Established during world War Two, the first 'Everyman's Hut' was built at Bonegilla camp to serve army personnel. An 'Everywoman's Hut' was established at Bandianna and was staffed by women. The hut's were also staffed by ministers of religion who had returned to Australia due to war plus volunteers. Everyman's staff wore a military cut uniform and, where appropriate, were given officer status by local commanders. Today, Everyman's Welfare Service caters for the well being of members of the ADF and their families. Part of the Reverend Chaplain Major Thomas Bruce Williams, No556101, Collection.Khaki coloured slide should backgrounder board in poly ester fabric. A label with fawn lettering on a brown background is sewn to the straight end of the board. Above the label are two horizontal red bands in cotton braid.Embroidered on a brown label: 'EVERYMAN'S HUT'.everyman's hut, major thomas b. williams

Soft cover book Soft cover - cardboard, brown and beige colour print on front, spine and back. Front illustration - sepia, half portrait of two soldiers in uniform. 323 pages - cut, off white, illustrated black & white photographs and map.books, military history, ww1

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

Photograph of two world war one soldiers taken in Melbourne Jim Mc Intyre and Harold JenkinsBlack and white photo of two soldiers Front - Jim Mcintyre and Harold Jenkins Rear - Whitney Bros Electric Studios Melbourne Australia Beryl Kennyjim mcintyre, harold jenkins photograph

Ronald Leslie Gregory (R/22961) served in the Australian Royal Navy. Born 5th August 1921, he enlisted on the 7th March 1939, and served on the HMAS Kuttabul II. He was discharged in 1948. Forms part of a collection of Ronald Leslie's belongings that were donated to the Lara RSL in 2006.RSL membership badge. White background, faded red and blue detailed with rusted metal background. the crown atop the badge has a blue background and says '45' 45 returned sailors, soldiers and airmens imperial australia league B25448 Sydneyworld war two, 1945, rsl, badge

Two Lara District locals, Sister Sarah McIntosh and Sister Catherine McNaughton are cousins who served as nurses in WWI.Two photographs (reproductions) within a single frame. The frame is black lacquer with a gold trim (inset). Three pieces of paper with typed lettering have also been added to the mat board, the title piece is oriented top-centre, and two name pieces are centred just beneath the associated photograph. Title piece: AUSTRALIAN ARMY NURSING SERVICE / WORLD WAR I Name piece (left): SISTER SARAH (SADIE) / McINTOSH / 1885 - 1970 Name piece (right): SISTER CATHERINE (KIT) / McNAUGHTON R.R.C. / 1884 - 1953world war one, wwi

The term ‘puggaree’ originates from the Hindu word, ‘Pagri,’ meaning a turban or thin scarf of muslin. Intended for insulation, the puggaree was a traditional Indian head-wrap, adapted by the British for headdress worn in hot, sunny regions. During World War One (1914-1918) a plain khaki cloth band was worn and this practice continued until compulsory training was suspended in 1929. Following the introduction of Voluntary Training in 1930, new puggarees were issued to the Commonwealth Military Force with different coloured folds denoting Arm or Service. During World War Two, a flat type of band was issued. Troops who were on active service in the Middle East at the time introduced a folded puggaree as a distinguishing mark of active service. Later, the Army reverted to various types of plain bands, green dyed puggarees for example, for jungle warfare. However, the official puggaree at the conclusion of World War Two was still the flat band. The current puggaree has seven pleats, one for each state and one for the Australian Territories. It is made from light khaki coloured cotton and is worn on the slouch hat with a unit colour patch sewn on the right side. While the majority of the Australian Army wear the light khaki coloured puggaree, there are slight variations for members of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and the Corps of Staff Cadets. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, wear jungle green puggaree. The dark green puggaree was introduced during the Battalion’s service in Malaya over the period 1959-61. Unable to get puggarees from Australia for an official parade; the task of producing them was given to the Battalion tailor, Mr. Mohavved Beseek. Mr Beseek used ‘bush shirts’ (common issue British field uniform at the time) to make the puggarees as he was unable to obtain the khaki material locally or from Australia. It is thought that the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel W. Morrow decided that the green puggaree would be the puggaree worn by the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, in Malaya. After the battalion’s return to Australia, the dark green puggaree was adopted for permanent use. Because the dark green puggaree is so distinctive, the battalion does not wear a colour patch. Royal Military College staff cadets wear a distinctive puggaree of olive drab colour. The puggaree has eight pleats, with seven representing each state and one for the Australian Territories. The eighth pleat signifies the graduation of the first international cadet through the Royal Military College who hailed from New Zealand. Worn on slouch HatHat BandNilpuggaree,hat band, slouch hat, lara rsl

In the Second World War there was only one badge issued to the nearest female relative of members of the RAN, the Australian Imperial Force (including members of the Australian Army Nursing Service), and the Royal Australian Air Force on active service abroad. Stars displayed on a bar suspended below the badge represented the number of relatives involved in the war effort. Authority for the issue of the badge in the Second World War was issued under AIF Order 200 dated 14 February 1941.Metal badge with crown on top & bar underneath with 1 star.'TO THE WOMAN OF AUSTRALIA'. Map of Australia in centre of wreath. On reverse side issued by the Commonwealth Government. No 'A100853' world war two, royal australian air force, australian imperial force, australian army nursing service

HMAS Melbourne (R21) was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only British Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisions. The ship was laid down for the British Royal Navy as the lead ship of the Majestic class in April 1943, and was launched as HMS Majestic (R77) in February 1945. At the end of World War II, work on the ship was suspended until she was purchased by the RAN in 1947. At the time of purchase, it was decided to incorporate new aircraft carrier technologies into the design, making Melbourne the third ship to be constructed with an angled flight deck. Delays in construction and integrating the enhancements meant that the carrier was not commissioned until 1955. Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. However, she was involved in two major collisions with allied vessels. On the evening of 10 February 1964, Melbourne collided with and sank HMAS Voyager when the Daring class destroyer altered course across her bow. Eighty-two of Voyager's crew were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The second collision occurred in the early morning of 3 June 1969, when Melbourne collided with and sank the Allen M. Sumner class destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in similar circumstances. Seventy-four United States Navy (USN) personnel died, and a joint USN–RAN Board of Inquiry was held. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that Melbourne was jinxed. Melbourne was paid off from RAN service in 1982. A proposal to convert her for use as a floating casino failed, and a 1984 sale was cancelled, before she was sold in 1985 and towed to China for breaking. The scrapping was delayed so Melbourne could be studied by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as part of a secret project to develop a Chinese aircraft carrier and used to train PLAN aviators in carrier flight operations. HMAS Melbourne was decommissioned on 30 June 1982, having spent 62,036 hours underway and having steamed 868,893 nautical miles. A proposal to convert her for use as a floating casino failed, and a 1984 sale was cancelled, before she was sold for scrap in 1985 and towed to China for breaking. The scrapping was delayed so Melbourne could be studied by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as part of a secret project to develop a Chinese aircraft carrier and used to train PLAN aviators in carrier flight operations.The pictorial history of HMAS Melbourne with rare photos. Now a scarce title and highly desirable title that is now long out of print. Has provenance history of all ships movements from 1955 till decommissioned.HMAS Melbourne 25 YearsOn the front page is a picture of HMAS Melbourne with the words at top "H.M.A.S. Melbourne. At bottom are the words in orange, '25 Years'. In white, are the words 'by Ross Gillett' then 'Forward by Rear Admiral G.G.O. Gatacre C.B.E. DSO. DSC & Bar, RAN'. On the rear page is a list of all the Captains that served on the HMAS Melbourne between 1955-1980.hmas melbourne, aircraft carrier, royal australian navy, australian navy, westland whirlwind, sea venom, fairy gannet, bristol sycamore, westland wessex, douglas skyhawk, grumman tracker, westland sea king, fleet air arm, hmas albatross, nowra

Created during WW2 for the RAAFUnique magazine issued by the RAAF during World War Two6 Issues of Wings - September 28 1943 - 1944On Cover is Wings - Official Magazine of the RAAFwings, raaf, royal australian air force, the speciality press, 174 little collins street, melbourne, 1943, 1944, ww2, world war two

The Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, the Siam–Burma Railway, the Thai–Burma Railway and similar names, was a 415-kilometre railway between Ban Pong, Thailand, and Thanbyuzayat, Burma, built by the Empire of Japan in 1943 to support its forces in the Burma campaign of World War II. This railway completed the rail link between Bangkok, Thailand, and Rangoon, Burma. This is a poster advertising the showing of a film on the making of the railway.In all, 9,500 Australian prisoners of war worked on the construction of the Burma-Thailand Railway, which ran from Bampong, Thailand, to Thanbyuzayat, Burma . Building commenced at each end of the railway. Altogether, 2,646 Australians died working on the railway.Rectangular shaped black and white film poster.The Burma-Thailand Death Railway Film Posterposters, burma-thailand death railway film poster, world war two, lara r.s.l.

A soldier's book produced almost entirely by soldiers in the field under active service conditions to send to their friends in Australia and abroad. Australian Lighthorse men is a type peculiar his own and has no counterpart in h is NZ brother. His fearlessness, initiative and endurance, and his adaptability to almost any task, are due to the adventurous life he leads in his own country where he has been accustomed to long hours in the saddle, day and night, and to facing danger of all sorts from his earliest youth.Brown front and back hardcover with dark brown text 'Australia in Palestine' with a light horseman framed in centre of front cover. The spine is green with text Australia in Palestine, Angus and Robertson bottom of spine. Evidence of water on front cover. Silverfish have eaten top right hand corner of first two pages. Farm scene in four boxes with AR in the lower corner of each square. Inside front and back covers are illustrations of a camel train and came corps in the desert with the rising sun in the background with a mountain. There is a grave and white cross in their foreground right lower corner Illustrations, photographs, poems, short stories, Centre foldout of the Battle for Richon Le Zion and Battle of Beersheba and after the Battle of Bir El Abed To the memory of fallen comrades. Pen mark inside W. Mathews Larabattle of beersheba, battle of richon ze zion, battle of bir er abd, camel corps, lighthorse, slush light, sir h.g. chauvel, mounted division at kantara, medical services, signal engineers, katia oasis, new zealand mounted troops, sir edmund h allenby, walers story, 5th lighthorse, romani, ww1, world war 1, australian army

Khaki and Green is a summary of the scope of the activities of the Australian soldiers since last they related their experiences, in book form. To their homeland. It speaks of desert and jungle epitomising the two major regions of the campaign in which Australians have participated since October 1942 - the overthrow of Rommel's forces at El Alamein and the smashing of the Chinese in Papua.Collection of servicemen recounts, poems and cartoons from World War 2Faded light green hardcover front and back with title in centre symmetrical green and back lettering (shadowed) With the Australian Army at home and overseas. Text is repeated on spine of book. Front and back inside pages has an illustrations of a kit bag and it's contents and text - Palestine, United Kingdom, Egypt, Libya, Greece, Crete, Eritrea, Cyprus, Syria, Siam, Malaya, Java, Ambon, Ceylon, China, New Britain, Ocean islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Solomon's, Papua, Timor, Dutch New Guinea. Photos, illustrations, cartoons, poems. There are three copies held at the Lara RSL Sub Branch.To the memory of fallen comrades ‘They gave their lives. For the public gift they received a praise which never ages and a tomb most glorious – not so much the tomb in which they lie, but that in which their fame survives, to be remembered forever when occasion comes for word or dead…. ‘ blaney, aif, 6th and 7th division, poetry, middle east, south west pacific, darwin, nassau bay, kokoda, rats of moresby, bullybeef, night patrol, jungle fighters, prisoners of war, world war 2, ww2

Coat worn by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.This coat is part of a complete uniform set held by the Shepparton RSL. The uniform has representative and historic significance as an example of the style of uniform worn by nursing staff of the Australian General Hospital during the 1940s and into the 1950s. The uniform set has social significance to the Shepparton area, being owned and worn by a serving community member who was born in Numurkah, enlisted in Shepparton and returned to the community in later life.Shin length grey woollen double breasted coat fastened with three buttons on front centre. Interior bakelite or plastic button fastens panels on interior. Two hip-height pockets with folded flap on exterior. Grey fabric belt fastened with a metal buckle; belt is held in place with two fabric loops on either side of the waist. "AUSTRALIA" shoulder flashes on both left and right shoulders; on left arm a blue and brown rectangular colour patch and on the right arm, a blue square patch with embroidered crown and the words "BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES." Epaulettes on either shoulder carry two metal badges signifying a senior Sister and fastened with a metal button. A pin is missing from the base of the epaulette. Interior lined with purple-grey lining; pocket on interior left chest and manufacturer's label at base of neck underneath loop.Shoulder flashes read "AUSTRALIA" and "BRITISH COMMONWEALTH FORCES". Label reads "TAILORS & HABIT/MAKERS/J. RAVENSDALE/& SON/NICHOLAS BLDG./SWANSTON ST MELBOURNE/SISTER DANSON". Buttons read "AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES"second world war, world war ii, medical, wwii, nurse, women

This skirt is part of an official uniform by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.Grey slim line with side 5 press studs and 2 hook and eyes "L Danson"japan ww2, occupation force, british commonwealth occupational forces, ww2, world war 2, world war two, wwii, second world war, nurse, military, heidelberg military hospital, vfx151507, sister danson

This jacket is part of an official uniform by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.One grey linen single 3 button breasted coat. 2 button pocket. 2 buttons on each sleeve. 2 shoulder flash buttons with 2 pips on each. 2 Australia 1 occupation forces lapel. Shoulder pads 10 moth holesmilitary, british commonwealth occupational forces, sidter danson, vfx151507, ww2, wwii, world war two, world war ii, world war 2, second world war, australian general hospital, heidelberg military hospital

This jacket belonged to Dorothy May Mortlock (VF518245) who was part of the Australian Womens Army Service (AWAS). Dorothy Mortlock was born in Swan Hill and enlisted with the 3rd AUST AWS REC DEPOT.Khaki-coloured woollen jacket which fastens along the centre via four metal buttons. Two hip-height pockets with external flap; two chest pockets with pleat in centre fastened via a metal button. Fabric belt around waist held in place by two fabric loops on back and fastened through metal buckle and loop. Collar carries two metal rising sun badges on the left and right side. Two epaulettes on either shoulder are held in place by a button and carries a badge reading "AWAS". Colour patch on both left and right side is square, half green and half black. Interior label on base of neck.Label reads "V 579/1943/SIZE/MADE IN/AUSTRALIA/D. MORTLOCK/VF518245". Rising sun badge reads "AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH/MILITARY FORCES." Buttons read "AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES."world war ii, second world war, wwii, women, australian women's army service

This tie is part of an official uniform by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.This tie holds historic and representative significance, as a piece of standard military uniform that would have been worn by a nurse in the second military district of the occupational forces, presumably in Japan shortly after WW2. Brown synthetic fabric tie (formerly tied in simple Windsor knot) with peach lining. military, uniform, tie, nurse, second military district, occupational forces, ww2, wwii, world war two, world war 2, second world war, vfx151507, sister danson

This skirt belonged to Dorothy May Mortlock (VF518245) who was part of the Australian Womens Army Service (AWAS). Dorothy Mortlock was born in Swan Hill and enlisted with the 3rd AUST AWS REC DEPOT.Khaki-coloured skirt constructed of six panels in A-style shape. Skirt hemmed by hand on interior. Skirt fastened via four hook and eye on the left hand side and two fabric strips which pass through two buckles on the back waistband. Two angled pockets on front.world war ii, second world war, wwii, women, australian women's army service

Part of a jacket worn by Sister Danson (VFX151507) during the British presence in Japan following the end of the Second World War. About 16,000 Australians served in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, including 130 from the Australian General Hospital with whom Sister Danson presumably served. Sister Danson was born in Numurkah and served as Leiutentant with the Heidelberg Military Hospital before embarking for Japan in 1947.This belt is part of a complete uniform set held by the Shepparton RSL. The uniform has representative and historic significance as an example of the style of uniform worn by nursing staff of the Australian General Hospital during the 1940s and into the 1950s. The uniform set has social significance to the Shepparton area, being owned and worn by a serving community member who was born in Numurkah, enlisted in Shepparton and returned to the community in later life.Grey fabric belt fastened with a metal buckle; belt is held in place with two fabric loops on either side of the waist.second world war, world war ii, medical, wwii, nurse, women

Part of a nurses' uniform during the Second World War. Khaki wool felt hat with wide brim and burgandy-brown grosgrain ribbon band with bow on right side. The hat also has a grosgrain sweatband with a maker's label sewn in on the interior. This is marked in ink with manufacturers' label. Elastic chip strap on interior has deteriorated and broken in half.Label on interior reads "MADE IN AUSTRALIA/UIM/N451-1943/SIZE 6 5/8 - 21 1/4 in." second world war, world war ii, world war 2, world war two, wwii, nurse, medical, women

Part of a nurses' uniform during the Second World War. Khaki wool felt hat with wide brim and burgandy-brown grosgrain ribbon band with bow on right side. The hat also has a grosgrain sweatband with a maker's label sewn in on the interior. This is marked in ink with manufacturers' label. Elastic chip strap on interior is secure and matches colour of grosgrain.Label on interior reads "N513/1943/MADE IN AUSTRALIA/6-5/8"second world war, world war ii, world war 2, world war two, wwii, nurse, medical, women

This dress belonged to Dorothy May Mortlock (VF518245), who served as a Sapper with the Australian Women’s Army Service from 27 July 1945 to 1 August 1946.Light brown coloured woven cotton dress with button-up front secured by 6 metal buttons. Dress constructed of a skirt element attached to a short sleeve shirt-style torso section, a hook and eye sits on interior of two sections to fasten left and right sides together. One square topstitched pocket on the left chest and two angled hip pockets on front. Fabric belt with metal buckle held in place by fabric loops on both left and right side. Fabric epaulette passes through loop on both left and right side and secured with metal button. Two loops on interior left and right shoulders, left loop with inscription; woven label stitched to interior left side underneath which is a stamped motif.Ink inscription on interior loop difficult to read, “VF518245” and 5-6 indiscernible characters. Button reads “AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES” below an embossed image of Australia with the King George V crown on top. Stamped motif reads “[broad arrow]/S.D.”women, wwii, world war two, second world war, australian womens army service, awas

Shin length long sleeved heavy woollen coat in khaki-green with double breasted fastening via three bakelite brown buttons. Two angled hip height pockets on the left and right hips with exterior flap, lined with cotton. Two red curved shoulder flashes on each shoulder embroidered with the words “ROYAL AUSTRALIAN/REGIMENT” in a cream thread with a cream border. Collar has two small buttons either side on the exterior and a hook and eye which fastens under the chin. Fabric epaulette on either shoulder with brown button to secure. Lower back of coat is secured by two buttons and a belt which attaches to left and right seam line and fastens via three buttons. Interior shoulder area is lined with short cotton lining which sits under the arms; sleeves lined in cotton. Pockets are cotton on interior with inscriptions; two labels on interior lower right. Labels reads “REGIMENTAL NO. 3/400922/NAME ROBINSON/GREAT COAT G.S. 1966 PATT/1951/[two lines of text overwritten with “83A” stamp]/A LANDAU VIC 1951”. Interior right pocket reads “11556/ROBERTSON/203 111051”. Shoulder lining has three stamps reading “83A” and one handwritten “83A”. Buttons read “AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES”. Shoulder flashes read “ROYAL AUSTRALIAN/REGIMENT”robinson, robertson, world war ii, second world war, wwii, winter, uniform, military

This cape may have belonged to RAN Telegraphist Norma Ashton Kilfoyle, however the date of her service is not consistent with the style of the article (which has buttons which suggest this cape was issued post 1952 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II). It is possible, though not confirmed, that this cape was worn by Norma Kilfoyle in a later role after the Second World War.Black thigh-length nurses cape with red satin lining. Fastened along centre with four gold buttons and one press stud at chin (second button from the top is missing). Two slits at waist height on both left and right allow arms through from the interior to the front. Embroidered manufacturer’s label on interior at base of neck, below which there is an ink inscription. Sewn in fabric swatch on interior right.Handwritten inscription reads “KILFOYLE”. Manufacturer’s label reads “[Australian coat of arms]/A Quality Garment/BY/Australian Government Clothing Factory”. Interior sewn in label reads “33643/Kilfoyle/Cloak F Bara/[indiscernible characters]”. Buttons read “[Queen Elizabeth crown over the Navy anchor]/AUSTRALIA” and on interior “STOKES/MELB”cape, second world war, world war two, world war ii, navy, royal australian navy, ran, women, telegraph, communications

This beret was made in 1943 and presumably was used by during service in WW2. InfantryDark blue wool beret-style hat with black leather edging and black cotton tie at back. Two eyelets on right side, brass painted on exterior in black. Cotton-lined interior with reinforced sewn diamond in centre and manufacturer’s label, transcribed below.Manufacturer’s label reads “N.316 A./F./1943/MADE IN/AUSTRALIA/SIZE 7-1/8” wth faint purple stamp over top, illegible.second world war, beret, world war two, world war ii, wwii, uniform

This hat was part of a RAAF uniform and likely dates to the Second World War due to the style of crown. Hats such as these are often misshapen at the crown due to the use of earmuff-style headphones worn by aircrew during the Second World. Navy peaked cap in cotton with beige topstitching along crown. Black cotton grosgrain ribbon band. Black leather chin strap buttoned to left and right with black metal button carrying image of crown atop eagle. Centre of hat carries embroidered patch with crown in gold-coloured metal and red fabric with red and green additions mimicking jewels. Crown sits above two metal shapes, an eagle with arms outstretched and laurel branches. Two eyelets on left and right side of the cap, bronze on interior and painted black on exterior. Interior of cap brim is green plastic or patent leather now cracked. Interior of hat cotton is dark cotton with quilted top.second world war, royal australian air force, raaf, r.a.a.f., flying, uniform, world war ii, world war two, world war 2

According to the Australian War Memorial, "The Red Cross maintained a policy of ensuring that comfort and entertainment for the wounded in hospital was onging and stated in its Gazette of December 1917 'Wherever they are, our boys will have a reminder on Christmas Day that the thoughts and sympathy of their people in far-off Australia are with them.' The boxes were usually packed in Australia and contained 'a pipe, tobacco, cigarettes, chocolate, playing cards, match-box, handkerchief and an attractive card, Australian in nature, conveying greetings from the Society.' (Gazette no 7, January 1918)." This particular example dates to 1921, after the war had ended. It is apparent that the efforts of the Red Cross extended beyond wartime years, possibly to those still stationed overseas or returned servicemen and women.This box is an example of charitable gift boxes which were delivered to Australian troops during the war by the Australian Red Cross Society.Wood imitation printed card box in two parts, rectangular in shape fashioned from two pieces of card folded and stapled on shorter sides. Larger box (lid) fits on top of smaller box (base). Top of box has adhesive label with printed inscriptions, gold on light coloured label."GREETINGS/from/The/Australian/Red Cross/Society" a map of Australia with the states identified and capital cities "Perth", "Darwin", "Brisbane", "Sydney", "Melbourne", "Hobart", "Adelaide". To right of the map "Xmas/1921"christmas, holiday, gift giving, red cross, red cross society, returned servicemen, veterans, post war, world war i, first world war, the great war