Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984. Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. This torch was part of a collection of items donated to Wodonga Historical Society by Les Cole. The RSL emblem on this item was first introduced in 1990.A small tin containing an aluminium torch and 2 batteries in foam packing. The emblem of the Australian Returned Services League is etched on the lid. On side of torch: RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE AUSTRALIArsl australia, memorabilia

Brass Returned from Active service badgeFront Returned from active service Back A0077

Plastic Badge on wooden base - Returned Services Association Takapuna N.Z Returned Services Association Takapuna N.Z.

From the Returned Services League - Mitcham Sub-Branch. Commonly referred to as the|Mitcham R.S.L.|Branch at 26 McDowall Street (cnr of Harrison Street), Mitcham. Closed in early 2014.R.S.L. Mitcham, Ink Stamp, reading |Building Patriot Fund Trust Returned Soldiers League Mitcham Sub-Branc |Brown wood oblong block with painted black handle and blue inked rubber wording.Building Patriot Fund Trust|Returned Soldiers League|Mitcham Sub-Branchmilitary history, air force, army, marines, navy, societies, service clubs

Presented to Sir William Keys (Korean Veteran) After active service in both World War II and Korea, where he received the Military Cross, Sir William served as first, national secretary and then president of the RSL, a position he held for 27 years. (Kerry O'BRIEN 7:30 Report 3/5/2000)Small rayon banner commorating the return visit to Korea by Korean War Veterans. Showing the flags of Nations who participated in the UN operationreturn visit to Korea korean veterans sir william keys

Black and White photograph on backing showing a ship with one funnel and text over the item.In black print above photo: “1914 EUROPEAN WAR 1919” In white print on photo: “Leicestershire” In black print centre below photo: “Return of the AIF” In black print bottom R: GORDON JENKINS PHOTO 75 RUTHVEN ST WAVERLEY”photographs, aif, return

WWI historical significance.Limited edition RSL badge from 1919, worn by Australian Forces on their return from WWI.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League, 1919, distributed by Oceanic Life,

The League evolved out of concern for the welfare of returned servicemen from the First World War. In 1916, a conference recommended the formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, which included representation from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. New South Wales was admitted to the League the following year, Western Australia in 1918. In 1927, the Australian Capital Territory formed a branch and was admitted. The Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) the forerunner of today’s Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) was formed in June 1916.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia Badge. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. Stamped at the top of the badge is 'COPYRIGHT' and at the bottom of the badge is impressed V40289 and the maker's details 'STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE'.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League Australia.Stamped on the reverse of the badge is 'COPYRIGHT' and at the bottom of the badge is impressedV40289and the maker's details 'STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE'.badges, world war one lapel badge,lara r.s.l.returned sailor's & soldier's imperial league (rssila) membership badge

Grant of Charter given by Victoria R.S.L. Head Office to Sub Branches to carry the name Lara R.S.L. Sub-Branch Inc. dated 16th May 2007.Grant of Charter for Lara R.S.L. Sub Branch to be Incorporated. Dated 16th May 2007. Refer to record number 250 Lara collection for reference to original Grant of Charter dated 1928. Grant of Charter - The Returned Services League Lara Sub-Branch dated 16th May 2007Grant of Charter - The returned & Services League of Australia Limited issued 16th May 2007charter, rsl, rsl victorian branch, lara rsl, 2007

Ballarat Shool of Mines played an important role in training returned World War One servicemen via the Repatriation Vocational Training Scheme. Operating from 1917 to 1922, this scheme offered trades-based training to a large number of returned soldiers, depending on aptitude and level of disability. Many returned soldiers were unprepared for the workforce after demobilisation because of war injuries, or lost study opportunity during the years of their service. The Scheme was designed to give ex-servicemen the skills to find jobs, boost post-war economic recovery and add to social cohesion. It operated from 1917 to 1922. White paper with handwritten script in ink. The rough draft letter relates to free tuition for returned soldiers at the Ballarat School of Mines28.8.1916 Major Lazarus Secretary Returned Soldiers Association Y.M.C.A. Ballarat Dear Sir. On the 25th February last my Council adopted a resolution to the effect that application from returned soldiers for free tuition at this school would be favorably considered. At the Council meeting held on Friday last, the 25th inst., the matter was further discussed and, at Colonel Bolton's suggestion, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of the movement, if application for admission were received through your association. The undermentioned gentlemen were appointed as a sub-committee to receive such application and will be very pleased to interview any soldiers whom you would recommend as trainees. Yours faithfully Joseph A. Day Sub committee:- Col. W.K. Bolton, Mr T. Hurley. W.R. Stephenson, The Principal of the Science School (Mr E. Fenner), and the Principal of the Art School (Mr H.H. Smith)repatriation, repatriation vocational training scheme, ballarat school of mines, world war, world war 1, bolton, colonel bolton, w.k. bolton, joseph day, t. hurley, r. stephenson, fenner, h.h. smith, returned soldiers, returned soldiers association, balllarat ymca, major lazarus, world war one, repatriation

The badges relate to Andrew Keith Guy VX37836 2nd AIF. Refer 131P for service details also 129, 130.3, 134..1) Returned From Active Service Badge; metal, brass, boomerang with rising sun and king's crown. .2) Badge, Australia; blackened brass with ring for fastening at each end..1) Returned from Active Service Badge No. 35085numismatics, badges, military, metalcraft, brassware

Badges such as this one were issued to soldiers by the Department of Defence to indicate they had returned from active service. It showed they had helped the war effort by serving their country. Sometimes returned soldiers were wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform so wearing the badge helped avoid this. A number was often stamped on the reverse and a certificate was provided as authentication. Issued 1914 - 1919WW1 The Great War, issued to soldiers who had returned from active duty so as not to confuse the general public that the person whilst not in uniform or displaying medals had in fact served their country on active duty. Two crowned gilt bronze badges with two lugs on back. The obverse has the rising sun behind a crown AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; A.I.F; around the bottom, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE. The reverse has been stamped with number and has the maker's name, AMOR / SYDNEY and Stokes and Sons MELBThe obverse has the rising sun behind a crown AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; A.I.F; around the bottom, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE. ww1 the great war, aif return from active service badge

Black & White photo "A group of Australian Army nurses on the Troop Ship Osterley returning to Australia late 1919 Australian War Memorial D00988"A group of Australian Army nurses on the Troop Ship Osterley returning to Australia late 1919

Two member badges from the The Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The number 68 on the front could be 1968 as it is detachable and could be updated each year. The badge with 1921 could be the year of membership. The member number is engraved on the rear. The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. The RSSILA was the precursor to the Returned Services League (RSL) and provided support for returned servicemen after World War One. Worn by members of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, those eligible being members of all services, both wars, including nurses, who have returned from active service outside Australia. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).The RSSILA was an important organisation for ex-servicemen and many Legatees would have been members.Enamel badges from the R.S.S.I.L.A. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. 01124.1 Front has '68' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'V92210 Badge remains the property of League'. 01124.2 Front has '1921' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'R 3871' and 'C.C Roeszler and Son Pty Ltd Melb.'world war one, rssila

Badge issued to Peter James Dodd, refer cat No 2436.2P for his service details.Badge, Returned from Active Service, brass, consists of crown at top then depictions of wings, rising sun, anchor with boomerang under, two lugs on rear for clothing attachment.On front, “Returned from Active Service”. On rear, “403487 issued by the Commonwealth Govt”awards, badges, active service

Badge issued to K.W.Allen VX109839 2nd AIF. Refer 2192.4 medals and service history also 2195, 2196P.Badge "Returned from Active Service" brass, crown over Rising Sun, Wings and Anchor, Boomerang under. Rear has 2 lugs for clothing attachment.Front, "Returned from Active Service" Rear, "257624" "Issued by C/wealth Govt"badges, military, active service

The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) was the forerunner of today's Returned and Services League (RSL). Formed after the First World War, the organisation was a veterans' association formed by returned servicemen to care for and advocate for the returned service community. The organisation later changed its name to the RSL. This badge is dated to the 1920's by the name of the organisation. It is significant because it has the capacity to represent an earlier incarnation of today's RSL.Small blue, white and red enamel and metal badge. Inset embossing of two soldiers advancing. Words enscribed on the front. A white shield shape with a crown mounted on the top.Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League Australia.rsl, rssila, returned services

Interior of St Kilda Town Hall, Returned Soldiers Dinner, not in uniform, 1945black and white photograph, copy, fair image quality, unmountedReturned Soldier Dinner 1945

Black and white mounted photograph of a biplane in flight, possibly looping the loop (no ground shown for reference!) Photograph is presumably of B Watson, pilot. Printed on lower RHS ''Percival Pinder (Returned Soldier) 120 Carpenter St, Bendigo''Percival Pinder (returned soldier), 120 Carpenter Street, Bendigo.person, individual, basil watson

The Returned Serviceman's Gala Day was held on the Lara main oval on Saturday 8th November 1919. Each returned serviceman was presented with a medallion with their name on it. Copies of the badge are held at the Lara RSL Sub Branch. Lt General Smith is presenting a badge to a serviceman in one photo. The other photo is the serviceman's race of 100 yardsRectangular shaped photographs ( 2 of )Returned service men WW1.ww1, returned service men, australian army, lara r.s.l.world war one.

Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia Rules booklet 1919.Queenscliffe RSL Club HistoryReturned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia Rules booklet 1919.Reverse " NIL "historical references

John Killeen No 1323 4th L.H Regt. Refer Cat No 2824 for his service history. .1) Badge, Rising Sun lapel, blackened brass with two lugs on rear with pin. .2) Badge, Returned from Active Service, crown at top, circular centre with Rising Sun and letters AIF under. .3) Badge, “Duty Bravely done - Returned” Top has a soldier standing in front of a Rising Sun, under is a wreath surrounding a plaque with a light and dark blue colour patch presenting 4th L.H Regt..2) “Returned from Active Service-Issued by Dept of Defence” .3) On rear “Presented to Pte J Killeen by the residents of Korong Vale and District on his return from the Great War 1914-19-21.7.20”membership, badges, passchendaele barracks trust

A returning Boomerang is one that comes back to you when you throw it. These were used for hunting smaller creatures such as birds, but more so for sport. This type of boomerang has a simple curved shape and is much lighter than a non-returning boomerang. returning Boomerangs were only developed in the last 200 years.The necessary tools and equipment for hunting, fishing and warfare were one of the very few items that Aboriginals carried with them from place to place. Most were used for a multiplicity of purposes. Because many were made from raw natural materials, such as wood, generally only partial remains are found today. This returning boomerang is an example of a wooden tool used by the Indigenous people of Eastern Australia.A very old hand-made wooden returning boomerang that is black in colour. Very dinted.boomerang aboriginal hunting

Badge issued to all Military Personnel who have returned from Active Service.Small black badge on mounting plinth. Rough diamond shape. Crown on top of Rising Sun Emblem with anchor and chain below it. Engraving at bottom.Inscribed with "Returned from Active Service".badge, returned from active service, ww2

item issued to John Eric Wiles VX16067, refer Cat No 5410P for his service details.Badge, brass, returned from Active Service has crown at top over rising sun wings and anchor, boomerang shape under with text, rear has badge No, makers details and two lugs for jacket attachment.On front, "Returned from Active Service" On rear, "A447440", "Issued by the Commonwealth Govt"badges, active service, wiles