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 Diggers of D Company, 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), on operations with the 3/52 Battalion, Army Of The Republic Of Vietnam (ARVN), conducting an integrated retraining program under combat conditions. Four (4) Battalions, of the 18th ARVN Division (28/10/1969)photograph, d coy, 6 rar/nz, arvn, 18th arvn, 3/52 battalion arvn, gibbons collection catalogue, army of the republic of vietnam (arvn), diggers, 6 rar/nz (anzac), denis gibbons

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 - Bearcat South Vietnam, 1970, a member of Australian Army Ttraining Team Vietnam (AATTV) instructs Vietnamese Ranger recruits in the correct way to land during parachute trainingphotograph, bearcat, aattv, arvn soldier, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), vietnamese ranger, parachute training, denis gibbons

Army Unit Colour Patches were worn as a distinguishing unit indication at the top of each sleeve from 1916.The 8th Light Horse Regiment was formed as part of the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade, 3rd Contingent and attached to the Australian Division. Made up of men drawn from the 3rd Military District [Victoria], the 8th Light Horse Regiment was established at the Broadmeadows Training Camp in Melbourne, Victoria. The Army Unit Colour Patches (UCP) were orginally designed in a simple manner,allowing other member to easily identify the member's unit, division and battalion. A UCP is worn on the puggaree of the slouch hat whilst the Unit Shoulder Patch will incorporate the UCP normally with a border showing the unit's superior HQ. Horizontally aligned rectangular colour patch for 8 Light Horse Regiment, AIF, divided diagonally yellow (left) below light blue.Nilwwi, world war 1, light horse, 8th regiment

Frank joined the army in 1915 and served with the 1st Bn. On 20/7 /1916 he was hospitalised with Shell Shock and medically discharged unfit on 20/12/1916. He re-enlisted on 3/8/1917 and joined the 13th battalions and proceeded to France. In October 1918. On 15/4/1919 he was hospitalised for unknown illness and returned to Australia. In 1938 he joined the 59th Battalion (Militia). On 26/6/1940 he was taken on strength (V30012) and served with the 2/21 and 2/14 Training Bn’s. On 16/2/1945 he was seconded for special duties with Z Special Unit and performed duty outside Australia between 27/4 and 30/9/1945. On 3/5/1946 he was placed on the retirement list . He joined the RSL in 1916 and Wangaratta Sub-Branch in 1933. He was President from 1937-38 and Assistant Secretary from 1935-1936 and for many years served on the Committee as well as Welfare Officer.Timber framed black and white photograph of a male attired in a suitFRANK H. McDONAGHmcdonagh, frank h. mcdonagh, wwi, wwii

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 a member of the Australian Aarmy Training Team Vietnam, is visited by two AATTV colleagues as he waits to be loaded into an ambulance for the short trip to Vung Tau Airfield and an RAAF C130 medivac flight home to Australia.photograph, aattv, vung tau airfield, raaf, c130 medivac flight, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), wounded servicemen, denis gibbons

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 colour photograph of a member of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) supervising the traning of Chinese (Nung) Mercanaries at the Mike Force Training Area, Marble Mountain, Danang, 2 Corps region of South Vietnam.photograph, aattv, chinese nung mercenaries, marble mountain, 2 corps, mike force, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), mike force training area, danang

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 WO2 Keith Windbank, a medical advisor with the Australian Army Training Team at Trapong Outpost, Quang Ngai Province, 1 Corps South Vietnam talks with Hahn a village girl he assisted in having her face and eye repaired following damage from artillery firephotograph, gibbons collection catalogue, wo2 windbank, australian army training team, quang ngai province, 1 corps, vietnamese children, trapong outpost, wounded children, denis gibbons

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.Rare document from Light Horse Regiment at beginning of WWIIFour page type - written Camp Administrative Order No.1 dated 9 February 1939 signed by Captain W.B. Maguire, Acting Adjutant 20th Light Horse Regiment. Contains instructions for the movement of men, horses and equipment to a Camp of training at Broadmeadows, Victoria.Signed on Page 4 " W.B. Maguire "20 light horse, training, broadmeadows

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, indonesian naval training ship

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 diggers from the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment excercising with the Army physical training instructor Sgt Rob Fulton, on the flight deck of the Vung Tau Ferry HMAS Sydney. Sgt Fulton remained on board and returned home with 8 RAR.photograph, 9th battalion, royal australian regiment, sgt bob fulton, vung tau ferry, 8 rar, hmas sydney, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, diggers, physical training

Second Cavalry Division conducted camp of full time training at Torquay near Geelong Victoria from January to April 1940. One of the regiments attending was 8th Light Horse. This was one of the last large gathering of horsed cavalry in Victoria. The 8th Light Horse (Indi) Regiment had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941,the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.Images of citizen soldiers from North East Victoria at beginning of world War 2.Collection of six black and white photographs of 8th Light Horse in camp near Geelong, January to April 1940.Shows mounted horsemen,tents and horse lines.training, camp, torquay, cavalry, 8th light horse regiment

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 diggers of 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment going through fitness training by Army physical training instructor, Sergeant Rob Fulton, on the flight deck of the Vung Tau Ferry, HMAS Sydney. Sgt Bob Fulton remained on board and returned home with 8 RAR.photograph, 9th battalion, 9 rar, 8 rar, sgt bob fulton, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons, physical training

McColl Rankin & Stanistreet. Scrapbook WWI. Exercise book with newspaper cuttings about Australians in WWI. Australia Day, Bendigo Recruits Return, At Upper Reserve, The Receipts, Departure of Troops, Gallipoli, Returned Soldiers, A Woman in War, Bendigo Training Camp, Anzac Day, Bendigo Battalion, Pioneer Cabwoman on the Rank in Bendigo (Mrs. Charlotte Jackson). Pictures from papers in articles. On display at library 21.2.19, in 'These are a few of my favorite things'organization, business, wwi, scrapbook

Williamstown Military competitions physical training awarded to A Coy 64th Battalion the winning team Aug 4th 1917Silver cup enscribed with decorative flowers and leaves. The cup has been sebarated from its base, a clean break through the stem. The top of the stem has some small beading and slopes away gently toward the break. The base of the cup, again has beeding and the base flairs away from the stem. The tope of the base is decorated with roughly engraved flames . The cup has two ornate scrolled handels and is showing some oxidisation on its surface.Williamstown Military competitions physical training awarded to A Coy 64th Battalion the winning team Aug 4th 19175-6 rvr, 5/6 rvr alpha company

A photograph in glass wood frame, the photograph captured 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment) return from three months training on 1 April 1940

Photograph taken in May 1916 of 4th Platoon whilst at Wangaratta Training Camp prior to travelling by train to Seymour Camp. Known members of Platoon are local men Frank Newton 2378 and Harry Whitty 2170 of Whitfield who served in France with the 37th Infantry Bn and later discharged on 14/8/1918.Black and white photograph mounted on dark grey cardboard depicting three rows of soldiers wearing bush hats and front row holding rifles4th Platoon "Wangaratta Training Centre" May1916 Hand written in biro on mount left side "Frank Newton" and above photograph "Harry Whitty" 4th platoon, wangaratta training centre, may 1916, frank newton 2378, harry whitty 2170, 37th infantry battalion

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 - Following morning services, Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at the Northern Headquarters of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, in Danang, those members able to get in to Danang from the field were entertained by dancers from the Shirley Simmons Concert partyphotograph, aattv, danang, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), anzac day 1967, northern headquarters, dancers, denis gibbons

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 Lucky Star and Digby Richards along with members of their concert party, leave the Champa Museum in Danag following a visit during a rare break in the concert tour. They had on the previous day entertained the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.photograph, aattv, entertainers, lucky star, digby richards, champa musuem, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), denis gibbons

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 lead singer Shirley Simmons, of her own Shirley Simmons Concert Party, entertains on the lawn of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, on Anzac Day 25 April 1967, at their Northern Headquarters in down town Danang.photograph, aattv, shirley simmons, danang, gibbons collection catalogue, entertainers, shirley simmons concert party, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), anzac day 1967, denis gibbons

The banner depicts the original Unit motto and colour patch - white over red diamond - of the 24th Battalion which was raised in a hurry from a surplus of recruits at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria. The battalion was formed during the first week of May 1915 ,and sailed from Melbourne at the end of that week. On September 4, 1915 the Battalion went ashore at Gallipoli and spent the next 16 weeks sharing duty in the Lone Pine trenches with the 23rd Battalion. in March 1916 the Battalion proceeded to France. It took part in its first major offensive around Pozieres and Mouquet Farm in July and August 1917. When patrolling no-man's land the men of the 24th adopted a unique form of snow camouflage - large white nighties bought in Amiens. The Battalion left the front line for the last time on 6 October 1918 and disbanded in May 1919. Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940 and were deployed to the middle east. After extensive fighting at Tobruk and El Alamein bettween July and November 1942 the Unit adopted a T shaped colour patch. After formation, the 2/24th battalion was moved to Wangaratta, where it remained until its training facilities were ready in Bonegilla prior to overseas deployment to the middle east. Because of its time in Wangaratta, it became colloquially known as "Wangaratta's Own" and later received the Freedom of the City.Two clear perspex sheets containing green banner with white over red diamond shape, gold coloured writing and fringe below with metal plaque.24th Aust Inf Bn. (AIF) 1939-45 I HOLD FAST Plaque - No 1 Banner Presented to The Wangaratta Club by the 24th Aust Inf Bn (AIF) 1939-45 on 15-9-84 banner, 24th australian infantry battalion, white over red diamond, unit colour patch

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945). Black and white photograph mounted on card of six soldiers outside a ridge tent in a camp. Three are in shirt sleeves: two are wearing tunics,, one is wearing bandolier, hat with plumes. Part of 20th Light Horse collectiontraining, wwii, light horse, 20th

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph mounted on card of six men in shirt sleeves sitting outside a ridge tent. Civilian car in right background. Photograph is part of 20th Light Horse collectionAcross edge of card mount.W. Stillard, W. Quick, C. Bourchier, Murray Scott. Seymour Military Camp. Arrived Mar 193920th, light horse, camp, training, wwii, stillard, quick, bouchier, seymour, scott

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 WO2 Ray Simpson VC DCM of the Australian Army Training Team (AATTV) receives life membership to the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL), from an Australian Embassy official at the Embassy in the Caravelle Hotel, Saigon, while Maj Gen R. A. Hay looks on.photograph, wo 2 ray simpson, victoria cross, aattv, returned services league (rsl), dcm, saigon, maj gen hay, australian embassy, gibbons collection catalogue, life membership, caravelle hotel, denis gibbons, australian army training team vietnam (aattv)

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 two of the four members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery, WO2 Keith Payne VC & WO2 Ray Simpson VC Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) share a quiet moment after WO2 Payne had just been advised of his award of the VCphotograph, aattv, victoria cross, dcm, wo keith payne, wo 2 ray simpson, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), distinguished conduct medal, denis gibbons

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 Members of Australian Army Training Team Vietnam assemble on ANZAC Day 1970 in Danang enjoy Erica De Wit, lead singer of the Official Apr-May 70 Sydney Concert Party. The concert was held on the lawn of AATTV HQ in Downtown Danangphotograph, entertainment, erica de wit, aattv, anzac day 1970, danang, gibbons collection catalogue, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), official apr-may 70 sydney convert party, denis gibbons

This black and white image taken of Australian soldiers at the Headquarters of the AIF Overseas Training Brigade based at Longbridge Deverell in Wiltshire England prior to distribution of Comfort Funds Xmas Boxes in 1918. One of the soldiers in the image is Private Llewellyn EVANS 5335 of the 24th Battalion. EVANS was born on the 9/8/1879 at Moyhu in Victoria. He was a farmer and enlisted on the 8/2/1916 at the age of 36 years. He embarked on the 1/8/1916 and was wounded twice, first in 1917 receiving a gunshot wound to the right leg and again in 1918 receiving a gunshot wound to the right arm and leg. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 30/4/1919.Sand Hill (Longbridge Deverill)- Sand Hill camp was built in 1914 to accommodate infantry units. Australian troops arrived at Longbridge Deverill in October 1917, when their Overseas Training Brigade was moved from Perham Down and established there to train soldiers who had recovered from illness and wounds for a return to active service. Brown timber frame containing photograph of large group of soldiers and band members in an open field.Distribution of "Comfort Fund" Xmas Boxes to A.I.F. Longbridge Deverall, March 1918 comfort fund, ww1, llewellyn evans, 24th battalion, longbridge deverill

The 8th Light Horse was initially raised from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles located in North-east Victoria following Federation. In 1912 a major reorganisation of the Australian military forces resulted in the regiment being renumbered 16th Light Horse. The Regiment was disbanded in 1919 but soon after was re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, with the territorial title Indi Light Horse. The Indi Light Horse consisted of 3 squadrons. A squadron consisted of troops in Corryong, Walwa, Tallangatta, Eskdale and Wodonga. After an extensive recruiting campaign in January 1939 a new troop was raised in Bethanga, Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded.This article is significant because it depicts horses being loaded at the Wodonga Railway Station to despatch to the training camp at Broadmeadows. Two black and white images from the Border Morning Mail Friday March 10, 1939. One image shows horses being loaded on to trains in Wodonga to be sent to the base at Broadmeadows, Victoria. The second image depicts two leaders of the 8th Light Horse Regiment.Caption with Photo 1 WODONGA AND DISTRICT SOLDIERS OF THE KING Top: Wodonga railway station presented busy scenes on Monday when the lighthorsemen and their mounts took possession of it. Bottom- Although the men were jubilant at boarding the train for Broadmeadows the horses did not like the idea. This horse was no exception. Photo 2 TWO LIGHTHORSE LEADERS Lieutenant L. W. Welesmith, Tallangatta (left), discussing the entraining of horses for Broadmeadows at Wodonga, with Lieutenant J. A. Mc-Geoch (Wodonga), before the departure of the 8th Light Horse troop.australian light horse, peter frawley, light horse wodonga

Commemorating the 43rd Anniversary Of the Battle of Long Tan 18th august 1966 and Remembering the Battle of Binh Ba during the period 6-8 June 1969.vietnam veteran's day, melbourne shrine of remembrance, 43rd anniversary, battle of long tan, battle of binh ba, victorian branch of the vietnam veterans association of australia, royal australian infantry corps, 5th battalion, royal australian regiment, 1 armoured regiment, apc's, 3 cav regt, australian forces, the tiger battalion, brigadier colin kahn, 5 rar, major ian charles teague, 35803, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), 1st special air service sqnuadron

Refer also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/52nd_Battalion_(Australia)Rectangular framed Certificate. Salute to the Gippsland Regiment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Shield in top half of certificate-: Defending Australia with rising sun badge then In commemoration of: No 52 surrounded by wreath with inscription on bottom Always Ready Gippsland Regiment 52nd Infantry Battalion (The Gippsland Regiment) "Always Ready" 1921-1930 1936-1942 Circle with white top half and light blue bottom half. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the Shield-: History of the 52nd Battalion. Tracing the ancestry going back to the "Gippsland Battalion of the Victorian Rangers, the Militia (CMF) 52nd Battalion was raised from the 2nd Bn/5th Australian Infantry Regiment (HQ Dandenong) as part of an overhaul of Australia's defences in 1920-21 that saw the reintroduction of compulsory military service. To afford it a proud identity ,the new battalion was assigned the same number as the 52nd/1st AIF which had performed with distinction in France ( Somme, Pozieres, Bullicort, Messine and Ypes to name just some). In addition the new battalion also inherited the Kings and Regimental Colours which, as part of the 52nd Bn/1st AIF's lineage including battle honours earned by 2nd Bn, Tasmanian Infantry Regiment in the Boer War, 1899-1902, and the same circular colour patch, horizontally bisected with white over blue halves. Later the 52nd officially received its regional title, "The Gippsland Regiment" and its motto "Always Ready". Digger prevailing during WW2 it was nicknamed "The Gippsland Bushrangers". The 52nd formed part of the 10th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Militia (CMF) Division. With the reversion to voluntary citizen forces in1930,declining numbers forced an amalgamation with the 37th Bn to become 37th/52nd Bn. Then in mid 1936, an expansion and modernisation of the CMF, including the conversation of the Light Horse to motorised, allowed both battalions to separate and for the 52nd to expand into East Gippsland. In 1938, 52nd Bn was granted linkage with the "Queens Own Cameron Highlanders" and permission to use its Regimental March- "March of the Cameron Men'. When Japan entered the war in December 1941,the Australian Military Forces were fully mobilized, (part time to full time) for the defence of homeland Australia. While training at various locations in central Victoria, the militia became for many, a stepping stone into the AIF and other services, as well as a training unit for new conscripts. As part of our national defence preparations, in mid 1942 the 52 Bn relocated to Queensland as part of the 3rd Division, replacing the AIF 7th Div on the so called "Brisbane Line". However as the threat of invasion lifted, a restructure of army units saw the disbandment of the 10th Brigade and hence the 52nd in September 1942 and the revival of the 37th/52nd Battalion. The 52nds colours were returned to Melbourne, eventually being placed in the Shrine of Remembrance for safe keeping. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At bottom of the certificate- We thank the Berwick and Dandenong volunteers for their dedication and self sacrifice during the period 1921- 1942 in defence of our nation. (Signed) D W Shields President Dandenong RSL Sub Branch L Lucas President Berwick RSL Sub Branch Presented by the Dandenong and Berwick RSL Sub Branches November 2009.

This item was donated by Major John Boyd Healy who served with the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. He did two tours of duty. August 1962 to September 1963 with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) and from June 1965 to June 1966 with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.Newspaper article titled, NZ Pride which says the Diggers have a proprietary pride in the artillery battery. This item is on page fourteen of Personal Collections 5 1961-1975 -- artillery operations, chaplains, newspaper clippings, major john healy, royal australian infantry corps, 1st battalion, the royal australian regiment, healy john boyd, padre, gerald anthony cudmore, cpl lex mcauley, 335092