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Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Gift Diary 1919
The collection of badges,medallion,issue diary and photograph shows what a soldier who served in WW1, received.It is good that this collection is still intact.Red diary,2 pages for one week.various information ie signals,money exchange tables etc. pocket on spine for pencil."Australian Commonwealth Military Forces"- badge "A.I.F." The Australian Comfort Gift Diary 1919comfort fund, 1919, diary, sandy, malachy -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Web Belt
This belt relates to the Vietnam war and was worn for ceremonial purpose. Black web belt with brass buckle. Exterior has been polished black with boot polished, the interior remains jungle green. Interior - Marker: CPL / HOWE / KJ / 3144504 Stamped: BUSINESS / COMMONWEALTH CLOTHING FACTORY -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Equipment - Cartridges 303 Inert, 1941
The .303 inch catridge was the standard British and Commonwealth cartridge from 1889 until the 1950s when it was replaced by the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. Cartridge .303, comprising brass casing and projectile .303 inch calibre.Manufacturer's markings. Year of manufacture 1941. Manufacturer MH -Military Small Arms Factory No. 3, Hendon, Australia; Lot no: 11Aammunition, cartridge, .303, bullet -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Certificate of discharge
Certificate of discharge for Colin Charles Trinnick, Signalman Australian Military force.17-07-1968 to 16-07-1970. Brown hard cover, permanent military forces commonwealth of Australia Form NO: AAF-A16-7 Revised Oct,1968certificate of discharge, colin charles trinnick, signalman, 3793605, p93418 -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - The Planting of a Tulip Tree, Commemoration of the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer_Courier, 15 Sept 1981, 15 September 1981
Courier newspaper, 15 September 1981 - State president of the Country Women's Association, Mrs H. Rinaldi unveils a plaque beneath a tree in the Botanic Gardens, commemorating the royal wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, now Princess Diana.The Royal couple were much admired throughout the Commonwealth in 1981 and Ballarat has always been proud of the number of Royal visitors hosted by this city.Yellowed newspaper with caption, right hand side of paper.In pencil, right top corner, 15.9.81john garner collection, garner, dr, tulip tree, wedding tree, prince charles, lady diana spencer, princess diana, cwa, wedding, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, courier, royal wedding, alf hancock -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Speech, Commemorative Address - Sir Stanley Savige K.B.E. Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra, 10/1954
After the death of Stan Savige this address was given at the Canberra Conference in October 1954. It is tribute to his life. Sir Stanley Savige KBE : Commemorative Address Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra : October 1954. On the 15th of May this year Legacy learned to its enduring sorrow of the death of its Founder, Lieut. General Stanley George Savige KBE, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, for more than 30 years affectionately known to us all as Legatee Stan Savige. He was the embodiment of all those things for which Legacy stands, and each one of us who knew him and worked with him feels a great and abiding sense of personal loss. It is proper, therefore, that those of us at this Conference, the first after his passing, representative of Legacy throughout the Commonwealth, and comprising so many who were his friends, so many who knew the depth of his love for Legacy, should acknowledge our debt to our Founder and ensure, so far as we may, that the inspiration of his life and work in this Cause shall not be lost to those who follow after. It was not ordained that Stanley George Savige - should enjoy a long life, but it was to prove a life of outstanding service. Born at Morwell in Victoria some 63 years ago, he received with his brothers and sisters such education as was then available to a lad in a mining district. He had no particular opportunities of advancement, but from his early days he cherished a strong ambition to make a success of his life, and with this in view he lost no opportunity of adding to his knowledge. Always a lover of the open country, a good bushman and a fine shot, he became as a young man, a Scoutmaster with a keen following of boys. Even in those early days he attracted youth and showed undoubted promise of the quality of leadership which later was to make him famous. Opportunity came with the first World War, and he took his place as a private soldier in the original 24th Battalion AIF. Followed Gallipoli and Anzac where his marksmanship and bush craft stood him in good stead. Conscious that his early training was not sufficient to secure the promotion he desired, he set himself to enlarge it. Only a man of fine fibre and rare determination could apply himself to study on that war torn Peninsula, where our men, hitherto untested, suffered every known hardship and no man knew, from hour to hour, whether he would survive. But Savige achieved it. Himself then a Corporal he found another Corporal who was a former Schoolmaster and learned from him all that he had to teach. Savige was on his way. He was commissioned on the Field and allotted the heroic task of leading the last party off that desperate coast during the famous evacuation. In France he became the Adjutant of his Battalion and one of the best known officers in the 6th Brigade. He won the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches. Early in 1918 he received a signal distinction, He was included in a small but distinguished band of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from the British and Dominion Forces most carefully selected for individual courage and proved qualities of leadership, and was sent to Persia, under the command of Major-General Dunsterville, Kipling’s famous Stalky, to assist and mobilise the friendly tribes with a view to protecting the road to India, left wide open by the withdrawal of Russia. The story of the Dunsterforce, its suffering and achievements in the face of incredible hardships and difficulties, was later to be told by Savige in his book “Stalky’s Forlorn Hope”. He emerged, finally, unscathed, despite his active participation in several of the bloodiest battles of all time, with the rank of Captain and a DSO and MC to his credit, to say nothing of three mentions in despatches. In later years, further decorations were to be conferred upon him, but I believe he valued none of these so highly as his awards for outstanding personal bravery won in the Field when he was an Officer of comparatively junior rank. Such was the man who in August 1923, at the instance of his former Commander, Major-General Sir John Gellibrand, gathered around him a handful of men who had fought and laughed with him over four well remembered years. This small band adopted the name of “Legacy”, but its purpose then was, in the main, to assist in safeguarding the interests of ex-servicemen in this country. Worthy although the case undoubtedly was, the conception and ideal which was to distinguish Legacy from all kindred post-war movements did not emerge until two years later. The torch had not been lit. Legacy had not yet found its soul. What has been achieved since then is known to you all. The Legacy ideal, unique in its conception, with no known counterpart elsewhere, is now accepted, welcomed and honoured throughout the Commonwealth and abroad. But in those early days the achievements of our Founder in the face of all manner of difficulties and frustrations are worthy of our lasting memory and thankfulness. As the source of every river lies in the hills, so must the inspiration from which stems a great conceptions of service to one’s fellow men be lofty and above reproach. Savige was the embodiment of this new expression of comradeship, as he was the central figure and driving force of the little group that sponsored it. But for his zeal, his faith and determination, it is likely that the flame, newly kindled, might have flickered and died. The idea of men returned from active service pledging for the sake of their former comradeship, their personal assistance to the widows, and above all, to the children of those who had fought beside them and paid the full price of War, was so completely new and unexpected that it was by no means readily accepted. There were no funds, no precedents to guide the new adventurers, only the clear bright flame of an ideal just envisaged, and the conviction that the Cause was unassailable. Nor were there lacking many who said that the community held no place for Legacy, that it was born of sentiment only, and would quickly pass. The scoffers are gone and one since forgotten, but the torch remains and burns brighter than ever. Down the years of Legacy there are many names deserving of honour, men from all States and all stations of life, but no name stands out in such clear and bold relief as does the name of our Founder. By his works you shall know him. He was, in truth, the Soul of Legacy. He sought no office and preferred to work as one of the team. Six years went by before he accepted the Presidency of Melbourne Club, and then only because his fellows would book no further delay. “The Spirit of Legacy is Service” - so runs the Charter, and that was Savige’s Creed. By virtue of his attainments he was called upon to take a leading part in the administration of Legacy, first within his own club and later, as Chairman of the Co-ordinating Council of Legacy in Australia. But always it was the essentially human character of the work which enthralled and upheld him, and the tasks which gave him most joy were those which brought him into close personal contact with the youngsters and their home life. Like their elders they recognised his goodwill and his leadership and responded to it. It was Savige who made possible the first camps held for the boys and girls by Melbourne Club. These were erected on his own seaside property, and were originally conducted under his personal direction and largely with the aid of funds he had collected. There was hardly an important post in his own Club that Savige did not at some time occupy and adorn. He was happiest in the company of those men with whom he had served in the field, and cherished always the comradeship born of active service which is of the essence of Legacy. He was a man of strong convictions but attentive always to another’s point of view. As a Legatee he played a leading part in bringing hope and encouragement to many a mother on whom the whole responsibility of a young family had been suddenly and tragically laid; in the attainment of the ambitions of many an orphan child, which not so long since had seemed to him or her to be mere dreams, impossible of realisation. Comfort for the bereaved, new hope for the children’s physical and educational welfare, assistance with the home, aid for the sick, money for the needy and a new courage to face a future that hitherto had held no promise, all these facets of Legacy endeavour combine to present a living and enduring memorial to the man we honour as our Founder today. Between the two World Wars in addition to establishing himself successfully in civilian life and answering the constant calls of Legacy on his energy and time, Savige maintained an active association with the Army. He was convinced that a Second AIF would one day be urgently called upon, and as a Battalion Commander he spared no effort to train the Officers under his charge during the uneasy years of peace for the trial that he felt must come. These men have all subsequently had distinguished military careers, their names are well known and many of the serve in Legacy today. When the second crisis came, Savige himself was one of the first to offer, and although his youth was spent, he proudly carried the number VX13 throughout the terrible years that followed. This time he was to command, first the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade in the first action of the Second AIF against the enemy at Barida, and subsequently at Tobruk and Derna - all famous names now. It was his patrols which gave the warning - unheeded at the time - that Rommel’s reinforcements were reaching North Africa far earlier than was expected. Then followed the grim days of Greece and Crete when the fine qualities of his leadership were put to the utmost test. I have been told by those who were closest to him it was typical of Savige that when his convoys were on the move back and were being blasted from the air by the unopposed Luftwaffe, he should sit by the side of the open road, wearing his red banded cap, to steady the morale of men who had then no chance of hitting back at the enemy. Unorthodox no doubt, but here was a man indeed. Throughout the whole campaign and later when he commended the 3rd division in New Guinea and later still when with the rank of Lieutenant-General he became a Corps Commander in New Guinea and Bouganville, it was at all times characteristic of him that he should see for himself the situation in the forward areas. He dealt personally with his subordinate commanders whenever it was possible to do so. No one says his G.S.O. 1. understood better than he did the importance of front line troops seeing their G.O.C. frequently, and knowing that he was aware of and prepared to share their hardships and dangers. He took many risks that he should not have taken, exhausted himself physically and mentally times without number, and considered himself not at all in order to secure the success of his operations. Finally, in Bouganville, he brought his campaign to a victorious conclusion and accepted the personal surrender of the Japanese Commander. Savige is known as one of Australia’s most human military leaders, but let no one believe that he did not ask and receive the utmost of his men. He trained them in a hard school but he was ever conscious of their needs and observant and thoughtful of their welfare. Fearless and untiring under conditions which brought younger men down, he asked nothing that he was not himself prepared to give and do. The close of the Second World War left him with the same brave heart; but a vitality greatly impaired. He was called up again and again to perform important national tasks, notably that of Co-ordinator of Demobilisation and Dispersal. But his interest in Legacy never flagged it was in fact more personal than ever, for under his command many junior legatees, sons of former comrades had proved themselves worthy of their Fathers in war and in peace. In the bearing and achievements of the young men of the Second A.I.F. he took a particular and justifiable pride. He applied himself to the Extension of Legacy to areas where it had not previously been practicable to operate. His record of service and close personal contact with the men of both wars made him a most welcome pioneer and many new Clubs and Groups resulted from his efforts. He founded, and I doubt whether any one else could have done so, the Club in the great Capital of our Empire. His reputation and obvious sincerity surmounted obstacles that might well have daunted lesser man. Legacy’s debt to him visibly increased. But he was ever a simple man, with a great love and understanding of his fellow men and a true Legatee at heart. Much that he did will never be known or recognised, save by those who benefitted. His service in Legacy ranged from the humble kitchen of cottage and farm to our representation in Westminster Abbey itself. A knighthood set the seal upon an outstanding career. None the less when upon the death of Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey, Lieut. General Sir Stanley Savige became the Patron of the Melbourne Club, he retained at his own express desire, the title of Legatee Savige, and when on that final day we bade him farewell, when the Flags he had served so well were lowered and the guns which had formed a grim final salute, it was apparent to all who had eyes to see that this great and simple man had won such a place in the hearts and affection of his fellow country men as is given to few men indeed. From the packed Cathedral, escorted by his fellow Generals, followed by men of his own Units, by Legatees and a great company of others who had cause to honour and esteem him, he made his last journey. But that is not the end. His voice and presence are lost to us but his memory and inspiration must ever remain. As he has bequeathed to the National War Memorial yonder his diaries, records and battle plans, so he has bequeathed to us his fellow Legatees his greatest achievement and his trust, Legacy itself. Never was the Torch passed by worthier hands. Now it is ours to hold it high. Whatever material memorial the future many hold for him, Legacy owes its Founder a livelier recompense. It is within our power to implement what I believe to be his greatest wish, that Legacy and its ideal of comradeship and service shall flourish and endure. Let each one of us then resolve that we shall, within our Clubs, in all tasks to which we are assigned, both great and small, keep in our minds the life and spirit of Stanley George Savige, so that we may be proud at all times to say of Legacy to those who follow after - “If you would see his memorial - Look around you”.The tribute to Stanley Savige shows how greatly he was regarded by the Legatees.Off white quarto paper with black type, address given about Stan Savige to the Canberra Conference, x 12 pages.savige, speech, obituary -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Widow Daytrip, 1988
An outing by the widows club to visit a memorial to servicemen and women from the Woodhouse-Nareeb area. The photos show a group of ladies who attended and the plaques and memorial board. The plaque says 'These trees were planted by district people in memory of servicemen and women who died serving their country in the 1939-45 war, including nursing sisters who lost their lives in the java seas and on Banka Island. Dedicated 1978, Sister Jeffery 'Lest We Forget'. The memorial board says 'World War 2 Soldier Settlement Woodhouse-Nareeb area. The settlers served with Navies, Armies, and Air Forces of the British Commonwealth, many of their wives served with the Womens' Auxillaries and nursing services.'A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows.Colour photo x 5 of an outing to a memorial in 1988.Photos are marked as 4 December 1988.widows, widows outing, memorial, daytrip -
Melbourne Legacy
Magazine - Newsletter, Melbourne Legacy, Legacy Newsletter June 1955, 1955
The newsletter from August 1955. It featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth painted by William Dargie on the cover. The president's introduction talked about the Commonwealth of Nations. There was an article about the Anzac Eve ceremony for students. Also holidays essays and photos from holiday camps at Ararat. A newsletter published by Legacy in this format for many years from 1942. It mentions "Issued from time to time for Private Circulation among the Sons and Daughters of Deceased Service men and Merchant Seamen who served their Country during the War of 1914-18, or the present War". Many articles on the work of Legacy, including features on boys classes, girls classes, camps, the residences and where their past residents ended up. There are some suggestion for careers and some general interest articles. Some very interesting photos.Newsletter outlining news of Junior Legatee activities.Black and white printed newsletter x 16 pages from June 1955. Volume 8 Number 1 junior legatee outings, camps, ararat -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Nick Anchen, Iron Roads in the Outback, 2017
The Iron Roads of the Australian Outback - the legendary Commonwealth Railways were built through some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. They were railways like no other, where men and women battled extreme temperatures, flash floods and maddening isolation to keep the trains running. This publication is the culmination of 25 years of Outback exploration, research, photography and interviews by author Nick Anchen. The result is a diverse book which brings to life both the beauty and harshness of the Australian Outback, through a collection of fascinating and historic images, along with the memories of former Commonwealth Railways employees. Following an introductory chapter on the vastness and grandeur of the Australian interior - highlighted by the memoirs of 1950s flying doctor Macarthur Job - the book delves into the story of the Central Australia Railway. This was the line built through the 'back of beyond' - the forbidding desert country of South Australia and the Northern Territory. It was here that operators of famous trains such as The Ghan battled searing heat, dust storms and raging floodwaters to keep the trains running. The chapter includes stories by well known Ghan conductor 'Aspro' Lyons, and 'Piano Playing Chef' Paddy Greenfield - along with enginemen Wolf Markowski and John Theel, both of whom worked trains on this famous railway. The story of the North Australia Railway - 'The Line to Nowhere' - is the tale of a ramshackle railway which came alive during the dark days of World War II. The memoirs of wartime engineman Jim Prentice are eye opening, as are the hair raising accounts of surviving Tropical Cyclone Tracy, as told by rolling stock foreman Bill Donaldson. The Trans-Australian Railway was built across one of the harshest and loneliest environments on Earth - the vast Nullarbor Plain. Stories from enginemen Jack Slattery and Ron Howrie, along with Nullarbor resident and roadmaster's wife Cathy Beek, tell not only of the rudimentary living conditions and maddening isolation, but of the great camaraderie amongst the railway people who kept trains such as the Trans-Australian and the Tea and Sugar running. As well as examining the ruins and relics from the long-closed CR narrow gauge lines, the book also includes a chapter on the much-loved Pichi Richi Railway - the last surviving portion of that great Transcontinental Railway dream from another age.ill, maps, p.208.non-fictionThe Iron Roads of the Australian Outback - the legendary Commonwealth Railways were built through some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. They were railways like no other, where men and women battled extreme temperatures, flash floods and maddening isolation to keep the trains running. This publication is the culmination of 25 years of Outback exploration, research, photography and interviews by author Nick Anchen. The result is a diverse book which brings to life both the beauty and harshness of the Australian Outback, through a collection of fascinating and historic images, along with the memories of former Commonwealth Railways employees. Following an introductory chapter on the vastness and grandeur of the Australian interior - highlighted by the memoirs of 1950s flying doctor Macarthur Job - the book delves into the story of the Central Australia Railway. This was the line built through the 'back of beyond' - the forbidding desert country of South Australia and the Northern Territory. It was here that operators of famous trains such as The Ghan battled searing heat, dust storms and raging floodwaters to keep the trains running. The chapter includes stories by well known Ghan conductor 'Aspro' Lyons, and 'Piano Playing Chef' Paddy Greenfield - along with enginemen Wolf Markowski and John Theel, both of whom worked trains on this famous railway. The story of the North Australia Railway - 'The Line to Nowhere' - is the tale of a ramshackle railway which came alive during the dark days of World War II. The memoirs of wartime engineman Jim Prentice are eye opening, as are the hair raising accounts of surviving Tropical Cyclone Tracy, as told by rolling stock foreman Bill Donaldson. The Trans-Australian Railway was built across one of the harshest and loneliest environments on Earth - the vast Nullarbor Plain. Stories from enginemen Jack Slattery and Ron Howrie, along with Nullarbor resident and roadmaster's wife Cathy Beek, tell not only of the rudimentary living conditions and maddening isolation, but of the great camaraderie amongst the railway people who kept trains such as the Trans-Australian and the Tea and Sugar running. As well as examining the ruins and relics from the long-closed CR narrow gauge lines, the book also includes a chapter on the much-loved Pichi Richi Railway - the last surviving portion of that great Transcontinental Railway dream from another age. commonwealth railways (australia) -- history., central australia railway -- history. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - COMMONWEALTH ATHLETIC CLUB RULES OF BETTING, 8/2/1951
BHS CollectionCommonwealth Athletic Club Rules of betting: Blue card cover with black print with two metal staples at the side. On the front inside a rectangular box is printed Commonwealth Athletic Club. Underneath a circular logo with the picture of Australia and CAC in the middle. Printed around Australia is *Commonwealth Athletic Club * Under Vice-Regal Patronage. Rules of Betting * Adopted 8/2/1951 in co-operation with Victorian Country Bookmakers Guarantee Co. Inside on white paper and blue print is the rules of betting. Box 625Cambridge Press, Bendigoclubs, social, athletic, cambridge press. bendigo -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Book - Bradshaws Guide - November 1941, Stillwell & Stephens Pty Ltd
Provides detailed information on Victorian railways country timetables, suburban trains, lists of post offices, Victorian and Commonwealth Government officials and elected representatives, and tramways - all night services, first and last cars, including Sandringham and St Kilda services. Provides a detailed guide to services in Victoria, including public transport.Book - 194 pages, 9 sections stapled paper titled "Bradshaws Guide - November 1941" Priced 8d, No. 1029. Has a fold out map of the VR Country and suburban lines. Includes many advertisements.victoria, tramways, melbourne, timetables, railways, guides, bradshaws guide, advertisements -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Australia's second Air Mail. The aviation Career of Basil Watson 1893-1917, 2017
This booklet relates the life of Basil Watson. It tells in detail his early life, background, his home built aeroplane, his display flights and his tragic death and the story since. This year marks 100 years since one of Australia’s pioneering aviators, Basil Watson arrived in Warrnambool and delivered the first airmail to the town. Basil Watson was born in Bendigo in 1894. His interest in aviation which began at a young age, took him to England at the commencement of WW1 where he worked at Brookland in aviation workshops and as a test pilot. Despite crashing and suffering injuries he was not deterred. He returned to Australia and by 1916 Basil had built his own plane. He soon took to the air performing tricks and barnstorming to the delight of onlookers. His connection to Warrnambool lies with his delivery of the first airmail to the town, an event which was filled with much excitement. Basil Watson, pioneer aviator landed his 50hp home built aeroplane on the racecourse on Saturday January 27th 1917, after a flight from Point Cook. The trip of 166 miles took just under two hours, and set a record non-stop cross country flight for Australia. Watson was heartily welcomed by the Mayor, to whom he delivered three letters, the first aerial post to Warrnambool. One of the letters, from the Mayor of Melbourne Sir David Hennessy to the Mayor of Warrnambool is now in the W&DHS collection: I have much pleasure in sending you greetings by aeroplane piloted by my friend, Mr Basil Watson. I hope when the cruel war is over and victory crowns our efforts, we, over the Commonwealth, will be able to fly from one State to the other. With best wishes for the New Year. Yours truly, DV Hennessy. Basil Watson was unfortunately killed two months after his historic visit to Warrnambool. While participating in an air show at Point Cook, the plane he way flying that day crashed into the sea. This booklet tells the story of an interesting part of Warrnambool and Australia's aviation history. It has special significance as it enlightens two significant items in our local collection, namely the letter which he delivered and the seat from his aircraft.A small 29 page booklet with blue and white photograph of Basil Watson in his aeroplane. It contains a number of black and white and some colour photographs. Introduction from the author, "This small booklet recognises the short career of Basil Watson. He came to my attention when researching the French aviator Maurice Guillaux who carried the first official air mail in Australia, Melbourne to Sydney in two and a half days 16/18 July 1914..... Tom Lockley 1 June 2017. Handwritten inside front cover,"These items may be of interest to add to your material about Basil Watson. Its a pity that the 100 year anniversary of his flight was not more widely recognised but thank you for mounting some of his records. Tom Hockley."warrnambool, basil watson, first airmail flight, aviation career of basil watson