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Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Image, John Robson
John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club -
Mt Dandenong & District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Billy Hughes at Sassafras
Copy of a photograph of Mr W M (Billy) Hughes, the Australian Prime Minister from 1915 to 1923 in the Main Street of Sassafras. Billy Hughes had a holiday house called Ty-Coed in Clarkmont Road. The Prince of Wales made an unofficial visit in 1920 and stayed with Billy Hughes in his holiday home. The Prince of Wales planted a tree in Anzac Avenue that had been officially opened on April 14th, 1920 by Captain Stanley Melbourne Bruce, who became Prime Minister after Billy Hughes.Black and white photograph showing well dressed man standing in front of a car .billy hughes, w m hughes, sassafras, prime minister -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Book, Facsimile of Address From the Old Colonists of Victoria to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh K.G, 1869
Blue hard covered 35 page book with an address, a reponse from Prince Alfred, and a number of signatures.To his Rotal highness Prince Alfred Ernest Albert Duke of Edinburgh K.G. &c &c &c May it please Your Royal Highness. We the undersigned, being Colonists of Victoria wirh expressions of a Century and upwards venture to approach you Royal Highness with expressions of unaltered loyalty to Her Majesty's throne and person, and our very sincere and heart congratulations to your Royal Highnedd on your auspicious visit to his distant dependency of the British Empire. We can confiently assure your Royal Highness that however attractive Republicans Institutions may be to many young communitites generally Victoria is in the main free from the taint of any such prediliction. The loyalty and attachment to Monarchial Government of those numbered amonst her older Colonists have been strenghtened bu their enlarged and by the deep connection ever increasing with their ripening years that their material interests will be best protected by the perpetuation of the intimate connexion with the Great Empire over which Her Majesty rules - an Empire the Language, Laws, Customs and Institutions of which it is their privelige to inherit. We may be allowed to esteem the visit of your Royal Highness to these shores as of teh utmost importance, regarded from the Imperial as well as from a Colonial point of view. Your Royal Highness has now had an opportunity of satisfying yourself, and may bear testimony on your return to Europe that the Colonists of Victoria, although they have left their Mother COuntry, have not lost the spirit of enterprise, the energy, the self-reliance, the love of law and order which distinguish the British Race - and that in common with their fellow countrymen at home they possess qualities, the possessoin of which by her peple has made England great and glorious amongst the nations - while your presence here proves to the Colony at large, be especially to our Colonial born youth that Her Majesty 's solicitude for our welfare is unabted. Wish a sincere hope that the visit of your Royal Highness to the other COlonies of the Australian Group may be gratifying to you, and your ultimate return to the Royal Circle safe and attended with every happiness. We beg leave to remain, With the greatest respect, Your Royal Highness' Most humble and most obedient servants, Signature Date of arrival in the Colony. Edward Henty Novr 19th 1834 Francis Henty Decr 9th 1834 John Pascoe Fawkner Oct 9th 1835 Many ignatures follow including John Wilson Novr 1841 Joseph Bickett 27 September 1842 Theophilis Dredge January 1839 Archibald Fisken August 1839 Samuel Legge April 1841 David Coghill March 1838 Joseph L'Estrange 1849 December Thomas W. Wills Dec 1839 James Cuthbert November 1840 John Lamb May 1838 John Hogan November 1839 William Higgenbotham Born Oct 19th 1840 Richard Winter January 1840 Alexander Aitken Born Melbourne June 30 1842 William Cross Yuille February 1837 George Black Decr 1840 Peter Scott Sept 1840 Robert Hoddle March 1837 Henry Darlot September 1839 W. Bacchus 1837 C.B. Hutton Feby 17th 1842 H. Gerrard Feby 1839 Thomas P. Scott 10 August 1838 William Rutledge 19th Decr 1829 in Sydney, at Melbourne in July 1838 Rodk Urquhart March 1842 Thomas Black Septr 1842 J.B. Were November 1839 Thomas Anderson 1839 John Bull June 1842old colonists, prince alfred, address, edward henty, francis henty -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Photograph, First In - Last Out
Framed photograph showing four RAAF Caribou planes on their return to Australia. Image shows the four planes mid flight over Sydney Harbour Bridge. 'FIRST IN - LAST OUT- ARRIVE HOME' Their wartime camouflage merging neatly into the city landscape. These four RAAF Caribou from No. 35 Sqn. made a run over Sydney Recently to mark their return from Vietnam. vietnam, sydney, caribou, raaf, plane, vietnam war, 35 squadron -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Memorabilia - Commemorative Plaque, Vietnam Veterans Parade Sydney 1987 Participants plaque, 1987
Was given to commemorate the homecoming of the Vietnam War Vets, as there was no formal welcome home at the actual end of the Vietnam War. This group of veterans were the first group to be not given a formal welcome parade at the end of their service. This parade occurred 25 years after the Vietnam War, and signified the changed attitudes around the services performed by these men. This plaque commemorates the welcome home parade for all Vietnam Veterans 25 years after the war finished. It was intended to show the appreciation and good will of the Australian people in stark contrast to the bad feelings demonstrated to Servicemen an d women on their initial returns.Plaque commemorating the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade in Sydney 1987. Image shows a map of Australia, with the Australian Flag visible. Text reads ' Vietnam Veterans Parade Sydney 1987. Australian Vietnam Forces.'VIETNAM VETERANS PARADE/ SYDNEY 1987/ AUSTRALIAN VIETNAM FORCESvietnam, vietnam war, sydney, australian vietnam forces, vietnam veterans parade sydney 1987 -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Book, Michael McKernan et al, THE STRENGTH OF A NATION(Six years of Australians fighting for the nation and defending the home front in WWII), 2006
940.540.994, historical, isbn: 978 1 74175 445 2 -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Book, ERROL PENTONY et al, DOORWAY IN THE STORM (A Vietnam Veteran Comes Home), 2010
isbn: 978 0 646 53042 0 -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Weapon - Bayonet French
This type of bayonet was common issue for the French Army in World War 1 (1914-1918). Part of a collection of edged weapons, some relevant to Victorian Colonial and Australian military forces, others are souvenirs brought home by returning soldiers.French Model 1892 Berthier bayonet, 527 mm long fluted steel blade, with metal scabbard. On ring - "AE 30556"france, berthier -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Badge - Woods badges, 1917 circa
These badges were almost certainly issued to Leslie Samuel Woods of Albury who enlisted 10 May 1915 having completed first year medicine at Melbourne University. He served a year at the Convalescent Hospital, Harefield UK, before being ordered home to complete his medical studies. He would have completed his studies near the end on 1918 and attempted to re-enlist but had not entered training before the Armistice. Doctor Leslie Woods was a General Practitioner in Albury till his death. He is buried in Albury Waugh Road Cemetery.Well provenanced object illustrating the WWI experience of a young Albury man.Two lapel badges pinned to a piece of paper with a handwritten notation. One is a Demobilised Soldiers badge issued to new recruits training in Australia at the time of the Armistice on 11 November 1918 or those who had enlisted but had not yet been called into camp for training, and the other a Volunteer Home Service Badge issued to employees of the Department of Defence who had volunteered for active service abroad but who had been denied due to their services being required in Australia. ."14-18 War / 'required for Home Service' / to complete medical course. Pulled / out of camp by Gen Fetherson / DGMS"military, wwi, world war one, woods, enlist, enlistment, non-enlistment -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Functional object - Horse chain
During the desert campaign in World War One (1914-1918) when grazing was non existent the horses began eating their neck ropes as a substitute. As a result the ropes were replaced with the British cavalry neck chain. The links are for securing the toggle piece when it was around the horses neck whilst being ridden. When the rider dismounted he would unlink the chain and use it as the horses lead chain. It was also used to tether the horse. It is doubtful if the chains were ever issued to light horse in Australia so it is likely this chain was brought home from the Middle East after the war.Rare relic of the Middle East campaign during World War One (1914-1918).Chain with loop om one end, toggle on the other and two intermediate plates with a cross shaped hole punched through them.military, chain, horse, desert campaign, wwi (1914-1918), cavalry -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Magazine, Black & White Budget
The South African (Boer)War 1899-1902 involved troops from the British Empire including Australia. This magazine filled a growing demand for news back home.Tho magazines published in 13 and 27 January 1900, thirty two pages of illustrations and summary of recent events in the South African (Boer) War.boer war, south artica -
Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society Inc.
Information folder - Fire Safety
Folder containing fire safety pamphlets. Contents: -"Bushfire safety in urban fringe areas", Insurance Council of Australia -"Belgrave Heights & South Volunteer Fire Brigade Fire Information Pamphlet", 2 copies. -CFA recruitment pamphlet, Belgrave Heights & South FB/Home Safety Awareness, CFA -"Ordinary People, Extraordinary job", CFA recruitment pamphlet. -"Living In The Bush", CFA booklet. -"Bushfire, Recognise The Risks", CFA, 3 copies. -
Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society Inc.
Information folder - German Club
Information folder containing material pertaining to the German Club, Belgrave. Contents: -article, NAZI CLUB - Victorian Camp - Opened By Hitler, Cairns Post, 25 Apr 1938 -German home in forest, The Argus, 27 Apr 1938 -photo, Australian Nazi Party room, Dandenong Ranges -sketch, Arbeits-heim in Belgrave (Tecoma) Vic, sketch signed Karl Muffler, 5-4-91 -article with photo, Nazi Club in Victoria, Burnie's Advocate, 2 May 1938 -article, A German holiday camp, The Horsham Times, 3 May 1938 -article, Nazi propaganda denied, Echuca's Riverina Herald, 3 May 1938 -letter to editor, Nazi Club, The Argus, 3 May 1938 -article, Cat Out Of The Bag, Burnie Advocate, 4 May 1938 -article, German Club at Belgrave - Students Propose Raid, Port Pirie Recorder. 4 May, 1938 -article, No Trouble at Club, The Argus, 9 May 1938 -article, Bush Fires in May! - German Club near Belgrave saved, The Age, 16 May 1938 -letter to editor, Nazi propaganda, Burnie Advocate, 6 Jun 1838 -article, Close Watch Kept On Operations, South Australi's The Advertiser, 12 Jul 1939 -article, Nazi Club at Belgrave, The Age, 7 Sep 1939 -article, German Club closed, Cairns Post, 8 Sep 1939 -article, German Club property, 12 Sep 1939 -article, Belgrave's "Nudist" Colony, Healesville & Yarra Glen Guardian, 22 Jun 1940 -article, German Club at Belgrave, The Age, 5 Mar 1942belgrave, world war 2, germans, nazi party -
Department of Health and Human Services
Photograph, Berry Street Kindergarten
In 1877 the Victorian Infant Asylum was founded in Kew. In 1881, the asylum relocated to Berry Street in East Melbourne. By 1908, it was called the Foundling Hospital and Infants Home. It was non-denominational and controlled by a committee of management. By 1956, Berry Street consisted of a Mothercraft Training Centre and two main residential units: Berry Street for infants aged zero to 18 months, and Vale Street for toddlers aged zero to two years old. In August 1956, Berry Street was declared an approved category 2 Children's Home. In 1960, Vale Street was converted to an adult nursing home. In 1964, the name was changed to Berry Street Babies Home and Hospital. Berry Street was also an approved adoption agency. By 1968, Berry Street comprised the Training School for Mothercraft Nurses, the adoption agency, an infant life-protection house, a long-stay home for children to three years of age (the toddlers’ wing) and a small house for unmarried mothers. The home's infant life-protection work was seen as a critical agency function, particularly where family illness was putting pressure on mothers and Berry Street was able to provide respite and support. By the late 1960s, 30–40 adoptions annually were being arranged from Berry Street. By 1974 the home's orientation had shifted. Four family group homes had been established (two in Burwood, one in Ashburton and one in St Kilda), the mothercraft training function had been phased out, the toddlers wing converted to day care, and the main building (containing the nursery, administration, kitchen, dining room and single mothers accommodation) was demolished in favour of four home units, which housed 24 children, supervised by cottage parents. Berry Street provided short term, emergency and residential care for 'protection of infant' cases and state wards. Two flats were also established for short-term family accommodation. The nurses’ home was converted to house the home’s administration function and a social work service. The social work service coordinated family aid and family counselling services, and a neighbourhood house. In 1975 Berry Street also provided short-term care for 42 Vietnamese children brought to Australia in the official government-sponsored airlift. In 1976 Berry Street made application to change its category 2 Children's Home classification to category 1, as it was now catering for a wider range of children. It had ceased to be a babies’ home and hospital, and had started providing child and family care, including residential care. In 1977 Berry Street to established a family group home in Richmond to house children affected by the closure of St Cuthbert's Children's Home in Colac. Berry Street changed its name to Berry Street Child and Family Care in 1977. In 1978, the range of services provided by Berry Street Child and Family Care consisted of a social work counselling service, a financial aide, a family aide program using volunteers, two temporary accommodation units each housing eight children, an information and referral service, a neighbourhood house in Richmond, a day care centre for 36 children, and four family group homes. In 1980–81 the family group homes in Burwood were sold and the resources moved to the Richmond area. In 1994, Sutherland Youth and Family Services Inc. amalgamated into Berry Street Inc. During the 1990s, Berry Street combined with the Sutherland Community Resource Centre in Watsonia in Melbourne’s northern region. The agency operates today as Berry Street Victoria and has service centres across metropolitan and country Victoria. https://www.findingrecords.dhhs.vic.gov.au/CollectionResultsPage/BerryStreet -
Department of Health and Human Services
Photograph, Photo of a Australian Red Cross Mobile Unit Bedford K Series van, Circa 1952, providing a blood transfusion service outside of the Charles Connibere Memorial Nurses Home (built 1944, demolished 2005), Royal Melbourne Hospital - Department Of Health - Publicity material
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Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Spykers family at Avonsleigh c.1960
Black and white photo showing a large family group in a flower field. In the background there are low hills with cleared paddocks and forested areas. According to the National Archives of Australia: 'Land was life for nurseryman Theo Spykers and his ancestors who had tilled the soil for generations; good land to own and to pass on to sons and their sons. At 42 Theo had one and a half acres near Rotterdam for a prosperous nursery, but he could only rent it and his family was growing. So, in 1948, Theo left his wife and six children at their home and set off by himself for Australia. Within a year he had paid a deposit on a broken-down property of 35 acres in the Dandenong ranges. His family joined him and they started to rehabilitate their new property. Mr and Mrs Spykers and twelve of their thirteen children pick chrysanthemums for sale in Melbourne, a city of 1,750,000. The children are; Theo, 20; Gerald, 15; Niko, 8; Frank, 5; Adolf, 22; Corrie, 11; Ria, 18; Terisa, 4; Anthony, 7; Tommy, 2; Elly, 10; Bill, 16.' Mr & Mrs Spykers are each holding one of the smaller children. This farm was on the corner of Birds Rd and Avon Rd, Avonsleigh. On the NAA records, Theodorus Gerardus Spykers arrived in Melbourne on the Muiderkerk on 27th February 1948. Black and white photo showing 15 year old Gerald Spykers carrying bundles of chrysanthemums tied ready for market. He is at the family farm on the corner of Birds Rd and Avon Rd, Avonsleigh. -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Queen's Colour - 1st Infantry Regiment (WA Volunteer Forces), 1895-96
Presented to 1st Infantry Regiment (WA Volunteer Forces) by HE the Governor of WA, Lt-Colonel Sir Gerard Smith, KCMG at a Queen's Birthday parade held on the Recreation Ground, Bazaar Terrace, Perth (now where the Esplanade is situated), on 28 May 1896. Consecrated by Senior Chaplain of the Forces, the Very Reverend Dean Goldsmith. Purchased by the WA Government, with the sanction of the Home Authorities, the colour was manufactured at the Pimlico Army Clothing Depot, London. It was the first Queen's Colour to be presented to a Western Australian Army unit. (A detailed description of this colour appeared in "The West Australian" of 23 May 1896) This colour was subsequently inherited by successor Militia units to the 1st Infantry Regiment, including 11th Australian Infantry Regiment (Perth Regiment), 88th (Perth) Infantry, 11th Battalion (The Perth Regiment) and 11th/16th Battalion. The colour was handed over to the Perth City Council at a special parade of the 11th/16th Battalion held in Forrest Place on 7 June 1930, and was laid up in the Council Chambers in Murray Street. Together with the other historic colours handed over at the time, this colour later went into storage when Council moved premises in the early 1960's. Perth City Council had some restoration work carried out on these colours in 1975 and later had them on display in their display room at Council House, St Georges Terrace. They were subsequently placed in storage again. Following negotiations by the Army Museum of WA Perth City Council passed on these Colours to the Museum in November 1993. Purchased by the WA Government, with the sanction of the Home Authorities, this was the first Queen's Colour to be presented to a Western Australian Army unit. (A detailed description of this colour appeared in "The West Australian" of 23 May 1896)Union flag with red and gold fringe. In the centre a circle inscribed "Western Australia", surmounted by a crown. Within the circle a black swan on gold background.military heraldry -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Photograph
John Alexander Spence was born in Fremantle 2nd July 1893. In 1912 he joined the Australian Navy as a Stoker and was posted to H.M.A.S. Australia. He was on this ship when it sailed at the head of the convoy into Sydney Harbour in 1913. At the outbreak of WW1, his ship was sent to German New Guinea where he saw conflict with the enemy and received a gunshot wound to his hand. This required him to be returned to Australia and the Naval doctors considered him unfit for further Naval service. When his hand healed Spence joined the AIF on the 2 August 1915 and was posted to the 52nd Battalion and embarked on the “Benalla” on the 1 November 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 1 June 1916 on 9 September was promoted to Corporal and the next day to Sergeant. At Messines Ridge he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. At Dernancourt, a village near Villers he was awarded the Military Medal on 6 April 1918. Subsequently he was badly injured. He had captured four German soldiers and one Officer. While marching them back to the Allied lines the Officer grabbed one of the patrol member’s gun and fired three shots at Sergeant Spence which smashed his hip. Despite his injuries Spence managed to bring the Officer down with a revolver shot. On the 30th April he was repatriated to England and admitted to the Alexandria Hospital at Cosham. He did not return to the western front as his injuries were too severe. He returned to Australia on board the Somalia arriving home on the 21st December 1919. Before joining the forces he was a prominent amateur boxer, a pupil of the renowned heavyweight Bill Doherty. During WW1 he won the Army lightweight championship, competing against professionals as well as amateurs. He defended the title successfully for three successive years. On his discharge from the Army he fought under the name of Sonny Kidson. He also turned to coaching and had remarkable success having coached the Army and Navy boxing teams. John Spence died on the 20 November 1962 at Hollywood Repatriation Hospital aged 69. Post card sized photo of 3400 Sergeant John Alexander Spence DCM, MM, 52 Battalion AIF. Photo shows medal ribbons of Distinguished Conduct Medal (awarded June 1917) and Military Medal (awarded April 1918), 2 wound stripes, 5 service stripes, 52 Battalion AIF colour patch and soft style forage cap.spence, 52 battalion, aif, dcm, mm -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Document railway, LSWR Continental Services, 1919
... Brought home by a returned Australian service person.... melbourne Brought home by a returned Australian service person ...Brought home by a returned Australian service person.London and South Western Railway timetable and prices London to Paris -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Edged weapon, Dagger
Souvenir of Middle East thought to have been brought home by soldier returning to AustraliaCurved dagger with bone handle with brass scabbard. Made in Middle East -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Weapon - Edged Weapon, Japanese NCO Sword, Circa WW2
... Brought home by an Australian soldier.... melbourne Brought home by an Australian soldier. Sword with wooden ...Brought home by an Australian soldier.Sword with wooden handle and metal hilt. Both hilt and scabbard have been painted black. Scabbard is metal. -
Wangaratta High School
Commemeration Certificate, 1916
3 pages. First page has an image of a bouquet of flowers and the words 'in loving memory' , the second page depicts the crossed Australian and New Zealand flags C. F. Willcox's death date and his age, as well as a poem. The third page includes three quotes.IN LOVING MEMORY OF C. F. WILLCOX WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE EMPIRE IN FRANCE. JULY 28, 1916, AGED 21 YEARS He gave his life for his Country, For honor, faith and right: With us his memory ever lives, He fought a noble fight. 'Midst the roaring of the battle. And the rain of shot and shell, Fighting for Home and Country He like a hero fell. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die" -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Book - WW2, The Home Front
Soft cover with 36 pages text with black and white and coloured photos.Life in Australia WW2. Published in 1990. -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Badges, circa 2004
... Year card sent home from Iraq Australian Signals Mess 5a... card sent home from Iraq Australian Signals Mess 5a. Inside ...1. Card of badges Afghanistan War 2. Cloth badge Operation Slipper Australian CH/47 detachment Kandahar Afghanistan 3. Cloth badge Australian CH-47 Brahmans 4. Cloth badge Lamassu patch worn by staff at Al Basrah in Iraq 5. Christmas and New Year card sent home from Iraq Australian Signals Mess 5a. Inside of card 5b. Back of card -
Melbourne Legacy
Souvenir - Souvenir Scarf, Australian Commoolth (sic) Military Forces
A silk scarf souvenir from Egypt. It was embroidered with military symbols. The date is unknown. The connection with Legacy is not known. The founders of Legacy were all returned servicemen who returned from overseas service in World War One so would be familiar with similar sentimental souvenirs that were purchased in Egypt and sent home to loved ones.A record of a type of souvenir made to commemorate the Australia Commonwealth Forces. Founding Legatees would have been familiar with Egyptian souvenirs from World War 1.Purple scarf, possibly silk, hand stitched with military forces symbol, text and floral motifs. Gold braid trim possibly machine stitched at a later date. See similar items 00182, 00183.Embroidered with 'Australian Commoolth (sic) Military Forces'.souvenir, world war one -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, Orange Hotel Oostkant, Soerabaia, Java, c1915
This postcard has a photo of the Orange Hotel Oostkant, Soerabaia, Java taken around 1915 (now known as Surabaya in Indonesia). Perhaps the sender, Lee, was a returning serviceman from World War One coming back to Australia via Indonesia and this was a card home to his family.A record of postal correspondence in 1915. Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. This type of souvenir would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1.Glossy postcard with photo of the Orange Hotel in Java.Handwritten: "Dear Katy, Am going to spend a week or so in Java. Hope you are all well. I am feeling very fit, Lee. / Mrs. W. Elsum. 30 Station Road. North Williamstown. Victoria. Australia. " Printed on the photo - 2 / Orange Hotel Oostkant, Soerabaia, Java. / Photo. KURKDJIAN LTD, SOERABAIA.Printed on card - POST CARD / The Address only to be written here Stamp - Nederlandsch-Indie, 5 CENT Postmark - SOERABAJA 16.7.15 souvenir, war correspondence -
Melbourne Legacy
Souvenir - Souvenir Scarf, Souvenir of Egypt 1916, 1916
A souvenir scarf from Egypt in 1916. Similar items see 00183, 00179. It was embroidered with military symbols. The connection with Legacy is not known. The founders of Legacy were all returned servicemen who returned from overseas service in World War One so would be familiar with similar sentimental souvenirs that were purchased in Egypt and sent home to loved ones.A record of the type of souvenir made or bought from Egypt in 1916. Founding Legatees would have been familiar with Egyptian souvenirs from World War 1.Blue fabric scarf (possibly silk) with machine embroidered decorative military motifs, flags and text. Brocade edging.Embroidered with 'Souvenir of Egypt, 1916, Australian Commonwealth, Military Forces'souvenir scarf, souvenir -
Melbourne Legacy
Album - Photo album, A record of comradeship activities, 1970s-1980s
This album of Comradeship activities was compiled by Legatee Fred Holdsworth. It contains photographs, newspaper cuttings and ephemera relating to various “Comradeship” activities (social gatherings) held throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Items included various events legatees participated in. First few pages had photos from a gathering at Cruden Farm on 15 May 1977. Cruden Farm was owned by Elisabeth Murdoch, the mother-in-law of Legatee Geoff Handbury. It appears there was a kite flying contest. Names are not listed. Three photos were from Queensland where Legatee Wal Escott had retired at Mundoona apartments, Noosa Heads, one photo shows him with Lorna Grimwade on 6/10/1979. There is a black and white photo of Max Armstrong, Rex Hall, Harry Burton, Warren Hardy riding horses in the Anzac Day march. The year is not known but an accompanying newspaper article mentions that they had been riding every year for 13 years on horses loaned by the police mounted branch. The newspaper clipping shows another photo of the four. A photo of seven legatees including David Carter were at the Numurkah Annual meeting in 1978. There are 8 photos of a gathering of Legatees and their wives at Stanhope in 1979. A photo of a Christmas party at Chaucers in 1979 was missing from the page, it has shown Choirmaster Reg Thomson and Choristers; Rob Allison, Bruce Hall, Les Patch, Bill Seager, David Syme and Ron Austin; with the M.C. being Fred Holdsworth. There was a trip to a trout farm in Alexandra Yea area in February 1978. At a comradeship evening there a photos showed the Comradeship committee of Harold Berg, John Cooper and Fred Holdsworth. Also photos from Anzac Night in 1980 and 1981. Plus other gathering at people's homes. A black and white photo of men in formal black tie, is from a night at the Windsor Hotel to farewell Sit Thomas White to become Australia's High Commissioner in London. Left to right are Sir Archie Michaelis, Sir John Latham, Sir Thomas White, Lt Col Donovan Joynt and Sir Stanley Savige. At the 1981 comradeship Christmas party, the held a 'this is your life' tribute to President Ken Green.The Comradeship photo album was put together by the Comradeship committee and records events that Legatees did and places they lived or visited. Some appear to be trips to visit other Legatees living overseas and social occasions held in different places. It shows the bond that Legatees have with each other.Brown vinyl photo album. The front cover is embellished with a double gold border. The album contains thirty pages bearing both colour and black and white photographs as well as newspaper clippings from various “Comradeship” events during the 1970s and 1980s.Inside cover - “A record of Comradeship activities / Fred Holdsworth” ? First page - “AT CRUDEN PARK / 15 May 1977” Third page - “CHAMP THE KITE MAN” Fourth page - “THE SHRINE 1977” / “THE CHAMP” / “REX” Fifth page - “Lorna Grimwade/ + Wal Escott/ at Noosa Heads, Q. / 6/10/79” Sixth page - “Max Armstrong, Rex Hall, Harry Burton, Warren Hardy” Seventh page - “Numurkah Annual 1978” / “ANZAC Night 1973” Eighth page - “STANHOPE 1979” Ninth page - “THE CHRISTMAS CHORISTERS at CHAUCERS CANTERBURY 1979.” / “FEARLESS FREDS FAMOUS FOLLIES. CHOIRMASTER. Reg Thomson. CHORISTERS. Rob Allison. Bruce Hall. Les Patch. Bill Seager. David Syme. Ron Austin. / M.C. Fred Holdsworth.” Tenth page - “ALEXANDRA YEA / ~ / FEBRUARY 1978” Eleventh page - “COMRADESHIP HIERARCHY 1979 / HAROLD BERG / DEP CHAIRMAN / JOHN COOPER / CHAIRMAN / FRED HOLDSWORTH / TREASURER” Twelfth page - “ANZAC NIGHT / ~ / 1980” Eighteenth page - “ANZAC NIGHT - 1981” Nineteenth page - “ANZAC NIGHT -1981” Twenty Second - “THIS IS YOUR LIFE / 1981 comradeship/ christmas party” comradeship, events, legatee event -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, Edinburgh from the Castle, c.1918
A post card of Edinburgh from John Basil McLean, who signs himself Basil. This postcard was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and kept them as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).A record of correspondence from a soldier serving in World War 1, home to his family. It shows Australian soldiers travelled to see places when they were on leave.Standard size postcard with colour image of Edinburgh, Scotland from 1918.Front - “Edinburgh from the Castle” Back - “THE MILTON POST CARD / FOR COMMUNICATION THIS SPACE MAY BE USED / THE ADDRESS ONLY TO BE WRITTEN HERE / PRINTED AT OUR WORKS IN SAXONY / AFFIX STAMP / THE MILTON “ART RECORD” Series No. 505 Woolstone Bros, London E. C. / Edinburgh/ 16.2.18 / Just had breakfast!/ Dearest Ril? / I am having a lovely trip. The only thing is my leave / is not long enough. I have to / report for France next Tuesday / morning 19/2/18. If I had arrived / in Edinburgh a days sooner / I would have gone to see ???? / ????? as they call it here. I was in / a shop yesterday and read the history / of the castle. I had tea at Mrs Coulsons two nights ago and I / took Mrs Coulson to the theatre. / I have not time to write now / I love Scotland and I love to hear the people speaking, especially the kiddies. Kindest and dearest / Basilsouvenir, war correspondence -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, Cairo Museum, 1916
A postcard of Egypt from John Basil McLean, who signs himself Basil to his family. This item was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and kept them as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).An example of correspondence between soldiers and their home during World War 1. It shows that Australian soldiers took the opportunity to see parts of the world when they were serving overseas.Standard size postcard with image of a Pharoh statue (Roi Khephern) in Cairo Museum.Front - “CAIRE / Le Musee - Statue du Roi Khephern” Back - “UNION POSTALE UNIVERSELLE / EGYPTE / CARTE POSTALE / Ephtimios Freres, Port Said / Cai 190 / 54917 / N14 / At Sea / 31.12.16 / My dearest Mater / Just a few lines for the close / of the old year. We had our first wet day today. It was too wet for / church parade. The sunset this evening / was simply lovely. I wish you could / have seen it. With all good wishes / for 1917 to all from your loving Son / Basil.war correspondence, souvenir, world war one, mclean