The game of TWO-UP was a popular gambling game played by soldiers during WW1.Piece of timber with two indentations to sit two pennies in side by side. Decoration at one end includes a map of Australia. The board is accompanied by a description of how to play TWO-UP. Two pennies sit in position.two-up

Military pouch used by soldiers during ww1 to be attached to belt to carry bayonetManufactured and sold by Holden and Frost Brown leather open ended pouch with two leather straps with buckles to attach to soldiers belt . Brass stud on front of pouch.HOLDEN AND FROST 1915military, bayonet pouch, leather

WW1 and WWII historic significance.Soldiers pay book, Identification papers, Certificate of discharge, War Service Homes Commission. Documentation for Ernest Arthur Michael Burke.Letter from WWI. Discharge certificates from WW1 and WWII. Soldiers pay books from WWI and WWII. Letter from War Service Homes Commission.

EDHS Newsletter No. 270 June 2023 At our next meeting at 2.00pm on Saturday 10th June 2023 we are pleased to have Dr. Geoffrey Sandy to present to us on the WW1 Soldier Welcome Home Committees, with specific reference to Eltham. Geoffrey is an author, parish historian and parish archivist for St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Eltham. Soldier Welcome Home Committees (SWHC) were established throughout Australia during WW1 by the soldier’s local community - their home. Despite WW1 being a well-researched area of Australian history, little has been published on the SWHCs. The work of these committees is an important part of our war history, and our volunteer history. As women were often well-represented, and active within the SWHCs, it is also important to our history of Australian women. Geoff has undertaken a detailed case study of the Soldier Welcome Home Committee at Eltham (SWHCE). During the WW1 period Eltham can be described a small rural community. What is fortunate is that the Minute Books of the SWHC Eltham meetings are extant and readily accessible, as these are held in the archives of Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church Eltham.1:17:13 duration Digital MP3 file; 26.5MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, eltham, avenue of honour, dr geoffrey sandy, welcome home committee

These items were put together to show a Light Horse Soldier in WW1. Near all are replicas..1) Slouch hat with feathers, pugaree, chin strap and blackened brass rising sun badge on upturned rim. .2) & .3) Gaiter (pair), leather with buckles at top and strap at lower end. .4) & .5) Boot (pair) .6) Jodhpurs, Brown colour complete with plastic buttons and leg laces. .7 Jacket, Battle, Kahki with 2 x “Australia” shoulder badges, 2 x “Rising Sun Epaulette Badges”, 2 x “Light Blue over Dark Blue Colour patches”, all metal buttons complete..1) in texta on inside leather band "PALMER", gold coloured print: "Mountcastle 1991, made in Australia" .6) Inside pants in texts “ALHA” .7) Inside on tag, “C.G.C.F AUSTRALIA 1961 size 54 D & D 9405 64-012 5469”uniforms-army cavalry, costume accessories-hat/footwear accessories, numismatics-badges-military

Pouch used to contain personal equipment and/or tools issued to soldiers during WW1. The history of this pouch is unknown.Brown with green tinge leather pouch with flap secured by metal button/post. Two leather keepers are sewn to the back to allow the pouch to be held on a waist belt.Inside flap has arrow symbol above the number 7 impressed into leatherleather pouch, ww1, personal equipment, tool pouch

Holy Trinity Anglican Church and Manse Main Street Stawell c1930. Also Soldiers Memorial WW1stawell religion monument

Items in the collection relating to Lt Col Jack Swatton Regt No 4905, refer Cat No 6719.2P for his extensive service records and RSL. .6 - No. 2813 James Albert Handley (right), 38th Bn. & No. 6132 Allan Ernest Driscoll (centre), 39th Bn. 1. B & W portrait of an Aust WW1 soldier with slouch hat. He is smiling. 2. B & W photo of 2 Aust soldiers in work clothes. Brick pier and iron gate behind them. 3. B & W photo of 2 Aust soldiers in work clothes. Photo of poorer quality. 4. B & W photo of 2 Aust soldiers casually dressed. A brick building and wooden door is behind them. One soldier is not wearing puttees. 5. Group portrait of 21 soldiers including one officer. They have musical instruments. 6. Snow covered cemetery photo. The wooden grave marker just to the right of centre is that of No. 2813 Pte Handley James Albert. He was KIA 18 July 1918. 7. Portrait of soldier looks like between wars or during WW2. Different shaped photo.1-6 Nil. 7. has '25' on back.passchendaele barracks trust, ww1, aif, photos

These are WW1 Australian soldiers, They have leather bandoliers, leather leggings and spurs. Most have slouch hats. Therefore they are probably drivers. The big officer in the middle has red tabs so it is assumed he would be Colonel or above. Seated on the ground, right side is a veteran. He has a colour patch with the letter "A" . There is a Lance Corporal with a colour patch. I would place this as c1916-1918.This is a small group portrait set into a cardboard frame. The photo is black and white. There are 3 ranks of soldiers in front of a timber weatherboard building.On the back written in texta is Mrs O. Pell.photograph, ww1

The photo comes from a souvenir brochure printed for the dedication of The Shrine on 7 April 1918, a copy of which is also held in the collection.. The Shrine was opened on Sunday 7 April 1918. Mrs C H D Steele, President of the local Patriotic League, is credited with the idea of building The Shrine as a fitting memorial to the WW1 soldiers of the district. The Surrey Hills Progress Association coordinated raising funds from local residents. John Kendrick Blogg carved the beautiful honor roll in Indian teak and Australian white mahogany and the design of the Shrine was by John Stevens Gawler, architect of Gawler & Drummond. Both men donated their services. It was one of the first WW1 memorials to be built and is noted for its use of Australian motifs, wattle blossom and gum leaves. The boomerang over the full width of the monument was said to be symbolic of both those who did and did not return. Surrey Hills Progress Association coordinated fundraising to build the memorial. There is a bound copy of a history of The Shrine by Robin Doble in the collection.Black & white photo of the artist's impression of The Shrine in the Surrey Gardens. surrey gardens, john kendrick blogg (mr), surrey hills progress association, john stevens gawler, gawler and drummond, the shrine, war memorials, sarah margaret russell (miss), sarah margaret steele (mrs), mrs charles henry dillon steele

This photograph shows a group of WW1 returned soldiers at a special dinner which was held at the old show ground. Those in the photograph are: Frank Cowell; Jack Irving; Les Waller; Tom Martin; Dick Beattie; Bill Russell; Bill Cowell; Dave Williams; Col Cameron; Bert Shaw; Jack Gluth; Henry Thomas; Alec Butters; Mrs A. G. Nixon; Nell Cameron; Grace Cameron; Ivy Richrdson; Nita WinchesterThis is a contemporary pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost. This item, associated with WW1 is a reminder of the involvement of the Orbost men who served in that conflict and the appreciation of their efforts by the Orbost communityA long black / white photograph of a large group of men sitting at tables having a meal . There are some women standing behind them. They are outdoors. The photo is in a light pink wooden frame under glass. 1010.2 is a copy.at front on paper label - "A DINNER GIVEN TO RETURNED SOLDIERS OF 1914 - 1918 WAR" and a list of names.armed-services ww1 orbost-soldiers

Colour Photo Soldiers’ Memorial with Grampians in Background. The photograph was taken on Anzac Day in 1988. The three Australian flags were flying to commemorate the day. Colour Photograph of Soldiers WW1 Memorial with Grampians in the background. Photo has 3 Australian Flags flying, Australian Army, The National Flag and the State Flag. Also, the globe to the left next to a give way sign, with a fountain between the flags and a Caltex sign on the right.Stawell 1988 Anzac Day Australia.stawell ww1 ww2

Photographs of SGT John (Jack) LOCKETT 1. As a soldier in WW1. 38th Battalion. 2. As an elderly gentleman, wearing French Legion of Honour medal. 3. FLH Medal and WW1 medals.1. Photograph - sepia photograph of a seated soldier. 2. Photograph - coloured photograph of a veteran. 3. Photograph - coloured - medal collection. Hard cardboard backing.passchendaele barracks trust, john (jack) lockett, ww1, 38th battalion

The War Memorial was constructed in 1925 on Merri Street at the South side of Liebig St. It was constructed to commemorate the soldiers of WW1. It is constructed of red granite and the Angel is carved in marble. Adjacent to it is the RSL clubrooms.The Warrnambool War Memorial is a significant space commemorating a significant event and situated in one of the most prominent sites within the city. The image on this item would therefore be a typical memory which visitors would like to take from our city.White china saucer with gold rim and black print of the Warrnambool War Memorial. Soldiers Memorial Warrnambool. On rear Royal Stafford, guaranteed English Bone China. Made in England warrnambool, warrnambool war memorial

Soldiers’ Memorial and WW2 memorial. This photo shows the memorials in the surrounding landscape at the time, c.1999. Black & White photo showing both Memorials, WW1 and WW2. The Soldier's Memorial in the photo is behind the Remembrance Memorial. In the photo three flagpole stand behind the memorials. There is a Caltex sign in the background and cars surround the memorials. stawell ww1 ww2

Used in WW1 by German soldiers, primarily pioneer troops and NCOs. Often had their teeth removed due to negative conotations associated with allied propaganda. Many German soldiers were advised not to use the sawback bayonet as they believed that if caught with it they could be summarily executed Know as a saw back bayonet or a butchers knifeDark steel bayonet with substantial 37 cm (15 in) blade. Woodne grips are missing and steel on grop is significantly rusted. Saw back edge with 2 rows of 29 teeth, The quilion bends down toward the hanle Unlike many other bayontes this bayonet does not have a muzzel ring it instead has a long t shaped gove in the handle, Mauser avoided one since these altered the vibration harmonics of the barrel when fired, affecting accuracy. All the bayonets featured quillons that curved back towards the hilt. These were much less effective at catching the opposing blade than the forward-swept quillons used by some other nations. A small number of pioneers and certain non-commissioned officers of the German Army were issued a bayonet with a sawback edge, known as the S or m.S. ("mit Säge", with saw). Many such bayonets had their teeth ground down in response to negative Allied propaganda. There is a heavily rusted, all steel scabbardWAFFENFABRIK MAUSER A.G OBERNDORF a.N5/6 rvr, bayonet, ww1, german, western front

In WW1 it was common to get your own photos and having them as the picture for the postcard. All postcard photos are of Leonard Frank Shelton.1.- 2. Both B & W photos of shoulder/head shots of soldier from WW1. Identical person. Post card blank on back. 3. Sepia photo of soldier standing at attention, Postcard on back blank.1. Written "Leonard Frank Shelton". 2. Written "This is the one Len had taken in London".passchendaele barracks trust, postcards, photos, leonard frank shelton

A framed print of a hand coloured photo detailing open warfare in Peronne during WW1. Image shows frontline soldiers witnessing an explosion in the distance. Mat board is inscribed with the words "OPEN WARFARE BEYOND PERONNE. SEPT 1918""Cotarts Studios Melbourne" inscribed on the right corner of the print. open warfare beyond peronne, 1918, september 1918, ww1, explosion, peronne

Poster on wall of shop promoting the protection of vineyards from Prohibition by voting No. This would date this photo to c.March 1930. A vote was being held by the Victorian government which the vineyard growers were opposed to due to the ramifications it would have upon the wider industry for dried fruits and table grapes, etc as well and how it was in direct conflict with the federal government's actions of WW1 Soldiers Settlements on vineyards as it would ruin them. Info sourced from: 1930 'HOW VINE GROWERS WOULD BE PENALISED', Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), 28 March, p. 4. (AFTERNOON) [See Link.] Note with photo: "Man with hammer is Mr Gadd; always wore leggings and played violin at local dances. On his left is Harold Norman of Research. (Sam Howard played banjo). Mrs Read (Jock's mother) played piano by ear. Research called Normantow because no one could remember who was related to who." Note the school children; one of whom may be Jock Read. Edward Gadd died of pneumonia, July 1937. He had operated his coach building business in Eltham for about 17 years (1920-1937). He lived in Research and left a wife and three sons. He was actively involved with the Research Hall and was largely instrumental in its establishment. Info sourced from: 1937 'Death of Mr. Edward Gadd.', Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922 - 1939), 23 July, p. 1. [See Link.] Sepia photographcoaches, dance band, edward gadd, eltham, harold norman, jock read, mrs read, prohibition vote, research (vic.), sam howard, vineyards, industry, school children

A brass gift box with an embossed hinging lid which was presented to WW1 sailors and soldiers for Christmas 1914. The gift was at the initiative of HRH The Princess Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary the daughter of the then King George V and Queen Mary. This box is empty however the full story of the box and contents can be found at the following url < http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.994/setPaginate/No >The lid is embossed with the bust of HRH Princess Mary in a wreath with the letter "M" to either side and the following words "IMPERIUM BRITANNICUM" and "CHRISTMAS 1914" and has the country names "FRANCE", "BELGIUM", "JAPAN", "RUSSIA", MONTENEGRO" and "SERVIA". box, ww1, brass, wwi, gift box, princess mary s gift box, present, christmas present

WW1 Australian soldier Holmes Famiiy memento. Estaires is a town and commune in the Department of the Nord, about 11 kilometres west of Armentieres. The Estaires Communal Cemetery and Extension is on the eastern outskirts of the town and on the east side of the road to Bailleul. Estaires town was occupied by French cavalry on the 15 October 1914, and passed at once into British hands. On the 10 April 1918 it was captured by the enemy, after an obstinate defence by the 50th (Northumbrian) Division; and it was finally retaken by British troops at the beginning of September 1918. The town was a Field Ambulance centre as early as November 1914, and later the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station was posted in it. (http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/26801/ESTAIRES%20COMMUNAL%20CEMETERY%20AND%20EXTENSION, accessed 11/07/2014)Australian soldier's WW1souvenirA black and white postcard with buildings along a river at Estaires in Northern France.estaires communal cemetery and extension, estaires, france, chatham-holmes family collection, 1st australian casualty clearing station, postcard

Doyle Family Group photographs plus others. Think a mistake in photograph of soldier in WW1 uniform (photo 2) as more likely Peter Pagan Doyle as John born 1909. Photo 1. Portrait of "John Galbraith Doyle born Stawell 1909, only child of Marion (Galbraith) and John Pagan Doyle". Photo 2. of soldier & portrait photo. "John Galbraith Doyle born Stawell 1909 only child of Marion (Galbraith) and John Pagan Doyle". Photo 3. of wedding group "Origin unknown. At the right is Marion Galbraith, b1881 in Stawell, dau. of Peter Galbraith. The man to her right is thought to be John Pagan Doyle". Photo 4. of house. "Home of Peter Galbraith and family, possibly Patrick Street Stawell. with family members arrayed" Photo 5. family group "Galbraith family at Stawell. Mr. Peter Galbraith, his wife Margaret (Cameron), and 4 children -L-R Norman, Marion, Afton and (in front) Harold. Photo 6. of 8 men. "Source unknown, but possible connected with Stawell of Mines or may be part of Peter Galbraith's assay business. People second from left, back row and second from left, front row appears to be sons of Peter Galbraith". Photo 7. "Marion (Galbraith) Doyle and John Galbraith Doyle (b. Stawell 1909)". Marion only daughter of Peter & Margaret Galbraith nee Cameron born Stawell 1881. Marion married John Pagan Doyle who was Science Director of School of Mines, Stawell 1909. Eight black and white photographs of Galbraith Doyle and Pagan Doyle Family. Two photographs of a soldier in WW1 uniform. (Think a mistake as possible Peter Pagan Doyle). Third photo is of a group of 13 people at a wedding. Fourth photo of a weather board house with a veranda and garden and people on veranda and in garden. Fifth photo Family group. Sixth photo 8 men holding equipment associated with mining but formally dressed. Eight photo of a woman and child holding a cat. Note a mistake on 2 photos, the captions state John Galbraith Doyle was born 1909 at Stawell but he is shown in a WW1 uniform which cannot be him. The soldier must be his father John Pagan Doyle who enlisted 1915 at Stawell. Photo 1. of "John Galbraith Doyle born Stawell 1909, only child of Marion (Galbraith) and John Pagan Doyle". Photo 2. of soldier & portrait photo. "John Galbraith Doyle born Stawell 1909 only child of Marion (Galbraith) and John Pagan Doyle". Photo 3. of wedding group "Origin unknown. At the right is Marion Galbraith, b1881 in Stawell, dau. of Peter Galbraith. The man to her right is thought to be John Pagan Doyle". Photo 4. of house. "Home of Peter Galbraith and family, possibly Patrick Street Stawell. with family members arrayed" Photo 5. family group "Galbraith family at Stawell. Mr. Peter Galbraith, his wife Margaret (Cameron), and 4 children -L-R Norman, Marion, Afton and (in front) Harold. Photo 6. of 8 men. "Source unknown, but possible connected with Stawell of Mines or may be part of Peter Galbraith's assay business. People second from left, back row and second from left, front row appears to be sons of Peter Galbraith". Photo 7. "Marion (Galbraith) Doyle and John Galbraith Doyle (b. Stawell 1909)".stawell

Posters are copies of a framed collection from the Eaglehawk Heritage Society Inc. Refer Cat No. 5155 for first item in that collection.1. to 30 Posters. 31. & 32. Newspapers. 1. to 30. Posters - white colour paper. Printed in colour using memorabilia of WW1 soldiers and their lives. 1. Bellesini Brothers. 2. Bice Brothers. 3. John James Bray. 4. Cairns Brothers. 5. Roy E.G. Calvery. 6. David M. Davies. 7. Arthur E. Dower. 8. George Eddy. 9. Elliott Brothers. 10. Fletcher Family. 11. Harry Fletcher. 12. Flett Brothers. 13. Gee Brothers. 14. Howe Brothers. 15. David J.V. Jamieson. 16. Norman V. Long. 17. William J. May. 18. McClelland Brothers. 19. Robert R. Metcalf. 20. Moyle Family. 21. Francis N. Moyle. 22. Frederick Sheldon. 23. George T. Speedy, Charles E. Speedy. 24. William J. Symons V.C. 25. John E. Wood. 26. Leslie W. Miller. 27. William N. Ruddick, Frederick W.L. Knuckey. 28. John T. Taylor, Alfred A. Priest. 29. Frederick D. Trewarne, Edward J. Siler, 30. The Nurses. 31. & 32. Newspapers - off white paper. Black and colour print. 31. The Herald Victory Edition Souvenir, 50 Years of Freedom 1995. 32. Victory. A Bendigo Advertiser Special Supplement, Tuesday, August 15, 1995. Items stored in "20 pocket A.3 Clear Display Book". Black colour folder cover with clear plastic pockets.memorabilia, posters, newspapers, anzacs

Wallets sent to serving soldiers during WW1 from YMCA related to "Henry Trevor Clutterbuck" No. 7462 who enlisted 2/6/17 age 18 in 25th Reinforcements 7th Batt, and embarked 4/8/17. Returned 25/9/19. ENLISTED WW2 10/7/40, S/N VX43810.Black hard board wallet with fold down flap and two inside pockets.Marked "The Aussie Wallet" "Xmas Wishes from" "Australian YMCA" "1918"henry trevor clutterbuck, wallet, ymca, ww1, ww2

World War 1 Australian Bombardier with the Royal Field Artillery189 A brass gift box with an embossed hinging lid which was presented to WW1 sailors and soldiers for Christmas 1914. The gift was at the initiative of HRH The Princess Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary the daughter of the then King George V and Queen Mary. 189.1 Small card with paper insert 189.2 Three medals with coloured ribbons, one medal has a small metal badge attached. Items belonging to Bombardier G.S.Hunt, 57473 in the Royal Field Artillery, WW1.The lid is embossed with the bust of HRH Princess Mary in a wreath with the letter "M" to either side and the following words "IMPERIUM BRITANNICUM" and "CHRISTMAS 1914" and has the country names "FRANCE", "BELGIUM", "JAPAN", "RUSSIA", MONTENEGRO" and "SERVIA". 189.1 Front of card a crown with M underneath with 1915 under that. Inside Wreath with sword through it and the words With best wishes for a victorious new year from The Princess Mary and friends at home. 189.2 WW1 Campaign Medals / ribbons 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.brass, hunt, g.s hunt, christmas, 1914, princess mary, bombadier, ww1, world war 1, army, royal field artillery, 1914 star, british war medal, victory medal

This postcard was sent from France during World War One WW1 to Violet Holmes [mother and aunty of other WW1 soldiers], by the son of a neighbouring Ascot Tourello District Family, the Wrigley Family. Violet inherited "Sauchieburn" an Ascot property on the death of her husband William Holmes in 1914. On her death this property was to be left to their 4 children and administered by a relative till the youngest child turned 27. As young boys, Violet's husband William, and his brother Henry, lived with their Aunt Catherine Coghill and Uncle William Coghill at ‘Sauchieburn’ Ascot. The Coghills had no children of their own. He and his brother Edward started a stock and station business at Clunes. Henry and Violet Holmes subsequently inherited "Sauchieburn" from Catherine (nee Holmes) and William Coghill, direct descendants of the Coghills Creek, Ascot, Tourello pioneer settler Captain William Coghill [Jane Dyer, May 2024] Catherine and her brother Edward Carter Holmes drowned at sea.This is an extract from the Korumburra Times, Wednesday June 6, 1956: The fated travellers wrecked off N.S.W. ‘On May 29th, 1886 in bright moonlight the Ly-e-Moon, the pride of the Australian coastal fleet, broke her back on the treacherous rocks of Green Cape, off the NSW coast. Eighty souls perished within range of the beacon rays of the lighthouse, including representatives of the earliest families ever to settle in Poowong. The passengers. On the main deck, Mr Edward Holmes, a Poowong grazier and former owner of ‘Wombalano’. He had sold this property with the object of going to Queensland and settling there. The proceeds of sale amounting to 1,200 pounds in gold sovereigns were under lock and key in the Purser's Office. Mr Holmes, although advanced in years, had unformed plans to invest his money in some Queensland enterprise. In the meantime he would visit his married daughter and [his] two sons, who had previously settled in Queensland. With him on board was his widowed sister Mrs Coghill who had also accepted an invitation to go north. News of the shipwreck, means of communication being slow, did not reach Korumburra for nearly a week. By then all hope had been abandoned for the missing. Relations and friends thronged the Melbourne shipping office, but the answer was always the same - All passengers unaccounted for were presumed drowned. Black and white postcard of a sugar refinery in The Somme, France. The name of the town has been scrubbed out in purple pencil by a censor during World War One. The back of the card is written on in pencil,Written on back of card: Dear Violet, received photos and letters and thank you for forwarding same. Are we having lovely spell of weather. This morning is quite warm and pleasant. The photo of you all standing in front of your house is a good one and you all look to be getting enough to eat. Mother looks as if she it getting stronger after her severe illness. Your concert party will be broken up through the Vale girls leaving but you should have no difficulty in finding volunteers to fill the ranks. By all of your letters you are all looking forward to the day we return 9as we are). I wouldn't like to bet too much that we would be home by this time next year [ ? ] by the way fritz is fighting lately he would very much like to get [peace?] I think we will give him all he wants this summer. J. Waller was here last night is looking well. With best wished to you all. I am sincerely. [W.Wrigbee? Wrigley]somme, la suererie, chatham family collection, amiens, france, world war 1, postcard, ly-ee-moon, william coghill junior, ascot victoria, pioneers of ascot, shipwreck

Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. On the right is (Staff )Sergeant Charles Edmund MORRIS V4127 and 7349 who served with the 7th Battalion during WW1. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Image relates to a "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria.Black and white reproduced photograph of 11 aboriginal soldiers in two rows with Officer standing in middle of back row and Sergeant on far right.Attached to rear - Abo Platoon with Corporal Mullett on right (left)of platoon Hon Major J A Wright centre Sergeant Morris on left (right) - Wangaratta 1940 - J A Wright 1940 Wangno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon, joseph albert wright, charles edmund morris

This document one of several papers and objects from the estate of Mr Arthur O. Dixon, an ex-master mariner and later smallhold farmer. Other correspondence and papers gifted to the Mission indicates the year 1919 (post his service in World War 1) was a time of some changes for Mr Dixon, possibly leading to his subsequent re-location to Australia show that he served as a crew member on the Merchant vessel "Hororata" a vessel which is noted in the MTSV records including an image of the crew in the early 1920s. (see VC record ).This vessel is also mentioned in a narrative poem by a de-mobbed Soldier of WW1 as the transport for a number of returning servicemen and families. The poem is held in the National Library of Australia.Unusually for the early 20th C. era of Mr Dixon's service at sea two images of Mr Dixon were included in the gift of papers. Personal objects included an unusual small travel size New Testament (see VC record ) heavily annotated provide further insights into the experience of early 20th C. seafarers. Officially printed document, and official copy of an original certificate of competency issued by the office of the Register General of Shipping and Seamen recognising Arthur Oswald Dixon as an Extra Master. At right angles to the certificate is a small margin at left indication the current document is an approved copy in 1919 of the original certificate issued in 1904. See image for both sides of the document for extensive text.certificate of competency, master, captain, sailor, arthur oswald dixon, seamanship, sailors, seamen, seafarers, officers, 1904