Contents: • In the Blink of an Eye by Jim Connor • Memories of My life Growing Up in Eltham by Beryl Bradbury • One Hundred Years Ago; July-December 1919 by Liz Pidgeon o Unveiling of the Eltham War Memorial o Opening of St Andrews Gold Battery at Smiths Gully • Horses • Mr Parker by Grace de Visser • Mosaics in Were Street, Montmorency • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Richard Pinn o David George Clark o William Crozier • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society

1957 was the ninth show held in aid of the Eltham War Memorial Trust.20 pages, printed (black), folded and single centre stapleeaster gymkhana committee, eltham easter gymkhana 1957, eltham war memorial trust, goat show, horse show

1957 was the ninth show held in aid of the Eltham War Memorial Trust.Single page, printed (black)easter gymkhana committee, eltham easter gymkhana 1957, eltham war memorial trust, goat show, horse show

1957 was the ninth show held in aid of the Eltham War Memorial Trust.Newsprinteltham easter gymkhana 1957, eltham war memorial trust, helen harvie, horse show

1957 was the ninth show held in aid of the Eltham War Memorial Trust.Water based adhesive on front surface for adhering to shop window displays, etc (similar to old style vehicle registration labels)eltham easter gymkhana 1957, eltham war memorial trust, helen harvie, horse show

20 pages, printed (green), folded and single centre stapleeaster gymkhana committee, eltham easter gymkhana 1958, eltham war memorial trust, goat show, horse show

16 pages, printed (blue), folded and single centre stapledog competition, easter gymkhana committee, eltham easter gymkhana 1955, eltham lower park, eltham war memorial trust, light horse show

Single page, printed (black)dog competition, easter gymkhana committee, eltham easter gymkhana 1955, eltham lower park, eltham war memorial trust, light horse show

Published in "The Sun", Wednesday, August 11, 1976, pp 38-39 [Text of article:] A WINDOW ON THE PAST by Roger Sanders. A fascinating window has been opened on the early life of the Eltham district. It is a rare collection of 3,000 perfectly preserved glass plate photograph negatives. The collection is the work of the late Albert Jones, a Diamond Creek orchardist and amateur photographer. About 500 of the negatives have been printed and 100 are on display at Gallery 4, Eltham, as part of the Eltham Festival, which started on Friday. They capture in fine detail rural and village life around Eltham, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Yarra Glen and Diamond Valley from 1900 to 1930. While the natural beauty of the district was painted in this period by Arthur Streeton (later Sir Arthur), Tom Roberts and Charles Conder, among others, photography was relatively new. Yet Albert Jones used the new medium to compile a weighty album of pioneers at work, at home, at sport and on holidays. He was at the first Yarra Glen race meeting, early Diamond Valley football matches and photographed soldiers from the district leaving for war. He photographed early gold mines, men with horses laying the Diamond Creek-Hurstbridge rail track and the arrival of the first steam train at Hurstbridge. He took his cameras on holiday around Victoria and the collection includes scenes from St. Kilda and Portsea and many country towns. The Jones collection of negatives was found by Mr A. J. "Ned" Spark, of Balwyn, under a house he bought from Mr Jones' widow. The plates almost went to the tip with a pile of rubbish before Mr Spark realised their potential value. Mr Spark, who is retired, will continue the identification and recording of the photographs when he returns from holidays. The exhibition of the Jones' photographs is open each afternoon until August 21 at Gallery 4, 1016 Main Rd., Eltham. [Captions of photographs included in article:] • The priceless collection of glass plate negatives were found under this house in Eltham [actually Wattle Glen], home of Albert Jones and his wife. • A quiet country pub - Panton Hills Hotel. • Teams of draught horses were used in the building of the Diamond Creek-Hurstbridge railway in 1910. • Chinaman Jimmy using a gold cradle in Wattle Glen Gully. • The photographer and orchardist Albert Jones. His work is on show as part of the Eltham Festival • St Kilda Pier – several of the houses are still standing, but the waterfront has changed dramatically since this was taken before 1920. • A picnic was a dressy affair at the start of the century – the women in this family group are decked in lace and pearls.Newspaper articlealbert jones, golden glen, wattle glen

Captain Frank Herbert King was born in the Parish of St. Saviors in the borough of Brougham London March 5th 1875. He was educated in theology at St. Augustine's College Durban University. He went on to serve for 2 1/2 years in South Africa during the Boer Wars and then re-enlisted in the A.I.F.16th November 1916 when he listed his address as "The Vicarage Sunshine Victoria" and listed his wife as "Kathleen King" “Revd McCoy announced his intention of moving to the parish of Deniliquin in October 1915. He was replaced by F.H. King. Though the parish could not house him, he came in November. King was a typical “new broom”. In January 1916, at his instigation, the parish agreed to change its hymn book to Ancient and Modern. This decision could be viewed as a “churchmanship” matter, one of many that happened in these years. He pushed through the building of the vicarage, from tender in January to blessed and occupied by June. At the Annual General Meeting, King described 1915 as a trying time in the church and looked forward to a happier and more prosperous time during 1916. At a special vestry meeting, 3 November 1916, King announced that he had accepted an appointment by the Archbishop for service at the front, and that he had been instructed to prepare to go abroad. It was decided in his absence the parish use lay-readers, with periodic visits by clergy for Holy Communion. On 12 November, King thanked the parish for their loyalty and their devotion to him and the church. In return the parish presented him with a wrist watch. The parish was not formally vacant; just without a vicar. In September 1917, the Archbishop wrote advising that King had resigned. He appointed the Rev. W. Green to the parish, but Green declined.”(1) He was sent to Egypt where he administered to the Australian Stationary Hospital Australian 3rd and 5th light horse brigades. His Army record states he was Invalided and Completion of Duty 12 July 1918. He was later awarded th Order of the British Empire (OBE) 1 “The Junction” a history of St Mark’s Sunshine The picture of Chaplain-Captain F.H. King was carried in the Bible of Sig. H. C. Roussac ( a Gallipoli veteran) during his service with the A.I.F. in France. It can only be assumed that F.H.King had a profound effect on Sig. Roussac.Cutting of a lithographic picture showing Chaplain-Captain F. H. King giving away "The Age" (News paper) to Australian troops in Egypt 1917 Chaplain-Captain F. H. King giving away "The Age" to Australian troops in Egypta.i.f. egypt, chaplain, f.h.king, light horse egypt, roussac, o.b.e., boer war

Spurs worn by Pte. Edward (Joe) Coughlan 17879 during World war one. Joe was a member of the 4th Light Horse. serving in Egypt with 4th Light Horse Field Ambulance and returned to Australia after serving 1060 days overseas in the troop ship Essex.This item is significant because Spurs have near original condition leather, and use the disk spur. Useage ceased in 1918.Pair of silver disk spurs with brown leather arch and instep straps . nilcavalry, light horse, spurs

Leggings used by Australian Light Horse during WWII and Boer WarPair of leather leggings with leather straps and and brass buckles

Gallipoli diary written by Donald Johnson who was killed at the battle of the Nek on the 7th of August 1915Important insight into early 20th century attitudesSmall red covered diary with leather cover and claspTo Dear Don wishing you every success with love and best wishes for a happy xmas from Rubyworld war 1, aif, gallipoli, nek, 7 august 1915, donald mathieson mcgregor johnson, 8th light horse regiment

The WWI Death Plaque (Dead Man's Penny) was issued to the next of kin of servicemen/women who had fallen in the Great War between 1914 and 1918. John Mercer Walker entered ballarat College in 1902 and was Dux of the school in 1904. He enlisted as a Private in the 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance and served on Gallipoli. He transferred to 21st Squadron AFC in November 1917 and served in Palestine. He was killed a 22 August 1918 and buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery. Of the 305 Ballarat College old collegians who enlisted in WW1 65 gave their lives for their country. This 'death penny' is representative of the incredible sacrifice given by this huge percentage of the school's community. Round disk cast in bronze gunmetal, which incorporates the following; an image of Britannia holding an oak spray with leaves and acorns, an imperial lion, two dolphins representing Britain's sea power, the emblem of Imperial Germany's eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. The medallion is incased in a heavy card envelope. The medallion is accompanied with Walker's wings RFC and RAAF,Inscribed around face of medallion: He died for freedom and honour A rectangular tablet cast on front of medallion inscribed: John Mercer Walkerjohn-mercer-walker, death-penny, ballarat-college, w-w-1, world-war-one,

This statement by Eric George Elliott tells how The battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 as part of the wider British offensive collectively known as the third Battle of Gaza. The final phase of this all day battle was the famous mounted charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Commencing at dusk, members of the brigade stormed through the Turkish defences and seized the strategic town of Beersheba. The capture of Beersheba enabled British Empire forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza on 7 November and advance into Palestine.Decisive victory at Beersheba fell to one of the last great charges of mounted troops in history. As Australian Light Horse Divisions captured the town and secured crucial water wells, their success also marked the beginning of the end of the war in the Middle East. This end came exactly a year to the day after success at Beersheba.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame with a photocopy of his statement on the charge of Beersheba.ww!, beersheba, statement, photocopy, australian light horse brigade.

RMS ORSOVA (1909-1936) R.M.S.ORSOVA made the first of what would be seventy voyages to Australia in 1909. During the First World War she was used as a troopship, carrying Australian soldiers to various theatres of war. She survived being torpedoed in the English Channel in 1917, and resumed commercial service to Australia for the Orient Line in 1919. In 1933, ORSOVA was converted to a tourist class ship and finally served briefly as a cruise ship before being scrapped in 1936. (Photo c.1909)RMS ORSOVA (1909-1936) The liner RMS ORSOVA, built for the Orient Steam Navigation Co at John Brown & Co's Clydebank Shipyard,had accommodation for 1076 passengers, the 12,000-ton liner had 100,000 cubic feet of refrigerated cargo space. Sepia Photograph showing R.M.S. ORSOVA. Rectangular in shape.R.M.S. ORSOVA Orient Line 12.036 Tons-14.000 Horse Powermigrant ships,troop carring ships,lara r.s.l.

Artillery shells were designed to be recycled and spent shells were returned to the munitions factory for re-filling, a mark engraved upon the head-stamp at each re-filling. Millions upon millions of shells were recycled and re-fired. Relationships with ‘objects’ were forged as recycled objects of conflict were welcomed into people’s homes. Such objects were embodied with personal experiences of war, later to become objects textured with memory, remembrance, and longing – attributes that clearly go beyond an object’s form and function. 18-Pounder Artillery Shells: The Great War Recycled and Re-Circulated Categories :Material Culture Machine Subscribe Share on facebook Share on twitter The intention of war is to kill, to maim and to destroy using, for example, the agency of 18-pounder artillery shells (so-called because they weighed 18 pounds). The shells were loaded in to the 18-pounder field guns used by the Royal Artillery and targeted to destroy German batteries and trenches as well as to shoot down aeroplanes. Horse-drawn field gun, Canal du Nord, France. Taken by First World War photographer David McLellan. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA Horse-drawn field gun, Canal du Nord, France. Taken by First World War photographer David McLellan. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA In Under Fire, Henri Barbusse recounts how the incessant and diabolical din of war constantly bombarded the soldier body with the unendurable noise of bursting shells that caused pain to the ears (Barbusse 2010 [1933]: 207). The noise was so ‘monstrously resounding’ that one felt ‘annihilated by the mere sound of the downpour of thunder’ (Barbusse 2010 [1933]: 206). Artillery shells were designed to be recycled and spent shells were returned to the munitions factory for re-filling, a mark engraved upon the head-stamp at each re-filling. Millions upon millions of shells were recycled and re-fired. A mound of spent shell cases, Nord, Nord-pas-de-Calais, France. Taken by war photographer, Tom Aitken, 1918. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA. A mound of spent shell cases, Nord, Nord-pas-de-Calais, France. Taken by war photographer, Tom Aitken, 1918. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA. People’s experience of the First World War did not end with the armistice. Whilst the noise of the artillery had ceased, the noise of war was remembered. Harry Patch on arriving home injured recalled being ‘jumpy for a while’ with the least noise prompting him to dive for cover (2009: 114). Something else materialised. Relationships with ‘objects’ were forged as recycled objects of conflict were welcomed into people’s homes. Such objects were embodied with personal experiences of war, later to become objects textured with memory, remembrance, and longing – attributes that clearly go beyond an object’s form and function. The head-stamp of these particular shells displays the British broad arrow and the initials ‘EOC’ indicates that they were made at the Elswick Ordnance Company, England; the initials ‘CF’ signal that the charge was loaded with cordite, a standard propellant. Spent shells were illicitly scavenged from massive mounds by both soldiers and civilians alike to become personal souvenirs or to swap or sell. Spent artillery shells were crafted, often using a hammer and a bent nail. The crafting of trench art reflects the construction of an identity that offers momentary relief from the hell experienced in the trenches. The lid of an 18Pounder shell which has been adapted for use as an ash tray.Lot 27 1927, 18Pr, III, EOC, C/F, Defence broad arrow,

The Rising Sun badge, also known as the General Service Badge or the Australian Army Badge, is the official insignia of the Australian Army. The badge is readily identified with the spirit of ANZAC, the legend of the Australian soldier, and the esprit de corps of the Army itself, due to its association with the landings at Gallipoli in 1915. The Rising Sun badge carried a scroll inscribed with the words ‘Australian Commonwealth Military Forces’ and was worn throughout both World Wars. There were, however, a number of variations of the badge; a special version was struck for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 and there were badges of the Commonwealth Horse and the Australian Instructional Corps, each with its respective title on the scrolls. This pattern badge formed the template for all subsequent General Service badges.Australian Rising sun badge, anodised silver on the front and two eyelets on the back. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces.rising sun badge, lara r.s.l. badges, australian army badges.

Some are rare in natureBlue material - background, White timber frame surround with 18 metal military cap badges and 6 military cloth patches., Row 1 British Army Cap Badge - Royal Army Ordnance Corps. F1 Household Life guards, Cap Badge, Center G.R. below V. Oval with motto on outside Banner. Royal Lancashire Cap Badge.World War 1 R.F.C. - Royal Flying Corps Cap Badge. surrounded by Laurel Wreath with Crown on top. Circ. 1895 Royal Australian Air Force pilot's wings. The brevet has white cotton embroidered wings, a king's crown, and the letters 'R.A.A.F.' within a pale blue embroidered laurel wreath. Horse Badge - Small Brass - British Army Military. Saint George slaying he dragon - Small Brass Badge. Army Cyclist Corps - World War 1 Cap Badge. Duke of Wellington's Regimental Cap Badge. Row 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Corps 1895 = Shoulder Title - Officer's. Royal Horse Guards Brass Army Cap Badge. Brass Badge - Queen; Mary's Own - 18th Hussars. Vintage Royal Welsh Fusiliers Cap Badge. R.A. F. Service Dress Wings with King's Crown. American Eagle Brass - Army Officers Cap Badge. 45th Overseas Battalion - Canada Expeditionary Forces. 48th Battlion, Victoria, Canada - British Columbia Brass Cap Badge. World War 1. Row 3. Center World War 11 - Rhodesian Air Force Cloth Pilots wings . row 4 Center - Embossed Woven Crown with metal gold thread woven feathers under. Right - Embossed Woven Crown with Brass Gold Anchor below.- Navy Petty Officer Cap Badge. Row 5. Large Metal Gold color Crown - British Army Warrant Officers Badge. Small Brass Single Rifle with ACT on the Butt of the rifle. Brass Badge - Drummers Proficiency., Last Row - center Embossed woven Crown Red Felt on Blue Back.none - no labels6 cloth patches raised and embossed, 18 military brass metal cap badges vary in type and country and conflict.

Part of the Leo Reoch Cohn Collection. Leo Reoch Cohn served in both World War 0ne and World War Two. He enlisted in the 1st AIF on 23.9. on 6.5.1915, initially in the 22nd battalion (No. 1039), aged 18. Shortly after, on 11.9.1915, he transferred to the 8th LHR and embarked for Egypt on 23.9.1915, serving in both Egypt and Palestine. During that period of service, he transferred to the 1st Australian Light Car Patrol on 8.9.1917. This unit later became the 1st Australian Armoured Car Section. Leo began his return journey to Australia on 16.5.1919. Shortly after his RTA, he was discharged. While on active service overseas, he was hospitalized on a number of occasions due to illness. During World War Two, Leo enlisted in the 21st Battalion VDC (No. V360272) on 18.5.1942 at the age of 44. He was appointed Lieutenant on 25.6.1942. Leo's VDC service was terminated on 31.10. 1945 following the end of World War Two. .1) Tailored khaki woollen officer's dress jacket with silk like fabric lining. Two button-down breast pockets and two button down-side pockets. All buttons are military issue. Unit colour patch on each shoulder (8th ALH). Above the left breast pocket is a World War One trio of medal ribbons. An attached fabric belt has a metal buckle. .2) Light brown cotton drill jodhpurs with button fly. Knee reinforcement pad sewn on the inside of each leg. Button down hip pocket and two side pockets. Belt loops and buttons for braces on the waist band..2) On manufacturer's label: 'Pytchley, MADE IN ENGLAND'. Handwritten in black ink on waistband: 'COHN'.uniform, 8th light horse regiment, leo reoch cohn

Photo was found under a house at "165 Eaglehawk Road, Long Gully" with no context. Possibly Bendigo people at camp. Timeline from Boer War to WW1 going by the uniform which is possibly Light Horse.Black and white original photo of sixteen young soldiers in uniform, standing outside a tent. light horse, photo, soldiers in uniform

Donated by W.G. Selwyn 421514 RAAF .1) Sir Winston Churchill in centre of a crowd. .2 This photo is the same as the Imperial War Museum photo, item C3780. U 459 was scuttled after being severely damaged by the RAF. 24 JULY 1943. .3 This photo is the same as the Imperial War Museum photo, item C3543. Its caption is titled "TWO AUSTRALIAN SUNDERLANDS DESTROY A U BOAT". caption reads..."Original wartime caption: Depth charges from Sunderland "P" straddling U-boat which had been apparently partially disabled by "F"'s attack and unable to crash dive. Wake shows U-boat still capable of considerable surface speed, unsuccessfully attempting to evade the Sunderland's attack, which ultimately "killed" it."..1) Photograph- black and white, crowd, horse and Sir Winston Churchill .2) Photograph- black and white photo of a submarine circling and damaged after air attack ..3) photograph- black and white white photo, submarine under air attack from Australian Sunderland aircraft.photograph, sir winston churchill, u boats second world war., u 459.

These relate to the past service of SQLDR Victor James in 1946. His interpreter friends appear to have been Mr. & Mrs Lo. Miss Vera Wong, typist. There are some photos of Chinese Nationalist Army soldiers, The photos of surrendering Japanese Army Soldiers appears to have been taken by a trained photographer.This photo album is a maroon dimpled cover. It used to be bound with two screws on left side. The cover flexes about 3 cm from the left. The rear cover is of the same material. Embossed on front cover is an image of a leaping horse in a circle with the words "Photo Album" below. Inside are a large quantity of B & W photos of the Japanese surrender of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Photos of Chinese interpreters and families. Scenes from Kowloon - new territories. Photos of Japanes War Criminals.RAF Personnel Photos. There are numerous types or written captions throughout the Album.ww2, 1946, liberation of hong kong & kowloon

Representation of all the Commonwealth Forces that served in the Boer War.Framed print with the title of "SONS OF THE EMPIRE". Frame: timber with decorative edge, brown stain colour, glass front. Mount: Cream coloured cardboard with outer mount timber with gold coloured paint. Print: Black and white grouping of men in uniforms of various countries with flag, horses and some soldiers holding rifles. Artist signature at base of print. Title and information printed below illustration.Artist signature on print "Harry Payne/Dec/99" Printed title below illustration - "SONS OF THE EMPIRE" Printed information below title - "Dedicated by Special Permission to / Field Marshall the Right Hon. Viscount Wolseley. K.P., G.C.B/, G.C.M.G./Commander in Chief of the British Army"" with signature in black ink "Wolseley F.M."framed print, commonwealth, boer war

Details relating to Trooper Patrick NolanWW1 8th Light HorsePhotograph of Trooper Patrick Nolan on his horse "Jack Ordeal" taken at Port Said. Accompanied by items: stirrups, badge "Raising Sun, Registration of membership to R. S..S. I. L .A. dated 6/2/1917. Patrick Nolan Joined as a labourer aged 21 on 5/8/1915. Attached to Reinforcements, the 8th Australian Light Horse. Also known as Maygar's Boys. Suffering shell shock and deafness at Bir El Abd, Sinai, 8/9/1916. Discharged in Melbourne, 8/12/1916, rejoined Home Service 6/2/1917. Discharged at own request 21/6/1917. Rejoined 26/7/1917. Discharged 5/5/1918Dust/sand goggles, leather with brown lens for desert warfare. Lens 4.5 cm round, Badge "Rising Sun" Australian Military ArmedForces L 6.00 cm H. 4.5 cm. 1904 blackened copper. Left and Right strips. Markings stamped inside C. Greatnfk & Son Ld, solid nickel. The righthand strip has a broken foot strap mounting. Paper receipt for membership to Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League dated 6/2/1917. Number 965. Group Photo * light bHorse Inscription on Back - mBack Row @nd from Left Patrick Nolan Dad 8th Light Horse Egypt 1st World War 1914/1918 nolan patrick 8th light horse world war one trooper stirrups goggles rising sun

The medal was awarded to Trooper John Garbutt of the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse (Ballarat) in 1880 for attaining fourth prize n the sword competition. In 1862, the units of the Mounted Volunteer Corps in Victoria were formed into a single regiment known as the Victorian Volunteer Light Horse. This title changed again in 1863, to the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse ( Hussars ). In 1870 a uniform was adopted that was based on the British 19th Hussars. Troops were based at various times at Geelong, Ballarat, Kyneton, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Dandenong, as well as metropolitan Melbourne. In 1885, most of the Cavalry were incorporated into a newly formed Victorian Mounted Rifles. (http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/18070.001) John Garbutt was Principal of Ballarat College 1877 - 1909. He was educated at Geelong National Grammar School and in 1860 was the first dux of the college. He was educated at Geelong National Grammar School and in 1860 was the first dux of the college. Fist class Honourman Arts and Laws at Melbourne University 1866; Two years a master at Geelong College; seven years master and three years senior master at Scotch College, Melbourne. Mein's 1964 History of Ballarat College states: 'To summarise, it may be fairly claimed that the College's War Record in 1914-1918 would have reflected great credit on a school with ten times its numbers...Some of the credit of the college war record must be attributed to the influence of Major John Garbutt, M.A. who was Principal of the College for 33 years...Nearly all the old Collegians who distinguished themselves in the war had been trained by him. Silver coloured maltese cross medal with decorative link attached to top and engraved on both sides. The medal was awarded to Trooper Whyte of the Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse (Ballarat) in 1877. Face: P.W.V.V.L.H. / BALLARAT TROOP / SWORD COMPETITION / 1880 Verso: 4th PRIZE / Trooper garbutt ballarat-college, principal-john-garbutt, prince of wales victorian volunteer light horse, medal, 1880, principal

There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association

Records the work of the Australian Lighthorse in the British campaigns in Sinai, Palestine and Syria during the years of 1916-17-18. An account of the strategies and tactics employed for the whole force. Historical narrative of Palestine, Sinai and Syria and Australian Lighthorse.Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume VII - Sinai and Palestine. Maps and Illustrations.light horse, sinai, palestine, syria, horses, turkish advance, gaza, magdhaba, allanby, beersheba, jerusalem, jordan valley, abu tellul, damascus

Saddle bag used during the First World War. This is presumably a dog saddle bag used to carry machine gun weaponry.This item is a piece of equipement that presumably was used as a dog saddle bag during the First World War. As a WW1 item which presumably would have been worn by working war dogs, this item has an unique history associated with it. It is a rare item, it has historic significance and good interpretive capacity as an unusual piece of war equipment.Fabric and leather saddle bag rectangular in shape with curved edge for the curve of the animal's neck. Fabric is beige-coloured on interior and a thicker woven layer on the exterior is brown with black and light green stripes; fabric remains on only half of the exterior saddle and holes throughout remaining. Saddle has leather binding along edges. Each side carries five pockets, the outer two on each side are fastened by metal buckle and the middle remaining unfastened. Pockets are lined with same beige-cream woven fabric. Leather strap fastens around the neck of the animal and is secured with a metal buckle which inserts through one of several punched holes. first world war, world war i, world war one, the great war, saddle, horse, mule, mounted infantry, equine

This case belonged to Leonard Thomas (VX21070) who was born on 23 Aug 1900 in Cardiff England. By the Second World War, Thomas had emigrated to Australia and was residing in Elwood when he enlisted in Caulfield in 1940. Thomas served during the war as a Private and was discharged on 31 May 1949 from the AIF Mov and Control Group. His full service records are not currently available via the National Archives Australia and so it is unclear whether this case was part of the equipment of his role or a personal item.This case contains a number of inscriptions which may aid researchers to understand the life and movements of the owner, Leonard Thomas. The apparent crest is of special interest, suggesting that Leonard Thomas was connected to equine activities though the unavailability of his service records mean this fact is not confirmed. The item has interpretive potential, to discuss matters of equipment, emigration, use of horses during war and possibly leisure activities if the crest is taken as a reference to polo.Horse shoe shaped case in brown leather constructed of a lid and base. Used for storing shirt collars. Lid and base respectively constructed of two pieces of leather (one top and one edge) which are stitched to heavy card interior lining, mustard yellow in colour. The lid and base are held together by a sewn on leather strip and fastened at the top with a metal buckle; the holed strap through which the buckle attaches has broken. This strap in turn passes vertically down the back of the case and underneath (forming the strip which joins the two halves). Exterior base carries handwritten inscriptions, as does the interior lid. Black ink stamps throughout.Stamps read "L THOMAS" along an upturned horse shoe, underneath which are possibly clubs and an up-facing arrow. Service number written on side of case reads "VX21070". Handwritten inscription reads "Leonard Thomas/33 [illegible three words]/Cardiff/April 20th 1921." Interior of lid reads "LEONARD THOMAS 5-2-20" with a striped triangle below.case, horseshoe, cardiff, england, united kingdom, second world war, elizabeth thomas, world war ii, world war 2, 1940s, emigration