Showing 419 items
matching british forces
-
Bendigo Military Museum
Medal - MEDALS, WW1
Victory Medal authorised 1919 to Commemorate Victory of Allied Forces over central powers in WW1. British War Medal authorised 1919 by King George to Army, Navy and Mercantile Marine. Items in the collection re "John Arthur Remington Alexander" No. 2237, AFC, AIF. Refer Cat No 7820 for his service details.Set of medals in split plastic pockets. 1. Victory Medal - Brass coloured medal with the Goddess Victoria on one side and inscription on the other. Round clasp on top with multi coloured ribbon attached. 2. British War Medal 1914-20. One side picture of man on a horse with 1914-1918 written on sides. Silver in colour with ribbon clasp on top. Ribbon colours are light blue, dark blue, white and orange. Other side picture of King George.1. Inscribed "The Great War for Civilisation 1914-1918".victory medal, british war medal, ww1, john arthur remington alexander -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - AUSTRALIAN MILITARY HAND BOOK, Angus & Robertson Ltd, The Fighting Soldier, 1941
Written by Major W.A.S. Dunlop (late Australian Staff Corps) this book is noted as "Adopted by British War Office for distribution to the Fighting Forces". This is a pocket handbook. It has a thin cardboard cover, orange in colour. Black printing. In the centre is a silhouette of a charging soldier with bayonet. It has 202 pages of text.ww2, infantry training -
Bendigo Military Museum
Magazine - HISTORY OF EIGHTH ARMY, His Majesty's Stationery Office, The Eighth Army, 1944
History of the Eighth Army from Sept 41 - Jan 43. Covered it's glory years of defeating the Axis Forces in North Africa.Well worn Magazine, Titled "The 8th Army". Picture of British Soldier on front smiling and picture of 3 soldiers on back in an armoured vehicle in a desert scene. Contents covered the actions of The 8th Army in the battles of North Africa.Titled "The Eighth Army" Inside written "J. Reeves, 19 Alphinall St. B/Head, Cheshire"8th army, north africa, ww2, magazine -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - JACKET - SUMMER, KHAKI
Ref. Cat 6719.2P - Swatton. Medals are: British War Medal 1914 - 20 Victory Medal Mentioned in Despatches Leaf Colonial Auxillary Forces - Long Service - Aust 20+ years. Efficiency Decoration 20+ years.1. This is a summer pattern service jacket. Four front pockets held shut with a button. There are 4 front darkened buttons. Motif is = Australian Military Forces. It has the rank insignia of a Lt.Col. It has four medal ribbons and a M.I.D. 2. Khaki cotton belt to suit. Metal buckle.Written inside the neck is = M530 Swatton.post ww2, passchendaele barracks trust -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - PHOTOGRAPHS & MEDALLIONS, FRAMED, During and post WW1
... Australian Imperial Forces with British Exp Force France".... Imperial Forces with British Exp Force France". Gold ornate frame ...Pictures of G. B. Jackson, Driver, 17th Division from WW1. Also includes medallion issued by Dept of Defence to returned Active Service Veterans and medallion likely issued by local council. Refer 3446P for Service details.Gold ornate frame. Includes two photos of soldier in uniform on a green background. Also includes two medallions. 1. Gold medallion with 2 rifles over a bullseye target on a chain and crossbar. On back "G.J. Jackson, Epsom 15/11/15." 2. Round medallion with crown on top with Rising Sun and AIF in middle, issued to returning soldiers. Frame has glass cover. Includes label that says:- "Driver George Bailey Jackson No. 2172. 30th Motor Transport Comp, 17th Division Supply Column Australian Imperial Forces with British Exp Force France".passchendaele barracks trust, photo, 30th motor transport co., g. b. jackson -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Grinder/Mincer - Meat
Old farm kitchen tool used for mincing meat manually.Used at Tawonga, in the Kiewa Valley, by resident Des WartonCast iron with dull smooth surface consisting of a tap to screw it onto a table, a barrel enclosing the auger that turns when the handle is wound around and forces the meat to spill out of a circular grinder. The hand crank is curved with a wooden knob . The outlet is oval shaped.Embossed on barrel: "Universal" Embossed on outlet "2" Embossed on handle "L.F. & c - New Britain Conn U.S.A."household tool, kitchen, meat mincer, grinder, universal no. 2 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Badge, Australian Commonwealth Horse, C1902
This is the badge of the Australian Commonwealth Horse which was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army established during the Second Boer War in 1902. It was the first expeditionary force established by the Commonwealth of Australia following Federation in 1901 and the first to wear the Rising Sun Badge, a design chosen by the British Commander in Chief of the Australian Forces, Sir Edward Hutton. This Rising Sun Badge was the second version of a military badge used by Australian soldiers in 1902.This badge is of great interest as the hat badge worn by the Australian Commonwealth Horse in the Boer War. It is not known if it has any local significance. Brass semi-circular badge in the shape of the rising sun with slightly curved bottom edge. There is text along the bottom edge with "Australia" in a semi-circle above a crown in low relief.two hooks on the back of the badge."Commonwealth Horse" in scroll alonf bottom of badge. "Australia " in semicircle below the rays of the sun.warrnambool, commonwealth horse badge, military badges of australia, australian commonwealth horse badge -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, The Great War 1914, C 1920
This medal was issued in 1919 to members of the Armed Forces to celebrate the victory of the Allies in World War One. Australian Armed Forces members were issued with the medal produced in Great Britain. The medal was issued to Private A.E.Snell. Albert Edward Snell enlisted in World War One from Nullawarre. He was listed as aged 21, single and a labourer. He was at first in the 8th Battalion (7 Reinforcement Group) and embarked on the Wandilla in 1915 and later transferred to the 14th Battalion. He was wounded in action and returned to Australia in1917.This medal is of considerable significance, firstly as an example of the medal issued after World War One to Australian Armed Forces members and secondly because it was issued to Private A.E. Snell, a resident of Nullawarre, about 32 kilometres from Warrnambool.This is a circular brass medal with a laurel wreath and an inscription on the reverse side. The obverse side features a winged figure of victory with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand. There is a metal ring at the top .There is text around the rim.THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919 2419 PTE. A.S.SNELL 8 BN A.I.F.victory medal, private a.e.snell, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Gas Mask, 1918
This item appears to be a World War One gas mask of the type known as the British small box respirator. Gas masks were produced and issued to members of the Allied defence forces in World War One in response to the German Army use of poison gas. The small box respirator was first issued in April 1916. This gas mask is of interest as a memento of World War One.This is a gas mask with a canvas hood for covering the face and with transparent mica eyepieces and cloth straps that fit around the head. A round perforated metal piece is attached to the bottom of the head piece and a hose is attached to the head piece and to an oval-shaped tin can. 757213 5613 (?) 18 world war one, history of warrnambool, gas mask -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Minefield Warning Flag
German Luftwaffe (Land Forces) minefield warning flag from WWII.originally intended to be gas markers, rather than mines, but as it turned out, the use changed .they were mounted on a red metal pole & there were 12 to a set in a leather pack. This Flag was presented to the Treasurer of Waverley RSL. It is a souvenir from Bardia in Libya The Battle of Bardia was fought over three days between 3 and 5 January 1941, as part of Operation Compass, the first military operation of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War. It was the first battle of the war in which an Australian Army formation took part, the first to be commanded by an Australian general and the first to be planned by an Australian staff. Major General Iven Mackay's 6th Division assaulted the strongly held Italian fortress of Bardia, Libya, assisted by air support and naval gunfire, and under the cover of an artillery barrage. The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked at dawn from the west, where the defences were known to be weak. Sappers blew gaps in the barbed wire with Bangalore torpedoes and filled in and broke down the sides of the anti-tank ditch with picks and shovels. This allowed the infantry and 23 Matilda II tanks of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment to enter the fortress and capture all their objectives, along with 8,000 prisoners. In the second phase of the operation, the 17th Infantry Brigade exploited the breach made in the perimeter, and pressed south as far as a secondary line of defences known as the Switch Line. On the second day, the 16th Infantry Brigade captured the township of Bardia, cutting the fortress in two. Thousands of prisoners were taken, and the Italian garrison now held out only in the northern and southernmost parts of the fortress. On the third day, the 19th Infantry Brigade advanced south from Bardia, supported by artillery and the Matilda tanks, now reduced in number to just six. Its advance allowed the 17th Infantry Brigade to make progress as well, and the two brigades reduced the southern sector of the fortress. Meanwhile, the Italian garrisons in the north surrendered to the 16th Infantry Brigade and the Support Group of the British 7th Armoured Division outside the fortress. In all, some 36,000 Italian prisoners were taken. The victory at Bardia enabled the Allied forces to continue the advance into Libya and ultimately capture almost all of Cyrenaica. In turn this would lead to German intervention in the fighting in North Africa, changing the nature of the war in that theatre. Bardia boosted the competence and reputation of the Australian Army. Perhaps most important of all, it raised confidence in the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory around the world, which would lead to the Lend-Lease Act being passed in the United States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_BardiaCloth Flag bearing a skull and cross Bones on a metal spike mounted on a square varnished wooden basebardia, land mine, marker flag, minefield, mustard gas -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Embroidered souvenir
WWI ? trench artWhite cloth embroidered with rising sun badge flanked by Australian and British flags and butterfly created from National flag colours of Great Britain France and Germany Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (Butterfly) From your soldier boy -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Gift tobacco tins
Gift to troops in France 1914-15. Decorative brass tin sent by Princess Mary to members of the British, Colonial and Indian Armed Forces for Christmas 1914. Over 426,000 of these tins were distributed to those serving on Christmas Day 1914. The tins were filled with various items including tobacco, confectionary, spices, pencils, a Christmas card and a picture of the princess. http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/1329146/tin-princess-mary-s-christmas-gift-19142Gift to the troops tobacco tins Christmas 1914 Brass hinged lidded tin New Year 1915 Brass hinged lidded tin containing tobacco in "plugs"Christmas 1914 Imperium Brittanicum France Russia (embossed) Australian coat of arms To the Australian Expeditionary Forces From the Australian Contingent Association Happy New Year 1915 christmas gift, tobacco, princess mary -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Letters from Italian POW
... after his capture by partisans, handed to American forces... after his capture by partisans, handed to American forces ...3 letters from Luio Zenere to his father Attillo Zenere after his capture by partisans, handed to American forces and subesquently to British and his incarceration in a P.O.W. camp in Naples 16/3/1944One letter in english partially readable 2 in Italian faded and difficult to read but letter in English gives insight into the life of one P.O.W.3 letter cards from Italian POW Luio ZenterePrisoner of War Post Service des prisoners de Guerre Kriegsfrngennenpostletter postcard pow -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Picture Print, Hurricane, Unknown
... ). Hurricanes served in all theatres of war where British forces were ...The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s–40s that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. for service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was overshadowed in the public consciousness by the Supermarine Spitfire's role during Battle of Britain in 1940, but the Hurricane actually inflicted 60 percent of the losses sustained by the Luftwaffe in the engagement, and it went on to fight in all the major theatres of the Second World War. Url Hurricane.html. The Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc - LF363, first flew on the 1st January 1944 and is believed to be the last Hurricane to enter service in the RAF. It was in service with 63 squadron and 26 squadron. After hostilities, LF363 was spared the scrap yard and used on various station flights and also appeared in films 'Angels one five', 'Reach for the Sky' and 'The Battle of Britain'. Whilst flying to Jersey in September 1991, LF363 suffered engine problems and had to be diverted to RAF Wittering but on the final approach the aircraft suffered complete engine failure and had to make an emergency landing. The pilot was saved with relative minor injuries (a broken ankle and minor burns) but the aircraft suffered severe damage. Historic Flying Limited completely rebuilt LF363 and by 1998 it was flying again as part of the B.B.M.F. LF363 currently wears the colour scheme of a Mk.I Hurricane of 17 squadron, P3878 'YB-W' which was flown by Flying Office Harold Bird-Wilson at Debden and Tangmere. Harold 'Birdy' Bird-Wilson had previously been badly burned in a pre-war flying accident. Upon his recovery he joined 17 squadron and fought through the 'Battle of France' and the 'Battle of Britain' achieving 6 confirmed kills. On 24th September 1940, 'Birdy' was shot down by Adolf Galland, his 40th 'kill', and had to bale out. 'Birdy' survived the war and when he retired from the RAF he had reached the rank of Vice Marshall and had been awarded the CBE, DSO, DFC & Bar and the AFC & Bar. British single-seat fighter aircraft manufactured by Hawker Aircraft, Ltd., in the 1930s and ’40s. The Hurricane was numerically the most important British fighter during the critical early stages of World War II, sharing victory laurels with the Supermarine Spitfire in the Battle of Britain (1940–41) and the defense of Malta (1941–42). Hurricanes served in all theatres of war where British forces were engaged. https://www.britannica.com/technology/Hurricane-airplane Framed coloured picture print on plastic sheetOn the aircraft are the markings LF 363 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
framed embroaded Patches & Brass military Medals, Blue material background Framed Patches & Medals
Some are rare in natureBlue material - background, White timber frame surround with 18 metal military cap badges and 6 military cloth patches., Row 1 British Army Cap Badge - Royal Army Ordnance Corps. F1 Household Life guards, Cap Badge, Center G.R. below V. Oval with motto on outside Banner. Royal Lancashire Cap Badge.World War 1 R.F.C. - Royal Flying Corps Cap Badge. surrounded by Laurel Wreath with Crown on top. Circ. 1895 Royal Australian Air Force pilot's wings. The brevet has white cotton embroidered wings, a king's crown, and the letters 'R.A.A.F.' within a pale blue embroidered laurel wreath. Horse Badge - Small Brass - British Army Military. Saint George slaying he dragon - Small Brass Badge. Army Cyclist Corps - World War 1 Cap Badge. Duke of Wellington's Regimental Cap Badge. Row 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Corps 1895 = Shoulder Title - Officer's. Royal Horse Guards Brass Army Cap Badge. Brass Badge - Queen; Mary's Own - 18th Hussars. Vintage Royal Welsh Fusiliers Cap Badge. R.A. F. Service Dress Wings with King's Crown. American Eagle Brass - Army Officers Cap Badge. 45th Overseas Battalion - Canada Expeditionary Forces. 48th Battlion, Victoria, Canada - British Columbia Brass Cap Badge. World War 1. Row 3. Center World War 11 - Rhodesian Air Force Cloth Pilots wings . row 4 Center - Embossed Woven Crown with metal gold thread woven feathers under. Right - Embossed Woven Crown with Brass Gold Anchor below.- Navy Petty Officer Cap Badge. Row 5. Large Metal Gold color Crown - British Army Warrant Officers Badge. Small Brass Single Rifle with ACT on the Butt of the rifle. Brass Badge - Drummers Proficiency., Last Row - center Embossed woven Crown Red Felt on Blue Back.none - no labels6 cloth patches raised and embossed, 18 military brass metal cap badges vary in type and country and conflict. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper - Table Tops Newspaper Dated 1/10/1944, Table Tops Newspaper Dated 1/10/1944 Armed Forces Australian produced for Australian Troops
Table Tops Newspaper produced by First Australian Army Press unit for Australian Troops Dated 1/10/1944 four pagesAustralian Forces produced Newspaper for issue to Australian TroopsTable Tops Newspaper dated 1/10/1944 -Produced by Australian Armed Forces Queensland for Issue to Australian TroopsBritish Repulse Fierce Attacks Smash Up Lek Crossing - 2 more island captured in Palau Group - Local News Events, for pagesbritish repulse fierce attacks smash up lek crossing - 2 more island captured in palau group - local news events, world war 2, newspaper, table tops dated 1/10/1944 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet, The British Council, This is Britain, C 1935 - 1945
On the rear is a statement . The booklet is only for sale to men and women in uniforms of the Commonwealth, United States and other Allied Forces. This is due to the paper shortage Small booklet, cardboard cover. Front cover shows a church spire and old tudor style buildings in black and white. Cost 1/6 NET great britain, souvenir ww2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet, The British Council by Longmans, Green & Co, This is London. A souvenir for overseas forces, C1935-1945
... forces. WW2 London souvenir Booklet Front cover “ This is London ...Rear page has a state. For sale only to men and women in uniform of Commonwealth, Empire, United States and other allied forces. Booklet has a cardboard cover, front cover has a black and photograph of St. Pauls Cathedral London. Inside are images of London life before and during the blitzFront cover “ This is London. A souvenir for overseas forces. 1/6 net “ ww2, london souvenir, booklet -
Bendigo Military Museum
Album - ALBUM, PHOTOGRAPHS BCOF, c. 1947 - 50
The photos re BCOF relate to William H Owen, the unit he is with appears to be RAAMC (Royal Australian Army Medical Corp)Photo album covers heavy cardboard black background with scenes of Japan in colour, sections are inlaid with Mother of Pearl. 18 sleeves with B & W photos both sides relating to service with BCOF Australian Forces in Japan. There are some civilian photos re scenes of Bendigo Victoria. BCOF. British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Japan)albums, bcof, photographs -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - INSTRUMENT of SURRENDER
Certificate of Instrument of Surrender of the Japanese Forces of New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville and adjacent Islands. Signed 6th Sept 1945 by Commander Japanese Imperial South Eastern Army and by Lt. General Commanding First Australian Army.White hard paper certificate - single page.instrument of surrender, new guinea, vp day -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - BADGE, BRITISH ARMY INSIGNIA, 1945
... (England) Ref 5400, 5402 Austria Occupational Forces Badge Military ...14972799, ASTON, Derg James Randell. Enlisted Worster (England) Ref 5400, 5402 Austria Occupational ForcesBadge, metal, brass insignia Austria Occupational ForcesCrown, Rose, Leaves Ïntelligence Corps"badge, military insignia, intelligence corp -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, FRAMED, "Publishers to Her Majesty the Queen and to Their Royal Highnesses the Prince & Princess of Wales"
Representation of all the Commonwealth Forces that served in the Boer War.Framed print with the title of "SONS OF THE EMPIRE". Frame: timber with decorative edge, brown stain colour, glass front. Mount: Cream coloured cardboard with outer mount timber with gold coloured paint. Print: Black and white grouping of men in uniforms of various countries with flag, horses and some soldiers holding rifles. Artist signature at base of print. Title and information printed below illustration.Artist signature on print "Harry Payne/Dec/99" Printed title below illustration - "SONS OF THE EMPIRE" Printed information below title - "Dedicated by Special Permission to / Field Marshall the Right Hon. Viscount Wolseley. K.P., G.C.B/, G.C.M.G./Commander in Chief of the British Army"" with signature in black ink "Wolseley F.M."framed print, commonwealth, boer war -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Silk Flag, Nippon Times
... Surrender of World War 2 silk american army british army australian ...Made at the end of World War 2 to celebrate the surrender of Japan. The item was brought back from Japan by Sapper Albert Alexander Founds VX71775 who joined from Lara Victoria 12 January 1942 and was discharged on 9th July 1947. Made of silk after the Japanese Surrender of World War 2A silk flag with the words Nippon Times. Unconditional Surrender by Japs Completed at 20 minute Ceremony. Picture of cherry blossoms, map of Japan and British, American FlagSee imagesilk, american army, british army, australian military forces, aif, cherry blossoms, nippon times, japan, world war 2, ww2, japenese surrender -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Set 4 photographs. and others for Torquay Light Horse camp, 1940
These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Print of Anax Gallipoli, The landing at Gallipoli Anax 1914
... invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula by the forces of the British ...This picture depicts Gallipolis Anzac cove in 1914 The landing at Anzac Cove on Sunday, 25 April 1915, also known as the landing at Gaba Tepe, and to the Turks as the Arıburnu Battle, was part of the amphibious invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula by the forces of the British Empire, which began the land phase of the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War.Rectangular in shape timber picture frame with a small gold border,The photo is surrounded by a white border and covered in glass.Colarts studios Melbourneww1, lara r.s.l., world war one, gallipoli, anzac cove -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - Air War Against Germany and Italy 1939-1943. AIR Author John Herington, First published 1954
Australian contribution to air fighting against Germany and Italy with Australia being a small force against the larger, stronger air forces. The smaller Australian Airmen were merged into the Royal Air Force.Historical record of the AIR effort 1939-1943Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - Air War Against Germany and Italy 1939-1943 Illustrations, Maps, Diagrams and Graphs, MapsAustralian War Memorialgermany, italy, the battle of britain, syria, western desert, fighter squadrons in 1941, bomber command 1941, radar bombing, air war, tunisia, pathfinder raids, invasion of sicily, night fighters -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Coloured Print, Colour Patches of the Australian Military Forces World War Two
The Chart displays unit colour patches worn by members of the Australian military forces during world war 2. the Australian Military forces consisted of the 2nd Australian Imperial Forces and the Permanent Military ForcesDuring the world wars and the years in between, Australian soldiers wore cloth patches of various shapes and colours on their upper sleeves to indicate to which unit or formation they belonged. The use of colour patches was discontinued in 1949 when the British system of embroidered shoulder titles, formation signs and lanyards was adopted. In July 1987 colour patches were reintroduced in order to foster the Army’s heritage and are now worn on the right side of the puggaree on the slouch hat. Coloured Print of Colour Patches of the Australian Military Forces World War TwoNumbered Colour Patches and descriptions of each patch 1 to 630 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - PHOTOGRAPHS, 1954- 1959 approx
... “FARELF” Far East Land Forces (Malaya) “BCFK” British... goldfields “FARELF” Far East Land Forces (Malaya) “BCFK” British ...“FARELF” Far East Land Forces (Malaya) “BCFK” British Commonwealth Force Korea. All photos relate to the collection of Francis William (Dinky) DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service history.All photos are B & W. (.1 - .4) Three soldiers sitting at a table with one standing looking over. (.5) Soldier throwing water over himself. (.6) Soldier kneeling with an Owen gun aimed. (.7) Soldier cleaning a weapon. (.8) Two soldiers looking out through an aeroplane door. (.9) Soldier, no shirt on aiming a pistol. (.10) Soldier with a dart or rod in his mouth. (.11) Soldier kneeling aiming what appears to be a shotgun. (.12) Soldier inspecting the bar real of an Owen gun. (.13) Soldier inspecting a pistol. (.14 - .15) Two Nurses talking to two soldiers. (.16) Large group of soldiers on the deck of a ship.(.1 - .15) On rear stamped in purple. “Public relations Australian Army Force GHQ FARELF, GUN ....... MC” After GUN on each photo is an individual number. (.16) On rear stamped in purple. “Photo No, please credit to Public relations HQ BCFK” In pencil. “2961”photography, military, korea, malaya -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - BOOK, New Testament, 1942
New Testament presented to members of the fighting forces who were proceeding on active service. Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Blue buckram soft cover. 384 cut edge pages with black type. Printing on end papers front / back. Title & crest of George VI printed on front cover in black.bible, active service -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - DOILEY, SILK, 1940
... Australian Commonwealth Military Forces/ 1940 Palestine... australia Australian Commonwealth Military Forces/ 1940 Palestine ...Hand made for Australian soldier in Palestine 1940 for mailing home to family.Circular doiley, cloth and fringes, maroon and gold, British and Australian flags, the Rising SunAustralian Commonwealth Military Forces/ 1940 Palestine/ British and Australian flagsdoiley, palestine, 1940, world war ii, australia