Index, bibliography, ill (col), p.172.non-fictionOn 7 June 1917, the British Second Army launched its attack on Messines Ridge, detonating 19 giant mines beneath the German front-line positions. By the end of the day, one of the strongest positions on the Western Front had fallen, a place of such importance that the Germans had pledged to hold it at any cost. It was the greatest British victory in three years of war. The first two years of the First World War had represented an almost unending catalogue of disaster for the Australians. Messines was not only their first real victory, it was also the first test in senior command for Major General John Monash who commanded the newly formed 3rd Division and would later be hailed as Australia's greatest soldier. Messines was a baptism of fire for the 3rd Division which came into the line alongside the battle-scarred 4th Australian Division, badly mauled at Bullecourt just six weeks earlier in one of the worst defeats of the war. The fighting at Messines would descend into unimaginable savagery, a lethal and sometimes hand-to-hand affair of bayonets, clubs, bombs and incessant machine-gun fire, described by one Australian as '72 hours of Hell'. After their string of bloody defeats over 1915 and 1916, Messines would be the ultimate test for the Australians. Collapse summary world war 1914-1918- campaigns - western front, battles of messines - australian participation - 1917

Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.580.non-fictionPeter FitzSimons, Australia's most beloved popular historian, focuses on one of the seminal moments in Australian history: the Battle of tobruk in 1941, in which more than 15 000 Australian troops - backed by British artillery - fought in excruciating desert heat through eight long months, against Adolf Hitler's formidable Afrika Korps. During the dark heart of World War II, when Hitler turned his attention to conquering North Africa, a distracted and far-fl ung Allied force could not give its all to the defence of Libya. So the job was left to the roughest, toughest bunch that could be mustered: the Australian Imperial Force. the AIF's defence of the harbour city of tobruk against the Afrika Korps' armoured division is not only the stuff of Australian legend, it is one of the great battles of all time, as against the might of General Rommel and his Panzers, the Australians relied on one factor in particular to give them the necessary strength against the enemy: mateship. Drawing on extensive source material - including diaries and letters, many never published before - this extraordinary book, written in Peter FitzSimons' highly readable style, is the definitive account of this remarkable chapter in Australia's historyworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – north africa, siege of tobruk

Notes, maps, p.325.non-fictionIn one of the boldest gambles in modern military history, just three battalions and fewer than a thousand men launched a violent thrust of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles into the heart of a city of 5 million people and, in three bloody days of combat, ended the Iraqi war. Thunder Run is the story of the surprise assault on Baghdad - one of the most decisive battles in American combat history - by the Spartan Brigade, the Second Brigade of the Third Infantry Division (Mechanizediraq war 2003, iraq war - us involvement

Index, bib, ill, maps, p.254.non-fictionTraining for War encapsulates one hundred years of the history of Headquarters 1st Division and the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters. During that time the Headquarters has commanded subordinate formations and units; soldiers; and assets. They all have a place in this story as do many distinguished Australians who have had a close association with the Division, either commanding it or holding senior positions there. This study looks at the organisation's high water mark in World War One as well as quieter times between the world wars, before the tempo picks up again in the period closer to our own time. As with any military formation it cannot be studied in isolation from politics and policy and so reference is made to wider events in the Australian political and Defence environment. For those wanting new insights into one of the Australian Army's most historic divisions this work should satisfy their needs.australian army - organisation, australian army - 1st division

Three photographs of Collingwood Technical School display during Commonwealth Technical Training Week 29 May – 4 June 1961. One in Foys store, one in Coles, one in Rendle's.On back of photographs 'ALLAN STUDIOS / COMMERCIAL DIVISION / 320 SMITH ST., COLLINGWOOD / VICTORIA / PHONE: JA 5316-7 / When Ordering further Prints, please quote ...'collingwood technical school, presentations, displays, nmit,

The HMAT A18 Wiltshire (1912-1922) weighed 10,390 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. Described as a refrigerated steamship it was b uilt 1912 by John Brown, Clydebank for the Federal S N Co Ltd, London and was propelled by a twin screw, quadruple expansion engine 2 x 4 cylinders each 6500 hp. Owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, it was leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917. It embarked from Egypt on 2 February 1918. On 18 October 1914 at Melbourne embarked the 4th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria) A, B & C squadron & their Machine Gun Section, the 2nd Field Ambulance (Victoria) First Division. The disembarked the 4th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt on 10 December 1914. On 01 November 1914 The Wiltshire assembled with the first convoy at King George's Sound, Albany Western Australia in transporting the first detachment of the Australian and New Zealand Imperial Expeditionary Forces. It completed nine transport voyages from Australia commencing 18 October 1914 until final voyage from Sydney 9th November 1918. During that time The Wiltshire carried the 4th Field Artillery Brigade (Victoria) 2nd Division Artillery and their 1st Reinforcements, 1st Division Ammunition Column 1st Division Artillery 4th Reinforcements, thirty-four Infantry Battalion Reinforcements, the 10th, 11th & 12th Field Artillery Battery (Victoria) 4th Field Artillery Brigades, the 4th Brigade Ammunition Column 4th Field Artillery Brigade, the 1st Siege Artillery Brigade 15th Reinforcements, the 4th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria) A, B & C squadron & their Machine Gun Section, six Light Horse Brigade Reinforcements, the 1st Veterinary Section (New South Wales) 11th Reinforcements, the 1st Mobile Veterinary Section (New South Wales) 1st Division 11th Reinforcements, the 2nd Mobile Veterinary Section (Victoria, New South Wales) 2nd Division 11th Reinforcements, the 1st Cyclist Battalion (New South Wales and Queensland) 3rd Reinforcements, the 2nd Field Ambulance (Victoria) First Division & Medical Officers. After the conclusion of World War One is was wrecked Rosalie Bay, Great Barrier Island New Zealand 31 May 1922 on passage London for Dunedin. Onboard was a crew of 103 plus 1 stowaway, and 10,000 ton of general cargo. No lives lost and is now a well frequented 'Dive' wrecksite. (http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hmat.htm#A18)Photographic postcard of the troopship Wiltshire out at sea.world war one, world war, wiltshire, troop ship, mmm

Part of the laparoscopy equipment donated by Dr Geoff Bishop. Dr Geoffrey Bishop, whilst at the Department of O and G, University of Liverpool, UK, began laparoscopy in 1969. On returning to Australia, Bishop and Grimwade together with Mr Peter Paterson introduced gynaecological laparoscopy to Melbourne, practising at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital (QVMH), Melbourne in 1969. The College, through the Victorian State Committee of the Australian Council, RCOG, ran training courses in laparoscopy for local and interstate gynaecologists. These were conducted by Bishop, Grimwade and Paterson. They established protocols, with particular reference to safety, for the conduct of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy was used initially for diagnosis and for limited treatment using diathermy for conditions such as endometriosis. The real impetus came with the great upsurge of tubal sterilization in the early 1970s. Early techniques included diathermy and division of the Fallopian tubes using the Palmer forceps. [Dr Peter Renou, former honoury curator.]This cannula has two points for tubal attachments at one end. At yhe other end, a bell cap with a nossel.This was used by Dr Geoff Bishop during gynaecological laparscopioc surgery. This instrument is commonly used for suction. Also, for testing tubal patency by inserting dye through it. Manufacturers stamp: PRECIOUS.laparoscopy, tubal ligation, infertility investigation

Copy of a newspaper photo titled To Make Bend Safer. Photo shows a tram passing a newsagent shop. On the right is a dilapidated picket fence. Allso hand written paper on one side is: Approx 1966 ? One of the last trams No 18 to run up Main Street of Long Gully (Bond Street) Now known as Eaglehawk Road. On Left - Post Office - now Gents Hairdresser & Rose of No 3 Australia Hotel. On Right - Les & Marie Norris Newsagency & Mixed Business. 2 story building was Commercial Hotel. No 26 Tram was the last to run between Bendigo, Long Gully & Eaglehawk. Still running as a Tourist. Donated by Alan Crossley. tram in Bendigo 1987 1985. On the other side is written: One building has already been demolished and the proprietor of the Newsagency & mixed business Mr. L W Norris, will also demolish and rebuild further back from the road in preparation for eventual re-alignment of the Long Gully bend by the Country Roads Board. The Board declared an alignment some years ago for the corner - a severe traffic hazard - but, the assistant Divisional Engineer, Mr G Marshallsea said yesterday the Board had no immediate plans. These were one of the last Trams to run through Long Gully.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - eaglehawk road - long gully

Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), first marketed in the early 1970s, represent an important contraceptive option for 150 million women worldwide. The method is safe, rapidly reversible, inexpensive, highly effective, long-acting (up to 20 years for some products [1]), and non-hormonal; these attributes make it unique and desirable for many users. However, increased bleeding and pain cause up to 15% of users to have the device removed within the first year [2]; still higher percentages tolerate some level of these side effects yet retain use of the method. In one study, 67% of women using the TCu380A complained about menstrual side effects within the first year of use [3]. (Hubacher et al, 'Side effects from the copper IUD: do they decrease over time?', 2009)This is one of a collection of items received from the practice of Dr Lachlan Hardy-Wilson, FRCOG, Launceston, Tasmania.Sealed Gravigard IUD in original box. IUD and inserter are sealed inside a sterile plastic pocket. The box is made of cardboard and has an orange top panel with white sides. Text printed on the front of the box reads '1 Sterile Pack/Gravigard*/contraceptive/copper/contraceptive/FRAGILE/Do not bend or crush/SEARLE'. Text printed on side of box reads 'Made in England Supplied by Searle Laboratories, Division of Searle Australia Pty. Ltd., Sydney, Australia'.intrauterine device

Part of the small collection of uniforms in DAHC's possession. Like most of these uniform this one stems from the 1950's. The shoulder insignas indicate a "Genie" division (Engineering Corps).Many of the 1950's period uniforms came from people that had been discharged after having served in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during the Indonesian Indepence War.Part of Dutch army uniform: (1) dress jacket with (2) cotton dress belt, (3a) leather belt with (3b) cross belt, (4) khaki tie and (5) cap with names W. van Reed//Dorland on the inside. Jacket has brass buttons, NL lion embroidered on sleeve, "genie" emblem on shoulder strap and rank sign (one star - Lieutenant) on collar. Note: match box "Drogist Lucifers" left in pocket.(1) Label jacket text "Maatkleding, Maison Jordi & Cie, tel 4608, Amersfoort" and rank indication (Lt). (5) Cap has names W van Reed & Dortland. "Drogist Lucifers" on matchbox in pocket.

Part of the small collection of uniforms in DAHC's possession. Like most of these uniform this one stems from the 1950-ies. The shoulder insigne indicate a "Genie" division (Engineering Corps).Many of the 1950's period uniforms came from people that had been discharched after having served in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during the Indonesian War of Independence.Dutch military field uniform made from heavy greenish material: (1) short jacket and (2) pantsShort jacket (brass, insect eye - like button on each collar, St Joris (St George) patch on shoulder straps, "Prins Alexander" on sleeves, Dutch army emblem with "Je Maintiendrai", the Dutch national motto, on left sleeve), marks inside jacket W MvO 1954, Motecht door MITN.uniform army

Tom "Bud" Abraham was one of the very few Englishmen to serve in Vietnam. As an officer in the 1st Cavalry Division during 1967/8, he saw combat in some of the fierest encounters of the war. By his gallantry earned him a chestful of medals, including the Silver Star, one of the highest decorations awarded by the American Army. prisoners of war - vietnam - biography, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 - prisoners and prisons, tom "bud" abraham, 1st cavalry division

Thailand Flag represents the sending of one military combat division and use of chosen airfields, air force detachment, traing non-combatant Vietanmese pilots and technicians, cement and zinc roofing. Red, white and horizontal stripes.flag, thailand

fictionAn extraordinary book, one that re-creates the Vietnam battlefield in such visceral terms that those who served there will find themselves transported back in time.united states. army. infantry division, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - united states

It began and ended with a trap. The first one nearl led a green Special Forces captain into a slaughter, the last cost the life of a heroic lietuenant. Between the two raged some of the fiercest infantry fighting of the Vietnam Waraustralia - armed forces - biography, vietnam war, personal narratives - australian, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1971 - personal narratives, australian, battle of dong tre, battle of trung luong, battle of hoa hoi, 1st cavalry division, 101st screaming eagles, nva

An extraordinary book, one that re-creates the Vietnam battlefield in such visceral terms that those who served there will find themselves transported back in time.united states. army. infantry division, 25th, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - united states

Tom "Bud" Abraham was one of the very few Englishmen to serve in Vietnam. As an officer in the 1st Cavalry Division during 1967/8, he saw combat in some of the fierest encounters of the war. By his gallantry earned him a chestful of medals, including the Silver Star, one of the highest decorations awarded by the American Army.prisoners of war - vietnam - biography, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 - prisoners and prisons

Tom "Bud" Abraham was one of the very few Englishmen to serve in Vietnam. As an officer in the 1st Cavalry Division during 1967/8, he saw combat in some of the fierest encounters of the war. By his gallantry earned him a chest full of medals, including the Silver Star, one of the highest decorations awarded by the American Army prisoners of war - vietnam - biography, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 - prisoners and prisons

Electric Clock - Smiths Setric Clock From 1937 the trademark "Sectric" appears on their synchronous models.Usually on the dial but sometimes also on the back cover. Early clocks had a prominent "T" in sectric. Smiths English Clocks 1931 Smiths, then called S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd, entered the domestic clock market and formed a new company, Smiths English Clocks Ltd, as the Clock and Watch division with Cricklewood as the main factory. Smiths were one of the first companies to produce synchronous electric clocks. These were put on the market towards the end of 1931. Smiths formed a subsidiary company called Synchronous Electric Clocks to produce these clocks as the first models carry this name. 1932 Smiths purchased English Clock and Watch Manufacturers of Coventry, and acquired the trade names Astral and Empire. 1934 Smiths produced a synchronous alarm clock which they named the Callboy. 1934 They bought the Enfield Clock Co. The Smith's 8 day Calotte clock made its debut at the British Industries Fair in 1934. Prior to this date calottes had been exclusively of foreign manufacture. Also that year, Smiths introduced the Batriclock which was intended for areas where the synchronous clock could not be used. 1935 They introduced the Synfinity, which Smiths described as "the clock that never stops". They said it was "the remarkable combination of a synchronous electric movement with the essential elements of a fine precision lever escapement". If the electric supply failed the clock would run for up to six hours and rewind when the power returned. Apparently the synchronous motor also corrected the mechanical time train at intervals. Smiths produced a synchronous electric chiming clock. 1937 The trade name Sectric appears on Smiths electric clocks. Also the introduction by Smith's of a calotte clock with an alarm movement.Historic - Smiths English Setric Electric Clock Electric Clock - Smiths Setric Clock It is round with the numbers one to twelve, three hands with a white face. Smiths Sectricpuffing billy, clock, time, smiths sectric

Geelong West professionals were strong with Russell Mockridge being part of this team.Shows the strength of the GWCC in this period.Triangular blue felt pennant flag bordered with gold coloured braid and yellow felt binding at one end. It has the insignia of the League of Victorian Wheelmen stamped in yellow and inscriptions stamped in yellow on it."LVW/Est 1893/1956/Road Premiers/Country Div - Won by/Geelong Westlvw; 1956; road premiers; country division; geelong west; league of victorian wheelmen;

The Dunstan Memorial is a minimal form of rough-cut bluestone and sheet granite in memory of Ballarat born soldier, William Dunstan, who served with honour in Gallipoli, WWI. His unit successfully defended a post despite being seriously wounded. He and one mate were the only survivors of the 10 men defending the trench and all were awarded the Victoria Cross. Following the war Dunstan worked as manager and director of the Herald and Weekly Times.The memorial is of historical significance to the people BallaratThis is a minimal form of rough-cut bluestone and sheet granite in memory of Ballarat born soldier who served with honor in Gallipoli. His unit successfully defended a post despite being seriously wounded. He and one mate were the only survivors of the 10 men defending the trench and all were awarded the Victoria Cross. In honour of William Dunstan, VC 1895-1957. William Dunstan was born in Ballarat East and educated at Golden Point State School. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, 19 year old Dunstan enlisted in the 7th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of the Australian Imperial Forces. Within 3 weeks he was posted to Gallipoli and was immediately embroiled in the Battle of Lone Pine. Early on the morning of 9th August, 1915, Dunstan and 10 other men were defending a trench captured from the Turks. The enemy launched repeated counter attacks and suffered heavy casualties. Only 3 surviving Australians remained and were rebuilding the blown-up barricade of sandbags when the Turks launched a final vicious assault to regain the trench. Struggling to defend their position, the three Australians resorted to catching the Turkish hand bombs and throwing them back at the enemy or smothering those that landed with Turkish great-coats. Hand bombs killed a 10th defender and wounded both Dunstan and his only remaining companion. Again the Turks were driven back and this time the two wounded Australians were left alone until later relieved and hospitalised. As a result of the intensity of the fighting and the tenacity of the 3 defenders, each was awarded Victoria Crosses for their most conspicuous bravery. Following the war, Dunstan enjoyed a successful career to become the Managing Director of the Herald and Weekly Times. He died in Melbourne aged 62 and is remembered with respect by the citizens of Ballarat.first world war, wwi, william dunstan, conflict, war

The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of a monument/cenotaph and lawn grave sites with white crosses.Handwritten on rear - Tarakan Cemetery2/24th battalion, wangaratta, tarakan

September 30,1945 - The official dedication service and unveiling of the Cenotaph at Tarakan War Cemetery The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of monument/cenotaph and catafalque party2/24th battalion, tarakan, cenotaph

The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to a network of underground caves used to treat wounded soldiers. It became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. The caves became a place where wounded soldiers could be stabilized before being transferred to the Australian General Hospital. The Fig Tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert and an easy target for German artillery who heavily shelled the site for several hours per day. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of four soldiers under large tree - one soldier in dugout under tree watching two stretcher bearers carry out wounded soldierHandwritten on rear - Fig Tree Tobruk 2/24th battalion, fig tree, tobruk

Unit colour patches on uniforms indicate soldiers are members of the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of group of armed soldiers at rest in open barren landscape Stamped on rear - resting en route2/24th battalion, wangaratta, middle east

image of soldiers wearing shorts loading stretcher into rear of vehicle most likely taken during the middle east campaign in 1941 one of whom is possibly Francis Williams VX 34295 of the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of seven soldiers of which four are loading a stretcher into rear of vehicle.Handwritten on rear - Tobruk 1941 Left Francis William ? ???2/24th battalion, tobruk, ww2, middle east

Black and white image of large sign in the desert/barren location. Sign reads DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED IN ALEXANDRIA, OR IT MAY BE STOLEN.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of large warning sign in English in open barren landscape.2/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, alexandria

On 4 April 1935 the ship was launched by Elizabeth, Duchess of York, one of the daughters of the Earl of Strathmore, soon to become queen. In 1938 the ship brought the Australian cricket team, including Don Bradman, to England for the 1938 Ashes series On 31 March 1940, the vessel was requisitioned by the Ministry of War Transport, and served as a troop ship, with no major incidents in that role during the rest of the Second World War. The 2/24th Battalion raised in Wangaratta in July 1940 sailed for the Middle East on the troopship RMS "Strathmore" arriving in Palestine in December 1940.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced photograph of ship at seaStrathmore carried 2/242/24th battalion, wangaratta, rms strathmore, ww2