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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Perryman, John and Mitchell, Brett, Australia's Navy in Vietnam: Royal Australian Navy Operations 1965-1972 (Copy 2)
Between 1965 and 1972, elements of the Royal Australian Navy undertook continuous service in Vietnam - at sea and in the air.Between 1965 and 1972, elements of the Royal Australian Navy undertook continuous service in Vietnam - at sea and in the air. australia. royal australian navy, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - naval operations, australian -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of an Indonesian Naval training ship, cutting across the bow of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney as she moves through the Sunda Strait on the way to taking 9th Battalion to Vietnam. The sailing vessel repeatedly cut back and forth across the Sydney's bow.photograph, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, sundra strait, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Perryman, John and Mitchell, Brett, Australia's Navy in Vietnam: Royal Australian Navy Operations 1965-1972 (Copy 3)
Between 1965 and 1972, elements of the Royal Australian Navy undertook continuous service in Vietnam - at sea and in the air.Between 1965 and 1972, elements of the Royal Australian Navy undertook continuous service in Vietnam - at sea and in the air. australia. royal australian navy, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - naval operations, australian -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Munnink, Herman, It's Called The Silent Service: On Board H.M.A.S. Sydney en route to Vietnam This was called the Vung Tau ferry (Copy 1)
Its called the Silent Service. The Royal Australian Navy is not always in the news or in the spotlight, or sought out by the news, as are the other military services of this great country of ours, us matloes or sailors tend to be the most effective and efficient in times of war as well as peace over the horizon - away from the media.Its called the Silent Service. The Royal Australian Navy is not always in the news or in the spotlight, or sought out by the news, as are the other military services of this great country of ours, us matloes or sailors tend to be the most effective and efficient in times of war as well as peace over the horizon - away from the media.cruisers (warships) - australia - history, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - naval operations, hmas sydney (aircraft carrier), the vung tau ferry, royal australian navy, australia. royal australian navy -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Carroll, John R, Out of sight, Out of Mind: Tthe Royal Australian Navy's Role, Vietnam, 1965-1972 (Copy 1)
This book tells the story of the vital part played by HMAS Sydney and other units of the RAN in the support of land based forces in Vietnam.This book tells the story of the vital part played by HMAS Sydney and other units of the RAN in the support of land based forces in Vietnam.australia. royal australian navy - history - vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - naval operations, australian - health aspects, hmas sydney -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Carroll, John R, Out of sight, Out of Mind: the Royal Australian Navy's Role, Vietnam, 1965-1972 (Copy 2)
This book tells the story of the vital part played by HMAS Sydney and other units of the RAN in the support of land based forces in VietnamThis book tells the story of the vital part played by HMAS Sydney and other units of the RAN in the support of land based forces in Vietnam australia. royal australian navy - history - vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - naval operations, australian - health aspects, hmas sydeny -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Welcome Home
A black and white photograph of WO1 Reginald Amos Bandy MBE, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is met by his wife on arrival at the Garden Island Naval Base, Sydney, NSW after the Battalion had completed its second tour of duty in Vietnam (1970-1971)photograph, wo1 reginald amos bandy mbe, member of the order of the british empire (mbe), 7 rar, garden island naval base, sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, 7th battalion -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Print, HMAS Australia
With the outbreak of the First World War, HMAS Australia became the flagship of the naval force that captured the German colonies in the southern Pacific. She led a force which captured Rabaul on 13 September 1914 before proceeding to Samoa. With no German forces left in the South Pacific, Australia was deployed to the United Kingdom. En route she sank the German ship Eleanore Woermann. On 8 February 1915 she became flagship of the 2nd Battle-cruiser Squadron of the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet. Australia's service with the Grand Fleet consisted of a series of frequent patrols and exercises. She was twice rammed, firstly on 22 April 1916 by HMS New Zealand. This led to her missing the Battle of Jutland which, considering the disastrous losses in the Battle-cruiser Force, may well have been fortunate. She was rammed again by HMS Repulse in December 1917. Australia carried out experimental aircraft operations in 1918 and led the port column of the Grand Fleet at the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet. Returning home in 1919, Australia suffered a mutiny upon reaching Fremantle, Western Australia. Quite obsolete, she became a training vessel in Westernport until scuttled off Sydney Heads on 12 April 1924.The Australian Navy's first flagship, the battle cruiser HMAS Australia (I) was the centrepiece of the 'Fleet Unit', whose acquisition signalled the RAN's arrival as a credible ocean going force. Ordered from John Brown and Company in March 1910, construction began three months later with the total cost of the ship and fittings expected to be some £2 million. The Commonwealth Government decided upon the name Australia, and it proved a popular choice, carefully avoiding any suggestion of favouritism towards any one Australian State. The ship's badge maintained the national theme by featuring the Federation Star overlaid by a naval crown, while the motto 'Endeavour' reflected the ideal of the Australian spirit and recalled Lieutenant James Cook's ship of 1768-71.Timber frame of black and white print of a ship at sea.Imperial War Museum Photograph HMAS AUSTRALIA - RAN FLAGSHIP First flagship of the Royal Austrlian Navy 1913-1920 Sunk under the terms of the Washington Treaty 12th April 1924 This frame is made of teak from her deckhmas australia, ww1 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed print, HMAS Melbourne
HMAS Melbourne never fired a shot in anger during her career, having only peripheral, non-combat roles in relation to the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation and the Vietnam War. She was, however, involved in two major collisions with allied vessels; though Melbourne was found not to be the primary cause of either incident. The first occurred on the evening of 10 February 1964, in which Melbourne rammed and sank the RAN destroyer HMAS Voyager when the latter altered course across her bow. Eighty-two of Voyager's personnel were killed, and two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The second collision occurred in the early morning of 3 June 1969, when Melbourne also rammed the United States Navy (USN) destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in similar circumstances. Seventy-four American personnel died, and a joint USN–RAN Board of Inquiry was held. These incidents, along with several minor collisions, shipboard accidents, and aircraft losses, led to the reputation that Melbourne was jinxed. HMAS Melbourne was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Operating from 1955 until 1982, she was the third and final conventional aircraft carrier to serve in the RAN. Melbourne was the only Commonwealth naval vessel to sink two friendly warships in peacetime collisionsMoulded patterned black plastic frame and mount containing black and white print of hand drawn ship at seaThe Majestic Melbourne Dedicated to those who servedhmas melbourne, ran, aircraft carrier -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Print, HMAS Sydney
HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940. On 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia she was lost at sea with all hands after engaging the German raider Kormoran. On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy with an impressive record of war service, was lost following a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. The loss of the Sydney with its full war complement of 645 remains Australia’s worst naval disaster. The Kormoran was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 were rescued. The fate of the Sydney remains one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries; even the location of the wrecks was not established until 2008.Black plastic frame with moulded pattern with grey mount containing photograph of ship and Sydney Harbour BridgeBanner - HMAS Sydney HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940 Lost at sea with all hands 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia after engaging the German raider Kormoran. hmas sydney, ww2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Photograph, Peter Cardwell - Life Member Wangaratta RSL
Peter was born on 16/4/1950 at Corryong before moving to Barnawatha, Wodonga then Wangaratta in 1963. On the 5/1/1966 he joined the RAN as a junior recruit HMAS Leeuwin W.A. On 1/1/1967 he joined HMAS Yarra - Far East Strategic Reserve and Vietnam. Arriving back in Australia on 1/1/1968 he was posted to HMAS Watson in NSW. In 1969 he volunteered for submarine training in the UK at HMS Dolphin (Gosport). Joined HMS/m Onyx (3rd squadron at Faslane Scotland (Garelock Head) (HMS Neptune) On returning to Australia in 1971 posted to HMAS Platypus and HMAS/m Otway. In 1973 Peter was posted to HMAS Sydney - later decommissioned - then HMAS Torrens. Following the Royal Tour Pacific Islands in 1974 he joining the Naval Police in 1975 specialising in Fire fighting. Peter was discharged whilst still in hospital from the RAN in 1983 following a serious motor cycle accident in 1982. In 1984 on his return to Wangaratta he rejoined the RSL and held the office of Secretary for 10 years and Welfare/Pensions Officer for 22 years. In 2012 in recognition of his long service he was appointed Life Member of the RSL.Brown timber look frame inner edge gold painted with photograph of male wearing service medalsPeter L CARDWELL Appointed Life Member of the RSL in December 2012peter cardwell, wangaratta rsl, ran -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed print, Catalina Flying Boat
Watercolour painting of Catalina Flying Boat - Attached to rear of frame is a short history of the Catalina Flying Boat together with the service history of Owen and and his younger brother Roy MORTIMER who both served in the Royal Australian Air Force in the South West Pacific area during WW2 Developed as a naval patrol aircraft, the Consolidated PBY Catalina was a widely exported flying boat during World War II. Over the course of the conflict it served with a number of different nations in a variety of roles. In the Royal Australian Air Force, PBYs and PB2Bs (a variant built by Boeing in Canada) served as multi role bombers and scouts, the type eventually earning great renown among Australian aircrews. The motto of the Catalina squadrons was "The First and Furthest." Gold painted embossed metal frame with cream coloured mount containing watercolour painting of plane on waterCatalina Flying Boat Royal Australian Air Force catalina flying boat, raaf, mortimer, ww2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Minature Model Aircraft
... single-seat tractor seaplane used by the Royal Naval Air Service ...Sopwith Seaplane. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Sopwith Baby was a British single-seat tractor seaplane used by the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) from 1915.Small yellow & khaki plane with two wings on top of each other. Blue, white & red star on top with skis instead of wheels. 2 on sides.model airplanes, sopwith seaplane -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Minature Model Aircraft
... and the Royal Naval Air Service in the autumn of 1916. model airplanes ...Sopwith Pup. One of a collection of 25 model aircraft made by Brian Anthony DOWD The Sopwith Pup was a British single-seater biplane fighter aircraft built by the Sopwith Aviation Company. It entered service with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service in the autumn of 1916. Camouflaged two winged plane with red, white & blue circles on top wing. Has red, white & blue stipes on tail fin.1 on top wing & on sides of plane.model airplanes, sopwith pup -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photographs, Admiral Graf Spee
Photographs of the German ship Admiral Graf Spee which was involved in the Battle of the River Plate, the first naval battle in the Second World War and the first one of the Battle of the Atlantic in South American waters. The German panzerschiff Admiral Graf Spee had cruised into the South Atlantic a fortnight before the war began, and had been commerce raiding after receiving appropriate authorisation on 26 September 1939. One of the hunting groups sent by the British Admiralty to search for Graf Spee, comprising three Royal Navy cruisers, HMS Exeter, Ajax and Achilles (the last from the New Zealand Division), found and engaged their quarry off the estuary of the River Plate close to the coast of Uruguay in South America. 12 black and white unframed photographs of ship at seaInscription in pencil on rear of each photographadmiral graf spee, ww2, montevideo, battle of the river plate -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Folder, Camp 13 Murchison. Archival material, 1991
A large collection of events in regard to Camp 13. Documents include the names of 983 German POW's in Murchison August 1941 - January 1947. An interesting collection confiscated intelligence report. No 94 included 26 gall of wine, 9 drums of fruit in an advances state of fermentation, flex copper wire, clothing, petrol motor and miscellaneous cameras and wireless parts. A letter by the German Naval Commander to all families of the Kormoran crew. History of German POW's in WW2 by H. Wolf. Both in German. Map 13 B. the 21 September 1942 disturbance in D compound; report in German Sydney-Kormoran; weekly rations; dimensions of a tunnel 15 June 1942. Drawings by Heinz Dohmen - Arandora Star; royal Oak both sunk by u boat ace Gunther Prien, Collins gunner Kloppe; Kormoran at the memorial service for HMAS Sydney; Red Cross reports in German as are letters; Rudi Pruckners escape; the general conditions and the recently found tunnel.Foolscap size folder with pillar box red 3 cm wide flap which extends to the back. On the front red flap is the inscription below. Prominent centre left is Australia with gum trees and sentry box and anti clockwise POW 1941-194. A kangaroo and emu on the top right hand corner. Prison of war and beneath Murchison - Australian.Camp 13 Murchison. Archival material.gustav pohlig, camp 13, murchison victoria, hmas sydney, hsk kormoran, heinze dohman, rudi pruckner -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
DVD (2 discs), Sea Power Centre - Australian Department of Defence, The History of the Royal Australian Navy, 2013
Vol 1 - Episode 1 1788 -1918 Genesis Episode 2 - In all Respects Ready Vol 2 - 1919 - 1945 - Episode 1 - Between two wars, Episode 2 - The world ablaze, Episode 3 - Banzai Volume 1 1778 - 1918 Volume 2 1919 - 1945 Plastic sleeves, with naval pictures on cover.australian navy -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, H.M.A.S Perth Australia's First Guided Missile Destroyer, 1965
A short description of the Royal Australian Navy guided missile destroyer H.M.A.S. Perth, commissioned 17 July 1965.naval history -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Royle Guy, HMAS M.4, The RAN's Fourth Book, 1944
An account of the influence of the Royal Australian Navy on Allied actions in the Second World War for the twelve months prior to 30th. September 1944.naval history, world war 1939 - 1945 -
Clunes Museum
Weapon - NAVAL CANNON, 1847
IT IS ON PERMAMENT LOAN FROM HEPBURN SHIRE THE CANNON WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE BRITISH NAVAL SHIP "NELSON" IN FEBRUARY 1867. "NELSON" WAS HANDED OVER TO THE VICTORIAN NAVAL FORCES, ON LOAN FROM THE ROYAL NAVY. "NELSON" WAS SOLD 1898, IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE GUNS WERE THEN OFFERED FOR SALE TO COUNCILS. IT WAS DISPLAYED ON A SITE NEAR THE SCENIC ROAD, CLUNES, UNTIL THE WOODEN UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DESTROYED BY THE BUSHFIRES IN 1944. IT WAS LATER RETRIEVED AND KEPT IN THE CLUNES BOROUGH COUNCIL YARD UNTIL IT WAS RESTORED BY THE APPRENTICES AT THE BENDIGO ORDNANCE WORKSHOPS IN 1895. THE TIMBER USED FOR THE RESTORATION WAS TAKEN FROM AN ELM TREE NEAR THE CREEK IN CLUNES..1 NAVAL CANNON MOUNTED ON A WOODEN UNDERCARRIAGE. .2 CANNON BALLlocal history, military history, navy, military -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Navy Golden Jubilee, Royal Australian Navy 1911-1961 Golden Jubilee Souvenir
a brief hiostory of the navy for jubilee purposesPaperback front cover in colour Naval vessel at Sea Rear b/w Gun Turret on vessel "stand to, the dawn"Issud by authority of the Departmentof the navy, Canberranavy, history jubilee -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Ditty Box, John Kidd's Ditty Box, c.1915-1930
There is a single record with the RAN for a John Kidd, who commenced service in 1909 and left in 1912. Kidd was born in 1885 in Sydney and his mother lived in Queenscliff. He served on the HMAS Parramatta from 1911-1912. There is no evidence of him having served on the HMAS Melbourne. Kidd served from 1911-1912 on the HMAS Parramatta, the first ship launched for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).A wooden box with mortise and tenon joins, brass fittings, circular handles, silver hinges and a name plate on the front. The box has a lift out section creating compartments. On the inside lid of the box is a postcard of the HMAS Melbourne surrounded by small rope decoration. A number of keepsakes are inside including a fidd for splicing ropes, a Capstan Wills tobacco tin, 3 postcards, a "Bengall Imperial" cut throat razor (T.R. Cadman & Sons, Sheffield England), black and white bakelite buttons with embossed crown and anchor and brass shank (either for war time or junior officers), gold naval buttons with embossed naval anchor and 2 piece shank (from a coat and cuffs), a bullet casing (Webley '45), a petty officers cloth badge (crossed anchors with a Crown), 4 shells, a good conduct badge (black with gold embroidery) and a red/brown vulcanized asbestos fibre fireproof dog- tag with rope attached."John Kidd" on front of box. "20171" stamped on edge of box. Tobacco tin: "Medium/"Capstan"/Registered/Ready Rubbed Fine Cut Tobacco/-1 oz net weight when packed/W.D. & H.O. Wills/(Australia) Ltd., Sydney. Postcard: Main Street, Samarai. Postcard: Sydney from Lavender Bay Kerry (Copyright) Sydney. Postcard: "Docks showing cathedral, Bristol BL 193. Copyright Lilywhite (1932) Ltd, Sowerby Bridge". Buttons: "AUSTRALIA/Y6-298", "Buttons Ltd B'HAM mark trade" "AUSTRALIA Stokes & Son Melbourne". Bullet casing "WEB WRA 45". Dog-Tag may read "L/Ford" written in ink?ditty box, john kidd, dog-tag, wwi identification tag, lilywhite ltd, w.d & h.o wills, stokes & son melbourne, naval buttons, hmas melbourne -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Certificate, Service record of Charles "Tug" Wilson, Early 20th Century
Charles "Tug" Wilson was born 20th December 1894 in Stonehouse, Devon. He served in the Royal Navy from 1914 to 1919 on the HMS Vivid, HMS Europa, HMAS Platypus, HMS Apollo and HMAS Powerful. He continued to serve in the navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant commander before his retirement sometime after the Second World War.This document is significant as a tangible connection to Charles Wilson's service during WWI. A paper certificate detailing the service record from Charles "Tug" Wilson who served for the Royal Navy during World War 1. It includes the vessels he served on and dates.Variety of printed and hand written information (see photograph).charles wilson, charles tug wilson, wwi, hmas platypus, hms apollo, hms vivid, hmas powerful, hms europa -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Medal - Medals, Various
5 medals commemorating the service of Charles "Tug" Wilson. Charles "Tug" Wilson was born 20th December 1894 in Stonehouse, Devon. He served in the Royal Navy from 1914 to 1919 on the HMS Vivid, HMS Europa, HMAS Platypus, HMS Apollo and HMAS Powerful. He continued to serve in the navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant commander before his retirement sometime after the Second World War.5 medals of Charles Wilson Medals left to right OBE, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, Australian Service Medal 14 x 9 cmwwi, charles "tug" wilson -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Photograph - Portrait, Lt Cdr Charles Wilson, Unknown
Charles "Tug" Wilson was born 20th December 1894 in Stonehouse, Devon. He served in the Royal Navy from 1914 to 1919 on the HMS Vivid, HMS Europa, HMAS Platypus, HMS Apollo and HMAS Powerful. He continued to serve in the navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant commander before his retirement sometime after the Second World War. Black and White portrait 10.5 x 15.5 cmcharles "tug" wilson -
Westbourne Grammar Heritage Collection
Memorabilia - Williamstown Naval Dockyard Torch, 1978
This torch was made for Westbourne Grammar School by the Williamstown Naval Dockyard to symbolise the relationship between the two campuses and to perpetuate the new campus at Truganina. The Williamstown campus at Monomeith had been leased since 1956 (and purchased in 1972) from the Melbourne Harbour Trust which had operated the Williamstown Naval Dockyard between 1924 and 1942. In 1978, when this torch was made for the school, the Dockyard was operated by the Royal Australian Navy. At the first assembly of the new campus in 1978 the torch was presented to the school by the Williamstown Naval Dockyard General Manager, Bob Fife. It was then passed, with flame, to every student and teacher present at the assembly. Reflecting on the occasion in the 1978 edition of the school yearbook, student Eileen Moffatt wrote, 'It was our first assembly and we were reminded that we were pioneers'. The torch symbolises the long association of the school with Williamstown's naval and shipping industry and community, and the continuing link between the historic Williamstown Grammar and the new in 1978, Westbourne campus. It demonstrates support for the growth of the school by the historically significant Williamstown Naval Dockyard which includes the Victorian Heritage Register listed Alfred Graving Dock (VHR number H0697). Copper plated torch comprising two parts, the torch with handle and a separate base. The torch features a Williamstown Grammar School badge soldered to the cup which contains the reservoir for fuel. -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Framed photo with medals, Framed photo of EMMANUEL MIFSUD with medals
WW11 significance Black frame red background, mounted four service medals and a photo in his naval uniform BLACK FRAME WITH RED BACKGROUND, Long Service and Good Conduct medal, War Medal, 1939-45 Star and Africa Star. AND A PHOTO IN HIS NAVAL UNIFORM. Born in MALTA 24th.December 1923. Serviced in WW2 in MALTA as a soldier with the SEARCHLIGHT BATTERY UNIT from 1939-1945. Later Emmanuel served in TOBRUK & TRIPOLI with the ROYAL NAVY. world war two, world war 2, world war ii, wwii, ww2, royal navy, malta, searchlight battery -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Naval Tally Bands, Unknown
Nil.4 x Royal Australian Navy tally bands from H.M.A.S. Cerberus, H.M.A.S. Torrens, H.M.A.S. Swan and H.M.A.S. Warrnambool.H.M.A.S. CERBERUS, H.M.A.S. TORRENS, H.M.A.S. SWAN and H.M.A.S. Warrnambool engraved in gold letters on hatbands. -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Badge - RAN Bridging Train Collar Badge, Circa 1914/15
... Dandenong melbourne The 1st Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train ...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 -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Tool - "Pusser's" Dirk and Seaman's Paybook, Royal Australian Navy
Metal Dirk and Paper Booklet.Booklet Royal Australian Navy. Explanatory Notes on the Pay and Entitlement Provisions of the Naval Pay Code. January 1959.