Showing 459 items matching "world war two service"
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Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Illustration of two Beaufort bombers over Government Aircraft Factory, Fishermen's Bend, 1940s
A GAF illustration copied from a copy owned by Nicholas CREE, which is a copy from a neg owned by ASTALasercopy A3 size of an illustration of two Beaufort bombers over the Government Aircraft Factory where they were made, Fishermens Bend 1940sarmed services - air force, industry - manufacturing, transport - aviation and aerodrome, fishermans bend, war - world war ii, government aircraft factory -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Wandin & District Historical Museum Society Inc, Great courage and initiative' : the heroic life of George Ingram VC, MM, 2025
The biography of Capt George Ingram VC, MM, the last Australian VC recipient of the First World War. From country childhood in Bagshot and Seville to a gunner with the Australian Garrison Artillery and the Tropical Force's Matupi Battery. He then served with the 24th Battalion AIF on the Western Front where he was awarded the Military Medal and the Victoria Cross. After the war he became a soldier settler, an original Shrine Guard and during World War Two he served with the Royal Australian Engineers. Throughout his life he carried the physical and mental scars of his service in the war.Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.187.non-fictionThe biography of Capt George Ingram VC, MM, the last Australian VC recipient of the First World War. From country childhood in Bagshot and Seville to a gunner with the Australian Garrison Artillery and the Tropical Force's Matupi Battery. He then served with the 24th Battalion AIF on the Western Front where he was awarded the Military Medal and the Victoria Cross. After the war he became a soldier settler, an original Shrine Guard and during World War Two he served with the Royal Australian Engineers. Throughout his life he carried the physical and mental scars of his service in the war.soldiers - victoria - biography, george ingram - biography -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Gordon Thomas, Secret wars: One hundred years of British intelligence inside MI5 and MI6, 2009
Gordon Thomas is a leading expert on intelligence communities. This book provides the definitive historu of the famed MI5 and MI6bibliography, index, pg.402.non-fictionGordon Thomas is a leading expert on intelligence communities. This book provides the definitive historu of the famed MI5 and MI6intelligence services - great britain - history, great britain mi5 - history, great britain mi6 - history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Mark Lyons, Legacy: The first fifty years, 1978
This history traces Legacy's first fifty years in considerable detail, but places it firmly within its social environment. It will be of interest, not only to current and past members of Legacy, but students of Australian history and society, and all who are concerned with Australia's welfare services.Bibliography, index, ill (b/w) (plates), p,263.non-fiction This history traces Legacy's first fifty years in considerable detail, but places it firmly within its social environment. It will be of interest, not only to current and past members of Legacy, but students of Australian history and society, and all who are concerned with Australia's welfare services. legacy clubs of australia - history, australia - returned service personel -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Sphere, A man called Intrepid, 1976
This book tells for the first time one of the best kept secrets of World War Two. British Security Co-ordination made a major contribution to the eventual allied victory.Index, ill, maps, p.541.non-fictionThis book tells for the first time one of the best kept secrets of World War Two. British Security Co-ordination made a major contribution to the eventual allied victory.world war 1939 – 1945 – secret operations – britain, secret service - britain -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, MBI Publishing, Tanks of World War Two, 2000
Each vehicle featured is illustrated by a black and white photograph and accompanied by text that analyses the vehicle's design, development and service history.Index, ill, p.96.non-fictionEach vehicle featured is illustrated by a black and white photograph and accompanied by text that analyses the vehicle's design, development and service history. tanks - military science, world war 1939-1945 - tank warfare -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - REMEMBER OUR WORLD WAR 2 NURSES
Soft covered book, Remember our World War 2 Nurses, the service and sacrifice of Bendigo nurses in World War Two, 150 pages with black and white photographs & maps, researched and written by Murray Poustie, published by the Northern District School of Nursing Graduates Association Inc, printed in Bendigo by Bendigo Modern Press.Murray Poustiebooks, military, nursing, bendigo-nursing-ww2 -
Myrtleford and District Historical Society
Memorial Plaque, Memorial Plaque Factory, "Dead Man's Penny", Circa 1921
The "Dead Man's Penny" of Private George Matthews (24/1744) is a district link to the First World War. George enlisted with the Otago Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force as a rifleman. Born in 1891, he was a former pupil of Myrtleford State School 955 and was one of four first cousins killed in action and recorded in a memorial window and honour board at the Uniting (formerly Methodist) Church, the Soldier's Memorial Square and on the State School Honour Board. George's parents, John and Mary Matthews,received the plaque in a pack, together with a letter and commemorative scroll from King George V. George Matthews is buried at the Caterpillar Valley (N.Z.) Memorial, France, having died on October 1, 1916, aged 25. The memorial plaque links local family tragedy to world conflict. It represents the impact of such events must have had on small town communities. George Matthews' enlistment in New Zealand is an indicator of the migratory nature of men involved in gold mining after the decline of the industry in Victoria and New South Wales in the late 19th centuryA World War 1 memorial plaque issued to next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who died as a result of the war. They were round and cast in bronze, hence their similarity to the much smaller penny coin. The plaque includes an image of Britannia, holding a trident and standing with a lion. Britannia holds an oak leaf above the deceased's name, which is recorded without rank. Two dolphins swim around Britannia, symbolizing sea power, and at the base a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle. Around the picture a legend reads: "He died for freedom and Honour"Name engraved: GEORGE MATTHEWSmemorial plaque dead man's penny george matthews -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, Siers, Robyn, Devotion: Stories of Australia's Wartime Nurses - Century of Service
Stories of Australian nurses who have served in World War One, World War Two and VietnamStories of Australian nurses who have served in World War One, World War Two and Vietnamaustralian army nurses, nurses, vietnam, gallipoli -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Program - religious service, Westminster Abbey Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Commemoration Service April 25th, 1916 (Being the First Anniversary of the Landing at Gallipoli), 1916
Commemoration in London of the first anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. On 25 April 1916, around 2,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers marched through the streets of London to the Abbey. The service was held in the presence of King George V and Queen Mary.Two pages of paper, buff coloured with age, printed both sides, folded and stapled to make an 8 page document. The order of service is set out on pages 3-8.wwi, world war i, anzac, anzac day, gallipoli, aif -
Puffing Billy Railway
Explosives Wagon, unkown
This 2 foot 6 inch (762mm) gauge wagon was used for carrying explosives and was used with the Greenbat Battery loco. It was donated to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway on long term loan in 2013 along with a large quantity of narrow gauge trollies and light rail from Orica’s now closed munitions factory in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Orica - Deer Park Munitions factory Orica Deer Park in Melbourne’s west has been used since circa 1875 for various forms of manufacturing and storage of chemicals. Although the site is bounded by Ballarat Road, Station Street, Tilburn Road and the Western Ring Road, the current entry point for industrial operations is situated at Gate 6 of Tilburn Road. Operations include: • a specialty chemicals facility producing products for mining services operations • quarry services • other chemical manufacture activities. The Deer Park factory complex The factory complex is of historical significance for the major role it played in Australia's manufacturing and mining industries through the development of progressively more efficient and safer explosives. It also contributed to wartime production in ammunition, initiators and the development of synthetic ammonia production and construction of the Defence Explosives Annexe No 5 (later the Albion Explosives Factory) during World War Two. The factory complex is also of technical significance for the unusual and specialised design of many of the buildings and structures, both in the layout of the works and the individual design of buildings. Blast protection and safety measures such as mounds around the buildings, 'cleanways' and buffer zones between production areas were employed extensively. A characteristic of many production buildings was the elimination of cavities where explosive compounds could lodge. The combination of concrete barriers and light-weight construction was designed to direct explosion debris away from operators or other buildings. The narrow gauge tramway, which ran through the explosives section, is a rare survivor of nineteenth century materials-handling methods. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Wagon for carrying Explosives at the Orica - Deer Park Munitions factory, Deer park, Victoria, Australia Wagon for carrying explosives made from Timber and steelwagon for carrying explosives, puffing billy, industrial narrow gauge railway, orica - deer park munitions factory, explosives wagon -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Poster - Framed poster
A limited edition framed collection with service medals presented over the past one hundred years to our dedicated service men and women, meticulously mounted and displayed on quality backing. Includes: 36 medals, 53 current bars and 12 World War II barsBrown timber frame with gold painted inner edge containing a poster headed with two springs of wattle either side of three flags above four rows of medals and ribbons on a white background edged with photograph negatives of soldiers and wartime.Australian Service Medals Centre of bottom edge - Christie's Pty Ltd Registered Design Number 1/2500australian, service medals -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Print, 1943
During World War II, the city of Modane in the southeast region of France was bombed on 13 or 17 September 1943 by Allied aircraft. The objective of the bombing was the station, an important centre of transit between France and Italy. The bombing caused 60 victims and 100 houses were destroyed. A second bombing took place on the night of 10–11 November 1943. Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command.included: - 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. 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 Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944. The significance of this item records the names of the Lancaster aircraft flight crew which took part in the second allied bombing of Modane a small city in the south eastern region of France which was an important centre of transit between France and Italy during the second world war. The bombing took place on the 10-11 November 1943 killing five civilians.oval shaped copy of black and white photograph of a Lancaster plane above scroll containing names of servicemen.Modane 10/11.11.1943 Signatures of Sergeant Holt, Sergeant Tull and Flight Sergeant Boysdistinguished flying cross, world war two, air force, modane, france, pilot officer john hudson wilkinson -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, 14/9/1943
Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command. The Squadron is based at RAF Station Waddington, and this crew is just preparing to take off on a raid over Berlin. Left to right: 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 11615 Sergeant (later Flt Sgt) Charles Edward Adair of Swan Hills, NSW (lost on operations over Germany on 23 September 1943); 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross), (bending down) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. 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. The crew of “M for Mother”, a Lancaster bomber from 467 Squadron, preparing to take off on a raid over Berlin. John Wilkinson is standing at far right. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany in August 1944. black and white photograph of seven airmen in front of Lancaster bomber planeRear of photograph - John Wilkinson on right standing behind man bent over pilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, lancaster, 1944 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir - Dinner Menu
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. Dinner menu. Paper based with plastic laminate.pilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Award - Citation
Citation of Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to JOHN HUDSON WILKINSON: Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN Victoria - tragically killed in action over Germany on 30th August, 1944. Citation reads: - "Pilot Officer WILKINSON is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties, many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion, in March 1944, when engaged in an attack on Stuttgart, a Junkers 88 attacked the aircraft five times, but Pilot Officer WILKINSON, by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire, drove off the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew." The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"Original typed document on blue/grey parchment with blue letterhead containing crestGovernor General Commonwealth of Australiapilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, wilkinson -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Booklet
No 1 Wireless Air Gunners School RAAF Ballarat Christmas Card 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. Bi fold booklet with blue ribbon bindingpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c. 1944
Photograph of RAAF Squadron in front of aircraft 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. Black and white photograph of airmen in front of aircraftpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force, john hudson wilkinson -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
Image depicts two basalt war memorials located in the Memorial Gardens next to the Holy Trinity Cathedral The first commemorating the four local soldiers killed in the Boer War and a declaration of peace at Pretoria. It was unveiled in 1903 by Colonel John Hoad. (Later Sir John Hoad) a one time Wangaratta resident who became chief of the Australian General Staff. The second memorial bears the names of residents who were killed in the two World Wars as well as the Vietnam War. It was unveiled in 1923 by Colonel Scott, a former borough engineer. The image includes 2 x 32 pound cannons taken from HMS Nelson, a Royal Navy warship built between 1809-1814. The Nelson was transferred to the Victorian Colonial Navy as a cut down two decker in 1867.. The ship arrived in Port Phillip on 4 February 1868 and decommissioned in 1893. The cannons arrived in Wangaratta in 1901.Each year an ANZAC service is held in the gardens to remember those that served our country during times of war.Unframed sepia photograph of two tall monuments in garden setting.Memorial Gardens, Wangaratta Valentine Series No 1028cenotaph, wangaratta, war memorial, boer war, ww1, ww2, vietnam war, hms nelson, cannons -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Cuppa Tea, Digger?
... Services Salvos serving in world war two. Lindsay Cox FOREWORD ...Accounts of the salvation army members, as Red Shield War Services serving the Australian Troops during World War 2.Green background with hessian textured look, 2 black and white photographs of soldiers having tea breaks during world war 2. Red spine with salvation army logo on black at top. Back cover is same green as front, with 2 black and white photographs, soldiers having a break on their truck, and group of ladies preparing tea with soldiers in background.Salvos serving in world war two. Lindsay Cox FOREWORD GENERAL SIR PETER COSGROVEsalvation army, world war 2, diggers, red shield war services -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter
Letter dated 7/1/1945 from Wing Commander ???? 83 Squadron RAF in Lincolnshire to Mrs Wilkinson acknowledging her letter dated 30/11/1944 seeking names and addresses of members of her late son's crew on the night they went missing. 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 Single page with embossed crest letterheadpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter
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 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper - Newspaper cutting, J H Wilkinson
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 -
Clunes Museum
Photograph
ORIGINAL COLLAGES OF PHOTOGRAPHS WERE HUNG IN THE CLUNES TOWN HALL.TWO FRAMED COLLAGES OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF SERVICE PERSONEL OF WORLD WAR 1 FROM CLUNES AND DISTRICT.local history, photography, photographs, military -
National Wool Museum
Letter
Two letters dating from 1943 from the Anama Pastoral Co. Ltd, Central Bungaree, Brinkworth, South Australia, to W.R. Lang re: wool testing and measuring service.wool - testing world war ii, anama pastoral co., ltd, lang, dr w. roy, wool - testing, world war ii -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr Bill Smith & Mr Ray Membrey 1989
Bill Smith & Ray Membrey both aged 93 on visit to Stawell Historical Society Sept 1989. Photograph taken in Stawell's old Court house. Ray Membrey is on the left in the photograph with Bill Smith, both 93 years old. These gentlemen made a visit to Stawell in September before enlisting as service men in the first World War. Ray's family lived in Skene Street Stawell. Ray's father had a blacksmith business in Patrick St. Stawell. Bill's family lived for some time at the Pleasant Creek Court House. c 1912 -20. Bills father was a Carpender. Article attached to the back of the photo is from The Stawell Times News Friday, September 1, 1989. The article details information about their 70 year mateship.Black & white photograph of two mature males, seated behind a table in research room, old Stawell Court house. Photograph taken by Mark Dadswell, Stawell.Article attached "Mateship spans 70 years for these "boys" of Stawell. "The Stawell Times - News" Friday, September 1, 1989"stawell -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Teacup
The Orungal was originally built in Glasgow in 1923 for the Khedival Mail Steamship & Graving Dock Company of Egypt and named the S.S. Fezara. Due to the effects on steamship companies of the Great Depression including the steep costs of building new ships and increases in running costs and port charges, no new passenger ships had been ordered in Australia since before World War One. To meet demand for passenger berths, the Fezara (5826 tons) along with its sister ship the Famaka (5856 tons, renamed Ormiston), were chartered by the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company Ltd (A.U.S.N.Co.) in 1927. Both the A.U.S.N.Co and the Khedival Mail Steamship Co. were part of the P&O Group. The Orungal operated in this role as an interstate passenger and mail steamer between 1927 and 1940, being used mainly on the Melbourne to Queensland and Western Australian runs, with 240 single class berths. Following the outbreak of World War Two six of the nine large passenger liners servicing mainland Australian passenger and mail trades were requisitioned by the Government to ferry equipment, troops and supplies. Some of them were converted to armed merchant cruisers and used for patrol work and escort duties in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Orungal had originally been requisitioned by the government along with the Zealandia on 25 June 1940, to transport troops to Darwin, but was returned to commercial service because "of her unsuitability", perhaps too slow for the demands of the work. Despite being rejected for patrol and convoy duties the Orungal still had a vital role as one of only three passenger liners left to service the mainland Australian trade. Following its requisitioning by the Government shortly after war broke out, it had been fitted out with defensive armament. On its final voyage arriving at Port Phillip Heads from Sydney, Captain Gilling was attempting to enter the Heads ahead of a worsening south-westerly storm and, with a minefield known to have been laid in the area, had been warned by the Navy not to deviate from the swept channel. The captain and crew held fears that in the stormy seas a mine may have been carried away. In the worsening weather a blur of lights at Barwon Heads was mistaken for Port Lonsdale, and the Orungal steamed ashore onto Formby Reef, just east of the entrance of the Barwon River - instead of passing safely through the middle of the Rip. At the Marine Board Inquiry Capt. Gilling - who had been master of the Orungal since 1926 - stated that after becoming uneasy about his position and changing course to starboard one point: " At 10.21 pm I ordered the engine room to stand by and gave instructions for the patent log to be hauled in and for the sounding-gear to be got ready. Approximately two minutes later, in a flash of lightning, I saw land off the port beam. I immediately recognised it as Barwon Heads, and ordered the helm to be put hard to starboard, but the vessel struck before she had time to answer the helm" Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove residents were startled to hear the shrill blast of the ship's whistle, followed by the bright flares and explosions of signal rockets. The Queenscliff lifeboat crew, who had responded to the tragic collision between the Goorangai and another passenger liner the Duntroon in Port Phillip Bay less than 24 hours earlier, were later praised for their efforts in safely taking off all the passengers and crew. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the wreck, and were woken up by the commotion, the ship shaking "from stem to stern" and stewards ordering them to lifeboat stations in driving rain. It was a dramatic time with the ship siren wailing and distress rockets being fired. It was reported that "When it was found the ship was safe, the passengers all went to the music room. There they sang and danced for several hours. The ship's orchestra played merrily, and amateur performers among the passengers clowned, danced and sang to keep the laughter going. In the early hours of the morning passengers went to their cabins, most of them to sleep soundly while the keel grated on the rocks". At dawn the Queenscliff lifeboat arrived at the scene having been launched at 2.30am, and cautiously approached the ship which was being "battered by mountainous seas". By 5am oil from a burst oil line was helping to calm seas around the Orungal sufficiently enough for the lifeboat to approach, and all the passengers and crew were taken off in several trips by the lifeboat. A Court of Inquiry later found that the wreck was caused by an abnormal set of current to the north-west and cleared the officers and crew of neglect of duty. The sight of a huge liner almost on the beach saw an unprecedented amount of traffic as people drove an estimated 10,000 cars, using some 60,000 gallons of fuel in a time of strict petrol rationing, to see the spectacle. Salvage operations began in an attempt to refloat the vessel, scheduled for the high tide on 15 December 1940. However, during these operations, at 2.30 am on 13 December 1940, a major fire broke out, believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion in the boiler room. The ship was soon ablaze, with smoke pouring from its hatches and ventilators, and at mid-morning the magazine exploded fiercely. Of the 60 men working aboard the vessel two were severely burned and had to be taken to Geelong Hospital. The gathered spectators witnessed the eerie sight of the ship's hull glowing red when night fell. The well-known building demolition contractor Whelan the Wrecker bought the salvage rights, and methodically proceeded to dismantle the ship and its fittings. The drama was not yet over for the wreckers when - without warning - the burnt-out hulk was 'attacked' by RAAF for strafing practice. Salvage rights were transferred to another private owner in 1963. By 1945 the combined effects of the exposed location, fire and salvage had seen what was left of the wreck disappear beneath the waves. The site today is marked by two of the four Scotch type boilers sitting upright and exposed at low tide, just north-east of the small boats channel at the entrance to Barwon Heads. Large sections of steel hull plating and framing, and impressively large pieces of ships structure and machinery including masts, booms, deck winches, propeller shaft, flywheel, and a thrust block lie scattered about and make the site an interesting shallow dive. It is interesting to compare the site of the Orungal with the intact remains of similar large passenger ships scuttled in deep water in the Ships' Graveyard, such as the Milora and Malaita. The site is subject to waves and surge, and is best dived on flat calm days The teacup originated from the SS Orungal and was likely used heavily in the ship's life as a passenger, mail and cargo carrier around Australia. The teacup is significant for its connections to SS Orungal and of this ships connected story of being sunk in extraordinary circumstances in the local region. A.U.S.N. Co. Ltd. Teacup salvaged from SS Orungal ss orungal, fezara, world war two, barwon heads, ocean grove -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Till documents
Alwyn Terence Till died in action in Belgium during World War 2.Alwyn Terence Till died in action in Belgium during World War 2. His family kept letters he had written and records relating to his life, war service and death, which were donated to the Whitehorse Historical Society in 2008. Also included in this donation were records of other members of the Till Family, and letters written by William Cook, a relative by marriage (ND5889)|Two copies of French Translation of 'A Brave Australian Airman'. Also correspondence fromYvonne Fitzmaurice relating to the book she wrote on Alwyn Till and its rranslation into FrenchAlwyn Terence Till died in action in Belgium during World War 2.till, alwyn, till, sydney, till, evelyn, till, alison bertha, world war, 1939-1945, mitcham, world war, 1914-1918, maggs family, cook, harriet amey -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Uniform - Jacket Army, c1939
World War 2 Army uniform jacket worn by Captain Noel WestWorld War 2Army khaki tunic with cotton lining, sleeves have striped lining. Tunichas 2top pleated pockets with pointed flaps. Two more large expanding pockets with on bottom,4 buttons with Australia map and Aust Military Forces on front with one each on pocket. Shoulder strap has pips. One Australia badge and one AMF button on each side. Lapels have a rising sun badge on each lapel. Back has one pleat on bottom of jacket. Belt has rectangle buckle with 2bottom waist adjusters. Sleeve has a vee shape on cuff. Right sleeve has 2 vee stripes (long service) In pocket envelope with piece of ribbon from 1939/1945 Star, Pacific Star, and efficiency medalcostume, male uniform, military -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Safety Razor, c1940
... whilst on active service during World War Two. Cataloguer used... husband whilst on active service during World War Two. Cataloguer ...It is believed to have been used by the donor's husband whilst on active service during World War Two. Cataloguer used a similar razor during service in 1942-45A 'Valet' auto-strop safety razor enclosed in a lidded bakelite box, with enclosures for Razor and spare blades. Box is brown in colour. The strop which is part of the set is missing. Three pieces make up the set.'VALET' Auto-strop Safety Razor|'VALET' on razor|Made in England.personal effects-toilet requisites, shaving