Transcript of a talk by Peter McPhee on Mitcham RSL and his ancestors, to a General Meeting of the Whitehorse Historical Society 12 April 2008.Tape at NP3442.Talk by Peter McPhee on Mitcham RSL and his ancestors, to a General Meeting of the Whitehorse Historical Society 12 April 2008.mitcham returned servicemens league, mcphee, peter, whitehorse historical society inc

The booklet contains two reports tracing the history of Mitcham RSL and the building of the Mitcham Memorial Hall. The first, by Mr.A.C. Cook in 1951 covers the period from 1919. The second, by R. Morgan, J. Phillips and R. Harry covers from 1952 to 1969. The reports emphasize the building and use of the Memorial Hall but include general information on activities of the Mitcham and Nunawading Sub-branches of the RSL. Lists are included of Presidents, Secretaries and Life Members of the Mitcham RSL between 1919 and 1968.mitcham returned servicemens league, mitcham memorial hall, exservice organisations, cook, a, morgan, r., phillips, j, harry, r

Used by Robin Da Costa in 'Blackburn - A Picturesque History'.Black and white photo of Blackburn College opened 1914. Local Blackburn Girls entertaining soldiers during 1914 - 1918 war. Joe Sword's Hall in the Background is now located in Lake Road as a Scout Hall. The first meeting of the Blackburn R.S.L. was held in Sword's Hall in 1927.|See page 81 of Da Costa book.sword, joe, blackburn college, blackburn returned servicemens league

A laminated membership cardLaminated Membership Card No 00114 of the Mitcham RSL Sub Branchmitcham rsl, mitcham returned servicemen's league

Various Historical significance.Australian returned from active service badges. 2 x Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League Badges. (1919 - 1947.) 2 x 1971 to 1990 Life Member Badges. Maralinga & Monte Bello Association Badge. Boomerang with Rising Sun badge. Royal Australian Engineers 1930 - 1942 badge. Silver badge "To the Women of Australia. Vintage Turkish Medal. Inscribed To The Women of Australia Crown surrounded by Laurel Leaves with Map of Australia in centre. Returned From Active Service. Two or Three Servicemen shown. RAAF #A1102 - 1942. Boomerang with Rising Sun below Crown. Royal Engineers Badge inscribed "FACIMUS ET FRANCIMUS" encircling GviR in centre Crown over Laurel leaves.

In the 1960s the R.S.L. hall was used for plays, infant welfare, dancing classes for children and the like, also for use with parties and weddingsEarly black and white photograph of the Mitcham R.S.L.. Telegraph poles on left and right. Demolished in the 1980s.mitcham returned servicemens league, returned servicemens league

This object relates to Hugh Forrester BETHUNE. He was born on 15/11/1924 in Sydney, NSW. Hugh Forrester served in the RAAF (430155) enlisting on, 01/01/1943 in Unknown before being discharged from duties with the 9 AIRCREW HOLDING UNIT as a RAAF Non-Commissioned Warrant Officer (WOFF) on 26/02/1946. Hugh Forrester BETHUNE was not a prisoner of war. Hugh Bethune was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Australia Service Medal 1939-1946, Defence Medal, France and Germany Star, War Medal 1939-1945. The RSL badge represents readiness to serve the crown, country and former comrades. It can be purchased however it should only be worn by returned service personnel.Metallic badge with enamel sections depicting a white shield with a red and gold coloured crown and the number "95" at the head of the shield. In the top corners of the shield are images of a leek, rose, thistle and shamrock. An image of a red ribbon with the words "Australia" is at the base of the shield. In the centre of the shield is a blue circle with the words "Returned Services League", encircling an image of three servicemen in gold coloured relief.Inscriptions on the back: "V Property of League Swann & Hudson Vic." "91382" And another inscription that is partly obscured and includes "Bad.....ns" ballarat, ballarat rsl, badge, returned services leage badge, rsl badge, uniforms

The Rats of Tobruk Association, Inc, Victoria was formed in September, 1945. The Association was open for those Servicemen who had Served at, and during, the Longest Siege in British Military History - the Siege of Tobruk - 240 Days, between April10th and December 10th 1941 in WW2 and who were fortunate enough to return to Australia at the end of hostilities. Of approximately 14,000 Australians involved in the Siege of Tobruk, 559 were KIA, 2450 were WIA and 941 became a POW. Brown wooden lacquered shield with the Rats of Tobruk Association symbol (brown rat on gold circle with white ad gold scrolls surrounding with the name of the association printed upon) overlaying a yellow T below a crown. Below the symbol is the motto 'no surrender'.THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION NO SURRENDER

A black and white film about Legacy camps, that was first shown at Legacy Club Night, 24th June 1965, with 200 people present. Last shown at Legacy Somers Camp, 14th April 1967, with 120 present. It is 23 min long and documents the routine and activities of a typical weekend at Somers, ending with a speech by Melbourne Legacy President I.W Anderson, who was President in 1964. Commentary Geoff McComas, Photography Garry Jones. This film has been digitised to preserve its content. Melbourne Legacy gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and Public Record Office Victoria for making this possible.Rare footage of activities run by Melbourne Legacy for boys post WWII which indicates how many children Legacy cared for both in Victoria and nationally and shows the dedication of Legatees in providing this careGreen circular tin containing 10 inch reel in regular 8 mm film. B/W and sound. Tin has cover with details of film inside, including title, running time, and some credits. Inside the tin cover there is a place of showing list, starting at 24th of June 1965 at Legacy House Club Night.Top of tin has cover with the following: MELBOURNE LEGACY / “LEGACY HOUSE” / 293 Swanston Street, Melbourne, C.1 FILM / “A WEEKEND AT SOMERS” / Black and White - Running Time 20 mins. Commentary by Geoff. McComas / Produced by B.C.J.P Return to Executive Officer “Service to Widows of Ex-Servicemen and their Children”somers camp, junior legatees

Landscape photo with delegates, senior observers, and visitors gathered at the Intermediate Legacy Conference in Adelaide, held at Easter in 1948. Encased in a glass frame with wood (painted black) lining the edge. From TROVE: Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 1 April 1948, page 8 Legacy Conference In Adelaide Addressing delegates from all States at a convention of Intermediate Legacy Clubs last week, His Excellency the Governor (Sir Willoughby Norrie), who was accompanied by Lady Norrie, said that Adelaide regarded it as a privilege to be chosen as the venue of the first of what might become a series of annual conferences on the general policy of Intermediate Legacy of Australia. His Excellency stressed that the objects of Intermediate Legacy were to foster the spirit of comradeship, self-sacrifice and service, and to establish a high standard of citizenship and a spirit of responsibility in national development. 'Anything to do with Legacy has the strongest support of Lady Norrie and myself,' continued the Governor. 'Membership of Intermediate Legacy is open to the children of deceased servicemen who have passed the age of 16. There is no upper limit, although in 1945 a Senior Intermediate Club was formed in Adelaide for men returned from the services, or who, ineligible for service, had attained the age of 25. 'A record of an intermediate Legacy Conference in 1948. Junior Legatees who had achieved the age of 16 were forming intermediate clubs to further Legacy's work.Landscape photo with delegates, senior observers, and visitors gathered at the Intermediate Legacy Conference in Adelaide, held at Easter in 1948. Encased in a glass frame with wood (painted black) lining the edge. INTERMEDIATE LEGACY CONFERENCE ADELAIDE - EASTER, 1948 DELEGATES - SENIOR OBSERVERS - VISITORS List of names: Back Row: F. Holliday (Melbourne), R. Gammon (Geelong), M. Mead (Adelaide), S. Deverell (Adelaide), B. Rostron (Adelaide), G. Dodd (Sydney), A. Gale (Adelaide), C. J. Merefield (Brisbane), P. Phillips (Adelaide), V. Poulson (Brisbane), P. Lynch (Adelaide), D. Lapthorne (Adelaide). Second Row: R. Cumming (Melbourne), G. Bremmer (Adelaide), F. Bruce (Adelaide), M. Stevenson (Adelaide), R. A. Rowe (Hobart), H. H. Kirkwood (Adelaide), E. F. Marshall (Adelaide), E. B. Hill (Newcastle), K. Bremner (Adelaide), C. Lee (Perth), D. Lynch (Adelaide), K. Trevaskis (Geelong). Third Row: R. Wood (Adelaide), W. McDougall (Adelaide), H. B. Murn (Hobart), M. Thiselton (Adelaide), T. Rowatt (Brisbane), B. Fennel (Secretary, Adelaide), J. D. Harvey (Chairman, Adelaide), J. Murray (Sydney), V. Hawkesworth (Adelaide), L. Rolls (Melbourne), J. Yeates (Sydney), J. Byrne (Adelaide), J. Crouch (Brisbane). Front Row: G. Mead (Adelaide), R. White (Adelaide), E. Brown (Melbourne), A. Lawson (Melbourne), J. Raymond (Adelaide) Bottom of page: Frank Boase, Adelaide Back of Frame is as follows: CONROY MOFFAT PTY. LTD. PICTURE FRAMER 23 MCKILLOP STREET Tel. MU - MELBconference, ilc, delegates

Film of the Trooping the Colour, in London. Including King George VI, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret on the Buckingham Palace balcony. The year is not known though it was pre 1952 when King George VI passed away. The reason for having the film is not known. There are records of Legacy showing films to junior legatees and this could be one of them.Legacy was founded by returned servicemen with a dedication to the royal family. A celluloid film on a black metal spool.Spool, Kodak A/asia, not for camera use.london, royal family

Application by Mr Frederick R Killey in February 1943 for the position of Manager of the Legacy Club Hostel. It lists his experience as 16 years teaching and missionary work in India in charge of an orphanage. He was rejected from military service in WWI due to defective eyesight and points out he has a badge issued to him at the time stating he was rejected on medical grounds. The note in red ink shows the application was unsuitable. Legacy had a preference for providing positions to ex=servicemen when possible. Holmbush was the first children's residence operated by Melbourne Legacy it was renamed Blamey House when the first Blamey House was sold. Melbourne Legacy ran three residences: Blamey House (purchased 1947) , Stanhope (purchased 1945) and Harelands (purchased 1950), to take care of children whose fathers were servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself. Harelands accommodated boys and girls under the age of 14, Blamey House looked after boys over 14, and Stanhope looked after girls over 14. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent.A record of written correspondence regarding job applications in 1943.Letter written by Mr Killey in 1943 applying for a position at Holmbush on white notepaper, black ink handwriting, two hole punched.Handwritten "Considered by Doug and self. Does not seem suitable. Not a returned man" in red ink.residences, holmbush, holmbush administration

A letter dated 8th February 1943 from F H Adams of Factory Road Yarragon, to apply for the position of housemaster of the Legacy Hostel. He served for 12 years in the regular army and attained the rank of Captain. Serving part time in the V.D.C. as Battalion Commander. He mentions recent work on his brother-in-law's dairy farm while he was serving in the A.I.F. but now returned with injuries meaning the farm would be sold. His wife served as a nurse in WWI and is capable of teaching cooking, dressmaking and piano playing. They have one son currently 11 years old. A second letter dated 18 February 1943, from F.H. Adams thanking Legacy for the interview. Holmbush was the first children's home established by Melbourne Legacy. It was later renamed Blamey House when the first Blamey House was sold. Melbourne Legacy ran three residences: Blamey House (purchased 1947) , Stanhope (purchased 1945) and Harelands (purchased 1950), to take care of children whose fathers were servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself. Harelands accommodated boys and girls under the age of 14, Blamey House looked after boys over 14, and Stanhope looked after girls over 14. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent.A record of written correspondence regarding job applications in 1943.Letter from Mr Adams applying for a position at Holmbush on white quarto notepaper, lined, black ink handwriting two hole punched.Signed F. H. Adamsresidences, holmbush, holmbush administration

Printed circular titled 'The Call to the Carnival' to all members of the R.S.L. Mentioned that it would also reach those who are not members, but should be. Carnival went from October 19th to December 4th. Mentioned is the Club Building Fund, Relief Patriotic Fund and information about the carnival.clubs, social, returned servicemen's league, r.s.l. bendigo collection - the call to the carnival, diggers' carnival, parma dance club, annual victory ball, g v lansell, g r wheeler, w r porter

Recognition of service by Bendigo Citizens of World War II servicemen on return homeBifold souvenir program on stiff card for the welcome home of servicemen by the citizens of Bendigo. Program includes addresses by Mayor, a tableau by 300 school children, ball and sports program. "Bendigo Citizens gratefully acknowledge your service and warmly welcome you home". Saturday July 20th 1949. world war ii, welcome back

Basil George Watson was an aviation pioneer born in Bendigo 12/10/1893. The family moved to Melbourne when he was a child. In 1914 he went to England to work as an engineer for the Sopwith Aviation Company. He also took flying lessons and received his licence in 1915. He now worked as a test pilot for Sopwith but when a crash rendered him unfit for military duty, he returned to Australia in late 1915. He designed and constructed his own biplane in the back yard of his Elsternwick home. At the end of 1916 he tested his plane by flying from Point Cook to Bendigo and then to Melbourne. This included an aviation display in Bendigo. He followed this by flying to Warnambool 25/1/1916. He then set up an experimental airmail flight from Melbourne to Mount Gambier. On 28th March 1917, Watson was demonstrating aerobatics for the entertainment of AIF servicemen at Point Cook, when his plane collapsed and fell into the ocean close to shore. Unfortunately, Watson was tangled in the plane's wires and died. On hearing of his death, the bells of St Pauls in Bendigo and the Bendigo fire bell tolled.A paper detailing the life of Bendigo pilot Basil Watson, one of the first Australian pilots. 4 pages.aviation, basil watson, sopwith

The 8/13 VMR was raised in May 1948 and was a participant in the Anzac Day marches in the district from that day forward. The sailor is John Neale wearing his WWII RAN uniform; the airman is Jack Larkin wearing his WWII RAAF uniform. The soldier (as yet unknown) also had WWII service. The colour party commander is Lieutenant Ian (Kiltie) McKie; the flag bearer is Hal Slaney.Photograph of social and historic interest to the Albury community showing citizen soldiers including returned servicemen who had volunteered for the Citizen Military Forces in the period immediately following the Second World War. It signifies the return of citizen soldiers to Albury following the war.Two black and white photographs (one framed) of colour party drawn from 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment at the Anzac Day march at Albury NSW 1951. Three members of the front rank are dressed in WWII uniforms representing Navy, Army and Air Force. The flag bearer is carrying a Union Jack. The party photographed forming up in Dean Street near the intersection with Spencer Street and later passing Albury landmark, Mates Corner in Dean Street.Panel at lower centre of frame: "ANZAC Day Albury 1951 / All services represented by serving members of 8/13 VMR"anzac day, albury, neale john, larkin j d jack, slaney hal, mckie, mate's corner

Donated by Cliff Marshall the brother of Clyde Marshal who was a RAAF Medical Orderly and served with 2 Squadron in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.Australian servicemen on duty in Vietnam who smoked generally had Zippo Lighters. It was a smoking accessory that was widely known worldwide and made popular in Australia by returning veterans. Rectangular stainless steel liquid fuel cigarette lighter with flip up lid.Internally a pull out receptacle that contains cotton absorbent wad to soak up the liquid fuel, flint tube and wick. The exposed top half has the flint striker roller, exposed wick, flame shield and locking toggle.On flip up lid “CLYDE / MARSHALL” on reverse VIETNAM /67-68; on case [RAAF MEDICAL INSIGNIA]. On reverse side “map of South Vietnam and North Vietnam showing names of towns, Danang, Hue Quihon Nhatrang Camranh Phanrang, Saigon Hanoi, Haiphong, Haiman, and South Vietnam flag. The base in inscribed with manufacturers name and patent number "BRANDFORD PA/ZIPPO/PAT.2517191"zippo, cigarette lighter, smoking accessories

A framed Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster by Richard Haughton James (source AWM). The poster is an offset lithograph on paper framed by a blue border, mounted in a black frame. It is an early example of the work of the Commonwealth Advertising Division, set up in 1941 within the Department of Information, primarily to advertise recruitment drives for men's and women's services, munitions work, war loans and national savings campaigns.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Black and white sketch of a wartime lady holding a soldier's hat used as a recruiting poster in a black frame.Test of the poster "Mister, here's your hat! JOIN THE AIF NOW!"world war two, recruitment, aif

One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to World War 1. Replicas include the 1914 Star, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Mercantile Marine War Medal, 80th Anniversary of Armistice Remembrance Medal. Also a WW1 Memorial Plaque and Anzac Commemorative Medal. There is a cloth patch embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and one with embroidered Air Force wings from the Australian Flying Corps. The text reproduced at the base accompanied the WW1 memorial plaques. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Replica medals from World War 1 mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional badges and medallions.Title inscribed in brass plaques say World War 1, 1914 Star, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Mercantile Marine War Medal, 80th Anniversary of Armistice Remembrance Medal, WW1 Memorial Plaque and Anzac Commemorative Medal. Cloth badge embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and one 'AFC'.world war one, medals

One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to World War 2. Replicas include different campaign stars and the Defence Medal and Active Service Medal. There is a cloth patch embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and cap band from HMAS Sydney. The Rising Sun badge and badges for Return from Active Service and a RAAF emblem. The text reproduced at the base accompanied the WW1 memorial plaques. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Replica medals from World War 2 mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional badges and cap band.Title inscribed in brass plaques say World War 2, 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Burma Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, and Australia Service Medal 1939-1945. Cloth badge embroidered 'H.M.A.S.' and a black cap band embossed 'H.M.A.S. Sydney'.medals, world war two

One of a series of four boards of mounted replica medals of the Australian Defence Forces. This board shows medals pertaining to conflicts including Korea and Vietnam. The boards were on display in the Melbourne Legacy Foyer cabinets until June 2017.A record that Legacy holds some war memorabilia as Legatees were once solely returned servicemen.Replica medals from several conflicts mounted on silk inserts into green boards plus additional ribbons and bars.Title inscribed in brass plaques say: Korea, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, United Nations Service Medal for Korea, Korea Medal South East Asia, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962, General Service Medal 1918-1962, General Service Medal 1962. Vietnam, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975, Vietnam Medal, Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal. Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 Australian Service Medal 1945-1975. Australian Defence Medal, Pingat Jasa Malaysia. Anniversary of National Service 1951-1975 Medal, South Vietnam Campaign Medal.medals, vietnam war, korean war, national service