In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground with four rifles upright in foreground. Resting during march Wangaratta to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground. Resting enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers sitting on the ground in bush land. Night bivouac enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Australian soldiers of the 2nd AIF departed Australia in 1940 en route to England, however this destination was changed to Egypt to defend the Suez Canal. When it became clear the AIF would remain in the Middle East publications such as this small phrase book was published to enable communication with the local population.Example of commercially published booklet for soldiers proceeding to Middle East in WW11.Buff covered booklet " Easy Conversation Arabic and French for the Australian Soldier." 30 pages, soft cover, saddle stitched and stapled.phrase book, arabic, french

The paper was issued by the Australian Imperial Forces in the Middle East, contained War news, advertising (Cairo) and sports. Interesting on page 1 is that all 3 Aust services were in action together for the first time in history, last page has photos of Australian soldiers in Syria and the Litani River.Newspaper The AIF News, classed as 8 pages, yellowed, all print in blackFront page, “The AIF News Saturday 12 July 1941, No 70”the aif news, papers, middle east

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers bathing and washing during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers bathing and sitting on a river bank in bush land. Washing enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Framed photograph of Flight Lieutenant E W LinsPlaque affixed; "Donated to THE FRANKSTON RSL 23-8-93 By FLIGHT/LIEUT. E.W. LINS R.A.F - R.A.A.F CX 203 - 521A . ATTACHED 4 YEARS 1942 1946 MIDDLE EAST - ITALY - SICILY "LEST WE FORGET"ww2, e w lins, raaf

Letter dated 23/6/1941 from Chris McKinley VX46283. From 21st Aust Infantry Training Battalion, abroad in Middle East. Letter sent home to Miss L. Crozier. Letter is signed off by soldier's Officers and filled in on Salvation Army stationary specifically for Australian troops.1 & 2. Two page letter on Salvation Army stationary of approx A.4 size. Paper faded to a yellow colour. Folded into sixth size. 3. Envelope has address and stamp saying "Passed by Censor". Corners of the envelope ripped.Front marked "Air-Mail" and signature of Officer. Two pages off content and also signature of Officer. Both envelope and letters marked in imprint of "The Salvation Army" and red shield has stamp saying "Passed by Censor".middle east, 21st infantry training battalion., letter

John Donald (Jock) VX19003 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 29.5.40, served in Middle East, POW briefly in Syria then captured by Japanese in Pacific. Discharged from the army on 11.4.1946 in 2/2nd Pioneer Batt with the rank of Pte. Refer to Cat. No. 3385 re book on 2/2nd Pioneer Bn. .1) & .2) Photo, colour enhanced, portrait of a soldier in slouch hat, on the bottom is a colour patch with inscription between. .1) & .2): "Private John Donald (Jock) VX19003".photographs, pow, 2/2nd

The medals belonged to David Thomas BRUCE VX42855, enlisted 13.6.1940 age 27 years and posted to the 2/23rd Battalian AIF. Embarked for the Middle East 8.4.1941, embarked for Australia 31.1.1943, transferred to 2/1st Australian Docks Operating Coy RAE. Discharged from the 2nd AIF on 1.3.1944.Medal set, miniatures, brass plate mounted re B.D. THOMAS. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. Africa Star with clasp “8”. 3. Pacific Star. 4. Defence Medal. 5. British War Medal 1939-45. 6. Australian Service medal 1939-45.medals, military, history

Item issued to Eric MacCALLUM No VX41169, enlisted on 26.6.40, 2/32nd Batt 9th Div AIF, age 31 years 9 months, promoted Cpl 6.8.1940, embarked 15.9.1940 for the Middle East, hospital 25.11.1940 with Haemorhoids, rejoinn unit 17.12.1940, attends Mortar and Grenade schools, hospital 16.8.1941 with PUO, taken POW 17.2.1942 at El Alamein. He served in the Seige of Tobruk, Middle East Campaigns. As a POW it appears he was interred from 1942/43 in Italy then 1943/45 in XV111Austria. He describes his conditions in the camps as fair and that he worked on road works. This is a brief description as to his treatment in his records. Embarked from England 4.7.1945 and disembarked in Sydney on 8.8.1945. Discharged from the 2nd AIF on 12.9.1945.Canvas Kit bag with stenciled name and details on side and base.In handwritten lettering - "B2 - RZABL- Q" Stencilled - "VX41169 E. MacCallum"containers, military equipment

Merton Charles WILLOUGHBY VX54056 enlisted on 24.4.41 in the 2nd AIF aged 37 years. Posted to Pioneer Wing 23.6.1941, graded Cook Group 2 in 2/2nd Pioneer Bn. Embark for the Middle East 2.11.1941 disembarking 4.11.1941, relinquishes Group 2 Cook position, embark for Batavia 18.2.1942, reported Missing in Action Java then Missing POW 7.3.1942, recovered POW Siam 20.8.1945, embark from Singapore 29.9.45 disembarking Australia 17.10.1945, discharged from the Army 1.3.1946. With the entry of Japan into the war the 2/2nd Battalion embarked from the Middle East for Australia but was diverted to defend Java with 7th Division elements under what was called “Blackforce”. Some 800 where taken POW and 258 died in captivity. Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) re M.C Willoughby. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. The Pacific Star. 3. British War Medal 1939-1945. 4. Australian Service Medal. "VX54056 MC Willoughby"medals, military, history

Chris Bailey’s father loaned this bell to Newcomb High School for the first two years until a PA system was installed. It came from his father’s boat in the Middle East. Chris was a Form 1 student in 1969. The bell is now kept at Chris’ home, 4 Yvonne Street, Belmont, 3216. Metal Bell

Sold by Ringarts Bookshop, Haifa1. This is a small pocket book, grey cover, black ink printing. It has words and phrases of colloquial Arabic and/or Hebrew. 32 pages. It is for Australian Imperial Forces in the Middle East. 2. Palestine Road Map. It has cardboard cover and opens out to a road map, scale 1:500,000. It has a drawing of the old section of Jerusalem on front cover.passchendaele barracks trust, 1. nr9430t, 2.9431t, ww2

Photo, black / white of 2/1 Corps FD SUY COY RAE. Taken in Sarafand, Middle East, 5.1941. All members in summer dress, head gear, shirts with rolled up sleeves & shorts. Mounted with green border with tan wooden frame, glass front, white cardboard backing & silver wire hanging strap at rear.photograph, 2/1st, middle east, rae

Tourist photographs of Jerusalem sent home to family by Noel Blundell who served in the Middle East during World War 2. The black and white photographs are enclosed in a folding card packet for protection. The small photographs are of typical local scenes and there is a printed guide to where the photographs were taken. The photographs are approximately 90mm x between 55 and 65mm. The packet is printed with the following: on the front cover "SELECTED PALESTINE SNAP-PHOTOS", "SERIES: JERUSALEM 3" on the inside of the cover the brand name "VICTORY" on the reverse: a circular insignia with Hebrew and Arabic characters and the word "PALPHOT" with "MADE IN PALESTINE" printed below.

The 8th Light Horse Regiment was raised at Broadmeadows Camp in 1914 and served at Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine, Transjordan and Syria. At Gallipoli the regiment took part in the ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 and suffered horrendous casualties including the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White. Following the evacuation the regiment was brought up to full strength under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC and went on the participate in all the major actions of the desert campaign culminating in the capitulation of Turkey in October 1918. The regiment was in reserve at Beersheba and came under air attack resulting in the death of Lieutenant Colonel Maygar. The post-war regimental association met regularly until the late 1970s when dwindling numbers brought about its closure.A rare document relating to a Victorian mounted regiment of World War 1 (1914-1918) with the thank-you cards providing a unique method of recording the passing of this proud regiment into history.Blue hardback scrap book containing a roll of members of the 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF Association, some newspaper clippings about Light Horse in the Middle East campaign, collection of return-thanks cards for deceased members of the regiment pasted in, and hand written letter to Matthew (Matt) Maynes thanking him for his sterling service as secretary of the association.8th light horse, association, wwi, world war one

Leonard James Cross No WX6147 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 13.7.40 aged 39 years 10 months in 2/11th Bn, embarked for the Middle East 16.4.1941, transfer to the AAMC then to 2/7th Field Ambulance 31.7.1941, embark for Aust 12.2.1942, entrain for the Northern Territory 21.6.1943, discharged from the Army 15.2.1944.Medal Set of five court mounted re L.J. Cross. .1 Africa Star, original medal unstamped. .2 1939 - 45 Star, original medal unstamped. .3 War Medal 1939-45. .4. Defence Medal. .5 Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45.3) .4) .5) "WX6147 L.J.Cross"medals, middle east, field ambulance

Photos relate to CAPTAIN R EMOND's WWII service in the Middle East & North Africa. 2782.7 - 2782.9 relate to Queen Elizabeth's visit to Bendigo in March 1954. 2782.11 & 2782.12 depict soldiers marching through Charing Cross, Bendigo. 2782.13 shows CAPTAIN EMOND & Gov Dallas Brooks inspecting the 38th Battalion.Collection of black & white photos & documents related to CAPTAIN RUSS EMOND. Copied photos & captions have been glued to A4 pages. x 13 pages in blue plastic display folder..13) "14 Mar 55. The Gov of Vic Sir Dallas Brookes inspecting guard of honour from 38 Inf Bn. Guard Commander - Capt Russ Emond"documents - copies, photography-photographs-copies, military history, passchendaele barracks trust

Leaflet dropped from German/Italian aircraft on to Australian troops defending El Alamein during 1942. These propagander leaflets were designed to lower moral of defending troops, but were generally unsuccessful. This item relates to the history of the defence of El Alamein by Australian Forces in the Middle East 1942, and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese in 1942.Printed paper, colour black white. top of pamphlet depicts a stylized platypus and boomerang - the 9th Division's Formation Sign, with text below. Printed on pamphlet "Diggers! / you are defending / Alamein Box! / What about / Port Darwin?" world war two, el alamein, propaganda, leaflet, plane drop, port darwin, diggers, platypus, boomerang

Adelaide Steamship Co. MV 'Manunda' built Glasgow 1927, commenced coastal passenger service in Australia 1929, converted to 2/1 Australian Hospital Ship (AHS) in 1940 for service to Middle East, New Guinea and New Zealand. Returned to coastal trade in 1948, sold to Japan 1956, broken up in 1957. 9 drawer timber desk with brass drawer pull handles. Several stamps on the inside of top middle draw - 'Radio Maintenance Store, Transmitting Station Essendon' and 'Paul.J.Barton, 33 Bellbird Cres, Vermont 3133''Manunda' stamped on back of deskship, furniture, manunda, doctor'sdesk, desk, steamship, ahs

A souvenir brass ashtray in the form of a small circular dish. The ashtray is decorated with an embossed Middle East scene depicting a helmeted soldier riding a camel. The scene also shows palm trees, local plants, a pyramid and a monkey. The edge of the dish is scalloped. The underside of the ashtray has been engraved indicating that it was a sports competition trophy. This is one of a pair, see 00274.1, Souvenir, Trophy.The underside of the ashtray has been engraved with the following text "ATHLETIC SPORTS MEETING NAZARETH, OCTOBER 5th 1941 HIGH JUMP 1ST CPL M.R.WILLIAMS"

A souvenir brass ashtray in the form of a small circular dish. The ashtray is decorated with an embossed Middle East scene depicting a helmeted soldier riding a camel. The scene also shows palm trees, local plants, a pyramid and a monkey. The edge of the dish is scalloped. The underside of the ashtray has been engraved indicating that it was a sports competition trophy. This is one of a pair, see 00274.2, Souvenir, Trophy.The underside of the ashtray has been engraved with the following text "ATHLETIC SPORTS MEETING NAZARETH, OCTOBER 5th 1941 KICKING THE FOOTBALL 1ST CPL M.R.WILLIAMS"

The Kew Historical Society's postcard collection includes views of Kew, Melbourne and Greater Melbourne as well as those including overseas scenes sent or received from Europe or the Middle East. They date from the 1890s to the 2000s. These postcards may or may not include the name of the publisher or printer. A number of the cards were published as parts of popular series. Modern photographic postcard of the QPO Restaurant and the former Kew Court House. At the front of the restaurant is the Kew War Memorial, the drum of which at this stage was incorrectly painted a shade of green, which the Council later changed after representations from the Kew Historical Society and a heritage report.QPO Bar, Restuarant & Function Centre/ Cnr High Street & Cotham Rd. Mel Ref 45 C6 MacKenzie photography / Copyright margiesphotos.com.auqpo restaurant, kew post office, kew court house, kew war memorial, postcards -- kew (vic.)

John EDWARDS VX3857. John enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 24.10.1939 age 33 years. Posted to 2/6th BN on 10.11.1939 and then to Provost Corp 6th Aust Div on 2.12.1939. Embarked to the Middle East 11.1.1940, embarked for Greece 1.4.1941 and disembarked back in Egypt in May 1941, embarked for Aust and arrived 27.2.1943. Embarked for Milne Bay NG on 28.7.1943, embarked from Finschafen and arrived in Australia 10.3.1944. He was hospitalised twice in the Middle East with Conjunctivitis then Varicose veins, Malaria in Australia after return from NG. Discharged from the 2nd AIF on 22.10.1945. His records state he married and was date entered 5.4.1944, Wife Mrs A.E.Edwards of 40 York St Prahran. The collection re EDWARDS has cards etc from two other soldier friends of the then Miss McLURE.Christmas stocking, canvas, both sides printed with numerous cartoons and decorative stitching around edge - red white and blue wool.To,"VX3857 L/Cpl J.Edwards 26 Coy AIT B MEF AIF Abroad". From "A McLure 40 York St Prahran Vic".handcrafts - sewing, stocking, xmas

Part of the Flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See catalogue No 5374P for his service record..1) and .2) Pair of black leather calf length RAAF flying boots with leather sole and rubber heel. each boot is lined with soft brown leather with remnants of sheep wool attached to the right boot (.1). A buckle and strap at the ankle and calf height secure each boot when wearing. .3) Handwritten card with details of the boots' provenance..3) Handwritten in black ink: ' FLYING BOOTS. Worn by Squadron Leader Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons. Worn all through the Pacific - North Africa - New Guinea - Borneo - All through Japanese Occupation, 1942 Middle East. Donated by Mr I. A. Lyons'uniform, footwear, flying boots, flight lieutenant ian a. lyons

Derych Victor Lawes VX22625 enlisted 30 May 1940, age 25 years 3 mths. Embarked 14 Sept 1940 for Middle East. Rose through the ranks to S/Sgt Weapons Instructor Palestine. Disembarked Aust 29.4.1942. From 19.1.1945 Acting WO1 at HQ Small Arms School Bonegilla. Discharged 18 Dec 1945. Blanket - wool, machine stitched patches of brown toned wool blankets. Yellow numbers have been stitched by hand (no reason given for the numbers.)White label - handwritten in biro on white tape ""D. LAWES 473092"on one corner. Yellow wool handstitched numbers in various positions on the blanket. "8926, 10830, 10752, 107, 6". craft, blanket, wagga blanket, d lawes

Three service medals with ribbons belonged to Herbert Roger HORNE VX42461 who was born at Traralgon on 8/10/1908. He enlisted at Caulfield on 8/7/1940 and served with the 2/11 Field Regiment in the Middle East during the second world war. He was discharged on 28/9/1944 and later died on 12/9/1961.Timber frame with three metal medals and ribbons on red velvet background."Donated by the family of H R HORNE'herbert roger horne, ww2, 2/11 field regiment

Six black and white postcards all with photographs featuring Thomas Karnatz VX48290 POW and fellow soldiers of the 2/24th Battalion possibly taken whilst serving overseas in the Middle East during WW2. Second soldier identified as Joseph Disher Darley VX48803 2/23 Battalion born 16/1/1919 and died in February 1989.Six black and white postcards with images of men in military uniformthomas karnatz, ww2, middle east, pow, 2/24 battalion, joseph darley