The woollen mill was a vital part of Warrnambool for all but 22 years of the town’s history since it's the establishment in 1847 when the first land sales were held and white settlement began. In 1869 the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company began operations on the mill site, in 1875, shareholders of the then defunct Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company happily sold the land and buildings on the Merri river to Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company Ltd for £5,000. The site was sold again in 1876 to grazer Robert Hood of Sherwood, who was chairman of directors of the failed company, which couldn’t raise sufficient capital to keep the works operating. The entrepreneurial Hood then used the existing plant to turn his own wool into tweed cloth. But just as the mill was starting to show a profit, a fire destroyed the building and plant on the night of 25 March 1882. So again, the mill was operational for six short years. Insurers only paid a fraction over 10% of the damage, Hood couldn't raise sufficient capital to rebuild on his own, and so the site lay unused until 1910. In 1908 Marcus Saltau and Peter John McGennan convinced the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce to invest in a secondary industry with local capital. A public meeting in September 1908 agreed to raise £40,000, electing Saltau chairman of directors, a post he held for 34 years. A year later, using mostly local money, the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company dispatched its first manager, John E. Bennett, to buy a plant and recruit 20 experienced staff from the Yorkshire woollen industry in December 1909. Another year more, the new mill was officially opened on 14 November 1910 by Marcus Saltau as company chairman and town mayor. Eighteen months on, in May 1912, the mill paid its first half-yearly dividend of 2 ½%. It was now working two shifts, with a year's orders to fill. In 1914 the mill ordered its own generator, providing the town with electricity and effectively doubling its plant size by October 1915, six months after Gallipoli. Thereafter, government orders for cloth and military supplies assured the mill’s success right through the First World War and on until 1923. A plant upgrade in 1922 for machinery to make worsted fabric drained profits, which, with a fall in demand, led to a loss in 1925. Profits were restored by the 1930s, despite the Depression, mostly due to tight management and robust marketing. Production boomed again during the Second World War, but soon foreign competition bit into profits, forcing the company to consolidate operations. The ‘50s and ‘60s were golden years for the mill. Security and growth gave the company confidence to trial Australia’s first electric blanket in 1958 and to install Swiss Sulzer looms in 1965. Over time, the building facades took on the modern look that the mill presented until it closed. The Dunlop company bought the mill in 1968, fending off a challenge from Onkaparinga in South Australia, and continued to expand by adding Wendouree Woollen Mill in the same year and Dream-spun Textiles a decade later, in 1979. Soon after that purchase, however, the mill began its slippery slide into decline. Dunlop sold to its former rival bidder Onkaparinga Woollen Co. Ltd in 1982, which in turn was taken over by Macquarie Worsted's only a year later, in 1983. Operations remained stable for a decade until 1994 when the Macquarie Group signaled that its newly rationalised operations left no room for the Warrnambool investment. The final operator of the mill was The Smith Family charity group, which ran the site by agreement with the Warrnambool City Council and a state government grant in that same year, 1994. The mill became more of a fabric recycler than a manufacturer. The site was sold to private operators in February 2003 and rezoned four months later to allow for the mixed housing development. The embossing press is significant for its association with the Warrnambool Woollen Mills 1910-1968, a major employer in the Warrnambool district. The press is also significant as an example of commercial office equipment used in the 19th and 20th century.Press, metal, for Company seal of Warrnambool Woollen Mill, stamping their brand as Western District Worsted Mills Pty Ltd. Metal is black with red and gold floral markings. Inscription of stamp reads "WESTERN DISTRICT WORSTED MILLS PROPRIETRY LIMITED" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, warrnambool woollen mills, western district worsted mills proprietry limited, worsted fabric, printing press, logo printing press, stamp printing press, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Diver's Submarine Electric Torches were first developed to give illumination for close examination work. They have to be self-contained, the older ones are powered by an accumulator type battery which could be recharged. Some models were fitted with a switch to turn the light off saving on the battery power. The lens is of a convex type and magnifies the light. Sometimes there was a protective grill across the glass or prongs to protect the glass from an impact. When fully charged the battery would last about seven hours. Torches are made from non-ferrous metal so as not to corrode in their watery environment. Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd has been producing hand-held, battery-powered, submarine electric torches for divers and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) since the 1920s. In 1961, the famous diving manufacturer C.E. Heinke merged with Siebe Gorman, and for a short while, torches were made with the combined 'Siebe Heinke' inscription. However, this linked inscription was later dropped, with a return to the Siebe Gorman name tag. Date of manufacture for these torches can be determined by their Admiralty Pattern (AP) number that was used to identify a particular item and were for naval stores use. Before NATO stock coding became more widely used, earlier MOD torches often have a simple four-digit group of AP numbers such as AP4456 or AP4458. In 1975 Siebe Gorman moved from their Neptune Works at Chessington in Surrey to a new location at Cwmbran in Wales and by this time their manufacture of diving equipment had declined. (For additional historic company information on Siebe & Gorman see notes section this document.)The item is significant as it gives us a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally, especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the torch Siebe Gorman was a leading inventor, developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early developments in helmets, compressors and other diving equipment. Items that are today eagerly sought after for maritime collections around the world. The items that have been donated to the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job.Divers torch, brass with glass lens , screw on piece with three lugs attached. Leather wrist strap attached & loose contact spring inside."Siebe Gorman and Co Ltd, Makers, London." Has A.P.4456 stamped on front faceflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The company R. Fowler Limited was established in Ultimo, Sydney, in 1837 when Enoch Fowler (1807-1879) came to Australia from Ireland and is known today as the oldest pottery still in operation in Australia. They were mostly known for producing bottles, jars, and pipes. The pottery was originally located at Abercrombie Place on Parramatta Street, Chippendale, NSW before they relocated to Glebe in 1847. Later the pottery manufactured building materials such as tiles, pipes, and chimney pots. As the business grew, they moved to Parramatta in the 1850s. Enoch's son Robert (1839-1906) had joined the company, and took over its management in 1873, changing the name to “R Fowler Sydney” in 1880. Robert, introduced the black under glaze trademark with the archer as shown on the subject item. He went on to opened further sites at Marrickville and Bankstown, with the company becoming R. Fowler Limited in 1919. The factory at Thomastown, Melbourne was opened in 1927. Fowler also owned a Pottery somewhere near Lithgow, where they produced clay pipes that look like salt-glazed Earthenware pipes. There have been numerous developments to the company over subsequent decades, and the company was still operating in 2002 but is now owned by Caroma Industries Ltd, manufacturing only sanitary fixtures. An item made by an Australian company during the first half of the 20th century and quite rare today. The item is significant as it gives a snapshot of the early development of manufacturing companies in Australia. This informs our social history in Australia marking Australia's evolution into an independent country and no longer a colony of England. Bed pan ceramic white glaze handle at one end.Marked R Fowler Ltd and trademark a person sitting with a bow and arrow "00"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Guyetts and Sons is a family business that began providing funeral services in Warrnambool and South West Victoria in 1905. Today in 2019 the business is still in operation as Guyetts Funerals Warrnambool. At the graveside, coffin rods are laid across the width of the open grave to support the coffin. The coffin is balanced evenly on the coffin rods. Coffin straps (also called lifting straps) are slipped underneath the coffin from side to side and at the appropriate time the straps are used to lift the coffin, the rods are removed and, using the straps the coffin is gently lowered into the grave.These coffin rods are significant for their association with Guaetts Funerals Warrnambool, an early 1900s local family business that is still in operation. The rods are an example of equipment used in conducting funerals and burials for many years. Coffin rods, pair of two. Round wooden rods with shaped handles, once used by Guyett's funerals, Warrnambool.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, guyett funeral directors warrnambool, warrnambool 1920s, warrnambool 1905 business, funeral item, funeral service, funeral director warrnambool, funeral home, funeral arrangements, burial service, cemetery funeral, death, herse, cemetery supplies, funeral director supplies, mortuary equipment, coffin rods, coffin rod

This strong, heavy bank safe was made by W. Marr in London. It was formerly owned by the ANZ Bank in Portland, Victoria. Portland’s ANZ Bank was originally a branch of the Bank of Australasia, which first came to Australia in 1835, opening in Sydney. Portland’s Bank of Australasia began in a bluestone building built on the north corner of Julia and Bentinck Streets by stonemason William Robb in 1855, around the time of Australia’s Gold Rush. Eventually, in 1951, the Bank of Australasia merged with the Union Bank to become the Australia & New Zealand Bank, known as the ANZ. Portland’s branch of the Bank of Australasia then moved into the old Union Bank building at 44 Percy Streets; both bank buildings were built around the same. The maker of this safe, W. (William) Marr, obtained a patent in 1834 for what is believed to be the first fire-retarding patent, building this into the lining of strong boxes. Others made further design improvements such as hardening the metal plates used to make the boxes. In about 1840 Thomas Milner, a Sheffield tinsmith, made the earliest safes that could safely protect their contents from a surrounding fire. This was achieved by including tubes of a substance between the inner and outer walls of the safe that would react to the heat and the contents would put the fire out. In 1851 an Exhibition at London’s Crystal Palace included fire-proof safes from different vendors. William Marr was listed under Fireproof Box Makers in the 1842 London Trades Directory, at 33 Broad Street, and 52 Cheapside. William Marr & Son were appointed to supply Her Majesty’s National Debt Office and other departments in 1860, with the address 9 Walbrook, Vulcan Safe Works, Skin Yard, Bankside, Southwark, London. 1n 1870 the address for William Marr listed under Safe Makers and Agents in the London Trades Directory was 67 Cannon Street. The manufacturer, W Marr, is significant as an inventor of a way to make a strong box fireproof, then patented his secure safe. This invention indicates that security of money was of great importance in the mid-1800s as it continues to be today. The secure safe would have given much comfort to those with investments and savings, as well as to the bank itself, the custodian of other people's money. This safe was made in London and exported to colonial Australia, giving significance to the safe as an item that was high in the list of the needs of the early Australians and their businesses. The safe has local historical significance as it was used by the original Bank of Australasia in Portland, which was built in 1855 and went on to become the ANZ Bank, still in operation today. The bank was an integral part of the establishment and growth of commerce in Colonial Victoria.Safe; heavy metal bank safe, painted green. Double doors each have top and bottom external hinges, and two front panels; the top panels are arched. The thick doors have five sliding locks. Inside is a fixed metal compartment with a locked sliding metal drawer, and several fitted shelves plus some temporary removable shelving. Both doors have a decorative brass knob near the centre opening. Left door has an oval artificial keyhole and a space where another fitting has been attached. The right door has a second brass knob and an oval keyhole. The top panels of the left door has an oval plaque with an inscription; the right door has evidence that there was an oval attachment. Made by W. Marr, London.Text embossed on plaque: "W. MARR / PATENTEE & MANUFACTURER / 52 / /CHEAPSIDE / LONDON" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, safe, bank safe, vault, security, finances, anz bank, portland bank, w marr, william w marr, financial institution, savings, gold exchange, loans, investments, safety, safe maker, lock maker, iron box, strong-room

Item used to repair books after their dust jackets, covers, flyleaves or pages had been damaged. These damaged items on a book were replaced and glued. The press allowed the glue to set under pressure until the repair was complete a press is also used for the gilding of books. The first book press has been documented in India around 100 BCE with various types and designs being used though the ages and are still in use today by craftsman to repair antique books.Over the centuries many materials from ivory to glass, have been used to bind books. Gilding has also long been a popular decorative treatment for book bindings and a book press is used in this operation. Since the 1800s, rare book conservationists have worked to perfect the methods used by their predecessors, and modern book binders are true craftsman with this press as an example of the equipment used in their trade. This item is significant as it is an early example of items used in book gilding and binding.Book binding press metal with square pressing surface driven by worm wheel thread and turning handle in working order. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The school bell has been used in various forms for several centuries. In Australia and the UK it was often a hand bell, located on the teacher's desk in a small school. In larger schools it was positioned in a central area, and one bell was used to signal to all classrooms. In North America it was more usual to find a large bell on a stand located in a central area of the school where it could be heard by everyone throughout the premises. More recently, the school bell has become wall located, and electrically activated, using a mechanical timing apparatus. Now the same bell is computer programmed and activated, although there are many older bells still in operation. The school bell was rung at the beginning at the school day, often to summon students to the morning assembly in larger schools. It was then rung throughout the day to signal the start and end of specific lesson periods, the beginning and end of school morning and afternoon breaks, the lunch period, and the end of the school day, no doubt eagerly awaited by many students! The school bell was used as a timing device in schools to signal the start and end of specific activities.Bell brass with heavy metal square shaped base and wooden handle-hand held, Kel(?)her Melbourne on the topInscribed on the metal at the top of the bell are the letters "Kel(?)her Melbourne" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, bell, school, lessons

This set of banknotes was issued by the Bank of Australasia's Head Office in Sydney, New South Wales. Two banknotes are dated before the Federation of Australia on 1st January 1901 and two are dated just two years after Federation. Each of the banknotes in this set has a rectangular piece cut from it. This indicates that the banknote was cancelled when the note was exchanged for Australian dollars after Decimal Currency was introduced on 14th February 1966. The Bank of Australasia was established under the Royal Charter of England. It first came to Australia in 1835, opening in Sydney. The Bank of Australasia was the first bank in Warrnambool. It was established in 1854 and operated from leased buildings in Merri Street then Timor Street. The bank opened its own building on May 21, 1860, on the north-east corner of Timor and Kepler Streets. In that year, the Acting Superintendent of the Bank of Australasia in Sydney was David Charters McArthur. He went on to become the Superintendent 1867-1876. In 1951 the Bank of Australasia amalgamated with the Union Bank to form the Australia and New Zealand Bank, now known as the ANZ. Then in 1970 the ANZ merged with both the ES&A and the London Bank of Australia to form the ANZ Banking Group Limited. The ANZ Banking Group Ltd kindly donated a variety of historic items from the Bank of Australasia. This set of banknotes has historical significance as it was issued by the Bank of Australasia. The Bank of Australasia was the first bank in Warrnambool, established in 1854. The bank continued to operate until its merger in 1951 when it became the ANZ Bank, which is still in operation today. The Bank was an integral part of the establishment and growth of commerce in Colonial Warrnambool and throughout Australia. The banknotes also have a significant place in Australia’s history as two notes are just prior to the Federation of Australia and two notes just after.This banknote set of four notes comprises three (3) £1 one-pound notes and one (1) £5 five-pound note. The notes were published by The Bank of Australasia, Sydney, New South Wales between 1899 and 1903. The denominations of the notes and their round pound-coin symbols are printed in green ink, and the remainder of the printing is in black ink. All notes have a black ink stamp impressed twice on each side. The stamp states that the notes are cancelled. There are handwritten initials in red ink on each note's obverse and text in pencil on their reverse. The reverse of the one-pound notes is unprinted but the five-pound note has a printed decorative border and images with an inscription and shield. The notes have a rectangular cut-out on the lower edge.Serial Numbers, Denominations and Dates: 5054.1 "ONE POUND" "Q50,806" "NEW SOUTH WALES" "1st July 1903" 5054.2 "ONE POUND" "O50 551" "NEW SOUTH WALES" "1st July 1903" 5054.3 "ONE POUND" "O24,385" "NEW SOUTH WALES" "1st July 1899" 5054.4 "FIVE POUND" "A36,191" "NEW SOUTH WALES" "5th February 1900" Stamp "BANK OF AUSTRALASIA / CANCELLED" Handwritten in red [initials] Image on five pound note"(around border) "BANK OF AUSTRALASIA INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER" and (image on shield) [suspended sheep] in diagonal corners, and [sailing ships] in other diagonal corners, and four stars (or open flowers)" Text in pencil "L24"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, one pound note, bank of australasia, legal tender, £1, banknote, banknotes, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, five poind note, australian currency, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, union bank, australia & new zealand bank, anz bank, david charters mcarthur, d c mcarthur, one-pound note, five-pound note, £5, sydney, new south wales, pre-federation, post-federation, currency, set of banknotes

This foot-powered treadle machine could be used to manually operate many devices such as a sewing machine or spinning wheel. Treadle machines were used to power sewing machines, dental drills, lathes, spinning wheels and saws The machine is mounted on a board to demonstrate treadle operation.This mounted, smoothly working treadle machine demonstrates the treadle mechanism that was used in the early 20th century to power mechanical devices and in turn to save time, energy and money. The treadle was used in domestic and industrial environments. The Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village has two treadle-operated dentist's drills, a treadle sewing machine, a saw, a lathe and a treadle paper numbering machine.Treadle-powered machine; a black painted metal wheel with four curved spokes, connected to a wooden treadle. The height of the wheel is adjustable. The mechanical device is mounted on a thick rectangular wooden block. The working treadle mechanism turns smoothly. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, treadle machine, manual machine, foot treadle, display treadle, treadle, demonstration, education, working model

This banknote plate was created for the Sydney branch of the Bank of Australasia in February 1900, before the Federation of Australia. After printing the banknotes from this plate the printer would have overprinted the banknotes with a unique serial number and the denomination of the banknote in capital letters using a contrasting ink. The Bank of Australasia was incorporated by Royal Charter of England in March 1834. It first came to Australia on 14th December 1835, opening in Sydney. In that year, the Acting Superintendent of the Bank of Australasia in Sydney was David Charters McArthur. He went on to become the Superintendent from 1867-to 1876. The Melbourne branch of the Bank of Australasia opened on 28th August 1838. In 1951 the Bank of Australasia amalgamated with the Union Bank to form the Australia and New Zealand Bank, now known as the ANZ. Then in 1970 the ANZ merged with both the ES&A and the London Bank of Australia to form the ANZ Banking Group Limited. The ANZ Banking Group Ltd kindly donated a variety of historic items from the Bank of Australasia. BANK of AUSTRALASIA, WARRNAMBOOL – The Bank of Australasia was the first bank in Warrnambool. It was established in 1854 and operated from leased buildings on Merri Street and then Timor Street. The bank opened its own building on May 21, 1860, on the northeast corner of Timor and Kepler Streets. Mr A Butt was the Manager of the Warrnambool Branch in 1895. This significant item of early Australian social history gives a snapshot into the founding and early development of the banking system in Australia. The plate has historical significance as it belonged to the Bank of Australasia which was established in 1834 by Royal Charter and opened in Sydney, Australia, in Sydney in 1835. The plate is significant for its association with the Bank of Australasia, which had a branch in Warrnambool. Warrnambool's branch was the first bank in Warrnambool, established in 1854. The bank continued to operate until its merger in 1951 when it became the ANZ Bank, which is still in operation today. The Bank was an integral part of the establishment and growth of commerce in Colonial Warrnambool and throughout Australia.Printer's plate for a five-pound note, attached to a block comprising several layers of different varieties of wood. Rectangular metal plate embossed with the banknote's design and produced by the Sydney, New South Wales, branch of the Bank of Australasia. The border includes numbers and text. The image of the bank's logo is included, along with the banknote's denomination in letters and numerals, a signature and a date of 15th February 1900.On the border: in each corner "5", on sides and base "NEW SOUTH WALES" Within the border "FIVE" "The Bank of Australasia / INCORPORATED BY ROYAL CHARTER IN 1835" "FIVE POUNDS' "SYDNEY 5th of February 1900" "for the Bank of Australasia" (Signature) , "MANAGER" Image: (Bank's logo) [Two female figures seated together in a paddock, produce beside them, sheep and buildings in the background]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, bank of australasia, union bank, australia & new zealand bank, anz bank, sydney, new south wales, currency, banknote, legal tender, commerce, banking, five-pound note, banknote plate, printing plate

Guyetts and Sons is a family business that began providing funeral services in Warrnambool and South West Victoria in 1905. Today in 2019 the business is still in operation as Guyetts Funerals Warrnambool. At the graveside, coffin rods are laid across the width of the open grave to support the coffin. The coffin is balanced evenly on the coffin rods. Coffin straps (also called lifting straps) are slipped underneath the coffin from side to side and at the appropriate time the straps are used to lift the coffin, the rods are removed and, using the straps the coffin is gently lowered into the grave.These coffin rods are significant for their association with Guaetts Funerals Warrnambool, an early 1900s local family business that is still in operation. The rods are an example of equipment used in conducting funerals and burials for many years.Coffin straps; two woven canvas straps, ends re-inforced with leather (sometimes called funeral straps). Straps once elonged to Guyetts and Sons, Warrnambool.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, coffin straps, funeral straps, guyatt's funerals warrnambool, burial service, cemetery, graveside, coffin, canvas ropes, guyett funeral directors warrnambool, warrnambool 1920s, warrnambool 1905 business, funeral item, funeral service, funeral director warrnambool, funeral home, funeral arrangements, burial service, cemetery funeral, death, herse, cemetery supplies, funeral director supplies, mortuary equipment

Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment, and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards, and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering, and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air, and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunneling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A.Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman's fortunes began to decline as an aging Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company's business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire-fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998). (For information regards the diving helmet & Frank King see Notes Section at the end of this document)The items are very significant as a snapshot into marine history and the development of diving equipment generally especially that used for salvage operations before and during WW2. The company that made the equipment was a leading inventor,developer and innovator of marine equipment with its early helmets and other items eagerly sought after today for collections around the world. The items in the Flagstaff Hill collection give us an insight as to how divers operated and the dangers they faced doing a very necessary and dangerous job. Frank Kings' diving helmet and compressor (communication pipe stored separately). Compressor is hand cranked. US Navy diving helmet, Mark V. Two maker's plates attached. Made in 1944.On rear "WATER SUPPLY" On front 'PATENT" " Logo: Images (Lion, Crown, Horse, Shield within an oval) "SIEBE, GORMAN & Co. Ltd. SUBMARINE ENGINEERS, LONDON.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, great ocean road, us navy diving helmet, commonwealth government salvage, diving helmet, marine salvage, frank king, diver, siebe. gorman & co ltd, submarine equipment, diving equipment, communication under water, hand cranked, diving compressor

Born 5th October 1895 in Adavoyle, United Kindom Occupation Grocer and later horticulturalist Married after WW1- Wife - Daisy Florence Barclay World War One Staff Sergeant Regimental Number 2139 Enlisted AIF in Melbourne 29th December 1914, having previously served 3 months with the Ulster Volunteers and to camp Broadmeadows, to depot Battalion 29th December 1914. Embarked from Melbourne for the middle East with 3rd reinforcement group for the 5th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 25th February 1915 per transport 'Runic'. Disembarked Alexandria and to camp Heliopolis, Egypt. Operation Gallipoli from 5th May 1915 with 5th Battalion. Sick with dental problems 2nd Field Ambulance 17th September 1915. To hospital Lemnos 20th December 1915. To Alexandria hospital with pluerisy 12th January 1916. Returned to Australia with enteric per 'Nestor' 9th February 1916.To duty Broadmeadows 4th April 1916. Wmbarked with 4th reinforcements group for the 58th Battalion, 15th Brigade per transport 'Themistocles' 1st August 1916 Returned to England 14th September 1916. Operations France and Flanders from 6th December 1916. To 59th Battalion 29th December 1916. To 5th Division Infantry School 18th February to 28th March 1917 as Lance Corporal. Corporal 7th April 1917. Sergeant 2nd May 1917. To 3rd Southern General Hospital Oxford 4th October 1917. Returned to Melbourne per Transport 'Persic' 12th February 1918. Discharged 14th March 1918. Second World War. Regimental Number V5571 Emlisted in the Australian Military Forces in Royal Park, Melbourne 22nd August 1940 and to 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, Fyansford. Staff Sergeant 24th August 1940. To 2/14th Training Battalion Wangaratta 11th October 1940. To 2/23rd Training Battalion, Wangaratta 18th October, 1940.To Southern Command Training School 26th May 1941.to Camp Bonegilla 15th May 1942. To Camp Caulfield 11th November 1942. Discharged to Reserve Occupation 19th November 1942. Remarks. Awarded 1915-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal 1914-1919 Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal as Lance Corporal vide London Gazette 30111 of 31st July 1918. Citation for action on 9th July 1917 during the third Battle of Ypres reads- " For conspicous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rendered invaluable service during operation in carrying important messsages through heavy fire" Awarded War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45 in 1951. Described as 71.5inches tall, medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He died 11th September 1962.WW1 - Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914/15 Star 1914/18 British War Medal Victory Medal WW11 - 1939/45 British War Medal Australian Service Medal 1939/45 All medals with associated coloured ribbons. These are replica medals made in the exact metals as the originals. Also in display is a record of War Service which can be found in the narrative. Noneservice, medal, 1918, citation, ww1, military, gazette, london, ww11, medals, 30111, 31st, july, ypres, distinguished

Sent by W.H. Birdwood but no signature. This is another of 5 documents in a large frame called the West Collectioncopy of typed letter to Walter West from W.H. BirdwoodTop left corner: Copy. Top right Australian Imperial Force 130 Horseferry Road, Westminster, S.W.1 19th April, 1919 Dear West, I send you my heartiest congratulations on the award to you of the Military Cross, of which I have only now been informed; in recognition of your very good and gallant work in our operations at Montbregain on 5th October last. When your platoon was held up by heavy fire from a strong post, you most gallantly rushed forwatd alone, and bombing the position captures the gun and crew. Later, when your flank could not make progress owing to fire from a post containing two machine guns, you crawled round to the right, and rushed this post, which you captured with one of the guns, killing three and taking another three of the garrison prisoners. On your company commander becoming casualty, you took command, and consolidated the line with good judgment and ability. throughout you displayed courage, initiative and determination of a very high order. I am indeed pleased that your splendid work has been recognised in this way. with kindest regards and good wishes to you for the future. Yours sincerely. W. H. Birdwood ww1, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc

John Hughes was Awarded the Military Medal: "for conspicuous good work during operations at/ GIRD TRENCH, near LE SARS, on 14.11.1916./ This N.C.O. was in charge of a party of men engaged in digging a communication trench from/ our jumping off trench to the newly captured GIRD TRENCH. He displayed great courage and coolness under very heavy fire, and his personal efforts were mainly responsible for the completion of the task allotted to his party."// Service number: 3044 Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: 2nd Pnr Bn Service: Army Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918 Award: Military Medal Date of London Gazette: 22 January 1917 Location in London Gazette: Page 836, position 34 Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 29 June 1917 Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1395, position 37A framed embroidered cushion cover from WW1. Sent or brought home by Lt. Jack Hughes. Contained within the same frame is a paper clipping and a photo.1.Cushion cover: from the top down- Egypt.... 1914/ Rising Sun/ scrolls with Australian Commonwealth/ Military Forces/ Aust Div Train/ Palestine Sinai Syria/1919. 2.Newpaper clipping with photo: John Hughes (left) 81, and Hugh Mont/gomery, 87, are the two oldest veterans who/ will be taking part in the Frankston ANZAC/ Day March on Tuesday. Mr Hughes served/ in France and Belgium in WW1 and/ in Darwin in the Second World War. He is a/ holder of the Military Medal./ Mr. Montgomery served with the 29th Bat/talion AIF in France during WW1/ Both men have been residents of the RSL park War Veterans Home for the past eight years.// 3. Photo: Mr. John Hughes.belgium, france, ww1, lt, mm, jack, hughes

The photo shows a view of the WW2 Z Special Unit's headquarters in Cairns.Z Special Unit and its operations were kept secret during WW2 and such photos may be rare.Sepia photograph On back: "House on the Hill" Cairns 1944 ZESz special unit - house on the hill - headquarters - cairns - world war 2

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