The embroideries were machine chained onto colourful cotton sateen (often mistakenly thought to be silk) and usually bear the words 'Souvenir of Egypt' and a year date. Most have a distinctly Egyptian flavour and show the pyramids, camels or date palms. Others show images associated with different armies (such as the Australian Rising Sun Badge, New Zealand General Service Badge or British unit badges) or nations (such as the Australian coat of arms). However, during WW2 they were usually embroidered on black velveteen and the variety of images was not as great as had been available during the First World War. These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message.Black and gold timber frame containing rectangular black cloth edged in light blue fringe. Machine embroidered on the cloth is image of rising sun badge with a camel and pyramids either side. Souvenir of Egypt 1941 Australian Commonwealth Military Forces1941, ww2, embroidered souvenir, egypt

Private Robert Ernest Payne 5125 from Killawarra. Enlisted on 29/1/16 aged 20 years and 9 months and served with the 28th Battalion during WW1. Killed in action in France on 15/4/1918 aged 23 yearsBrown timber frame with grey mount containing ornate certificate of serviceFOR KING AND EMPIRE Private R E Payne 28th Battalion B Companyrobert ernest payne, 28th battalion, wwi, kia, france

A related souvenir from the Second Word War is the colourful 'Souvenir of Palestine'. Like the First World War Egyptian embroideries, they used cotton sateen in a range of bright colours (although sometimes velveteen was used instead) and bear the words 'Souvenir of Palestine', a year date, and sometimes a personal message, as well as images of specific mosques or landmarks, camels, goats and date palms. The Palestinian souvenirs were often seen displayed for sale outside houses in country villages These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message. Brown timber frame containing dark green square silk cloth edged with gold fringe, embroidered with two flap poles either side of rising sun crest/badge above two red heartsSouvenir Of Palestine 1941 Australia Commonwealth Military Forcespalestine, 1941, souvenir, embroidered cloth

Timber framed certificate of appreciation from the Borough of Wangaratta For King & Empire Borough of Wangaratta The Mayor, Councillors, and Ratepayers of the Borough of Wangaratta Hereby place on record their Thanks and Appreciation for the conduct of W. R Smith who served his King and Country in the Great War, which commenced 4th August, 1914. He Answered His Countrys Call. wangaratta, w r smith, wwi

Pewter tankard presented to the late Army Chaplain Lewis NYMAN who served during the Vietnam WarPewter drinking tankard with side handle and engraved inscription on sidePresented to Chap. L Nyman By 16 LAA REGT. Officers Mess Mar73lewis nyman, army chaplain, vietnam war, laa regiment

Certificate of Appreciation from the Shire of Oxley to D Murray who served during WW2 - Dated 11/12/1945 James Desmond Murray was born on 2/3/25 at Moyhu and enlisted in the RAAF on 28/5/1943 - Leading Aircraftman 142205Brown laminate frame containing certificate bordered by Australian State crests with photograph of King George two flags and crown at top and red seal below.The Call to Arms Shire of Oxley D. Murray World War 1939-45d. murray, shire of oxley, ww2

When snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915, soldiers turned to the khaki woolen coat, known as the Greatcoat, for protection against the cold and wet climate. This item's provenance is unknown. This iconic piece of clothing often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the harsh weather conditions. Khaki Army greatcoat with Australian Army buttonsJ FERRIS ...?58019army greatcoat, world war two, ww2, wwii, second world war, australian army, australian army coat, australian uniform

L.Cpl. Harold Pearson PREST 1334 served with the 37th Infantry Battalion in World War 1 and was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry action on October 4th 1917 at Ypres. He enlisted at Wangaratta and records indicate he resided at that time in Roy Street Wangaratta. Harold returned to Australia on 20/12/1917. Brown timber frame containing photograph of male in civilian attire wearing World War 1 RAS Badge and Military Medal.Noneharold pearson prest, 37th infantry battalion

Probably donated by Commercial Club AlburyWooden shield with cast metal slouch hat (no rising sun badge) in the centre, attached with three screws. Beneath that, a brass badge of Australia. "Diggers Day Commercial Club Albury the 30-12-1939" slouch hat, shield, albury, commercial club, diggers day

Hand drawn Coat of Arms for the soldiers known as the Rats of Tobruk with signatures of those involved in the engagement between 5th April to the 22nd of October 1941 The drawing is signed by artist John DOWIE AM, SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion Signatories are: VX42389 Eric Hamilton, 2/32 Battalion; VX30189 F.Baldwin, 2/23 Battalion; VX34544, F.J.Mc.Intosh 2/24 Battalion; VX34554 W.Harrison, 2/24 Battalion; WX7281 P.Bone 2/25 Battalion; VX33719 Duke Goldsmith, 2/24 Battalion; VX41179 Harry Frazer, 2/24 Battalion; VX29652 A.R.Stribley, 2/24 Battalion; SX6367 Jack Foley, 2/43 Battalion; VX48340 Harry Jones, 2/23 Battalion; VX42317 Aub Jarrott, 2/24Battalion; VX28869 Rod Deering 2/24Battalion; VX15719 Ian F. Joss 7th Division AASC; VX19723 Len Dauria, 2/12 Field Regiment; NX35852 R.E (Snowy) Cornelius 2/13 Battalion; VX32559 Jim Gray, 2/24Battalion - James Cyril GRAY Born 6/1/1916 in Orroroo South Australia. Enlisted 28/5/1940 at Mildura. Awarded Military Medal for remarkable coolness, bravery and leadership at Tobruk on 24/4 and 1/5/1941. He was promoted to Sergeant on 14/8/1941, Lieutenant in November 1942 then Captain on 9/4/1945. He was wounded in action on 11/9/1943 and discharged on 20/12/1945. He married and had three children. He died on 10/4/1992 aged 76 and buried at Wangaratta Cemetery.This original drawing is by John DOWIE SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion during the second world war and is signed by the artist and soldiers from the 2/24th Battalion known as "Wangaratta's Own". John Stuart Dowie AM (15 January 1915 – 19 March 2008) was an Australian painter, sculptor and teacher. He was born in the suburb of Prospect in Adelaide, South Australia, and studied architecture at the University of Adelaide. During World War II, Dowie worked in the Military History Unit of the Australian Imperial Force, and as an assistant to Australia's official war sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell. As a soldier, he was one of the Rats of Tobruk. After studying art in London and Florence, Dowie returned to Australia. His work includes over 50 public sculpture commissions, including the "Three Rivers" fountain in Victoria Square, "Alice" in Rymill Park, the "Victor Richardson Gates" at Adelaide Oval and the "Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial" at Adelaide Airport. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 in recognition of service to the arts as a sculptor and painter. Dowie died on 19 March 2008, aged 93. There is a similiar version of the drawing on page 32 of the book Desert Sand and Jungle Green by Geoffrey Boss-Walker which is an illustrated history of the 2/43rd Battalion.Timber frame containing hand drawn Coat of Arms consisting of "rats" as shield supporters, crest with a swastika in the centre and motto surrounded by signatures.Signatures of artist John Dowie and soldiers engaged at Tobruk. The crest depicts a latrine and the motto reads NON FASCES SED FAECES (Latin translation - "Do not move but the dregs") rats of tobruk, coat of arms, 1941, john dowie

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered yellow rising sun, crown, banner and foliate decoration. Handwritten message on backFront: "FROM 5TH PIONEER BATTALION FRANCE" "KEEP SMILING" (embroidered) Back: "To Enid best love from Dad xxxxxx / France June 28/6/1917" "My Dear Mary / just a pc to let you know I'm still well and hope you are all the same I have not seen Joe yet is is still warm over here yet we have been out shooting to day I feel tired. I wish it was all over I full up of it. I seen Dexter the other night he is looking well on it ?? I'm beginning to think it is never going to end well this all at present love Will love from your loving husband xxx / xxxx " wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in Egypt to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered foliate and flowers bordering a message. Handwritten message on back.Front: "Remind / France" (embroidered) Back: "1268 2 of 5 Pioneers Battalion" "Egypt / May 28 1916" "My dear Alice just a PC to let you know I'm well and hope you are all the same I got a letter from you yesterday and Enid PC but I have not got the money yet did you ??? if you need not send enny more till I send for it well I have not seen joe since you say you are goin gto town for a trip it will not hurt you i wish I was going to will my eyes are a bit weak yet it is the sand and flys. well this is all at present. Best love to all from your loving husband Will xxxxx"wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale

Brown leather pouch containing a wooden brush. Flap is locked by a metal buckle. Has large yellowing stitching.On inside of flap "R.C. Jones 27/2/26" is written in ink.leather pouch, pouch, leather, brush pouch

Item possibly belonged to Stanley Crimor WRAITH Born 2/6/1893 at Harrietville who joined the RAN on 4/6/1918 as a wireless operator.Brown leather pouch/wallet. Has tan interior with pen in writing inside. Has large silver metal catch on front.Engraved into the leather on the inside flap is "H.C. Wraith Serviceton Bike 616020". Written in pen ink on opposite flap is "Rutherglen 1904, Harrietville 1905, Benalla 1906, Wangaratta 1907, Serviceton 1907, Sale 1911, Melton 1915"leather pouch, pouch, leather, wallet

Small brown leather pouch with string attached at one side.Nilleather pouch, pouch, leather

Dark brown leather pouch with a metal star on th front flap, surrounded by brown stitching. Has a button clasp with same stitching at the side. On the left side is two small pockets and on the right is one small pocket.Nilleather pouch, pouch, leather, japanese pouch, japanese army, wwii, world war 2

Small dark brown leather pouch with engravings on the back and on the front has lines engraved into the leather. Has a canvas and metal buckle. Has a metal hanger on the top.Markings have been engraved into the leather on the back, possibly Japanese.leather pouch, pouch, leather, japanese pouch, japanese army, wwii, world war 2

Home made tan leather pen case for three pens. Has large yellowing stitching.Nil.leather pouch, pouch, leather, pen

In 1941,as part of the war effort, the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of Prahran provided over 2000 money belts for soldiers and sailors leaving Prahran for active service overseas. These were included in parcels of comforts made up and presented by the Prahran Patriotic Society. Brown leather belt with four pockets with press down stud closings, possibly for money, on the inside of belt.On the inside of belt, printed in gold "With Best Wishes from the Mayor, Councillors & Citzens of the City of Prahran 1941"money belt, world war 2, prahran patriotic society

Brown leather belt with brass clip clasp and brass adjustments, brown stitching that has faded.Nilleather, metal, belt

Dark brown leather belt with large rusted buckle. Belt is made up of three bits of leather, sewn together.Nilleather, metal, belt

Trench art letter opener cut into the shape of a scimitar from a section of a shell case. The handle for the letter opener is made from a discharged British or Australian MK VII .303 calibre rimmed cartridge. The blade of the letter opener is attached to the handle via a bullet which has been sliced through the middle HMAS Uralba was an auxiliary minefield tender and armament stores carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) during World War II. She was launched in 1942 by Ernest Wright, Tuncurry, New South Wales as Uralba for the North Coast Steam Navigation Company. Requisitioned by the RAN while under construction on 13 July 1942 and commissioned on 22 November 1942. After being returned to her owners and being sold and used for a number of purposes she was sunk on 4 November 1971 to create an artificial reef off Carrum Creek, in Port Phillip Bay.Stainless steel blade with handle made from 303 round/cartridgeHMAS Uralba inscribed on bladehmas uralba, ran, ww2, letter opener, paper knife

Nine small & three large Rising Sun badges. Some have pins & attachments & others are missing them.Australian Commonwealth Military Forcesrising sun, badge, australian army, australia military badges

Three metal "Australia" badges with metal pins at side.Australiabadge, australian army, australia military badges, australian shoulder badges

Round metal buttons for an Australian Air Force tunic with a carving of a crown at the top and an eagle underneath.On the front: A crown and an eagle. On the back: J.A. Gaunt & Son Ltd, Londonaustralian air force, buttons

Letter dated 16/9/1944 from M C Langslow Secretary, Department of Air, Commonwealth of Australia to Mr H H Wilkinson advising of citation received from the Air Ministry in respect of award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to his son Pilot Officer J H WILKINSON and future announcement in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. Citation attached signed by H R Winneke, Group Captain. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Original letter in black type. Two page with embossed crest letterhead. Stamped envelope.Letter - Commonwealth of Australia - Department of Air Envelope addressed to - Mr HH Wilkinson, Mount Ophir, Rutherglen.pilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Newspaper notice advising Flight Lieut. J H Wilkinson previously reported missing now presumed to have lost his life whilst on air operations over East Prussia on 30 August, 1944. Newspaper cutting containing photograph and typeVeteran Airman's Fatepilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

Original Military Medal awarded to Harold Pearson PREST Lance Corporal 1334 - 37th Australian Infantry Battalion On the 4th October 1917 East of Ypres, Belgium for conspicuous gallantry in action - After locating an enemy machine gun which was holding up the left flank, he single handed rushed the position from a flank and bombed and killed the crew of two men and captured the gun. His promptness and courage not only saved many casualties but enabled the advance to continue.The Military Medal (MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The award was established in 1916, with retrospective application to 1914, and was awarded to other ranks for "acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire"Blue velvet case with satin lining containing round metal medal with attached blue red and white striped ribbon and gold coloured plastic plaquePlaque -Military Medal awarded to 1334 Lance Corporal H P Prest 37/AUST INF For Bravery in the Fieldh p prest, ww1, mm, 37th infantry battalion

Uniform cloth badge of the 63A Infantry Division "Cirene" of the Italian Army. The 63rd Infantry Division Cirene was an auto-transportable infantry division of the Italian Army during World War II. The Cirene Division was formed 1 October 1937 and destroyed 5 January 1941 in Bardia. The Australians captured Bardia on 5 January, 1941, taking 45,000 prisoners and 462 guns for a loss of 130 dead and 326 wounded of their own.The 63rd Infantry Division Cirene was an auto-transportable infantry division of the Italian Army during World War II. The Cirene Division was formed 1 October 1937 and destroyed 5 January 1941 in Bardia. small red cloth with gold thread insigniaDivisione 63A "Cirene"battle of bardia, ww2, italian army

Brass hat badges of the 158th Infantry Division Zara a regular infantry division of the Royal Italian Army and a garrison unit stationed on the Dalmation Coast during WW2. It surrendered to the Germans after the Italian surrender to the Allies in September 1943. Badges were often souvenired by Australian soldiers during WW2The 158th Infantry Division Zara was a regular infantry division of the Royal Italian Army during World War II. The Zara Division formed in March 1942, was a garrison division stationed on the Dalmatian coast. It surrendered to the Germans after the Italian surrender to the Allies in September 1943Two brass Italian Army hat badges showing crossed rifles and '158' within a rope circle surmounted by a crown. One badge is mounted on a red, white and green striped ribbon rosette 158ww2, italian army, badge