This object was donated to the collection by a Trooper Russell Wells 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was brought home by his father who was serving in the BEF. He later migrated to Australia.Leather Luger pistol holster with strap securing flap was manufactured by Leder-ZweeisungsAmt-Abteilung (LZA), or leather supply office to the German war department at a factory in Cologne. It was brought to Australia as a souvenir by a British soldier who migrated after the war."LZA J Coln" inscribed on back of holster; "1917" stamped om inside of flap.lza, holster

James Alexander Nicholl was born 1878 at Ballarat Victoria. He served four years with the 3rd Regiment Victorian Colonial Forces, receiving his commission as an officer after two years. On 1 May 1900, as a 22 year old lieutenant, he sailed with the 4th Victorian Imperial Regiment to South Africa serving there under Colonel NW Kelly for fifteen months. Upon his return to Australia he resumed service with the now, Australian Light Horse. He was adjutant of the 16th (Indi) Light Horse located in northeast Victoria when WWI began. He volunteered for the AIF and was appointed to ‘C’ Squadron 13th Light Horse with the rank of Captain. Nicholl served at Gallipoli, France and UK, returning to Australia in 1919. Again he resumed his service with the CMF, this time with the 20th Light Horse.Rare group of medals awarded to citizen soldier from Victoria with service in Boer War and WWI (1914-1918) and peacetime service with pre-Federation Colonial Forces and post-Federation Citizen Military Forces both before and the war.Swing mounted medal group awarded to Major JA Nicholl being: Queens South African Medal with four clasps - Transvaal, Rhodesia, Cape Colony and South Africa 1901; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration (VD). On rim QSA "Lieut J.A. Nicholl Victorian MR"; on reverse 14-15 Star "Captain J.A. Nicholl 13/LH Rgt AIF"; on rim BWM and Victory "Major J.A. Nicholl AIF"; on reverse VD "Major J.A. Nicholl 20th LH"nichol, medal, boer war, wwi, vd, colonial, light horse, 13th, world war one

The 2/8th Armoured Regiment was raised in June 1941 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W G Hopkins with officers and men selected from the wider AIF in Victoria. The regiment trained in newly arrived M3 General Grant tanks at Puckapunyal before moving north to Singleton, then the Wee Waa plains. The regiment sailed for New Guinea in April 1943 and carried out mobile defence to airfields at Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Dobadura and Popondetta. The regiment returned to Australia in February 1944 and disbanded as an armoured regiment and retrained as Nos 41, 42 and 43 Landing Craft Companies. They returned to the South West Pacific serving at Bougainville, Balikpapan, Lae and Wewak.Good study showing men of an armoured regiment from Victoria marching in Melbourne early in WWII (1939-45)Framed photograph of soldiers marching through Melbourne city street; crowds on both sides of street.Below photograph ""A Squadron 2/8th Armoured Regiment , Melbourne, 17th October 1941. Squadron Commander Major Jenkins. RSM Arch Martin"2/8th armoured regiment, melbourne

The 2/8th Armoured Regiment was raised in June 1941 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W G Hopkins with officers and men selected from the wider AIF in Victoria. The regiment trained in newly arrived M3 General Grant tanks at Puckapunyal before moving north to Singleton, then the Wee Waa plains. The regiment sailed for New Guinea in April 1943 and carried out mobile defence to airfields at Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Dobadura and Popondetta. The regiment returned to Australia in February 1944 and disbanded as an armoured regiment and retrained as Nos 41, 42 and 43 Landing Craft Companies. They returned to the South West pacific serving at Bougainville, Balikpapan, Lae and Wewak.Good study showing men of an armoured regiment from Victoria marching in Melbourne.Framed photograph of soldiers in armoured corps uniform marching through Melbourne city street; crowds on both sides of the street.Below photo "2/8th Armoured Regiment march through Melbourne 17 - 10 - 1941"2/8th armoured regiment, melbourne

Geoffrey R Fink volunteered for military service in early 1940. He served initially with 3rd Division A.A.S.C. but was discharged as being in a reserved occupation at the Aircraft Production Commission. He resigned from the Commission and joined the AIF on 28 July 1941 and was allotted to 2/8th Armoured Regiment. He served with the regiment in New Guinea and on return to Australia was transferred to No 41 Landing Craft Company serving out the war in the South Pacific. The 2/8th Armoured Regiment was raised in June 1941 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W G Hopkins with officers and men selected from the wider AIF in Victoria. The regiment trained in newly arrived M3 General Grant tanks at Puckapunyal before moving north to Singleton, then the Wee Waa plains. The regiment sailed for New Guinea in April 1943 and carried out mobile defence to airfields at Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Dobadura and Popondetta. The regiment returned to Australia in February 1944 and disbanded as an armoured regiment and retrained as Nos 41, 42 and 43 Landing Craft Companies. They returned to the South West pacific serving at Bougainville, Balikpapan, Lae and Wewak.Representative of gifts made to old boys serving in WWII (1939-45) by a school association. Forms part of a comprehensive collection relating to one soldier.Leather pay book cover presented by Old Geelong Grammarians to VX 60307 Trooper Geoffrey Fink, 2/8th Armoured Regiment together with presentation certificate.Signatures on presentation certificate " Leigh Falkiner, J.S.Cook" and third signature unreadable.2/8th armoured regiment, 41 landing craft company, fink geoffrey r mr, old geelong grammarians

Geoffrey R Fink volunteered for military service in early 1940. He served initially with 3rd Division A.A.S.C. but was discharged as being in a reserved occupation at the Aircraft Production Commission. He resigned from the Commission and joined the AIF on 28 July 1941 and was allotted to 2/8th Armoured Regiment. He served with the regiment in New Guinea and on return to Australia was transferred to No 41 Landing Craft Company serving out the war in the South Pacific. Geoffrey Fink died 14 March 2008 aged 86 at Wangaratta Victoria.Complements other objects in the collection relating to this WWII soldier.AMF members personal equipment card"VX 60307 Fink G,R. Sapper 10-44 - 8 - 3 - 46"fink geoffrey r mr, 2/8th armoured regiment, 41 landing craft company

Geoffrey R Fink volunteered for military service in early 1940. He served initially with 3rd Division A.A.S.C. but was discharged as being in a reserved occupation at the Aircraft Production Commission. He resigned from the Commission and joined the AIF on 28 July 1941 and was allotted to 2/8th Armoured Regiment. He served with the regiment in New Guinea and on return to Australia was transferred to No 41 Landing Craft Company serving out the war in the South Pacific. Geoffrey Fink died 14 March 2008 aged 86 at Wangaratta Victoria.Complements other objects in the collection relating to this WWII soldier. Military Motor vehicle Drivers licence No. 34060 29 - 1 - 41325862 Corporal Fink - Geoffrey Roland 3 Division AASCfink geoffrey r mr, 2/8th armoured regiment, 41 landing craft company

Vietnam War veteran An enthralling account of an Australian infantryman and his companions in the Vietnam War. On Friday 8th March 1968, 20-year-old Gary McKay lost the lottery. He was conscripted. From a comfortable and carefree life of surfing and rugby football, he was drafted into the deadly serious preparation for war in the jungles of South Vietnam. In Good Company is his story told in his own words. It begins with induction and selection for the officer academy for national servicemen at Scheyville, a six-month 'pressure cooker' course which produced second lieutenants ready to lead troops into action against the Viet Cong. It ends three and a half years later with a burst of NVA machine-gun fire during a battle among enemy-held bunkers in the hills of Nui Le. Here is a grass-roots account of the blood, sweat and tears shared by a rifle platoon in jungle warfare, a straightforward story of the fears and the camaraderie which soldiers experience in combat. Gary McKay fashioned this account from his experience in action, leading his platoon. The detail is provided from the 80 letters he wrote to his wife while he served. He wrote his story for the reader who wants to know what the soldier on the ground went through - in the fetid jungle, in battle. Anyone who wants to understand what service in South Vietnam meant to those who were there should read this book. 'Reading In Good Company leaves a vivid and disconcerting impression of how the Vietnam War smelt, felt and sounded. One of the most honest and affecting war memoirs which Australians have so far published.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times 'An enthralling, accurate account of infantry soldiering in the Vietnam era. Very readable; a must for those who have never experienced combat and a vivid reminder for all veterans.' - Major General M. P. Blake, AM, MC, former CO 5th Battalion RARGary John McKay MC (born 1947) is a writer and former Australian Army officer. He was awarded the Military Cross while serving with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Vietnam War.[1] He later served as Commanding Officer of 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment between 1988 and 1990Soft cover non fiction book

Maurice Miles served in the Australian Army in World War Two and was present at Cowra when the Japanese POW breakout occurred. He joined Citizien Military Forces in 1965, serving with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles till 1985. He was a keen rifle shot and this shield was a way of fostering the skill within the regiment.Representative of community efforts to foster military skills in citizen soldiers.Wooden shield with 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles badge at centre and plaques arranged around edges recording winners of competition.Donated by / S Sgt Maurie Miles / & Family / upon his retirement / 8/13 VMR / 1965-1985cowra, cmf, vmr, military, world war two, marksmanship

8th Cavalry Regiment took over airfield defence from 2nd/7th Divisional Cavalry Regiment 1942.Shows 8th Light Horse Regiment, a Victorian Citizen Military Forces unit serving in Northern Territory 1942.Two black and white photographs of soldiers of 8th Cavalry Regiment ( Indi Light Horse ) equipped with Bren Gun Carriers serving in Northern Territory 1942.cavalry, carrier, 8th, northern territory

Members of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) were posted to Army Reserve units in the 1980s and 1990s. They were rarely posted to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) but were invaluable in the A1 Echelon driving fuel, ammunition, ration and water supply vehicles. Colour photograph of two WRAAC soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles serving a meal from a BBQ set up on back of truck in A1 Echelon during field training. Private L. Cameron at left ; Private T. Roche, right.

This stencil was used as a ship identifier stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Euripides was a transport ship summoned by the Australian government in 1914 to carry soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force and reinforcements to battalions serving in Gallipoli, Egypt, and on the Western Front. The ship continued to carry troops until 1919. During the Second World War Euripides was again summoned by the Australian Government under its new name ‘Akaroa’. The ship retired and broken up in 1954. Wool bales marked EURIPIDES would have been transported on the Euripides ship.Wool bale stencil - EURIPIDESEURIPIDESwool sales, wool transportation, wwi, wwii

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. 'Helping the afflicted" from The Herald Jun 14, 1917 - ' On Thursday evening the Entertainment Committee of the Braille Writers' Association held it's first social evening in the Braille Library. More than 100 blind readers responded to the invitation. A hearty welcome was give to two blinded soldiers, Sergeant Walshe and Private Glew. A musical programme followed, and the evening ended with the serving of light refreshments. These gathering will be held fortnightly in the Braille Library, and the next is to be a picture competition'.1 volume of handwritten minutesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

A framed photo of the first president of Melbourne Legacy, Legatee Harold Cohen. Harold Edward Cohen (1881-1946), soldier, lawyer, politician and businessman, was born on 25 November 1881. In 1901 Cohen was commissioned in the Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Military Forces, and was promoted captain in 1905 and major in 1909. In 1915 he was appointed commanding officer of the 6th Army Brigade, Australian Field Artillery Regiment, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, serving in the Middle East, England and France until June 1919. Twice wounded and twice mentioned in dispatches, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1917 and created C.M.G. in 1918. He was awarded the Volunteer Decoration in 1921 and the CBE in 1934. In 1929 Brigadier Cohen entered Parliament as the member for Melbourne South in the Legislative Council, and in 1935 transferred to the Assembly as member for Caulfield, which seat he held until 1943. During the Second World War Brigadier Cohen served in the Middle East as honorary Red Cross Commissioner overseas. Returning to Australia in 1942 he was appointed director of amenities, and subsequently Deputy Adjutant-General to the AMF, which post he held until his retirement in 1944.A record of the past presidents being honoured in a prominent position at Legacy House.Black and white photograph in a wooden frame of Legatee Harold Cohen.Plaque on the frame is engraved 'Legatee Harold Cohen First President, Melbourne Legacy 1923-24'.past presidents, harold cohen

A bookmark made to honour the founder of the War Widows Guild, Mrs Jessie Vasey. It has a photo of her and the Guild Motto on the front and a brief summary of the guild on the reverse. The Guild Motto: "We all belong to each other. We all need each other. It is serving each other and in sacrificing for our common good that we are finding our true life", which was taken from the Christmas speech of King George VI in 1941. Mrs J M Vasey was the founder and president of the War Widows Guild. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After her husband Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild, established on 22 November 1945. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this bookmark, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of the work done by Jessie Vasey and the War Widows Guild.Bookmark honouring the founder of the War Widows Guild.war widows guild, jessie vasey, wwg

Miss Olive Codling was a Foundation Member and a Life Member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Many of her prize-winning photos are held in the Society Collection. She also held a range of roles and committee positions in a wide range of Wodonga community organisations. These included the Horticultural Society, the Wodonga Arts Council, the Wodonga Camera Club and the Wodonga Lapidary Club. Woodland Grove is located in the triangular reserve at the corner of High and Hovell Streets, Wodonga. ‘Woodland Grove". It was named in honour of John Woodland at the same time as the opening of the band rotunda in September 1920. John Woodland, Wodonga Shire’s first president, was born in Kent, England, in 1829 and came to Sydney with his parents in 1839. He arrived in the Wodonga district about 1853, where he created a successful carrier's business. He first lived on the Old Barnawartha Estate and a few years later purchased land at Green Hills, Wodonga West, where he farmed and also ran a hotel. The hotel licence was relinquished to give attention to duties as secretary and clerk of works to Wodonga Shire, which was then the Wodonga Riding of the Shire of Yackandandah. He was a main agitator for the separation of Wodonga district from Yackandandah Shire. This was successful in 1876, and he became the first president of Wodonga Shire. He held this post for two years, then taking on the role of shire secretary in 1878 until 1913. He concurrently undertook the role of clerk of works (engineer) from 1896 to 1907. As clerk of works he prepared the plans and specifications for, and supervised the construction of the big bridges on the Albury road and at Bonegilla and other important works. In his mid 70s, he proffered his resignation on a number of occasions but it was not accepted. Despite physical weakness and impaired vision, John continued his duties to the end, with the help of his daughter Rose Murphy. Rose became shire secretary for 20 years after her father’s death in 1913.This photo collection is significant as it documents the naming of a public area in Wodonga to honour an original and long-serving member of the Wodonga Shire Council.A black and white photo of Woodland Grove in High Street, Wodonga. It includes the rotunda, the water tower and the soldier's memorial. There is a post and wire fence in the foreground as well as several trees and rose bushes. Beneath the photo: "WOODLAND GROVE / Rotunda - Water Tower - Memorial"high st wodonga, woodland grove, john woodland

The Albury Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Club traces its origins back to the Albury and District War Services Hall Appeal Committee. This group of the World War I diggers, service groups and parents of men serving in World War II set out to raise 14,000 pounds for a Services Memorial Hall. After the war ended, the Memorial Hall Fund was far short of its target. Also, different attitudes prevailed when the boys came home. Instead of a memorial hall, the idea of a licensed club gained favour. This was to be not merely for RSL men who had served overseas, but for many ex-servicemen who had not left Australia. Using the Memorial Hall Fund, the RSL bought the old Commercial Club buildings at 611 Dean Street, which had been a Service Rest Room throughout the war and up to February 1946. The SS&A Club was formally opened in October 1946 and was registered under the Liquor Act in 1947. The foundation stone of the new building in Olive Street was laid by Lt General Sir John Northcott, May 2, 1959. The building was opened July 15,1960 by Governor of NSW, Sir Eric Woodward. It has since undergone many extensions and developments to become a modern facility but still continues to honour its origins with the inclusion of its War MemorialThis badge is representative of the role played by licensed clubs in the local community.Enamelled membership badges for the S.S & A. Club in Albury. Many people from both Albury and Wodonga hold membership the club which provides employment and social activities for people from both sides of the Murray RIver.Red Badge, around the centre image of the Albury War Memorial: "ALBURY S.S.& A CLUB LTD/ 1981-82" On reverse: "MEMBER/NOT TRANSFERABLE/2302/PERFECTION BADGES/SYDNEY/770775" Yellow Badge, around the centre image of the Albury War Memorial: "ALBURY S.S.& A CLUB LTD/ 1980-81"albury s.s & a club, social clubs, licensed clubs albury

A brown leather wallet containing a copy of the Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book. This book was given to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.non-fictionThe Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was a small publication with a red cover. It was designed to offer useful information to Australian Soldiers, serving at home and abroad during World War 2. The book was a gift from the A.C.F. (Australian Comforts Fund) and was revised several times during the war. It contained approximately 125 pages of facts and helpful hints. The Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was originally compiled and issued in Victoria by the Victorian R.S.L. War Service Fund. It's contents included 'rules and regulations' and other content which varied according to the date of print. For example, this edition contained articles titled "The Laws And Customs Of War" and "Things a Soldier Should Know". world war 11, soldiers' handbook, australian comfort fund (acf)

Vesta cases were used to hold and strike matches. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and he visited Belfast during his time in Europe, and he kept as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).Mementos brought back with a soldier after serving in Europe in World War One.Two silver vesta (match) cases, one is monogramed and the other has an enamel plaque of the coat of arms of Belfast on it. Both have a few blue tipped matches in them.01125.1 has monogram 'JBMCL' engraved on it 01125.2 has a coat of arms and 'Belfast' on an enamel discworld war one, souvenir

A group of items including an identification tag on a leather wrist strap, flask and boot hook. Also a circular ID tag possibly made to be worn around the neck. Also a Ypres souvenir that seems incomplete. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and he kept them as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).Mementos brought back with a soldier after serving in Europe in World War One.A metal flask, an identification tag, a boot hook, a circular identification tag, a souvenir from Ypres all from the collection of JB McLean.01126.1 Flask has monogram 'JBMCL' engraved on it. 01126.2 Identification tag has 'No. 13824 JB M McLean, ASC, AIF, RC' engraved on it. 01126.3 The boot hook has 'BAILLEUL' engraved on it. 00126.4 The circular tag with a central star has 'PTE J B M McLean A Coy 37 Bat' pressed into the metal. 00126.5 A metal tube with the letters 'Ypres' adhered to the outside. world war one, souvenir

A leaflet issued by General William Birdwood to the AIF troops just after the Armistice on 11 November 1918 to end the first world war. 'To the officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the Australian Imperial Force. It is now just four that we have been serving together, often through days of hardship and peril, and often through times of well-deserved success. During this time I hope and think we have come to know each other well and I trust we realised how rightly we have confidence in each other. No words of mine can possibly express all I feel for the magnificent work which has been done by the Australian soldier during these long four years. It is well known and recognised, not only throughout the British Empire, but throughout the world - and now we have peace in sight, and peace after a victory in which the Australian soldier has taken so large a share. Even then, with peace there are still difficult times before us. Faith in our recent foe cannot quickly be established, and it may be that some little time yet we shall be able to relax no precautions, until we are assured of the complete and honest fulfilment of our terms. Then will come the difficult time of demobilisation, and it is regarding this that I wish to make a personal appeal to every single member of the AIF in the full confidence that it will be met as every other appeal to face and tackle the strongest positions has ever been met by the Australian solider. Never has the name of Australia stood higher than it does now throughout the world, thanks to the bravery of her soldiers, and it sup to everyone one of us to see that this is maintained, and that no reproach can be cast on the Australian Flag owing to any behaviour of ours. The time of demobilisation will undoubtedly be difficult and irksome - I fully realise what great personal self-restraint will certainly be required - but if each individual of us makes up his mind to do his best during these times, realising the good name we bear, I feel confident that all will go well. I want you to remember that everything possible will be done to look after and help the troops during this period, while every energy will be strained to get men back to their homes as soon as this possibly can be done. You will have to realise, however. that there is a great shortage of shipping, and that there must be a considerable inevitable delay. Play the game, boys, during this time, as you have always done, and add still more to the deep debt of gratitude which will always be acknowledged to you by the Empire and remembered by me as your comrade and commander. In the field, 14 November 1918.' (Signed) 'W Birdwood'.A rare example of a notice to troops about the Armistice.A leaflet issued by General Birdwood to AIF troops to commemorate the end of World War 1.world war one, soldier

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

10570 South African (Boer) War Memorial Bendigo. The monument commemorates those who died in service or were killed in action while serving in the South African (Boer) War. It is a bronze statue of a soldier on a granite base. Leader (Melbourne), 19 November 1904. “There was a large assemblage on the afternoon of 11th November, when the ceremony of unveiling the soldiers' memorial statue was performed by Brigadier-General Gordon in the presence of a muster of branches of the defence forces. The statue, which is in bronze, is mounted on a massive granite base, on the foot of which is the following inscription: — "Bendigo's tribute to the memory of the Australian soldiers who, in the South African war of 1899 - 1902 gave their lives for Queen and Empire. The statue was modelled by Mr. J. Walker, a young Bendigonian, who has been studying for two or three years under Mr. A. T. Woodward art instructor at the local school of mines.“ Ola Cohn recalled in her autobiography meeting John Walker as a sculpture student at the Bendigo School of Mines and that he had later received the commission for the Boer War Memorial although she neglects to mention its location. John Walker was born in Bendigo and first studied sculpture at the Bendigo School of Art. Walker, then went to England to study at the Royal College of Art London, and in Paris at the Académie Colarossi and Julian Academy. John Walker worked as a sculptor in both Bendigo and West Brunswick before turning to chicken farming in the Bendigo suburb of White Hills. The photo of A. T. Pattinson was taken by George Leake Massingham, a professional photographer, who had seven children, one of whom died at birth. After arriving in Australia from England, he established himself as a travelling photographer, an occupation he continued after his marriage. He travelled throughout country Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, setting up studios along the way. The family ended up moving with him, travelling to Sydney, Narrandera, Bendigo, Newtown, Geelong and Deniliquin. Correspondence re Boer War Memorial Bendigo Boer War Memorial Bendigo. Letters and photo from and to Mrs Wilson, eldest daughter of Mr Arthur T. Pattinson who was a model for the Boer War sculpture. 10570a A black and white photo of Trooper Arthur T. Pattinson restored by BHS Volunteers. 10570b The original photo as sent by Mrs Wilson to Harold Curnow (Bendigo Historical Society) in 1962. The photo is mounted on heavy brown cardboard and has an old catalogue number of "P680" inscribed on it. The cardboard is torn and held together with sticky tape. On the front in italics is printed G.L. Massingham, Bendigo. 10570c Notes on the rear of the photo from Mrs Wilson state that "the photo is of Arthur T. Pattinson (Rusty), an Australian Light Horse trooper who served in the Boer War. The Boer War Memorial in Pall Mall Bendigo represents a trooper on guard. The sculptor was Jack Walker who used Pattinson as a model, and it is regarded as an excellent likeness." 10570d A letter from Harold Curnow back to Mrs Wilson on Jan 4th, 1963, acknowledging receipt of the photo and a letter received, noting the significance of the historical information. 10570e Handwritten letter 29/11/1962 from Mrs Wilson to Mr Curnow introducing herself as Mr. Pattinson's eldest daughter and answering the letter he wrote to her father. She mentions the bad health of her parents. Arthur modelled for the statue at least two to three times per week in a studio on the top floor of a building in Bull St. He was the original model to the best of her knowledge. Another model possibly Mr P. Handmear may have sat as a model for renovations (*). The rifle was a light horse rifle issued to Pattinson as he was still serving in 1904. Arthur and Handmear were boys together and very close. * Note - the plaster model was repaired prior to casting in metal. 10570f An obituary notice: 18/11/64 "On Nov. 17 at Frankston, Emma, wife of the late A. T. Pattinson (Rusty), late of Bendigo. 10570g Letter Nov. 20th, 1962, from Harold Curnow to Mr Arthur T. Pattinson, Kent St., Mornington, Vic. "Dear Mr Pattinson, Last week your brother, Brit., whom I have known for many years, supplied the Bendigo Advertiser with some interesting information regarding your role as the model for the late Jack Walker when he was making the statue for the Boer War Memorial here. Yesterday however, another claimant to the distinction of being the model was advanced in the Bendigo Advertiser by Mr Richard Marshall, of Moran Street, Bendigo who said that the soldier's model was Phillip Handmear. I understand that your brother has sent the newspaper cuttings on to you. When he called to see me yesterday, he suggested that I write to you for further particulars. Can you recall the discussion you had with Jack Walker when he approached you about acting as the model and do you remember how many times you posed for him, and whether the work was done in the house, in the yard, or in one of the outbuildings at Moran Street? In short, any details at all. At this point in time we are considering an interesting facet in Bendigo's history, so any seemingly unimportant incidents could really be useful if we knew about them. Have you any old newspaper cuttings mentioning your name in connection with the memorial? Do you remember any remarks that passed between you and Jack Walker during the long sessions you must have put in on this work? This could be very important. And do you recall where the rifle came from? Did you or Jack Walker borrow it from the military authorities? Back in 1934 Jack Walker recalled having had to pull the plaster model down and remake it when he discovered it was slightly off-balance and was slowly toppling forward. He told me he had to get his model to pose again. Do you know anything about this? Could it have been that he got Mr. Handmear in for the final stage of the work? That, of course, would apply only if you were not available. Incidentally, I never heard of Mr Handmear until I saw his name in yesterday's "Advertiser". In any case I intended contacting your brother or you to enquire whether any member of your family has an old photograph of you in your Boer War uniform, that is, one taken about the time of or just after the Boer War. I am sure that members of the Bendigo Branch of the Royal Historical Society would be most interested to see it. I hope you will have the time and inclination to consider the many points I have raised in this letter because the subject has aroused a lot of interest in Bendigo. Hoping you are well and quite as active as you wish, I remain, with all good wishes, Yours sincerely, Harold Curnow". john walker, jack walker, boer war memorial bendigo, arthur pattinson, soldiers' memorial bendigo

Oral histories can never be better or more significant than the talk that went into them. By this measure alond BLOODS is superb. The twenty blacks who discussed their experiences while serving in the Viet Nam War are uniformly eloquent. vietnam war, 1961-1975- personal narratives, american, black american soldiers

Oral histories can never be better or more significant than the talk that went into them. By this measure alond BLOODS is superb. The twenty blacks who discussed their experiences while serving in the Viet Nam War are uniformly eloquent. vietnam war, 1961-1975- personal narratives, american, american black soldiers

A letter written by 8RAR soldier in Vietnam to "Dear De" outlining events about an incident with the detonation of a mine, number killed and injured. The writer states he was not involved in the incident as he was serving at the fire support base, not the battle front.An envelope and a two paged letter written on Australian Forces Vietnam letterhead paper, dated Sunday 1st March. The envelope is addressed to Mis D Maschette and the letter starts off with "Dear De". It is written in blue ink. The envelope has a red and blue striped border with the "Air Mail" symbol in the top left hand corner. A map of Vietnam is located under the air mail symbol. Australian Force Vietnam Coat of arms header/ Blue ink/ 8RAR/ Air Mailletter, wayne maschette, aust. force vietnam, sig pl, suppt co, 8rar

Dept of Defence badge issued to service personnel on return from active service.Badges such as this one were issued to soldiers by the Department of Defence to indicate they had returned from active service. It showed they had helped the war effort by serving their country. Sometimes returned soldiers were wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform so wearing the badge helped avoid thisGold coloured metal badge round in shape with rising sun in centre and crown on topIssued by Dept of Defence Returned from Active Service AIF C11796 - stamped on rearactive service, badge, aif

Australian Soldier's Pocket book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to WO2 Almora Reedie SHARROCK VX142263 Born 13/7/1911 at Dandenong. Enlisted 26/2/1940. Occupation Armourer. Unit 127 Australian Brigade Workshop. Served in New Guinea during WW2An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund 1944ww2, almora reedie sharrock, 127 aust bde workshop

Pocket Book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to George Denis Parker VX123730 who served with the 6th Australia Infantry Training Brigade. He was deployed in February 1944 to New Guinea and assigned to HQ New Guinea Force Details Depot. Based in Buna, in Papua, they carried out garrison duties as well as patrols around the areas surrounding Milne and Nassu Bay. In May 1944, they moved to Lae. Parker returned to Australia in June 1944.An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from the Australian Comforts Fund 1942australian soldier's pocket book, george denis parker, ww2, png

Commemorative scroll sent to the next of kin of Private Rupert James Cavanagh MOORE 6852 attached to the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion and who made the ultimate sacrifice.- killed in action on 13/7/1918 in France. MOORE was born in Wangaratta, Victoria and a Printer when enlisted on 6/2/1917.In 1922 a Memorial Scroll was presented to the next of kin of those soldiers, sailors, and nurses who died while serving in the Australian Imperial Force or Royal Australian Navy during the First World War. Later they were presented with a Next of Kin Memorial Plaque. The Memorial Scroll bears the Royal Coat of Arms and a message paying tribute to the soldiers who gave up "their own lives that others might live in freedom". Cream paper scroll with Coat of Arms above ten lines of black writing and two lines in red ink.Pte. Rupert James Cavanagh Moore 3rd M.G.Bn., A.I.F.pte rupert james cavanagh moore, kia, wangaratta, ww1