Black and white photos of WW2. Middle East dessert. World war two,

The Orungal was originally built in Glasgow in 1923 for the Khedival Mail Steamship & Graving Dock Company of Egypt and named the S.S. Fezara. Due to the effects on steamship companies of the Great Depression including the steep costs of building new ships and increases in running costs and port charges, no new passenger ships had been ordered in Australia since before World War One. To meet demand for passenger berths, the Fezara (5826 tons) along with its sister ship the Famaka (5856 tons, renamed Ormiston), were chartered by the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company Ltd (A.U.S.N.Co.) in 1927. Both the A.U.S.N.Co and the Khedival Mail Steamship Co. were part of the P&O Group. The Orungal operated in this role as an interstate passenger and mail steamer between 1927 and 1940, being used mainly on the Melbourne to Queensland and Western Australian runs, with 240 single class berths. Following the outbreak of World War Two six of the nine large passenger liners servicing mainland Australian passenger and mail trades were requisitioned by the Government to ferry equipment, troops and supplies. Some of them were converted to armed merchant cruisers and used for patrol work and escort duties in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Orungal had originally been requisitioned by the government along with the Zealandia on 25 June 1940, to transport troops to Darwin, but was returned to commercial service because "of her unsuitability", perhaps too slow for the demands of the work. Despite being rejected for patrol and convoy duties the Orungal still had a vital role as one of only three passenger liners left to service the mainland Australian trade. Following its requisitioning by the Government shortly after war broke out, it had been fitted out with defensive armament. On its final voyage arriving at Port Phillip Heads from Sydney, Captain Gilling was attempting to enter the Heads ahead of a worsening south-westerly storm and, with a minefield known to have been laid in the area, had been warned by the Navy not to deviate from the swept channel. The captain and crew held fears that in the stormy seas a mine may have been carried away. In the worsening weather a blur of lights at Barwon Heads was mistaken for Port Lonsdale, and the Orungal steamed ashore onto Formby Reef, just east of the entrance of the Barwon River - instead of passing safely through the middle of the Rip. At the Marine Board Inquiry Capt. Gilling - who had been master of the Orungal since 1926 - stated that after becoming uneasy about his position and changing course to starboard one point: " At 10.21 pm I ordered the engine room to stand by and gave instructions for the patent log to be hauled in and for the sounding-gear to be got ready. Approximately two minutes later, in a flash of lightning, I saw land off the port beam. I immediately recognised it as Barwon Heads, and ordered the helm to be put hard to starboard, but the vessel struck before she had time to answer the helm" Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove residents were startled to hear the shrill blast of the ship's whistle, followed by the bright flares and explosions of signal rockets. The Queenscliff lifeboat crew, who had responded to the tragic collision between the Goorangai and another passenger liner the Duntroon in Port Phillip Bay less than 24 hours earlier, were later praised for their efforts in safely taking off all the passengers and crew. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the wreck, and were woken up by the commotion, the ship shaking "from stem to stern" and stewards ordering them to lifeboat stations in driving rain. It was a dramatic time with the ship siren wailing and distress rockets being fired. It was reported that "When it was found the ship was safe, the passengers all went to the music room. There they sang and danced for several hours. The ship's orchestra played merrily, and amateur performers among the passengers clowned, danced and sang to keep the laughter going. In the early hours of the morning passengers went to their cabins, most of them to sleep soundly while the keel grated on the rocks". At dawn the Queenscliff lifeboat arrived at the scene having been launched at 2.30am, and cautiously approached the ship which was being "battered by mountainous seas". By 5am oil from a burst oil line was helping to calm seas around the Orungal sufficiently enough for the lifeboat to approach, and all the passengers and crew were taken off in several trips by the lifeboat. A Court of Inquiry later found that the wreck was caused by an abnormal set of current to the north-west and cleared the officers and crew of neglect of duty. The sight of a huge liner almost on the beach saw an unprecedented amount of traffic as people drove an estimated 10,000 cars, using some 60,000 gallons of fuel in a time of strict petrol rationing, to see the spectacle. Salvage operations began in an attempt to refloat the vessel, scheduled for the high tide on 15 December 1940. However, during these operations, at 2.30 am on 13 December 1940, a major fire broke out, believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion in the boiler room. The ship was soon ablaze, with smoke pouring from its hatches and ventilators, and at mid-morning the magazine exploded fiercely. Of the 60 men working aboard the vessel two were severely burned and had to be taken to Geelong Hospital. The gathered spectators witnessed the eerie sight of the ship's hull glowing red when night fell. The well-known building demolition contractor Whelan the Wrecker bought the salvage rights, and methodically proceeded to dismantle the ship and its fittings. The drama was not yet over for the wreckers when - without warning - the burnt-out hulk was 'attacked' by RAAF for strafing practice. Salvage rights were transferred to another private owner in 1963. By 1945 the combined effects of the exposed location, fire and salvage had seen what was left of the wreck disappear beneath the waves. The site today is marked by two of the four Scotch type boilers sitting upright and exposed at low tide, just north-east of the small boats channel at the entrance to Barwon Heads. Large sections of steel hull plating and framing, and impressively large pieces of ships structure and machinery including masts, booms, deck winches, propeller shaft, flywheel, and a thrust block lie scattered about and make the site an interesting shallow dive. It is interesting to compare the site of the Orungal with the intact remains of similar large passenger ships scuttled in deep water in the Ships' Graveyard, such as the Milora and Malaita. The site is subject to waves and surge, and is best dived on flat calm days The teacup originated from the SS Orungal and was likely used heavily in the ship's life as a passenger, mail and cargo carrier around Australia. The teacup is significant for its connections to SS Orungal and of this ships connected story of being sunk in extraordinary circumstances in the local region. A.U.S.N. Co. Ltd. Teacup salvaged from SS Orungal ss orungal, fezara, world war two, barwon heads, ocean grove

identity cardsissued to members of the Polish military forces in the West.unique documents of the Polish military fighting under the command of the British Allied forces belonging to a significant individual in the Polish communitysoldiers identity card from world War two belonging to Stanislaw Blumnerves in the vehicle'smilitary identity card, blum

This hat was worn by Joan Cahill during her service in the AWAS, where she served in the Signals Branch and rose to the rank of Corporal. The AWAS was formed in 1941, and its main objective was to support the Australian army in various ways. Over 24,000 women served in the AWAS, performing critical support roles such as clerical work, vehicle maintenance, and communications. The Signals Branch, which Joan Cahill served in, was responsible for providing reliable and secure communication services between the Australian army and Allied forces.Khaki women's army hat with grosgrain band wrapped around the circumference with a small metal rising sun attached.burke museum, beechworth, army service, army uniform, joan cahill, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two

This badge was awarded to Joan Cahill in 1948 for serving full-term in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women’s Army Service. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service were she rose to the rank of Corporal.Gold metal badge with wing, rising sun and anchor design, crown at top.OBVERSE: 'SERVICE / AUSTRALIA', REVERSE: '1948 / ISSUED BY C'WLTH GOVT / A307351 / AMOR / SYDNEYburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two, joan cahill

An Australia Service Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL / 1939-1945 / BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VI /burke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

An Army Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a light blue, dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: 1939 / 1945 BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VIburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

Taken on the 31st of August ,1918, this photograph depicts Gunner Wilson, Lieutenant Driscoll, and Lieutenant Clark (facing camera) of the 12th Battery of Australian Field Artillery, choosing a site for new battery positions, as members of the 52nd Australian Battalion move past to a new sector north of the Somme, before Mont St Quentin.The Battle of Mont St Quentin commenced on the 31st of August 1918 and ended on the 3rd of September 1918. The battle saw Australian troops storm, seize and hold the key height of Mont St Quentin (overlooking Peronne), a pivotal German defensive position on the line of the Somme.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph on matte photographic paperReverse: 5144/military album, beechworth, burke museum, ww2, world war two, france, somme, 12th battery of australian field artillery, 52nd australian battalion, military, mont st quentin

The postcard image depicts the torpedo tubes with caps in position of a Japanese midget submarine that was involed in the attack on Sydney Harbour on May 31st, 1942. On the 31st of May 1942, in the midst of World War Two, Sydney found itself under attack from three Japanese midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour under the cover of night. The first submarine became trapped in anti-torpedo nets and the third submarine was sunk in Taylor Bay. The second submarine fired on the heavy cruiser the USS Chicago. One of the torpedoes exploded near the depot ship the HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 sailors.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardReverse: 7525-1/ POST CARD/ 2/ This postcard is a/ souvenir of the Exhibition/ of Japanese Midget Sub-/ marines sunk in Sydney Har-/ bour on the night of Sunday,/ May 31st, 1942, the night/ that the first attack on/ Sydney by a foreign power/ took place and was/ frustrated./ caps of the/ torpeto tubes/ 30th JULY 1942/ SERIAL No. 2/ Torpedo tubes of Japanese midget submarine with/ caps in position/military album, beechworth, burke museum, ww2, world war two, wwii, maritime, sydney harbour, sydney, japanese, japan, submarine, torpedo

The postcard image depicts the conning tower of a Japanese midget submarine that was involed in the attack on Sydney Harbour on May 31st, 1942.On the 31st of May 1942, in the midst of World War Two, Sydney found itself under attack from three Japanese midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour under the cover of night. The first submarine became trapped in anti-torpedo nets and the third submarine was sunk in Taylor Bay. The second submarine fired on the heavy cruiser the USS Chicago. One of the torpedoes exploded near the depot ship the HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 sailors.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardReverse: 7525-2/ POST CARD/ 3/ This postcard is a/ souvenir of the Exhibition/ of Japanese Midget Sub-/ marines sunk in Sydney Har-/ bour on the night of Sunday,/ May 31st, 1942, the night/ that the first attack on/ Sydney by a foreign power/ took place and was/ frustrated./ 30th JULY 1942/ SERIAL No. 3/ Conning tower of Japanese midget submarine/ The Con. Tower/ military album, beechworth, burke museum, ww2, world war two, wwii, maritime, sydney harbour, sydney, japanese, japan, submarine

The postcard image depicts a sunken Japanese midget submarine, that was involved in the attack on Sydney Harbour on May 31st, 1942, being raised from the waters of the Sydney Harbour by a winch system, as groups of onlookers stand upon the decks of surrounding boats.On the 31st of May 1942, in the midst of World War Two, Sydney found itself under attack from three Japanese midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour under the cover of night. The first submarine became trapped in anti-torpedo nets and the third submarine was sunk in Taylor Bay. The second submarine fired on the heavy cruiser the USS Chicago. One of the torpedoes exploded near the depot ship the HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 sailors.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardReverse: 7525-3/ POST CARD/ 4/ This postcard is a/ souvenir of the Exhibition/ of Japanese Midget Sub-/ marines sunk in Sydney Har-/ bour on the night of Sunday,/ May 31st, 1942, the night/ that the first attack on/ Sydney by a foreign power/ took place and was/ frustrated./ 30th JULY 1942/ SERIAL No. 4/ Raising the Japanese midget submarine/ The sub after/ being lifted out of/ the water, note/ the cause from depth/ charges./military album, beechworth, burke museum, ww2, world war two, wwii, maritime, sydney harbour, sydney, japanese, japan, submarine, torpedo

The postcard image depicts the propeller of a Japanese midget submarine that was involved in the attack on Sydney Harbour on May 31st, 1942.On the 31st of May 1942, in the midst of World War Two, Sydney found itself under attack from three Japanese midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour under the cover of night. The first submarine became trapped in anti-torpedo nets and the third submarine was sunk in Taylor Bay. The second submarine fired on the heavy cruiser the USS Chicago. One of the torpedoes exploded near the depot ship the HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 sailors.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardReverse: 7525-4/ POST CARD/ 1/ This postcard is a/ souvenir of the Exhibition/ of Japanese Midget Sub-/ marines sunk in Sydney Har-/ bour on the night of Sunday,/ May 31st, 1942, the night/ that the first attack on/ Sydney by a foreign power/ took place and was/ frustrated./ 30th JULY 1942/ SERIAL No. 1/ Propellers and rudders of Japanese midget/ submarine/ Propellor/ with protecting/ bands./military album, beechworth, burke museum, ww2, world war two, wwii, maritime, sydney harbour, sydney, japanese, japan, submarine

The postcard image depicts a salvage team winching a Japanese midget submarine that was involed in the attack on Sydney Harbour on May 31st, 1942, out of the waters of the Sydney Harbour. The winch and salvage team are situated in front of a dock shed on a pier.On the 31st of May 1942, in the midst of World War Two, Sydney found itself under attack from three Japanese midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour under the cover of night. The first submarine became trapped in anti-torpedo nets and the third submarine was sunk in Taylor Bay. The second submarine fired on the heavy cruiser the USS Chicago. One of the torpedoes exploded near the depot ship the HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 sailors.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on cardReverse: 7525-5/ POST CARD/ This postcard is a/ souvenir of the Exhibition/ of Japanese Midget Sub-/ marines sunk in Sydney Har-/ bour on the night of Sunday,/ May 31st, 1942, the night/ that the first attack on/ Sydney by a foreign power/ took place and was/ frustrated./ 30th JULY 1942/ SERIAL No. 6/ The salvage part at work on a Japanese midget/ submarine/ Bringing the sub/ to the surface/military album, beechworth, burke museum, ww2, world war two, wwii, maritime, sydney harbour, sydney, japanese, japan, submarine

This type of head dress was very commonly worn by British Commonwealth Forces in the Sub Continent and other tropical areas. This particular example would have been a common sight in Northern Australia during the time frame, as well as Africa, Middle East and the Pacific. It is a light weight ventilated helmet offering good air circulation via the vent in the top of the crown, and shade to the back of the neck. As well as protection by the peaked front for the eyes reducing glare, preventing sun and heat stroke. It also created an image of gentlemanly dress and pride in appearance. It conformed to an ideal and was considered quite fashionable and a little dashing, often worn at a jaunty angle, creating a rakish air, far from today's simplistic view of pure functionality and at as low as possible cost. Whether worn with a tropical uniform with jacket and trousers, or open necked shirt and shorts, the wearer was easily identifiable as British or one of the Commonwealth countries.WW2 RAAF Wolsley cork helmet. Helmet Khaki cotton six (6) panel outer, with three (3) fold pugaree. Colour patch on left side approximately 6cm X 5.5cm, Dark blue,2.5cm, Light blue, 0.5cm and Maroon 2.5cm. Tan leather trim around brim, tan leather chin strap. Traditional pith helmet four (4) hole domed type vent on top of crown. Beige leather sweat band pierced around the top and with a cotton cord adjustment threaded around. Fixed to shell in four points diagonally. Interior is also covered in Khaki cotton. Hand written in brown ink. A1917 F/Lt C KERR GRANTworld war two, head dress, helmet, pith, cork, cloth covered, leather trimmed, royal australian air force, officer, flight lieutenant, khaki, pith helmet, air force, tropical, hat

These seven volumes contain of the history of the Second World War from the English point of view. The inscription shows that the books belonged to James Low. Scottish born James Low came to Australia and worked in the Swintons' shoe store in Warrnambool. He served in World War One and in the 1930s he opened his own shoe business. He died in 1976. These books are of antiquarian interest and have local provenance.These books have blue hard covers with an embossed image of Caxton on the front. There is gold printing on the spines. The pages contain printed text, black and white photographs and maps.J.S.Lowworld war two., james low of warrnambool

The ownership of this ledger, dating from 1943 to 1945, is not known. It contains financial details of jobs done and sales and the names listed are those of residents of Warrnambool and district and local businesses. In general the amounts registered are small but there is no indication of the type of jobs done or goods supplied. It is conjectured that the ledger belonged to a local tradesman who also had a shop outlet. The origin of this ledger is unknown so the only interest is in the names included.This is a hard cover ledger with a dark green cover. The insides of the cover have a red and green mottled pattern. The 250 pages have ruled red lines and contain handwritten entries in blue ink. There are some loose sheets connected to the entries. Some pages at the back are blank. The pages are bound with string.warrnambool businesses, warrnambool financial ledger dating from world war two

116 page A4 size book with green covers and white text on the front cover and spinenon-fictionWar Diary of John Maurice Grace supplemented with family photographs and newspaper cuttings relating to his pre and post war life john maurice grace, war diary, world war two, raaf pathfinder 462 bomber squadron

This folder of text and photographic memorabilia relating to Robert Wilson Baxter (1935py) is a fascinating record of this former student's service and ultimate sacrifice for his country. Robert Baxter was awarded the George Medal on the 28th July 1942 for heroism in rescuing a fellow crewman from the burning wreck of their aircraft. The Medal was received by his family after Robert's death on 7th August 1942 as a result of an accident while taking off on operations. Robert Baxter's father, also Robert Wilson Baxter, was a Ballarat businessman who purchased the Ballarat Star Newspaper in 1897, selling it to the Courier in 1924. He was also part of Baxter and Stubbs Pty. Ltd. (Printers). Robert's mother attended Mrs Kennedy's School for Girls. Items in the folder have historical significance as they document the service and sacrifice of a RAAF sergeant during World War Two. Archival folder relating to Robert Wilson Baxter (05/03/1918 - 07/08/1942), including photographs of RWB in squadron uniform and receiving wings, visit of Robert Menzies to Squadron, gravestone at Selby, England; telegrams to parents re war injury and discharge from hospital; letters, newspaper clippings and extract from the London Gazette relating to his posthumous receipt of the George Medal; letters of condolence from his Wing Commander and His Majesty George VI; Obituaries and in memoriams; letter from his sister, Margaret Jamieson, re donation of items to BCC. raaf, royal australian air force, george medal, second world war, robert wilson baxter, world war two honour roll, margaret jamieson, robert menzies, 1935py

Heavy 4 engines Avro-Lancaster Bomber - piIot area and instrument panel in service with R.A.F. during World War II. Registration S for Sugar R5868.World War 2 , heavy 4 engined Bomber Registration Number S for Sugar R5868 maintained at R.A.F. Museum Hendon U.K.Rectangular shaped color print of the interior of a Lancaster Bomber showing the pilots area and aircraft instrument cluster. Rear of the frame is a small strip stating photograph by Tony Watts - title - "After the Battle magazine. Lancaster Cockpit - that of R5868 at the RAF museum, Hendon U.K. Sticker - GEELONG PICTURE FRAMERS - Art Posters . Prints . Framing 70 Ryrie Street, Geelong- Telephone - (052) 29 7805world war two, avro lancaster bomber, r5868

Paper back booklet with sepia illustration on cover page, the title is in bold black writing with a cross in the foreground. The cross has a first aid arm band with the red cross in colour standing out from the sepia background. 'Memoirs free to any country 1979-80. Lest we forget'booklet, world war two, lara r.s.l.the 1000th cross.

Fawn coloured Booklet, rectangular in shape.Care of the Feet Notes for Foot Orderlies 1942 The War Office 7th October, 1942booklet, world war two, lara r.s.l. care of the feet.

Series of Magazines Published in London from May 1946 to January 1947Series of illustrated Newspapers which describes many of post world war 2 events in England.Newspaper Illustrated London News July 1946 Red Masthead Black and white No.5597 Volume 209series news papers illustrated london 1946 1947 post world war two

Following the closure of the RAAF Air Base after the Second World War an auction sale was held. Mr Goldsworthy, mechanic and garage owner of Kaniva purchased the clock and hung it on the wall of the garage where it remained when the business was sold to Mr Eddy Rowe of Kaniva. The clock remained in action until the 17th October 2009 when Mr Rowe disconnected the power supply to the clock, and donated it to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre (NAHC) to be kept as memorabilia of the Second World War. On completion of the building of a new hangar/exhibition centre at the Nhill Aerodrome, the clock will be hung on the wall and once again connected to the power supply.Clock was used at the air school at Nhill during WW224 hour electric wall clock with Telechron brand on face. It has a pair of hour hands, one red one black and a black minute hand and second hand. A domed shaped Perspex front. The clock face has 24 hour markings. The glass and clock face are set within a steel frame.The clock has Telechron and twenty-four hour numbers written on the clock face. Pasted on the back side is "instructions for setting the clock which is marked WARREN TELECHRON COMPANY/Ashland Mass. U.S.A world war two, clock, electric clock,twenty four hour clock, nhill aerodrome, raaf air base, warren telechron, goldsworthy, eddy rowe

Loin cloth worn by Capt D.F.V. Hufer who was a P.O.W. on the Burma Railway during WW2. See Catalogue no. 2725 for medal details and his service record.Navy coloured cotton cloth with two cotton strings for tying around a person's waist. The item is displayed over green card under glass in a rectangular metal frame.On a rectangular white card inside the frame: 'Loin cloth worn by Capt D.F.V. Hufer Burma Railway WW2'prisoner of war, burma railway, world war two, capt d.f.v. hufer

Cpl. Ronald Warren Ellis, EM (VX502517) was born in Brunswick in 1927. His family moved to Lara when he was young, and his schooling took place at the Lara State School. After finishing his education, Ron took up employment at Sims Coopers in Corio. Ron was enlisted in the second AIF at Melbourne, and posted to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Greta west of Newcastle, NSW. After 3 months training, he was sent to the Service Corps Training Centre for driver and maintenance training in Ingleburn, south of Sydney. When this course was completed, Ron was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps as a driver motor vehicle with the 2nd AIF. Rons service with the AIF lasted 425 days, when he was then transferred to the Interim Army for a further 309 days. The duration of his service was in NSW. Ron was discharged from the Army in Melbourne on the 4th of May 1948. In 1957, Ron enlisted in the CMF and served with 22nd Construction Squadron for 17 years with the last 5 as a Corporal, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal for long service and good conduct.Brown canvas booklet that is folded into three. Licence gives details of Army number, name, rank and type of vehicle that is able to be driven. Licence has been issued to Private Ronald Warren Ellis on 24/01/1948. No. 258778 Army No. V?SOL517 Rank: Private Name in full: Ellis, Ronald Warren Unit: Transferred to (unit): Having passed the prescribed tests ... authorised to drive... types of ... vehicles within the Commonwealth of Australia and Territories. Signature of Driver: drivers licence, australian military forces, army, private, ellis, ww2, wwii, world war two, second world war

This hammer was presented to the Lara RSL by AJ Quick in 1965. Alan James Quick was a member of the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion during the Second World War, and was later a life member of Lara RSL. Alan received the RSL Meritorious Service Medal. Alan was the president of Lara RSL from 1965-1970, and this gavel was used at committee meetings by the president after its donation in 1965.This gavel is a key object of Lara RSL's history. It was used in committee meetings in the 1960s and perhaps later, and provides a documented link to an earlier president.Small wooden hammer with flat head and pointed reverse. The handle is rounded and has five rings carved into it. The wood is smooth and polished. The head has a small metal plaque attached. "Lara RSL. Presented by A.J Quick. 1965."quick, lara, rsl, parachute, ww2, world war two