print on spine. Dust cover - glossy paper, white colour print front and spine, black colour print on flaps. Front - illustrated colour photographs of artillery. 249 pages - cut, plain white colour paper. Illustrated - black and white photographs and illustrations.publications, books, army, artillery, cooper collection

This silver trophy is named "Sir W. Clarke's Trophy" after its donor. Sir William John Clarke, Baronet, who was a citizen and philanthropist, well known in Melbourne and throughout Victoria. He gave donations to many public projects including Melbourne University and was a patron of many and varied sports. He encouraged the defence services with prizes for competitions among both military and naval forces. In colonial Australia in the 1880s there was an increase in the size of the colonial military forces, rising from 8,000 in 1883 to 22, 000 in 1885. In 1885 there was a return of unpaid volunteer soldiers, along with a fear of a Russian attack on Australia. As a result, the Sir W.J. Clarke's Trophy was given as a prize in 1885 to Victorian Militia Garrison Battery competition winners, for artillery firing target accuracy. On 12th December 1885, the conclusion of the first artillery competition for Sir W. Clarke's Trophy was held at the Williamstown battery. The first winner of the Sir W. Clarke's Trophy was the Geelong Garrison Battery, with the prize Sir W. Clark's Trophy presented to them in 1886. In 1887 Warrnambool Garrison Artillery, under the command of Major W.S. Helpman, was the proud winner of the Sir W. Clarke’s Trophy. The contest was held at Point Gellibrand with the trophy formally unveiled at the Warrnambool orderly-room on 3rd August 1887. In June 1892 the annual competition was held at the Gellibrand battery in Williamstown. The canvas targets were moored at sea and fired upon from three breech-loading guns mounted on disappearing carriages. Each team was allowed 4 shots fired from each of the 3 guns. An article in the Portland Guardian stated that "the Warrnambool team is certainly looked upon as the certain winners." The same article reported that In this particular year the Government withdrew its previous award of 10-pound cash to the men of the winning team, described in the Portland Guardian as a petty economy of the Government. As the Warrnambool Militia Garrison Artillery had won the Trophy, for the third time, they became Absolute Possessors of the prize. The Trophy is locally significant to the community of Warrnambool for its connection to the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps., which formed part of the original Warrnambool Garrison to protect the Warrnambool Harbour. The site of the 1888 Warrnambool Garrison and Fortifications is Victorian State Heritage-listed is significant for its intact and operational nature and is one of the best-preserved pieces of Victoria's early colonial heritage.This is the Sir W. Clarke's Trophy for the Victorian Militia Garrison Artillery, first presented in 1886. The silver trophy with lid rests on a square black timber base that displays award shields on each side edge. Inside the hollow trophy is a removable copper alloy bowl with a wide edge. The inner walls of the trophy are unpolished and there is a metal bracing plate between the sides and fitted metal bolts with nuts and washers. near the base. The large, elaborately decorated, silver bowl has a conical pedestal, two handles on the top edge of the bowl and a matching fitted lid. Much of the decoration is three-dimensional. Fine, detailed decoration includes a semi-kneeling figure with an upturned face on top of the lid, vine-like handles resting on necks of swans with outspread wings, figures seated on a ridge, two on each side, with ends of limbs hanging over the ridge, two holding lyres, patterns of leaves, flowers and draped ribbons. The timber base is painted black on the outside. The engraved silver shields around its sides have inscriptions of trophy winners and the name of the trophy. There is a handwritten, pencil inscription of the date 1887 under the timber base. The first award was made in 1886 and the last in 1892. The Warrnambool Garrison wond this trophy three times, including the last award given.Front centre large shield; “VICTORIAN MILITIA / GARRISON ARTILLERY / SIR W. CLARKE’S / TROPHY” Left side, right shield; “1886 / WON BY / GEELONG / GARRISON BATTERY / Major J PRICE / COMMANDING OFFICER” Front, right shield; ” 1887 / WON BY / WARRNAMBOOL / GARRISON ARTILLERY / Major W.S. Helpman / COMMANDING OFFICER” Left side shield: “1888 / WON BY / NORTH MELBOURNE / Garrison Battery / Major F.R.Y. Goldstein / Commanding Officer” Right side, left shield; “1889. / WON BY / WARRNAMBOOL / Garrison Battery / Major W.S. Helpman / Commanding Officer” Right side, centre shield; “1890 / WON BY / HARBOUR TRUST / BATTERY / Major J.H. Haydon / Commanding Officer” Right side, right shield; “1891 / WON BY / WILLIAMSTOWN / BATTERY /l Major W.H. Hall / Commanding Officer” Back, left shield; “1892 / WON BY / WARRNAMBOOL / Garrison Battery / Major W.S. Helpman / Commanding Officer” In pencil underneath timber base “1887”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sir w. clarke's trophy, warrnambool volunteer rifle corps, statistics of warrnambool volunteer rifle corps, warrnambool volunteer rifle company, warrnambool rifle volunteers, warrnambool garrison, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, trophy, garrison, competition, prize, winners

The charge of the 21st Lancers in September 1898 was one of the last full-scale cavalry charges of the British Army. The battle took place 6.4 km. (four miles) outside Omdurman, just north of Khartoum and marked the culmination of Major-General Sir Horatio Herbert (later Field Marshal, 1st Earl) Kitchener's campaign for the re-conquest of the Sudan, the 2nd Sudan War (1896-1898).At the Battle of Omdurman (2 September 1898), an army commanded by the British General Sir Herbert Kitchener defeated the army of Abdullah al-Taashi, the successor to the self-proclaimed Mahdi, Muhammad Ahmad. Kitchener was seeking revenge for the 1885 death of General Gordon. It was a demonstration of the superiority of a highly disciplined army equipped with modern rifles, machine guns, and artillery over a force twice their size armed with older weapons, and marked the success of British efforts to re-conquer the Sudan. Timber framed print depicting mounted soldiers in battleOmdurman Charge of 21st Lancers21st lancers, omdurman, sudan