This ship's nail in a wood sample was part of the construction of the ship SCHOMBERG. About the SCHOMBERG- James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned the luxury sailing ship, Schomberg, to be built for its fleet of passenger liners The three-masted wooden ship was launched in 1855, designed by the Aberdeen builders to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. The material used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. The Schomberg’s master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes commanded the ship on its maiden journey between Liverpool and Melbourne, departing on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. After sailing for 78 days she ran aground on a sand spit at Curdies Inlet near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December 1835. At dawn on the next day, the ship’s Chief Officer signalled a passing steamer, SS Queen, for help and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The passengers’ baggage and some of the cargo were later collected from the Schomberg. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and the remaining cargo but did not attempt to salvage the cargo that was still on board. They eventually sold it and after two of the men drowned in the salvage efforts the job was abandoned. In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including former Director, Peter Ronald, explored the Schomberg wreck site and recovered many artefacts that are now on display at the Museum.The ship's nail in a wood sample is significant for its connection with the Schomberg, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612), has great historical significance as a rare example of a large and fast clipper ship that sailed on the England-to-Australia run, carrying emigrants at the time of the Victorian gold rush. She represents the technical advances made to break sailing records between Europe and Australia. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is significant for its association with the shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they can interpret the story of the ship, Schomberg. It is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger Ship. It is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day.Ship's nail in a wood sample. The object was recovered from the wreck of the SCHOMBERG.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, schomberg, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, ship's nail, ship's wood, wood sample, ship construction

This sheet of copper sheathing or Muntz metal has been recovered from the site of the wrecked ship Schomberg. It has been damaged by the reaction of the metals to the sea, it has encrustations from the sea such as sand, and another damage has caused the edges to break away or fold over. Early sailing ships had a problem of the timber hulls being eaten through by the marine animals called Teredo Worms, sometimes called ‘sea worms’ or ‘termites of the sea’. The worms bore holes into wood that is immersed in seawater and the bacteria inside the worms digest the wood. Early shipbuilders applied coatings of tar, was, lead or pitch onto the timber to prevent this. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the outsides of ships’ hulls were encased in either copper sheathing or Muntz metal, which is a combination of 60 per cent copper and 40 per cent zinc. The ships would be re-metalled periodically to ensure the sheathing would remain effective. In more recent times the ships are protected with a toxic coating. About the SCHOMBERG- James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned the luxury sailing ship, Schomberg, to be built for its fleet of passenger liners The three-masted wooden ship was launched in 1855, designed by the Aberdeen builders to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. The material used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. The Schomberg’s master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes commanded the ship on its maiden journey between Liverpool and Melbourne, departing on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. After sailing for 78 days she ran aground on a sand spit at Curdies Inlet near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December 1835. At dawn on the next day, the ship’s Chief Officer signalled a passing steamer, SS Queen, for help and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The passengers’ baggage and some of the cargo were later collected from the Schomberg. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and the remaining cargo but did not attempt to salvage the cargo that was still on board. They eventually sold it and after two of the men drowned in the salvage efforts the job was abandoned. In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including former Director, Peter Ronald, explored the Schomberg wreck site and recovered many artefacts that are now on display at the Museum.The copper sheathing is significant for its connection with the Schomberg, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612), has great historical significance as a rare example of a large and fast clipper ship that sailed on the England-to-Australia run, carrying emigrants at the time of the Victorian gold rush. She represents the technical advances made to break sailing records between Europe and Australia. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is significant for its association with the shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they can interpret the story of the ship, Schomberg. It is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger Ship. It is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day.Copper sheathing; rectangular sheet of copper, shaped for use on a ship's hull, buckled, with fibres protruding from one edge. The object was recovered from the wreck of the SCHOMBERG.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, schomberg, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, ship construction, copper sheating, sheathing, sea worm, muntz, muntz metal, copper sheathing, teredo worms, sea worms, sea termites, shipbuilding

Pale brown Identity Card Number N22 M84 3818. Post mark on card is dated 31MR42. Card is in the name of William David Babidge. On the front is a change of address label dated 3/5/44. ON the back are 3 rules for the use of the card and signatures. Form C.R. 3. Civilian Registration (British Subjects.)Governmentdocument, w. babidge collection - identity card, william david babidge, divisional returning officer, form c.r. 3.

Postcard, WW1, B&W photo of the 2nd Battle Squadron, Victory March. Crowds lining both sides of a street. Men of the British Royal Navy led by officers marching with flag bearer at the front. Location not indicated but probably London.postcard, postcard, ww1, victory march, london, 2nd battle squadron

Index, bibliography, notes, ill, p.340.non-fictionIn March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summary world war 1914- 1918 - campaigns - western front, western front - australian participation - 1918

Index, notes, ill, maps, p.222.non-fictionIt would be hard to find anyone better qualified the "Sally Home of the "11th Hussars to tell the story of the Cavalry on the Western front during the First World War.soldiers - great britain - biography, world war 1914-1918 - western front - cavalry corps

Ill, p.244.non-fictionDon Charlwood was born in Melbourne in 1915. Accepted as a RAF navigator in 1940, he was posted to 103 Squadron at Elsham Wolds in the winter of 1942. There he crewed up with a pilot from Western Australia and a British crew to fly a Lancaster bomber. In No Moon Tonight he gives a profound insight into the inner lives of the men of Bomber Command and their hopes and fears in the face of mounting losses. He depicts the appalling human cost of the air war in an account which has been favorably compared to other enduring memoirs of the 1st World War, namely Sassoon's Memoirs of an Infantry Officer and Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front. A memorable first hand account of the air war over Germany.world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain, world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - australia

Index, bibliography,ill, maps, p.310.non-fictionIn the last months of 1944, a group of elite Australian and British commandos was selected for the biggest Allied behind-the-scenes operation of the Pacific War. Their mission: to devastate the enemy's shipping by destroying the Japanese ships at anchor in Singapore Harbour. Operation Rimau, Britain's last throw of the colonial dice in South-East Asia, was intended as a body blow to the Japanese and a signal to the world that she would reclaim her Eastern Empire. Britain was trying to reclaim past glory - while Australia's wartime prime minister, John Curtin, had turned to America. In this atmosphere, Operation Rimau was planned ... Operation Rimau takes us inside the fierce conflict, and tells what really happened to these brave commandos - from the very beginnings of the operation through to their intense and courageous fighting in the South China Seas, and its aftermath. It exposes the sloppy planning behind the raid, and names the officers who betrayed and abandoned them in their hour of need, and details the political double-dealing which for so many years hid the real story behind red tape and bureaucratic lies.world war 1939-1945 - covert operations - australia, krait (ship)

ill (b/w plates), p.185.non-fictionThis book is a Sequel to "What! No morning tea?", and follows the author's career through the ranks of the British Army, the Officer Cadet Training Unit and into the Officers' Mess.soldiers - great britain - diaries, great britain - armed forces - military life

Index, bibliography, notes, ill (b/w), p.348.From the 1930s through WWII to Afghanistan today, from total war to counterinsurgency, this history unravels and defines the intangible qualities that differentiate the "Sky Men" from other soldiers Seventy years ago the Parachute Regiment was formed - the army's elite air assault force was tough, well-trained, and designed to fight hazardous operations behind enemy lines with little or no backup. Dropping into the middle of enemy territory, these "Sky Men"- British, American, German, and Russian soldiers - engage in gruelling combat in the most dangerous conflict zones around the world. Ex-Parachute Regiment officer Robert Kershaw reveals the history of these airborne forces and their role during the most dramatic battles of the 20th century. He finds out what drives a "Sky Man" to take these extraordinary risks, and what marks these sky warriors out from ordinary soldiers. How do military paratroopers conquer the fear of jumping from aircraft at low level, by night, and frequently under fire? Has the helicopter replaced the need for parachutists in the 21st Century? Has the increasing lethality of anti-aircraft weapons made the airborne option redundant? These issues are examined alongside the personal experiences of the Soviet "Locust Warriors," German Fallschirmjäger, British Red Devils, American "devils in baggy-pants," and Les Paras. Based on letters, diaries, and exclusive interviews with soldiers from around the world, this book is full of vivid personalities and nail-biting action.great britain - history - military, great britain - parachute regiment

p.254fictionIn the summer of 1940, the Battle of Britain rages in the skies over southern England. Nineteen-year-old Pilot Officer Peter Stuyckes arrives at RAF Westhill and is immediately put to the test. Based on the author's own service as an RAF Flight Engineer, Squadron Airborne unfolds over one unforgettable week that summer, depicting the work of the many ground crew and other staff with intensity and brilliance as they support the Few in their fight against the Luftwaffe. world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - fiction, battle of britain - fiction

Ill, p.286non-fictionIn April 1951, at the height of the Korean War, Chinese troops advanced south of the 38th parallel towards a strategic crossing-point of the Imjin River on the invasion route to the South Korean capital of Seoul. The stand of the 1st Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment, against the overwhelming numbers of invading troops has since passed into British military history. In The Edge of the Sword General Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley, then Adjutant of the Glosters, has painted a vivid and accurate picture of the battle as seen by the officers and soldiers caught up in the middle of it. The book does not, however, end there. Like the majority of those who survived, the author became a prisoner-of-war, and the book continues with a remarkable account of his experiences in and out of Chinese prison camps. This book is not an attempt at a personal hero-story, and it is certainly not a piece of political propaganda. It is, above all, an amazing story of human fortitude and high adventure. korean war 1950-1953 - history, korean war - campaigns - gloucestershire regiment

Index, ill, maps, facsims, sound disc, p.61.Volume one of a four volume series featuring Blitzkrieg. A four-volume series, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, covering the whole six-year global conflagration. Each volume contains removable documents and memorabilia in pockets or pasted in, featuring personal accounts from British veterans and contemporary letters, diaries, maps and archival facsimile memoabilia from the Imperial War Museum. Memorabilia includes: Order No 1 - the German order to invade Poland which led to the British declaration of war against Germany; The fake passport used by Sub-Lieutenant Heinz Kummer of the Graf Spee to flee back to Germany following the Battle of the River Plate; and, Montgomery's personal diary charting the events of the evacuation from Dunkirk; Roosevelt's handwritten notes for his 'day of infamy' speech which saw America's entry into the war; the order to McArthur to abandon the Philippines; Stalin's handwritten notes on his 'scorched earth' policy; and the letters home of a British officer in Africa telling of his harrowing involvement in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk; Montgomery's orders for El Alamein; Stalin's annotated proof of his famous 5 September 1942 order regarding partisan warfare; and diary kept by a German soldier on the North African front; Montgomery's hand-written D-Day notes; Eisenhower's draft 'in case of failure' message written before D-Day; and, diary of a sergeant in the Royal Hampshire regiment covering his involvement in the D-Day landings, battle for Normandy and Operation 'Market Garden' - the battle for Arnhem.world war 1939-1945 - history, world war 1939-1945 - pictorial works

Index, ill, maps, facsims, sound disc, p.61.Volume two of a four volume series featuring Axis ascendancy. A four-volume series, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, covering the whole six-year global conflagration. Each volume contains removable documents and memorabilia in pockets or pasted in, featuring personal accounts from British veterans and contemporary letters, diaries, maps and archival facsimile memoabilia from the Imperial War Museum. Memorabilia includes: Order No 1 - the German order to invade Poland which led to the British declaration of war against Germany; The fake passport used by Sub-Lieutenant Heinz Kummer of the Graf Spee to flee back to Germany following the Battle of the River Plate; and, Montgomery's personal diary charting the events of the evacuation from Dunkirk; Roosevelt's handwritten notes for his 'day of infamy' speech which saw America's entry into the war; the order to McArthur to abandon the Philippines; Stalin's handwritten notes on his 'scorched earth' policy; and the letters home of a British officer in Africa telling of his harrowing involvement in the battles of Gazala and Tobruk; Montgomery's orders for El Alamein; Stalin's annotated proof of his famous 5 September 1942 order regarding partisan warfare; and diary kept by a German soldier on the North African front; Montgomery's hand-written D-Day notes; Eisenhower's draft 'in case of failure' message written before D-Day; and, diary of a sergeant in the Royal Hampshire regiment covering his involvement in the D-Day landings, battle for Normandy and Operation 'Market Garden' - the battle for Arnhem.world war 1939-1945 - history, world war 1939-1945 - pictorial works

Bib, ill, maps, p.248.non-fictionA significant World War Two mutiny took place on the night of 8 May 1942 in a lonely atoll in the Indian Ocean in a setting of intrigue, rebellion and the blood and tears of war. Japanese naval forces were at the peak of their southward thrust." "While the battle of the Coral Sea raged, gunners of the Ceylon Garrison Artillery on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands off Australia's north-west coast attempted to arrest their British commanding officer and compel him to surrender to the Japanese. One soldier was killed and another wounded, but the mutiny failed and seven men were condemned to death. Ultimately three soldiers were hung, becoming the only Commonwealth troops to be executed for mutiny in World War Twomutiny, world war 1939-1945 - sri lanka

Three photocopies of the Instrument of Surrender of Japanese Forces in New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville and adjacent islands. Signed by the Commander in Chief of the Japanese Imperial Southeastern Army and the Lieutenant General, General Officer Commanding First Australian army. Received on board H.M.S. Glory off Rabaul at 1130 hours, sixth day of September 1945.document, certificate, instrument of surrender

Ill, p.151non-fictionPeter Firkins has produced a heroic figure comparable in courage and selflessness to that of the legendary 'Weary' Dunlop, and whose story should be known by all Australians in the same way. What a wonderful epitaph to a man born into a humble Yass family at the end of the nineteenth century who, by his own determination and intellect, won a scholarship for his secondary education at St Patrick's College, Goulburn and an Exhibition to study medicine at Sydney University. Almost by pure chance he pursued his medical career in an outpost of the British Empire then known as British North Borneo to become Principal Medical Officer at the time of the Japanese occupation during World War II. The Japanese allowed the civilian medical staff to remain at their posts with the status of 'simple confinement' while at the same time the bewildered local people looked to someone for leadership in their new and unaccustomed circumstances.Aided by his wonderful wife Celia he was imperceptibly drawn into the key role of organising the underground movement among loyal native and giving support to the Australian Prisoners of War transferred to Borneo from Singapore. In 1943 he was exposed to the Japanese, arrested and terribly tortured. Donated by Major General M.P.J. O'Brien, July 2018. Signed by authorworld war 1939 – 1945 - prisons and prisoners - japanese, world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – australia

Chapters on the command & control, organisation & tactics.The aim of this notebook is to provide regimental and staff officers with useful general information about the Viet Minh Army.viet minh army, democratic republic of vietnam

A True Story...Keith Payne's citation for the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration awarded in the British Commonwealth for valour, reads like a touch of madness.australia. australian army - officers - biography, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - fiction, keith payne, victoria cross, aattv

A True Story...Keith Payne's citation for the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration awarded in the British Commonwealth for valour, reads like a touch of madness.australia. australian army - officers - biography, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - fiction, military decorations, keith payne, victoria cross, aattv

the customs and traditions of the Australian Army are in the main based on those of the British Army. Over the years they have been adapted where necessary to meet Australian conditions and requirements.australia. army - military life, australia. army - officers, etiquette - australia

Item displays images of Australian Army badges of rank and special qualifications.The rank system forms the backbone of the Australian Army’s structure and defines a soldier or officer’s role and degree of responsibility. The ranks are based upon those of the British Army, although there are some differences in the way they are displayed. Brown timber and gold painted frame containing poster showing Australian Army badges against a white background. Badges arranged by rank as follows: commissioned officers, warrant and non-commissioned officers and specialist qualification badges.Australian Army Badge of Rankarmy, australia, badges of rank

This military jacket is an Australian military Chaplain's jacket. It has three 'pips' on the epaulets. The four-sided "star" or "pip" has been used to designate officer rank in the British and Australian armies for many years and is a stylized version of the very elaborate star of the Knight Grand Cross of the military division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, one of Great Britain's four senior orders of knighthood. The original badge contains the motto "Tria Juncta in Uno", which means "Three Joined in One", and refers to the union of the three kingdoms of the British Isles (England/Wales, Scotland and Ireland). https://corregidor.org/acgq/web_redirect_3628.3645.8883/forum_pages/omh_1104.htmlBlack wool belted jacket with four Australian Military Forces brass buttons and pleated breast pockets and front pockets. The jacket has epaulets with three pips, or rank insignia, and an Australian Military Forces button. The belt has a brass buckle and has leather tabs at the back which are buttoned to a fabric carrier to keep the belt in place.

No 1: Matron Eagleton with Nursing Staff, Ballarat & District Hospital. Priscilla Wardle, far right - trainee nurse 1905-1908. No 2: This could be a group of trainee nurses at Ballarat Hospital. Circa 1906/1907. The nurses with the grey looking sleeves in this black and white photograph may be wearing the lilac uniform of Trainee nurses. The sitting nurse on the far right may already be qualified because she appears to be wearing the white of a trained nurse. Sitting in the middle with the cheeky grin could be Priscilla and the standing nurse on the far left could be Edith Popplewell. No 3: This photograph is labelled 1907 and Priscilla would have just commenced her training. She appears to be “fanning” a female patient presumably to cool her down. This could be upstairs in the Queen Victoria’s Women’s Ward. Priscilla graduated as a nurse in 1908. In this photograph Priscilla was at age 23 years. No 5: Sheila Kelly (left) and Priscilla Wardle. This photograph is labelled 1909 and shows Priscilla in an all white uniform indicating she has qualified as a nurse. Sheila Kelly appears to have darker sleeves/blouse (lilac) and may still be a trainee. No 6: There is a very good chance that this photograph is Edith Popplewell, standing left, Lily MacKenzie , standing on the right and Priscilla seated. Writing in her album is very hard to read but it appears to be “Pop McK & I”. The arm bands with the St John Cross denote they are “charge nurses” maybe in charge of a ward. Taking all this into account the photograph could be circa 1909/1910. No 8 & 9: Priscilla painting what appears to be a gate while wearing her nurse uniform. She has a big grin on her face. Together with Lily MacKenzie they were the principals in the Mount Stuart Private Hospital at 18 Duke Street. Daylesford. This property is now known as Mount Stuart House. Priscilla appears to be on Central Spring Road with the Daylesford Post Office in the background. Photograph 9 is labelled 1914 which would make it near the end of their tenancy between 1911 and 1914. No 10: This photograph raises some questions. Priscilla appears to have darker sleeves /blouse (lilac) which may indicate she is still a trainee however Priscilla is also wearing a “charge nurse” arm band. While my research shows trainee nurses can be a “charge nurse” this is not common practise. The scene appears to be at the door of a house/home. I am not sure if the children’s ward/orphanage at the Ballarat Hospital at this time was in such a building. It could be that it is at the Mount Stuart Hospital but this would mean Priscilla and Lily have duplicated the wearing of the “charge nurse” arm band. The St John’s logo looks different too. Priscilla Isabel “Pearl” Wardle (1884-1967). The armband indicates Priscilla is a Charge Nurse at the Ballarat Hospital. Nothing else known. No 11: Mary & I at Mount Stuart – House Daylesford – This is probably the nursery at the Mount Stuart House Private Hospital being run by Priscilla Isabel “Pearl” Wardle (1884 – 1967) and Selina Lily (Lil) MacKenzie or McKenzie (1882 – 1975) between 1910 and 1914. Mary is certainly Mary Young MacKenzie or McKenzie (1865- 1942) Lily’s stepsister who trained at Ballarat Hospital as “Mary Young “at the same time as Priscilla and Lily. Mount Stuart House still stands at 18 Duke Street Daylesford. Photo date 1912. No 12: Priscilla wearing her distinctive Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve cape and badge. Possibly while nursing in London for a month in 1919 after the war. No 12A: Priscilla Wardle - WW1 Diary, OCR enabled. No 13: Priscilla and friends at No. 7 General Hospital, Malassises, Saint Omer, France in July 1915 The old monastery being used as a hospital can be seen in the background. The tents are the nurses quarters. This photograph may have been taken at the same time as the group photograph on page 250 of the diary transcription. Priscilla is thought to be the nurse at the centre in the QAIMNSR uniform. The nurses quarters at the No 7 General Hospital in Saint Omer in France where Priscilla worked for most of the first year of her Diary. Their Monastery (Hospital) at Malassises can be seen in the background. No 15: Priscilla is an Acting Sister working at the 2nd General Hospital for Officers in Havre, France, between March and July 1918. The nurses were enjoying their “tea party”. (see also page 253 of the Diary transcription) No 17: Priscilla at Havre - at 2nd General Hospital (Officers Hospital) in Havre., France Friday 29 March 1918 to Monday 29 July 1918 note the two dark bands on her right sleeve denoting that she is an “Acting Sister”. Priscilla is 34 years of age in this picture and in the three weeks prior to this posting she met Cyril Terence Charles Kirby (1892-1968) her future husband at the 42nd Stationary Hospital in Flixecourt while he was serving with the British Army during the battle and evacuation of Amiens. No 18: Priscilla Wardle at No 8 Stationary Hospital Wimereux, France - from Saturday 24 June 1916 to Tuesday 18 September 1917, Priscilla worked at this hospital for 15 months her longest time in one hospital. during the war. While at Wimereux on Sunday 1 July 1917 she was appointed an Acting Sister. Priscilla once said she disliked nursing in her cape and badges and here she is in her favourite “uniform” for work “the robe” as she called it. She may be leaving the “operating theatre” at Wimereux in this photograph. No 19: Priscilla worked in various operating theatres throughout France. This could be after she became an anaesthetist in 1918 and worked with this team. She is wearing her favourite uniform which is more comfortable. She did not like the collars and capes that were required to be worn. No 20: Priscilla and Sister Michael Meeke? (details not found) are having a quiet drink at the 2nd General Hospital for Officers in Havre, France. Note the dark bands on their sleeves denote their rank as nursing “Sisters”. While it looks like they are smoking look more closely they are in fact holding a “flute” style probably “cocktail” glass. Tea parties and cocktails, Havre could almost have been fun. No 22: 1913 – Ballarat nurse Priscilla Isabell “Pearl” Wardle (1884-1967) in Cannes on the French Riviera during leave from between Friday 20 February 1918 and Friday 6 March 1918.Priscilla is second from the left wearing her distinctive QAIMNSR cape of grey with dark “wine” coloured border. The other nurses are wearing their “travelling” army uniform. They were rudely called “Salvation Army Lassies” by American nurses for the way they were dressed. (see page 232 of Priscilla’s War Diary) The description of 1913 on this photograph is confusing. No 23: Priscilla with her best friend Edith Victoria Donaldson somewhere in the “mysterious far east” on their trip on the Orontes. Priscilla is second from left - this may have been taken at Durban during Priscilla's return to Australia in 1919. No 25: Priscilla Wardle, Ballarat nurse in her Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve (QAIMNSR) uniform. Notice the distinctive grey cape with “wine coloured” border Priscilla is also wearing her QAIMNSR qualification badge (medal) on the right side. Because she has no dark (wine coloured) bands on her sleeves so this photograph may be before 1 July 1918. No 26: Priscilla met her husband to be English army Lieutenant Cyril Terrence Charles Kirby during the battle and subsequent evacuation of Amiens in France. As an army nursing “Sister” Priscilla also held the rank of Lieutenant. Priscilla was stationed at the 42nd Stationary Hospital between 7/3/18 and 23/3/18. She had just completed a fortnight break at Cannes on the French Riviera. They were married at Priscilla’s home “Waverley" at 215 Dawson Street Ballarat on Saturday 15 November 1919. Nov 15, 1919 – Mr and Mrs Kirby. The bride Priscilla Isabell “Pearl” Kirby (nee Wardle) (1884-1967) and the groom Cyril Terence Charles Kirby (1892– 1968) on their wedding day. Priscilla was 34 years of age and Cyril 27 years of age however their marriage certificate states that they were both 34 years of age. Their marriage certificate states they were married at Waverley, Dawson St, South, Ballarat in a Presbyterian service conducted by the Rev. John Walker, a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia and the Moderator General of the Church we think for Victoria. Was it in an outdoor setting as the surrounds in this photograph seem to indicate. Their witnesses were Robert and Olive, Priscilla’s brother and sister. Cyril signed as C. Terence. C. Kirby and Priscila signed as Priscilla I. Wardle. The certificate lists Cyril (Terence) as a Bachelor, Born at sea on a British ship and his occupation as Sailor. His father interestingly is listed as Charles John Kirby, of independent means and his mother as Emily Newman. Priscilla is listed as a Spinster, born in Ballarat with occupation as a Nurse. Her father is listed as Henry Thomas Wardle, Timber Merchant and her mother as Isabella Allan. They are both resident at 215 Dawson St. Ballarat which was Waverley the Wardle family home. No 28: Reverse in Poppy’s handwriting: “Lovingly yours Poppy, Dec 1908” Taken the year after Poppy qualified at BBH. No 29: Reverse in Poppy’s handwriting: “With much love to you Cilla, Poppy 1915” This picture was taken in the same year as the Marquette sinking incident. Edith Catheina Popplewell RRC (1884-1972) in her New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) Uniform. Poppy is at age 29 years in this photograph. Poppy was awarded the Royal Red Cross (RRC) medal for her heroism during the sinking of the Marquette transport ship. She lost her best friend NZ nurse Lorna Ratray. No 30: Taken in Cairo. Poppy is in the centre and wearing her New Zealand army badge and cape. The two nurses on either side are Australian nurses probably wearing their unique silver Australian Army sunrise badge and cape. No 31: Reverse in Poppy’s handwriting: “Ward 7 on Xmas day 1917, with my love, Poppy, A Happy New Year to you – had the sweetest letter from Bobbie”. (Bobbie is Priscilla’s brother Robert). It is thought the nurse in the centre of the three on the left is Poppy. It is 1917 two years after the Marquette sinking. Poppy appears to be a “sister” note the two dark bands on her sleeve. The uniform also matches that of Poppy 2. This photograph is in Post Card form very common during WWI. Edith Popplewell RRC is the “Sister” in the middle of the group of three nurses on the left. She is a sister not a general nurse because of the two bands on her left wrist denoting her rank. She was in fact the Charge Nurse ( in charge) of Ward 7 at this time. Note the Christmas decorations. Poppy is at age 33 years of age in this photograph.Bobbie is Priscilla’s brother Robert Norman “Bobbie” Wardle (1895-1979). No 32: Lilly MacKenzie & Poppy – Otaki - Australian nurse Selina Lily (Lil) MacKenzie sometimes McKenzie (1882– 975) grew up and trained as a nurse in Ballarat Victoria. After completing her training Lily and Priscilla Isabell “Pearl” Wardle (1884 – 1967) conducted the Mount Stuart House Private Hospital in Daylesford Victoria. In late 1913 Lily travelled to Otaki, 32 kms north of Wellington in New Zealand and worked at the Otaki Cottage Hospital with close friend Edith Catheina Popplewell “Poppy” (1884-1976) who also grew up and trained as a nurse at the Ballarat Hospital. In 1914 Lily was matron of a private hospital in Taihape 150kms north of Wellington. Both Lily and Poppy volunteered for New Zealand but as New Zealand were not accepting Australian trained nurses she returned to Australia and enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) in October 1915. Lily went on to serve in Egypt, England, France and Italy where she was awarded the Royal Red Cross (RRC) medal for her service. This photograph is while Lily and Poppy were working at Otaki Cottage Hospital in New Zealand. Circa 1914. trainee, charge sister, ballarat, hospital, 1905, 1908, ww1, mount stuart house, sleeman, wardle, popplewell, mackenzie, military, queen alexandra's imperial military nursing service reserve, daylesford, nurses, private hospital, edith popplewell, france, cairo, diary, ww1 diary, havre, lily mackenzie, eagleton, matron, otaki, new zealand, donaldson, malassises, kelly, young, kirby

Frank Fisher was Real Estate Agent in Blackburn.Black and white photo of Frank Fisher, Army Warrant Officer left standing among Army Officers. In centre of group is Commanding Officer, Lt. Gen. Sir Horace Robertson of British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Japan).fisher, frank, bruce

Issued to Defence personnel for service during world war I and II1. Green felt covered board with 6 medals to the Father Boleslas Slaweski (Staff Sgt ,Warrant Officer)and Son Bernard Bruce Slaweski and son 2 1914 -1915 star Bronze medal with 4 stars with crown on top star, ribbon has red white and blue colours merged at edges. Medal has crossed swords and laurel wreath Engraved on rear 7637 S/Sgt B Slaweski 1/6 Hosp. A. I. F. 3 British War medal circular medal of Silver Words on obverse GEORGIUS V BRITT OMN REX ET IND EMP AROUND THE HEAD OF KING GEORGE V Reverse has a figure of St. George mounted on a horse with a short sword in one hand, the other raised in victory. The horse tramples on the figures of death the Prussian eagle and skull and crossbones in the background are ocean waves The years 1914 1918 are embossed on the sides Around the edge is 7637 W O 1 B Slaweski A.M.C. A.I.F. Ribbon is dark blue, black, white,orange, white, black and dark blue 3. Victory medal Bronze medal with winged victory figure on obverse with The great war fro civilisation 1914 1918 non the reverse Ribbon is watered from a central red stripe through yellow green blue and purple 4 War medal 1939- 1945 Medal is round cupro nickel obverse shows head of King George 6th with circular inscription G.B>R> REXETINDIAE IMP GEORGIVS VI Reverse has a lion standing on a dragon the top shows the dates 1939- 1945 Ribbon is narrow red central strip with radiating stripes of white (narrow) and blue and red|5 Australian Service medal 1939 - 1945 Nickel silver medal with crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse Reverse has Australian Coat of Arms placed centrally surrounded by the words The Australian Service Medal 1939- 1945 Ribbon has wide Khaki central stripe flanked by two narrow red stripes and one of dark blue (navy) and one of light blue. (Air Force)|6. Australian Service medal 1945 -1975 Reverse has Federation star with name B B Slaweski R 38254 Ribbon Central yellow stripe with green flanked by navy blue Khaki and light blue stripes Medal has clasps PNG and FESR (Far East Strategic Reserve)|7 Small Clasps (For miniature medals )PNG and FESR Photo on back of Board Father and son Slaweski 8 Letter 2/2/1999 addressed to Mitcham RSL with details of Boreslas and Kevin Slaweski. 9 Letter dated 11/2/1999 to Mitcham RSL regarding PNG clasp.B Slaweski B B Slaweskimilitary history, army

WW2 items from Alwyn Till donated to Mitcham RSL And now donated to Historical Society.Alwyn Till was born and raised in Mitcham. He was a popular and well respected member of the community especially the Mitcham Anglican church. His father served in WW1 and after Alwyn's death in WW2 his sister and mother venerated his memory by keeping all his effects. The WHS published a history of his service as an airman in 2010..1 cardboard box addressed to Mrs Cook -Mitcham from Dr Lewis, Burwood Rd Auburn.|.2&.3 Navy coloured Warrant Officer cloth badge with British coat of arms|.4 navy blue and white wing badge with ' O'|.5 Navy blue and white wing badge with 'O' with blue wreath embroidered and aluminium backing.|.6 silver coloured Rising Sun ' Sweetheart brooch' with boomerang. Inscribed with Alison. Alwyns' sister.|.7 membership card for Caterpillar Club. F/Sgt. A. Till..|.8 small bronze coloured junior airman badge 'Pelaco Club'.badges (use numismatics), military history, army, containers, commercial, documents, cards, air force, societies, service clubs

The 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (1st RANBT) was formed in Melbourne on 28 February 1915 and was intended to be a horse drawn engineering unit attached to the Royal Naval Division (RND), then serving as infantry on the Western Front. The term ‘train’, in its title, was a direct reference to the horse drawn wagons that would, in theory, form and move ‘in train’ to carry the unit’s heavy lumber, building materials and engineering equipment to the front. The unit was manned by members of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve for whom there were no available billets in seagoing RAN ships. Many of the sailors serving in the 1st RANBT were rated ‘drivers’, and again, this refers to wagon drivers as opposed to motor vehicle drivers. Other seamen were rated as ‘artificers’ or ‘sappers’, the latter being a military term traditionally used to describe army engineers. Appointed in command of the 1st RANBT was Lieutenant Commander Leighton Seymour Bracegirdle, RAN. Bracegirdle was ideally suited to command the unit, having seen active service with the NSW Naval Brigade during the Boxer Rebellion in China as well as serving as a military officer in the South African Irregular Horse during the Boer War in 1901. He had also recently returned from German New Guinea where he had served as a staff officer in the joint Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF) responsible for the capture of the German colonies in the Pacific in September 1914. Three hundred naval reservists, including 50 men who had recently served in New Guinea, were selected for the 1st RANBT and they began their training in horsemanship, engineering and pontoon bridging at the Domain in Melbourne. By late May 1915 a decision was made to send the unit to Britain to complete its training and then to join the RND on the Western Front. The plan, however, never eventuated. The complaints about the non-combatant work being done by the men had been raised in Federal Parliament and following consultation with the senior Australian officer in the Middle East, Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel, a recommendation was made that the unit be disbanded and its men used as reinforcements for the AIF. Consequently, Lieutenant Commander Bracegirdle was advised that his unit was to be dispersed; its men transferring to the AIF or being returned to Australia for discharge. On 27 March 1917 the 1st RANBT was officially disbanded.Oxidised brass anchor shaped collar badge.ww1, world war 1, first world war, ranbt, ran bridging train, royal australian navy bridging train, collar badge