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 members of the Feb 70 S.A. Concert Party, during a break in their hectic program, one of The Wills Sisters Anne, leans over the elephant compound fence during their visit to the Saigon Zoo, as sister Susan watches, to feed a chained-up Vietnamese Elephant.photograph, entertainers, south australian concert party, wills sisters, saigon zoo, gibbons collection catalogue, feb 70 s.a. concert party, anne wills, susan wills, 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 taken in the recreation building at the RAAF Base Vung Tau, Johnny O'Keefe and his rock and roll band perform a night show for RAAF Diggers. On most days the official concert parties woul performed up to three shows a day, morning, afternoon and night.photograph, raaf, vung tau, johnny o'keefe, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, raaf diggers, raaf base, 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 Lucky Star and Digby Richards along with members of their concert party, leave the Champa Museum in Danag following a visit during a rare break in the concert tour. They had on the previous day entertained the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.photograph, aattv, entertainers, lucky star, digby richards, champa musuem, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), 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 lead singer Shirley Simmons, of her own Shirley Simmons Concert Party, entertains on the lawn of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, on Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at their Northern Headquarters in down town Danang.photograph, aattv, shirley simmons, danang, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), anzac day 1967, 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 taken nn board the US Battleship USS New Jersey in the Tonkin Gulf, North Vietnam, Penny Plumber (Australia's Miss World) entertained sailors on board the battleship as part of the 25 Dec 68 USO Bob Hope Christmas Show. Unfortunately Aussie diggers did not see the show.photograph, uss new jersey, tonkin gulf, penny plumber (australia's miss world), gibbons collection catalogue, bob hope christmas party, 25 dec 68 uso bob hope christmas show, diggers, 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 - Artists of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party Tamara Osypenko, Beverly Braidwood, Jury Osypenko and the Wills Sisters Anne and Susan, perform for the wounded and sick diggers at the1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau during the evening show.photograph, entertainers, south australian concert party, tamara osypenko, beverly braidwood, jury osypenko, wills sisters, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, wounded serviceman, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, anne wills, susan wills, diggers

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 The Wills Sisters, one of headline acts with the official Feb-Mar 69 South Australian Concert Party perform in the recreation building at the RAAF Air Base, Vung Tau. This was the third show of the day performed by members of the South Australian Concert Party.photograph, entertainers, wills sisters, south australian concert party, raaf, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, raaf air base, anne wills, susan wills, official feb-mar 69 south australian concert party, denis gibbons

The Tom Flood Sports Centre was originally called The Bendigo Show Grounds. This plaque was unveiled by the City of Greater Bendigo & the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch to Commemorated the venue as a "Training Camp" during WW2. Order of Service was, Welcome, Mr Alan Holmes (President Bendigo RSL) Introduction of Recruits & Others associated with the Camp. A brief history of the Camp and Anecdotes was read by Mr Alan Holmes. Presentation and unveiling of the Plaque by Cr Barry Ackerman, Mayor City of Greater Bendigo. The wording: "Commemorating this site as an Australian Imperial Force Training Camp during WW2. "To the following Corps we pay Tribute" "10th AIF Training Depot" "Australian Army Medical Corps" "Australian Army Ordnance Corps" "Australian Army Service Corp". "Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers" Prayer of Thanksgiving & Commemoration by; Rev J. South. This was followed the "ODE, Last Post, One minutes Silence, Reveille and The National Anthem. As far as records available the Camp was first set up on 17.6.1940 with an Advance Party. The last Troops left there on 30.4.1943 for Ingleburn NSW, the Camp was vacated in May 1943. Pamphlet white paper, A4 folded making 4 pages, all print in black.On the front, "This Commemorative Plaque was unveiled at the Tom Flood Sports Centre Park Road Bendigo Sunday 27th April 1997"brsl, smirsl, plaque, tom flood, training camp

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 Dinah Lee and digger friend from the audience have the diggers swinging with a song and dance act at the ABC Dance Band Concert Party at the 1st ATF Base, Nui Dat. photograph, dinah lee, entertainers, abc dance band concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, diggers, 1st australian task force, 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 - While Diana Dalton, Judith Little and Janice Voss harmonise, musicians of the Official Jun 69 Tasmanian Concert Party back up the singers with guitars, keyboard and drums while the Diggers packed right up to the edge of the stage, enjoyed the good vibrations.photograph, entertainers, tasmanian concert party, diana dalton, judith little, janice voss, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, official jun 69 tasmanian concert party, musicians, 1st australian task force, diggers

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 Jury Osypenko and Tamara Osypenko of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party perform in close harmony for the wounded and sick Diggers at the1st Field Hospital, Vung Tau. photograph, 1st field hospital, vung tau, jury osypenko, tamara osypenko, gibbons collection catalogue, south australian concert party, entertainers, wounded serviceman, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, diggers

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 Trio with the Official Mar-Apr 69 West Australian Concert Party play instrumental rock and roll numbers for the Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowl. The variety acts exhibited by the concert party's members was magnificant.photograph, entertainers, west australian concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, official mar-apr 69 west australian concert party, 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 the comedian, comedienne, musicians and back-up singers of the official Mar-Apr 69 West Australian Concert Party, keep the Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base Nui Dat, at Luscombe Bowl guessing and smiling as they wait for the next bit of frivolityphotograph, entertainers, west australian concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 1st australian task force, official mar-apr 69 west australian concert party, 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 two members of the Feb-Mar 70 South Australian Concert Party, Tamara Osypenko and Jury Osypenko present their unique vocal presentation to the Diggers in the recreation building at the RAAF Air Base, Vung Tau. The duets were a hit with the airmen.photograph, raaf, jury osypenko, tamara osypenko, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, airmen, diggers, feb-mar 70 south australian concert party, raaf air base, 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 the musicians and artists with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party, Erica De Wit, Brian Doyle, Walter Preston, Wendy Snushall of the "Prestons", Graham Quy, Glenise Shearman, John Spillman and Neil Yeoman thank the diggers after their afternoon show. is engrossed in her rendition of a song to the assembled Diggers at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, sydney concert party, erica de wit, brian doyle, walter preston, wendy snushall, graham guy, glenise shearman, john spillman, neil yoeman, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, 1st australian task force, 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 Dinah Lee with the Mar 67 ABC Dance Band Concert Party projects her vibrant and all engrossing stage personality as she gives her version of 'Hey Yokomo' to the closely packed Diggers at 1st ATF Base Nui Dat. photograph, dinah lee, entertainers, 1st atf base, nui dat, abc dance band concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, diggers, hey yokomo, 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 one of the lead singers of the with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party, Glenise Shearman is engrossed in her rendition of a song to the assembled Diggers at 1 ATF Base Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, entertainers, glenise shearman, sydney concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, 1st australian task force, diggers, 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 Members of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam assemble on ANZAC Day 1970 in Danang enjoy Erica De Wit, lead singer of the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party. The concert was held on the lawn of AATTV HQ in Downtown Danangphotograph, entertainment, erica de wit, aattv, anzac day 1970, danang, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), official apr-may 70 sydney convert party, 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 coloured photograpf of Members of the Feb 70 S.A. Concert Party, The Wills Sisters Anne & Susan (both in yellow) accompanied by Beverly Braidwood and Tamara Osypenko. A female Vietnamese Interpreter and an Army Liaison visit the Saigon Zoo during a break in their hectic program.wills sisters, beverly braidwood, tamara osypenko, entertainers, saigon zoo, south australian concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, anne wills, susan wills, feb 70 s.a. concert party, vietnamese interpreters, army liaison, 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 1st Australina Task Force Diggers at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province head towards the quarry to enjoy the Mar 67 official ABC Dance Band Concert Party featuring Lorrae Desmond, Dinah Lee, Jackie de Paul, Gus Merzi, Bobby Donovan and Jim Gussey and the ABC Dance Bandphotograph, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, abc dance band concert party, lorrae desmond, dinah lee, jackie de paul, gus merzi, bobby donovan, jim gussey, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, diggers, mar 67 official abc dance band concert party, denis gibbons, abc dance band

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 Diggers in swimming togs lounge around the stage area at the 1st Logistics Support Base, Back Beach, Vung Tau, to enjoy the songs of lead singer Geraldine Fitzgerald of the official Mar-Apr Queensland Easter Concert Partyphotograph, 1st logistics support base, back beach, vung tau, geraldine fitzgerald, queensland easter concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, 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 Musicians with the Official Mar-Apr 69 West Australian Concert Party warm up the audience of Diggers at 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowl prior to the lead and three back-up singers arriving on stage to entertain the diggers.photograph, entertainment, 1st atf base, west australian concert party, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, official mar-apr 69 west australian concert party, musicians, 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 the musicians of the Official Jun 69 Tasmanian Concert Party including Diana Dalton, Richard Hall, Maxwell Kettle, Ross Kettle, William Kettle, Judith Little, William Loughlin, Peter Richman and Janice Voss pose in front of their RAAF Caribou transport.photograph, tasmanian concert party, entertainment, diana dalton, richard hall, maxwell kettle, ross kettle, william kettle, judith little, william loughin, peter richman, janice voss, raaf, caribou, gibbons collection catalogue, official jun 69 tasmanian concert party, 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 Digby Richards and his show entertain US troops at a Fire Support Base North East of Danang in Northern South Vietnam. While Australian Concert Parties entertained, where practicable, US troops, American USO did not reciprocate.photograhp, entertainment, digby richards, us troops, danang, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, fire support base, australian concert parties, 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 - Recording The Show, with the cost of good cameras, in the PX, being so low in price, the Diggers were able to record for future reference their time spent on active service in Vietnam conflict. Here the Diggers are recording a visiting concert partyphotograph, entertainment, gibbons collection catalogue, diggers, concert party, 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 - As troop numbers and the Australian role in the conflict increased, the pressure was seen at the Latter Day concert Party's at the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat Luscombe Bowl. The Diggers eventually completely surrounding the stage areaphotograph, entertainment, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, 1st australian task force, diggers, australian troops, denis gibbons, latter day concert party's

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 Musicians members of the Mar 67 Official ABC Dance Band Concert Party lare led by Gus Merzi as they give out some good old Dixieland Jazz. Gus and his accordian were popular with the Diggers as he seemed able to make the instrument "talk".photograph, abc dance band concert party, gus merzi, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, digger, mar 67 official abc dance band concert party, diggers, 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 the lead act with the ABC Dance Band Concert Party, Lorrae Desmond, opens the show with her version of "I Wish You Love".The back of a flat bed trailer used as a stage parked in a quarry at 1 ATF, Nui Dat. photograph, abc dance band concert party, 1 atf, nui dat, entertainers, lorrae desmond, gibbons collection catalogue, digger, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons, flat bed trailer

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 Erica De Wit one of the lead singers with the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party and an Engineer Digger friend trip the light fantastic to the delight of the audience at 1 Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Luscombe Bowlphotograph, entertainers, sydney concert party, erica de wit, 1 atf, nui dat, luscombe bowl, gibbons collection catalogue, official apr-may 70 sydney concert party, engineer digger, 1st australian task force, denis gibbons

This manuscript and letter represent the connection between two significant people from the North East of Victoria and their common interest in literature and development of the Upper Murray. Des Martin was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment and in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, serving in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. Amongst other pursuits he became the first President of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a Steward at that event. As well as “Many a Mile”, Des also wrote “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing and a “Tale of Twin Cities” as well as collaborating with R. M. Williams to develop the “Hoofs and Horns” publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995. Thomas Walter Mitchell was born at "Towong Hill" near Corryong, Victoria and was educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney and Cambridge University. A keen skier, Mitchell founded the Australian National Ski Federation, captained the Australian skiing team and won gold medals in competitions against England and New Zealand. He was an Australian champion in the downhill and long-time member of the Ski Club of Australia. In 1937 he published Australia’s first ski handbook "Ski Heil". Mitchell joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940 and was a Captain in the 2/22nd Battalion and Headquarters 8th Division. He was captured and interned in Changi POW camp until 1945. Tom Mitchell served as the Country Party Member for Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1976. He was awarded the C.M.G. “For distinguished services to the Community, particularly in the fields of Politics, Alpine Sports and Safety, and Writing.” He died on 4th February 1984. This volume is significant because it is the manuscript of a book written by a local Wodonga author. The letter written to Tom Mitchell contains anecdotes and details of the writing of the novel, Many a Mile.An original typed manuscript bound in blue coverboard. It is accompanied by a typed letter.des martin, tom mitchell, many a mile