Ill, p.286non-fictionIn April 1951, at the height of the Korean War, Chinese troops advanced south of the 38th parallel towards a strategic crossing-point of the Imjin River on the invasion route to the South Korean capital of Seoul. The stand of the 1st Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment, against the overwhelming numbers of invading troops has since passed into British military history. In The Edge of the Sword General Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley, then Adjutant of the Glosters, has painted a vivid and accurate picture of the battle as seen by the officers and soldiers caught up in the middle of it. The book does not, however, end there. Like the majority of those who survived, the author became a prisoner-of-war, and the book continues with a remarkable account of his experiences in and out of Chinese prison camps. This book is not an attempt at a personal hero-story, and it is certainly not a piece of political propaganda. It is, above all, an amazing story of human fortitude and high adventure. korean war 1950-1953 - history, korean war - campaigns - gloucestershire regiment

Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps. p.483.non-fictionIn November 1965, some 450 men of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, under the command of Lt. Col. Hal Moore, were dropped by helicopter into a small clearing in the Ia Drang Valley. They were immediately surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. Three days later, only two and half miles away, a sister battalion was chopped to pieces. Together, these actions at landing zones X-Ray and Albany constitute one of the most savage and significant battles of the Vietnam War. The Americans faced what seemed to be certain destruction. How these men persevered - sacrificed themselves for their comrades and never gave up - makes a vivid portrait of war at its most inspiring and devastating. General Moore and Joe Galloway, the only journalist on the ground throughout the fighting, have interviewed hundreds of men who fought there, including the North Vietnamese commanders. The result is a story of unparalleled human interest. We Were Soldiers Once... and Young also brings the war back home with unforgettable stories of those who lost family members to combat. This devastating account rises above the specific ordeal it chronicles to present a picture of men facing the ultimate challenge, dealing with it in ways they would have found unimaginable only a few hours earlier. It reveals to us, as rarely before, man's most heroic and horrendous endeavor. Collapse summary vietnam war 1961-1975 – us involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 – battles – ia drang valley

Index, bib, ill, maps, p.119.non-fictionThe role of the 46th battalion , 1st AIF during the Great warworld war 1914-1918 - australian involvement, world war 1914-1918 - regimental histories

The Dead Man's Penny is a commenorative medallion presented to next of kin of men and women who died during \world War One.The Bronze medallion features an image of Lady Britannia surrounded by two dolphins (representing Britain's sea power) and a lion (representing Britain) standing over a defeated eagle (symbolising Germany). Around the outer edge are the words 'He died for freedom and honour'. Next to Lady Britannia is the deceased Soldier's name, with no rank provided to show equality in their sacrifice. The Dead Man's Penny was accompanied by a letter from King George V, stating 'I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War'.William Hendric 3373 Enlisted 3/8/1915 Embarked ex-Brisbane on H.M.A.T "Sea Bas" 4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F. Born 1994 Died 1st April 1918 Foster Mother: Mrs J Charlesworth, Creswick. (Cabbage Tree)The Bronze Medallion Features an image of Lady Britania surrounded by two dolphinsInscribed William Hendricww1, creswick, hendric, 4th pioneer battalion a.i.f

Photo collage of Soldiers during their two to four week training by 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit before posting to an Infantry Battalion1st australian reinforcement unit, photograph

A black and white photograph of Diggers of 161 (Indep) Recce Flight prepare to distribute clean clothes, supplied by the 1st Australian Civil Arrairs Unit, to the villagers at Xuyen Moc, following the clearing of the area of NVA/VietCong by the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.photograph, 161 recon flt, xuyen moc, 5 rar, nva/vc, 1st australian civil affairs unit, gibbons collection catalogue, digger

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of 1st ATF Artillery Intelligence Officer Sgt Paul Butcher (from Doncaster, Vic) watched by Capt Tony Easton (from Kirribilli, NSW) pound a stake into an impact area of a NVA/VietCong 107mm rocket after an overnight attack by enemy gunners on the 1st ATF Base (29th March 1969).photograph, sgt paul butcher, capt tony eaton, 1st atf base, artillery intelligence officer, nva/vc, gibbons collection catalogue, 107mm rocket, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war

A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery 1st Australian Field Regt RAA at Fire Support Base Baton engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base baton, nva/vc, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, gunner

A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery 1st Field Regt, RAA at Fire Support Base Baton, engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam, softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, 101 battery, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, gunner, fire support base baton

A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery, 1st Field Regt, RAA at Fire Support Base Baton engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam, softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infactry units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, 101 battery, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), fire support base baton, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner

A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery 1st Field Regiment, RAA at Fire Support Base Baton engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam, softening the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry Units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, 101 battery, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), fire support base baton, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner

A black and white photograph of Gunners, 101 Battery, 1st Field Regimentt, RAA at Fire Support Base Baton using a sledge hammer, pound a steel stake into the ground while another member of the gun crew waits to do the same. The gunners were erecting a cover over their shells. (circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), fire support base baton, gibbons collection catalogue, gunner

Fifth Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, was the first of our battalions composed of Regular and National Servicemen to be committed to operations in Vietnam and to stablish themselves at Nui Dat.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - australia, 5th battalion, the royal australian regiment, nui dat, binh ba, nui thi vai, long hai hills, phuoc tuy province, 1st australian task force, national service

the Vietnam War, and Australia's part in it, was a major military event, calling for willingness to face death and destruction on the battlefields on the part of those sent there, especially the men of our infantry battalions who formed the spearhead of our forces in Vietnam,australia. australian army. australian task force (vietnam), 1st., vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- participation, australian, counterinsurgency -- vietnam (republic), 5 rar

"Wangaratta's Own", the 2nd 24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta on 1st July 1940, during World War Two. They camped at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, where they trained until they marched out of Wangaratta on 28th September 1940. Before they marched out Alan MacFarlane and the Battalion were presented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Thomas Nolan. They fought in . On 28th September 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Battalion leaving Wangaratta, (retired) Alan MacFarlane, President of the 2nd 24th Battalion Association were presented the Freedom of the City and represented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Kevin Gleeson & Cr Val Gleeson, Cr Thomas Nolan's son in law & daughter. This was an Army Battalion formed in Wangaratta. The young men interacted with the businesses, sporting & social societies & families of Wangaratta in the early 1940's. Lifelong friendships were made."Wangaratta's Own", the 2nd 24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta on 1st July 1940, during World War Two. They camped at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, where they trained until they marched out of Wangaratta on 28th September 1940. Before they marched out Alan MacFarlane and the Battalion were presented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Thomas Nolan. They fought in . On 28th September 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Battalion leaving Wangaratta, (retired) Alan MacFarlane, President of the 2nd 24th Battalion Association were presented the Freedom of the City and represented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Kevin Gleeson & Cr Val Gleeson, Cr Thomas Nolan's son in law & daughter. army battalion wangaratta's own world war two

A black and white photograph of 1st Australian Task Force Commander, Brig C.M "Sandy" Pearson, accompanied by the New Zealand Padre Varcoe of 4 RAR/NZ (ANZAC) Battalion, is given the traditional Maori Challenge before being allowed to enter the Battalion's area attend the farewell concert organized by the Officers and other ranks within the Battalion.photograph, 1st australian task force, brig sandy pearson, padre vercoe (new zealand), 4 rar nz, new zealand maori, gibbons collection catalogue

A black and white photograph of - At Long Tan, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam, 18/08/1969, the Commander, of 1st Australian Task Force, Nui Dat, Brig C.M.I Sandy Pearson MC, is shown over the 1966 Long Tan battle field by Sgt Rankin, one of the original diggers who fought at Long Tan in 1966. Sgt Rankin was on his second tour of duty with 11 Platoon, Delta Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.photograph, 1st australian task force, brig sandy pearson, sgt rankin, d coy, 6 rar, gibbons collection catalogue, battle of long tan, long tan, 11 platoon

A black and white photograph of Members of the Pte Peter A. Allen of 9 RAR Court Marshall Board being escorted by a Military Policeman to the murder scene in the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, lines at 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnamphotograph, pte peter allen, military police, 9 rar, court marshall, nui dat, gibbons collection catalogue, 1st australian task force, 1 atf base, 9th battalion

A coloured photograph of Major Harry Smith MC, Officer Commanding, D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, at the Battle Of Long Tan, Phuoc tuy Province, 18/08/1966, assisted by his company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2, Chris Pope, directs a resupply during Operation Portsea, South of the 1st Australian Task Force Base, Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam,March 1967photograph, d coy, 6 rar, operation portsea, major harry smith mc, wo2 chris pope, gibbons collection catalogue, military cross, 6th battalion, battle of long tan, phuoc tuy province, 1 atf base, nui dat

A black and white photograph of an oblique aerial view of an Australian Fire Support Base at the base of the Nui Thai Van Hills. The FSB provided a battalions direct artillery and mortar support, when on operation away from 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province. (circa May 1969)photograph, fire support base, 1st atf base, nui thai van hills, gibbons collection catalogue, artillery

Fourteen seperate companies from 1967 - 1971. Listing 2 RAR NZ (ANZAC), 4 RAR NZ (ANZAC), 6 RAR NZ (ANZAC), 2 RAR NZ (ANZAC). framed 1st March 1967anzac battalion

Peechelba School Roll of Honour 1914-1918 - list of students who served during the First World War as follows:- Christopher George EVERITT 5582 Born Bremen/Wangaratta Enlisted 20/7/1915 Aged 20 years 7 months Died of Wounds 26/4/1918 at Villiers Brettoneux France James Samuel EVERITT 3319 Born Rutherglen Enlisted 30/7/1915 Served with the 23/57/58 Battalions Killed In Action 18/7/1916 France William John RHODES 917 Born Wangaratta Enlisted 29/6/1915 Aged 20 years 8 months Unit 29th Battalion Wounded twice GSW left knee Discharged 30/5/1918 Henry RHODES 2779 Born St James Enlisted 6/7/1916 Aged 19 years 6 months Unit 58th Battaliion Wounded GSW Head right leg and hand Discharged 10/8/1918 Thomas Lewis RHODES Reserve Born Benalla Enlisted 15/7/1915 Aged 22 years 4 months Discharged 29/4/1916 medically unfit due to meningitis and lumbago - Later drowned aged 25 years in June 1917 at Wangaratta during the disastrous floods in which six people lost their lives. Robert Ernest PAYNE 5215 Born Killawarra Enlisted 29/1/1916 Aged 20 years 9 months Unit 28th Battalion 2 Pioneer Battalion Killed in Action 15/4/1918 in France James Joseph KELLOW 6836 Born Peechelba Enlisted 16/7/1917 Aged 18 years 7 months Unit 20/22 Reinforcements Embarked 21/11/1917 Discharged 12/2/1920 George PRESSLEY 3017/a Born Wangaratta Enlisted Cairns Aged 29 years Unit 52nd Battalion Embarked 27/10/1916 from Brisbane. William Hawden PRESSLEY 3016 Born Wangaratta Enlisted Cairns Aged 32 years Unit 52nd Battalion Embarked 27/10/1916 from Brisbane Killed in Action 20/9/1917 in Belgium Leslie PRESSLEY 5446 Born Wangaratta Enlisted Cairns Aged 26 years Unit 12th Battalion Embarked 20/4/1916 from Sydney Killed in Action 25/8/1918 Villers-Brettoneux Charles Reginald Walter CRAWFORD 2211 Born Wangaratta Aged 23 years Unit 24th Ballatlion Embarked 17/1/1917 Gassed and GSW R Forearm Discharged 3/5/1919 Charles BROOKER aka BROWN 1619 Born Benalla Enlisted Wagga Aged 28 years Unit 55th Battalion Embarked 14/4/1916 - Deserted on Active Service - Declared Illegal Absentee from 8/5/1917 Still Absent on 2/1/1920 and Discharged from AIF on 1/4/1920. In 1924 sought to receive war medals and informed Not Eligible. Thomas Erlsford HAYES 1337 Born Peechelba Enlisted Wangaratta Aged 19 years Unit 37/38th Battalion Embarked 3/6/1916 Discharged 30/4/1919 Charles John JACKSON 418/2nd Lieut. Born Rutherglen Joined 23/8/1915 Aged 22 years 8 months Unit 1st Div Signals MID Returned to Australia Discharged 30/3/1920 Walter Herbert JACKSON 2645 Born Wangaratta Joined 13/7/1916 Aged 32 years Unit 2nd Pioneers Returned to Australia 5/9/1919 Discharged 28/12/1919 Edward Francis KELLOW 3825/6837A Born Gippsland Enlisted Melbourne 9/8/1915 Aged 21 years Unit 59 Battalion Returned to Australia 10/6/1916 for Hernia Operation Discharged 11/12/1916 - ReEnlisted Wangaratta 16/7/1917 Embarked 21/11/1917 22nd Battalion Wounded GSW Returned to Australia 24/8/1918 Jep Frances KENNY 3041 Born Thoona Enlisted Yarrawonga Joined 16/7/1915 Aged 18 years 5 months 57/58 Battalion Died of Wounds 17/7/1916 James NIKLAUS 3881 Born 20/11/1892 Peechelba Joined 7/8/1915 Aged 22 years 9 months Enlisted Yarrawonga Embarked 23/11/1915 1st Machine Gun Coy/8th Battalion Discharged 4/1/1918 due to Trachoma Benjamin SARGENT 56 Born Peechelba Joined 18/1/1915 Enlisted Wangaratta Aged 22 years 3 months Embarked 9/7/1915 Unit 21st Battalion Wounded 11/6/1918 -Gassed Returned to Australia 9/3/1919 Frederick SARGENT 439 Born Peechelba Joined 4/2/1915 Enlisted Yarrawonga Aged 22 years 5 months Unit 23rd Battalion Killed in Action 2/9/1915 Greece Samuel Cook SARGEANT 2874 Born Thoona Joined 9/11/1916 Enlisted Bendigo Aged 24 years 6 months Embarked 16/12/1916 Unit 38th Battalion Wounded 13/10/1917 GSW left hand. 16/12/1917 Returned to Australia due to Injury Discharged 6/8/1918 Herbert WILLETT 2413 Born Yarrawonga Joined/Enlisted 24/7/1916 Melbourne Aged 21 years 8 months Embarked 20/10/1916 Unit 8th Battalion Wounded x 3 times Returned to Australia due to Injury Discharged 21/6/1919 H. TOOHEY ? Phillip James McINTYRE - School Teacher - 3207 Born Snake Gully Joined 29/9/1916 Aged 28 years 3 months Embarked 16/12/1916 Unit 37th Battalion - WoundedA primary school was opened in Peechelba in 1880 and closed in 1903 after a new school opened in Peechelba township in 1891 which was closed in 1970. This timber honour board was made as a tribute to honour and remember the Peechelba School students and their teacher who enlisted and served during the First World War. Wooden honour board with three columns of names, the centre being an "In Memoriam" listPeechelba School Roll of Honour 1914-1918wangaratta, world war 1, honour board, peechelba school

Service medals issued to VX95196 - 3/400050 Private Neville George ROSE born 17/5/1926 at Coburg. He served with the 3rd Battalion RAR from 28/9/1950 to 30/10/1950 a total of 33 days when he was killed in action in Korea aged 24 years. Military service records currently closed. Timber frame with maroon felt mount containing photograph of soldier, eight medals with attached ribbons two metal badges and plaque.VX95196 - 3/400050 L/Cpl. Neville G. Rose 2/5th Battalion 2nd A.I.F 1st New Guinea Inft. BN 3rd Royal Aust. Regiment Killed in Action Korea 30/10/1950neville g rose, korea, 2/5th battalion 2nd a.i.f., 3rd rar, killed in action

Three WW1 medals including 1914 Star awarded to Private Ernest LUCAS Royal Defence Corps who was first assigned to the Middlesex Regiment. LUCAS was discharged on 18/5/1919 having served 11 years and 305 days.The 6th Battalion Middlesex Regiment can trace its history back to 7 August 1760 as part of the Middlesex Militia. In 1778 it was titled the 1st East Middlesex Militia. By royal order the regiment was later designated the Royal East Middlesex Militia on 24 April 1804. By 1855 it was using the formal title of "1st or Royal East Middlesex Regiment of Militia". In 1900 the number of regular Middlesex Regiment battalions was doubled with the formation of a new the 3rd and 4th battalions; and the two militia battalions were renumbered as 5th and 6th battalions of the regiment. The unit's standing orders of 1863 record the regimental insignia as being somewhat unusual, in that it did not include standard royal crown, but featured a five-pointed Saxon Crown atop a shield with the arms of the East Saxon Kingdom i.e. three stylised Seaxes hilted and pommeledThree original WW1 medals with ribbons attached to white cardboard - round silver coloured metal medal with grey black white and orange striped ribbon - round gold coloured metal medal with purple blue green yellow and orange striped ribbon and bronze coloured star shaped metal medal with blue white and red striped ribbonPTE E LUCAS- Middlesex Regt.ernest lucas, middlesex regiment

During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. While in the performance of his duty his leg was shot away. He however completed his task. It was largely due to this man's effort that good communication was maintained. Private Sandow died of wounds on 22 September 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Cream coloured citation with Australian Coat of Arms above black type contained in black border.Military Medal 1120 Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow 5th Australian Infantry Battalion attached 1st Australian Divisional Signal Company 1st Australian Divisionroy llewellyn sandow, polygon wood, belgium, 1917, ww1, 5th australian infantry battalion

The Dunstan Memorial is a minimal form of rough-cut bluestone and sheet granite in memory of Ballarat born soldier, William Dunstan, who served with honour in Gallipoli, WWI. His unit successfully defended a post despite being seriously wounded. He and one mate were the only survivors of the 10 men defending the trench and all were awarded the Victoria Cross. Following the war Dunstan worked as manager and director of the Herald and Weekly Times.The memorial is of historical significance to the people BallaratThis is a minimal form of rough-cut bluestone and sheet granite in memory of Ballarat born soldier who served with honor in Gallipoli. His unit successfully defended a post despite being seriously wounded. He and one mate were the only survivors of the 10 men defending the trench and all were awarded the Victoria Cross. In honour of William Dunstan, VC 1895-1957. William Dunstan was born in Ballarat East and educated at Golden Point State School. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, 19 year old Dunstan enlisted in the 7th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of the Australian Imperial Forces. Within 3 weeks he was posted to Gallipoli and was immediately embroiled in the Battle of Lone Pine. Early on the morning of 9th August, 1915, Dunstan and 10 other men were defending a trench captured from the Turks. The enemy launched repeated counter attacks and suffered heavy casualties. Only 3 surviving Australians remained and were rebuilding the blown-up barricade of sandbags when the Turks launched a final vicious assault to regain the trench. Struggling to defend their position, the three Australians resorted to catching the Turkish hand bombs and throwing them back at the enemy or smothering those that landed with Turkish great-coats. Hand bombs killed a 10th defender and wounded both Dunstan and his only remaining companion. Again the Turks were driven back and this time the two wounded Australians were left alone until later relieved and hospitalised. As a result of the intensity of the fighting and the tenacity of the 3 defenders, each was awarded Victoria Crosses for their most conspicuous bravery. Following the war, Dunstan enjoyed a successful career to become the Managing Director of the Herald and Weekly Times. He died in Melbourne aged 62 and is remembered with respect by the citizens of Ballarat.first world war, wwi, william dunstan, conflict, war

RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREA. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE:- QX6408 LIEUTENANT COLONEL A.B. GILLESPIE, COMMANDING 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION (2) VX48762 CAPTAIN A.W. OAKLEY (3); PRIVATE C.C. DAWES (4); PRIVATE TUCKER (5); PRIVATE COONEY (6); NX376 BRIGADIER D.A. WHITEHEAD, DSO., MC., ED., COMMANDING, 26TH INFANTRY BRIGADE (7); VX20308 LIEUTENANT-GENERAL F.H. BERRYMAN, CBE., DSO., GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING, 1ST AUSTRALIAN CORPS (8); NX35000 LIEUTENANT-GENERAL V.A.H. STURDEE, CB., CBE., DSO., GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING, FIRST AUSTRALIAN ARMY (9); NX7 MAJOR-GENERAL G.F. WOOTTEN, CBE., DSO., GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING, 9TH DIVISION (10); PRIVATE R.S. O'BRIEN (11); PRIVATE S. ROSMAN (12); NX12371 MAJOR N.B. TREBECK (13).The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of three soldiers in foreground demonstrate use of equipment whilst soldiers and Officers in the background watch on.2/24th battalion, ravenshoe, general blamey

In 1943 Westralia was converted into a Landing Ship, Infantry. In this role, Westralia had a capacity of 933 soldiers, and was used primarily to transport units of the United States Army and Marine Corps. The ship arrived at Manus on 7th April 1945 befoe reaching Morotai on the 19th. The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion embarked for attack on Tarakan Island, Borneo. On 1 May – After preliminary bombardment by two cruisers and six destroyers ,troops of 26th Australian Infantry Brigade were landed. After the end of the war, Westralia was one of the ships at Ambon on 22 September 1945 for the surrender and occupation of the island where the 164 survivors of Gull Force prisoners had already been taken off on 10 September. She was later used for the repatriation of Australian troops, before being paid off in September 1946. The ship earned five battle honours for her wartime service: Silver frame containing black and white image of a ship at seaGold coloured plaque attached top right "HMAS Westralia" - 2/24th AUST INF BATT TARAKAN ISLAND BORNEO 1ST MAY, 1945hmas westralia, 2/24th aust inf battalion

This swagger stick belonged to Private Ernest LUCAS who served with the Royal Defence Corps between 17/6/1907 and 18/5/1919 including the 6th Battalion Middlesex Regiment In the British Army before World War I, swagger sticks were carried by all other ranks when off duty as part of their walking out uniform. The stick took the form of a short cane of polished wood, with an ornamented metal head of regimental pattern. The usual custom was for the private soldier or NCO to carry the stick tucked under his arm. Until 1939 swagger sticks were still carried by peacetime regular soldiers when "walking out" of barracks but the practice ceased with the outbreak of World War II. The 6th Battalion Middlesex Regiment can trace its history back to 7 August 1760 as part of the Middlesex Militia. In 1778 it was titled the 1st East Middlesex Militia. By royal order the regiment was later designated the Royal East Middlesex Militia on 24 April 1804. By 1855 it was using the formal title of "1st or Royal East Middlesex Regiment of Militia". In 1900 the number of regular Middlesex Regiment battalions was doubled with the formation of a new the 3rd and 4th battalions; and the two militia battalions were renumbered as 5th and 6th battalions of the regiment. The unit's standing orders of 1863 record the regimental insignia as being somewhat unusual, in that it did not include standard royal crown, but featured a five-pointed Saxon Crown atop a shield with the arms of the East Saxon Kingdom i.e. three stylised Seaxes hilted and pommeledpLong narrow round cane made from polished reddish/brown wood with brass metal tip and embossed silver topSilver metal top embossed with a crown above a shield inscribed 6th Battalion Middlesex Regtswagger stick, 6th battalion middlesex regiment, private ernest lucas