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Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Commemorative Scroll
Scroll commemorates Flight Lieutenant J H Wilkinson DFC RAAF who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Commemorative scroll sent by King George VI to the next of kin of those who gave their lives during world war 2. Yellow paper document with printed type and coat of armspilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c. 1944
Photograph of RAAF Squadron in front of aircraft From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. Black and white photograph of airmen in front of aircraftpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, john hudson wilkinson -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Book - R.A.A.F. Fitters Manual II.E, c1941
Training manual issued to - WILLCOX STANLEY MERVYN : Service Number - 75552 : Date of birth - 23 Jan 1923 : Place of birth - MURWILLUMBAH NSW : Place of enlistment - BRISBANE who served with the RAAF during WW2.RAAF Fitters Manual II.A belonging to ACI S.M. Willcox 75552. Book has black binding with black cord to bind it. Cover is a dirty cream colour with black writing. On back cover is two drawings in ink.R.A.A.F. Fitters II.E Flight Mechanics, Course Notes, Engineering School. Issue 3 - 1941. This book is R.A.A.F Property and is NOT TO BE REPRODUCED without authority. Inside cover written in ink is 75552 ACI Wilcox S.M., A drawing of a cactus and a drawing of an eagle. Inside the back cover is a drawing of a horse. On the back cover is a drawing of a map of Australia with a kangaroo and an emu. Also a cartoon of a man on a bucking horse while smoking a pipe with two onlookers and a speech bubble.raaf, manual, wwii, world war 2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
R.A.A.F. Fitters Manual II.E, c1941
Item issued to 20164 Granville Inverell Hamilton BULLUSS Born 12/11/1909 in Hamilton NSW . He enlisted at Tamworth into the RAAF. Service records not available to the public.RAAF Fitters Manual II.E belonging to L.A.C G. Bulluss. Book has black binding with black cord to bind it. Cover is a dirty cream colour with black writing. On front cover in two drawings in ink.R.A.A.F. 3613 Fitters II.E Flight Mechanics, Course Notes, Engineering School. Issue 3 - 1941. This book is R.A.A.F Property and is NOT TO BE REPRODUCED without authority. Inside cover written in ink is numerous names and addresses. On the front cover is a drawing of clouds and rain and the RAAF crest. Inside on various pages is some sketches in pencil, quite a few of people in profile.raaf, manual, wwii, world war 2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
R.A.A.F. Fitters Manual II.A, c1942
Item issued to 20164 Granville Inverell Hamilton BULLUSS Born 12/11/1909 in Hamilton NSW . He enlisted at Tamworth into the RAAF. Service records not available to the public.RAAF Fitters Manual II.A belonging to 20164 Cpt Bulluss G. Book has black binding with black cord to bind it. Cover is a dirty cream colour with black writing. Water stain on front cover.R.A.A.F. 6201 Fitters II.A Carpenter Riggers, Flight Riggers, Course Notes, Engineering School. Issue 4 - 1942. This book is R.A.A.F Property and is NOT TO BE REPRODUCED without authority. Inside cover written in red ink is 20164 Cpt Bulluss G.raaf, manual, world war 2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - Watch
This watch belonged to Alan Robert WEBSTER who was born on 11-1-1923 at Wangaratta. He enlisted in Melbourne and served with the RAAF 30 Squadron. He was killed on the 11-8-1944 when his Beaufighter A19-194 was hit by AA fire at Cape Simork, Dutch New Guinea while on a bombing mission. He is buried in the LAE Cemetery in Papua New Guinea. Gold coloured metal watch with square face and white plastic watch band.Engraved on rear of watch - ARW 409630 RAAFalan robert webster, raaf, 30 squadron, ww2, lae, png -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Document - Defence Service Record, J H Wilkinson DFC
... prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 Awarded... Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 Awarded ...Defence records belonging to 400444 John Hudson WILKINSON born 18./2/1914 at Rutherglen. He was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - citation reads Pilot Officer Wilkinson is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion in March 1944 when engaged n an attack on Stuttgart a Junkers 88 attacked his aircraft five times but Pilot Officer Wilkinson by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire drove ff the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew. Killed in battle over Europe on 30/8/1944.White and green folder depicted with a sprig of rosemary above large group of soldiers.Defence Service Records National Archives of Australiapilot officer john hudson wilkinson, dfc, ww2, raaf, kia -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Framed Certificate, D Murray
... Murray was born on 2/3/25 at Moyhu and enlisted in the RAAF on 28... Desmond Murray was born on 2/3/25 at Moyhu and enlisted ...Certificate of Appreciation from the Shire of Oxley to D Murray who served during WW2 - Dated 11/12/1945 James Desmond Murray was born on 2/3/25 at Moyhu and enlisted in the RAAF on 28/5/1943 - Leading Aircraftman 142205Brown laminate frame containing certificate bordered by Australian State crests with photograph of King George two flags and crown at top and red seal below.The Call to Arms Shire of Oxley D. Murray World War 1939-45d. murray, shire of oxley, ww2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Award - Presentation Case with Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross
... was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 He... was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 He ...Distinguish Flying Cross medal awarded to John Hudson WILKINSON 400444 born 18/2/1914 at Rutherglen. He was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 He was reporting missing during air operations over East Prussia and later presumed to have lost his life on 30/8/1944 Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - citation reads Pilot Officer Wilkinson is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion in March 1944 when engaged n an attack on Stuttgart a Junkers 88 attacked his aircraft five times but Pilot Officer Wilkinson by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire drove ff the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew. The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Black case which opens out from right side. The top affixed by two side hinges on the left and push in pin on the right side. Inside case the top is lined in satin fabric imprinted with a black crest and the base is lined in felt containing a silver metal medal in the shape of a cross attached to a purple and while diagonally striped ribbon.On Top - DFC impressed in gold colour paint. Inside Top - Royal Mint Medal inscriptions -400444 Flt Lt Wilkinson Stuttgart 1944 pilot officer john hudson wilkinson, dfc, ww2, raaf, kia -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Medals WW2
Three original WW2 medals awarded to 51647 Charles William FRENCH born 8.2.1911 at Wahgunyah in Victoria. He enlisted on 2.2.1942. FRENCH served with the RAAF as a Leading Aircraftman and was attached to the 12 Aircraft Repair Depot when discharged on 13.1.1947.1939-1945 War Medal, Australian Service Medal and Defence MedalThree found white metal medals attached to multi striped colour ribbons.51647 C W FRENCHmedal, ww2, raaf -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir - Cartridges, St Louis Ordnance Plant, 1942
The headstamp on these cartridges indicates they were manufactured in 1942 at the St Louis Ordnance Plant in Missouri USA. They were souvenired and engraved by Australian servicemen in New Guinea during WW2. All five cartridges are engraved with RAAF and Dutch New Guinea with one having additional engraving of Hollandia, Nadzab and Merauke. They belonged to 285492 Maurice Gerard HENDERSON born 21/9/1899 who enlisted at the age of 40 and served with the RAAF during WW2. He was deployed on 26/5/1944 with 113 FCU to Merauke in New Guinea.No. 13 Fighter Sector Headquarters was formed at Garbutt airfield on 16 Apr 1943. They embarked from Cairns, Queensland on 27 Jun 1943 and disembarked at Merauke on 2 Jul 1943. The Unit was renamed as No.113 Fighter Control Unit (113 FCU) on 7 Mar 1944. They moved to Townsville on 25 Feb 1945. The Unit was finally disbanded on 22 Apr 1945.Five white metal cartridges with round base tampered to a pointed top.Headstamp - SL 42 Engraved - RAAF Dutch New Guinea raaf, ww2, cartridge sl42, new guinea -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal - WW2 Medals
Three WW2 service medals awarded to Alfred Harry MERIGAN 40471 - born on 13/2/1907 London, England. Next of Kin - wife Myrtle MERIGAN nee FURPHY (Shepparton) He was an instrument maker and Orchardist. Enlisted Melbourne on 12/5/1941 into the RAAF serving with the 21 and 83 Squadron. He was discharged on 26/11/1945 and died on 20/2/1977 aged 70 years. Medals are :- The War Medal 1939-1945/The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945/The Pacific StarSmall one box containing three military medals with multi-colour striped ribbons attached.40471 - A H Meriganww2, raaf, medals -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Letter - Correspondence, Perkins RAAF, 12/01/1942 12:00:00 AM
Letter from the RAAF No.1 Recruiting Centre to Mr. G. B. Perkins, 5 Harrison St., Mitcham.Letter from the RAAF No.1 Recruiting Centre to Mr. G. B. Perkins, 5 Harrison St., Mitcham instructing him to attend enlistment as a Trainee Group (V) in Group Five and listing rates of pay.Letter from the RAAF No.1 Recruiting Centre to Mr. G. B. Perkins, 5 Harrison St., Mitcham. royal australian air force, perkins, g. b. -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Uniform - RAAF Blue Forage Cap, 1944
This cap potentially belonged to Ronald Edward Smith, Service number 419886. Date of birth - 30 Jun 1916 : Place of birth - MELBOURNE VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - SMITH ETHELThis hat holds representative significance as a generic RAAF officers forage cap. Further research into the potential owner could uncover other significance.Dark blue cap with medal ribbon attached to the side. RAAF eagle badge attached to peak of cap left hand side. Two buttons at peak of cap. The cap is lined with brown polished cotton twill and has a light brown cotton velveteen sweatband.Tag inside cap: 330 1944/Made in Australia / Size 1/8 Service number written in pen: 419886 (or 419856)raaf, australia, air force, cap, hat, beret, wwii, world war two -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - 3 x Tooheys Blue Bitter cans
Special Edition produced by Toohey's Commemorating the Armed Services of Australia.Cans of Tooheys Blue Label Bitter cans. Depicting the three Services in pictures.Around the rim at the top of each can the words - Tooheys Salutes Australia's Second World War Veterans. On front of can Thanks for the Freedom. " Air crews wanted now for the RAAF " Can 1. Artist unknown V4297 Thanks for the Freedom. "Sail the seas with the Navy " Can 2. Roland Hilder N3 Thanks for the Freedom. "Join the A.I.F This is serious! Enlist now. Can 3. James Northfield V6723beer, tooheys, commemorative beer can -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Cardboard Box with various items relating to-Roland Walter Nicholls RAAF Service Number41414. Enlisted 23/06/1941
... with various items relating to-Roland Walter Nicholls RAAF Service ...*****Box of various items to be documented***** ---Contains Medals* Letters Mrs. E Nicholls (Mother?) Other Letters*Photographs*Newspaper Cutouts*Postcards Etc.. -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Picture - Framed
This object relates to Gordon Powell STEWART. He was born on 29/12/1900 in Buninyong, VIC. Gordon Powell served in the Army (VX61776) enlisting on, 20/08/1941 in Buninyong, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 13 AUST GEN HOSP as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Corporal (CPL) on 30/11/1945. Gordon Powell STEWART was a prisoner of war. His next of kin is William STEWART. Gordon Stewart was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945.photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Pacific Star
This object relates to Gordon Powell STEWART. He was born on 29/12/1900 in Buninyong, VIC. Gordon Powell served in the Army (VX61776) enlisting on, 20/08/1941 in Buninyong, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 13 AUST GEN HOSP as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Corporal (CPL) on 30/11/1945. Gordon Powell STEWART was a prisoner of war. His next of kin is William STEWART. Gordon Stewart was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
War Medal 1939-1945
This object relates to Gordon Powell STEWART. He was born on 29/12/1900 in Buninyong, VIC. Gordon Powell served in the Army (VX61776) enlisting on, 20/08/1941 in Buninyong, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 13 AUST GEN HOSP as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Corporal (CPL) on 30/11/1945. Gordon Powell STEWART was a prisoner of war. His next of kin is William STEWART. Gordon Stewart was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Australia Service Medal 1939-1946
This object relates to Gordon Powell STEWART. He was born on 29/12/1900 in Buninyong, VIC. Gordon Powell served in the Army (VX61776) enlisting on, 20/08/1941 in Buninyong, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 13 AUST GEN HOSP as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Corporal (CPL) on 30/11/1945. Gordon Powell STEWART was a prisoner of war. His next of kin is William STEWART. Gordon Stewart was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, medals, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Dog Tags
This object relates to Sydney Oswald CLARK. He was born on 21/01/1923 in Ararat, VIC. Sydney Oswald served in the AMF (VX15042 V240218) enlisting on, 26/11/1941 in Ararat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 31/51 AUST INF BN as a Army Non-Commissioned Private (PTE) on 02/07/1946. Sydney Oswald CLARK was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Percival Oswald CLARK (Father).A 2753/ DALE J V/RAAF/CofEsecond world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, personal items, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Book - "Philippine Public School Readers PEPE"
This object relates to Norman Keith McLEOD. He was born on 08/02/1910 in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Norman Keith served in the Army (VX77087) enlisting on, 02/03/1942 in Wagga Wagga, NSW before being discharged from duties with the 1 AUST SPECIAL INTELI PERS GRP as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Corporal (CPL) on 20/11/1945. Norman Keith McLEOD was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Alice McLEOD.second world war (ww2), 1939 - 1945, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Discharge Papers (copy)
This object relates to Norman Keith McLEOD. He was born on 08/02/1910 in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Norman Keith served in the Army (VX77087) enlisting on, 02/03/1942 in Wagga Wagga, NSW before being discharged from duties with the 1 AUST SPECIAL INTELI PERS GRP as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Corporal (CPL) on 20/11/1945. Norman Keith McLEOD was not a prisoner of war. His next of kin is Alice McLEOD.Includes photocopy picture of SM working as Farrierfirst world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Colac RSL Sub Branch
Photograph (Collection) - Spurrell Brothers Colac, Spurrell Bothers Photos and information sheets
Family recordRecognition of Patriotic Services rendered as a member of the Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia during the War of 1939 - 1945Photos and information sheets -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
Manual, Notes on the theory of Fitting for Defence Trainees, January 1941
Cardboard cover front and back, with red tape on spine. Contains typed instruction notes related to Fitting. There are some blank pages on the left side which have hand written notes dating from 29 January 1941. The back cover, outside, is covered with signatures and five digit numbers. (Possibly fellow students on this course, with their enlistment numbers.) Front cover. Hand written.Brunswick Technical school Dawson St Brunswick. RAAF Station West Melbourne Some other writing, illegible.ww2, defence training -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph - Don Brown
... he enlisted in the RAAF. In November 1987, Don visited Surrey.... In January 1940 he enlisted in the RAAF. In November 1987, Don ...Don Brown was born in 1924. He commenced work as a messenger at the Surrey Hills post office on 12 July 1938. The photo was taken in early 1939 in the yard beside the post office. He became the postal assistant in 1940. This work involved some counter duties, but mainly despatching the mail. In January 1940 he enlisted in the RAAF. In November 1987, Don visited Surrey Hills on a trip 'down memory lane' from his then home in Canberra. He sent this photo to the historical collection following this trip and recorded the following memories of staff at the Surrey hills post office during the period 1938-1941. The post master was HS (Stan) Shaw; the postal clerk was AH (Bert) Mitchell; the postal assistant was Alec Walsh, then Terry Gawne, the Don Brown. There were 9 postmen at any one time. Postmen Don remembered were Len Collins, Bert Binns, Frank Johnson, Ern Harding, Len Warmbrunn, Merv Daley, Chris Larsen, Charlie Woodford, Pat Ginnane, Bill Carlson, Jim Payne and Bill Devlin. There were 2 telegraph messengers at any one time; apart from Don himself there were George Smith, Ron Paez and Bob Nelson. Terry Gawne and George Smith also joined the RAAF. Terry was shot down and killed in the Pacific in 1943. Ern Harding, Bill Carson and Bill Devlin joined the army. At the time of his employment George Smith, Bill Devlin, Jim Payne and Don himself were under 40; the others were in their forties or older. Don remained in contact with George Smith, who in 1987 was living in Box Hill.Black and white photo of a young man wearing a uniform astride a bicycle. In the background is a corrugated iron fence. don brown, surrey hills post office -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Angus and Robertson, Bluey Truscott : Squadron Leader Keith William Truscott, RAAF, DFC and Bar, 1958
... in 1939, Truscott enlisted in the RAAF in 1940 amidst considerable ...Biography of Keith William Truscott ('Bluey') concentrating on his service during World War II. Truscott, born at Prahran, Melbourne became one of Australia's best-known flying aces of the Second World War. Already famous as a footballer, playing Australian Rules for Melbourne's premiership team in 1939, Truscott enlisted in the RAAF in 1940 amidst considerable publicity.Ill, p.202.non-fictionBiography of Keith William Truscott ('Bluey') concentrating on his service during World War II. Truscott, born at Prahran, Melbourne became one of Australia's best-known flying aces of the Second World War. Already famous as a footballer, playing Australian Rules for Melbourne's premiership team in 1939, Truscott enlisted in the RAAF in 1940 amidst considerable publicity.world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - australia, world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - australia -
Melton City Libraries
Photograph, Jim (James) and William (Horace) Barrie, Unknown, c.1940
... Barrie enlisted in the RAAF on 21st June 1941, aged 19 years... Barrie enlisted in the RAAF on 21st June 1941, aged 19 years. He ...In 1939 when World War 11 erupted Jim and Horace enlisted in the RAAF Jim to become a pilot and Horace a navigator. James Edward Barrie enlisted in the RAAF on 21st June 1941, aged 19 years. He was sent to Canada and then later to England to become a Spitfire Pilot. Half way through the War he returned to Australia to be sent north to fight the Japanese. At one stage he had to bail out over the Pacific after his engine had failed. Fortunately, he had time to radio his position before he abandoned his Spitfire. He dropped his boot out to determine how far below the water was, parachuted down inflated his dinghy and waited to be rescued. He was picked up very quickly by a rescue crew just as a heavy fog descended, or he may never have been found. He lost many of his mates in that Squadron in the Pacific, it was a particularly vital time for the Allies and these boys played a major part in turning the tide against the Japanese. This information has been taken from the writings of Mary Robinson, sister of Jim. My parents Bon and Edna Barrie spoke about this incident leaving a vivid impression in my mind as a young child. Jim is mentioned in the book Two Steps to Tokyo. A Story of the RAAF in the Trobriand and Admiralty Islands by Gordon Powell Chaplain, RAAF. After the war Jim returned to Darlingsford. In 1953 he married Wilma Ryan of Yarram. He continued in the family farming tradition obtaining a Soldier Settlement Block at Shelford. Jim regularly attended the ANZAC day march to the Shrine. He died in August 2004 This account has been compiled by his niece Wendy Barrie Sons of Charles (Ernie) and Jessie Barrie of Darlingsford Meltonlocal identities -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Various Cigarette Lighters, 1970s
... completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF... completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF ...Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. These lighters are part of his collection of memorabilia and artefacts.These items belonged to a respected member of the Wodonga community.A collection of 4 different cigarette lighters made from metal alloys. The brass lighter has a black cloth pouch.On long cylindrical lighters: Unicorn INT Made in China and Safety Instructions On silver lighter: An Appreciations from Stuart's Shepparton On brass lighter: Peter Jackson Brass No/ 6cigarette lighters, les cole -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - State Emergency Service Cloth badges, c1970
... completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF... completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF ...Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984 Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023.These patches belonged to a local Wodonga resident who was instrumental in establishing the Wodonga SES.A collection of cloth and embroidery uniform patches worn on the uniform of Leslie Cole who was a founding and long-term member of the Wodonga State Emergency Service. Oval badges all bear the Southern Cross and a crownAround oval badges: VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE On epaulettes: COMMUNICATIONS / L. COLEstate emergency service, wodonga ses