September 30,1945 - The official dedication service and unveiling of the Cenotaph at Tarakan War Cemetery The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.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 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of monument/cenotaph and catafalque party2/24th battalion, tarakan, cenotaph

The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. Badge issued to 3978 Private Wilfred FITTON born in Lancashire England, enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 28/7/1915. Served with the 5th Battalion 12/5 Rein.Embarked 23/11/1915 and was discharged on 6/7/1920. Post war worked for the Victorian Railways and lived at Tarrawingee.The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. Gold badge with crown on top, blue circle in the middle with image in gold centre, red banner at bottom surrounded in white enamel. Coat lapel pin attached.On front: Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League Australia On back: 48257 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic. australia, rsl, private wilfred fitton, 5th battalion, ww1

Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the 'Rising Sun' badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac. There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun.The Rising Sun badge, also known as the General Service Badge or the Australian Army Badge, is the official insignia of the Australian Army and is mostly worn on the brim of a slouch hat or, less frequently, on the front of a peaked cap for Army personnel filling certain ceremonial appointments.Timber look laminate box with gold colour metal "rising sun" badge on front. The box opens out flat and contains seven metal " rising sun " badges mounted on black felt on the right side. The left side below an image of the rising sun contains a written history of all seven badges from 1902 to the present.The Australian Armyrising sun, badge, australian army, anzac

Hand drawn Coat of Arms for the soldiers known as the Rats of Tobruk with signatures of those involved in the engagement between 5th April to the 22nd of October 1941 The drawing is signed by artist John DOWIE AM, SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion Signatories are: VX42389 Eric Hamilton, 2/32 Battalion; VX30189 F.Baldwin, 2/23 Battalion; VX34544, F.J.Mc.Intosh 2/24 Battalion; VX34554 W.Harrison, 2/24 Battalion; WX7281 P.Bone 2/25 Battalion; VX33719 Duke Goldsmith, 2/24 Battalion; VX41179 Harry Frazer, 2/24 Battalion; VX29652 A.R.Stribley, 2/24 Battalion; SX6367 Jack Foley, 2/43 Battalion; VX48340 Harry Jones, 2/23 Battalion; VX42317 Aub Jarrott, 2/24Battalion; VX28869 Rod Deering 2/24Battalion; VX15719 Ian F. Joss 7th Division AASC; VX19723 Len Dauria, 2/12 Field Regiment; NX35852 R.E (Snowy) Cornelius 2/13 Battalion; VX32559 Jim Gray, 2/24Battalion - James Cyril GRAY Born 6/1/1916 in Orroroo South Australia. Enlisted 28/5/1940 at Mildura. Awarded Military Medal for remarkable coolness, bravery and leadership at Tobruk on 24/4 and 1/5/1941. He was promoted to Sergeant on 14/8/1941, Lieutenant in November 1942 then Captain on 9/4/1945. He was wounded in action on 11/9/1943 and discharged on 20/12/1945. He married and had three children. He died on 10/4/1992 aged 76 and buried at Wangaratta Cemetery.This original drawing is by John DOWIE SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion during the second world war and is signed by the artist and soldiers from the 2/24th Battalion known as "Wangaratta's Own". John Stuart Dowie AM (15 January 1915 – 19 March 2008) was an Australian painter, sculptor and teacher. He was born in the suburb of Prospect in Adelaide, South Australia, and studied architecture at the University of Adelaide. During World War II, Dowie worked in the Military History Unit of the Australian Imperial Force, and as an assistant to Australia's official war sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell. As a soldier, he was one of the Rats of Tobruk. After studying art in London and Florence, Dowie returned to Australia. His work includes over 50 public sculpture commissions, including the "Three Rivers" fountain in Victoria Square, "Alice" in Rymill Park, the "Victor Richardson Gates" at Adelaide Oval and the "Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial" at Adelaide Airport. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 in recognition of service to the arts as a sculptor and painter. Dowie died on 19 March 2008, aged 93. There is a similiar version of the drawing on page 32 of the book Desert Sand and Jungle Green by Geoffrey Boss-Walker which is an illustrated history of the 2/43rd Battalion.Timber frame containing hand drawn Coat of Arms consisting of "rats" as shield supporters, crest with a swastika in the centre and motto surrounded by signatures.Signatures of artist John Dowie and soldiers engaged at Tobruk. The crest depicts a latrine and the motto reads NON FASCES SED FAECES (Latin translation - "Do not move but the dregs") rats of tobruk, coat of arms, 1941, john dowie

Each soldier had one of these forms filled out on Discharge from the army. WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force Certificate of Discharge No 5998 Christopher Clark 59th Battalion Born in StawellChristopher was a WW1 Serviceman from Stawell WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force Certificate of Discharge of Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1,59th Battalion Christopher Clark was born in Stawell on 25th December 1892 and was brought up on the family farm in Callawdda and worked in the district and then in Queensland where he obtained an engine drivers licence and drove the sugar trains then worked on the steam boiler engines in the sugar mills. When the First World War started he came back to Stawell and enlisted in the army on 11/4/1916. He was sent to France in the 59th Battalion. He was in the army 1175 days, serving 1029 days abroad. During his service he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Details from his daughter Ruth Clark of Ararat December 2017.Form is filled out for soldier Christopher Clarkww1, serviceman, soldiers, military, stawell

Soldier in WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force No 5998 Christopher Clark 59th Battalion Born in StawellChristopher was a WW1 Serviceman from Stawell who returned to Australia Framed Studio Portrait of Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1,59th Battalion Christopher Clark was born in Stawell on 25th December 1892 and was brought up on the family farm in Callawdda and worked in the district and then in Queensland where he obtained an engine drivers licence and drove the sugar trains then worked on the steam boiler engines in the sugar mills. When the First World War started he came back to Stawell and enlisted in the army on 11/4/1916. He was sent to France in the 59th Battalion. He was in the army 1175 days, serving 1029 days abroad. During his service he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Details from his daughter Ruth Clark of Ararat December 2017.ww1, serviceman, soldiers, military, stawell

Soldier in WW1 Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force No 5998 Christopher Clark 59th Battalion Born in StawellChristopher was a WW1 Serviceman from Stawell Framed Certificate of Appreciation for Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1, 59th Battalion Christopher Clark was born in Stawell on 25th December 1892 and was brought up on the family farm in Callawdda and worked in the district and then in Queensland where he obtained an engine drivers licence and drove the sugar trains then worked on the steam boiler engines in the sugar mills. When the First World War started he came back to Stawell and enlisted in the army on 11/4/1916. He was sent to France in the 59th Battalion. He was in the army 1175 days, serving 1029 days abroad. During his service he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Details from his daughter Ruth Clark of Ararat December 2017. Soldier No 5998 Christopher Clark Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force WW1 59th Battalion Born in Stawellww1, serviceman, soldiers, military, stawell

Handwritten inscription refers to 16th Reinforcements G.S.G (General Service Group). Transported back to Australia via Troop Ship SS Riverina. Printed by Cambridge. Printed at the University Press, for The British and Foreign Bible Society 146 Queen Victoria Street London.Was given to Richard Evans who was born in Chiltern Valley ( who served in WW1 )Blue soft cover fabric weave. Parchment coloured pages with small black print. 64 pages. No. 69029. Pt. R Evans 16th Reinforcements G G G Aus Imperial Forces Abroad 20/11/ 18 Stamped British and Foreign Bible Society Bible House 214/3 Flinders Lane Melbourne. chiltern, chiltern valley, richard evans, ww1, gospel st mark

The hat was picked up at sea by a German Sailor serving on the blockade runner RAMSES. It was giver to RAN sailor A. Tarr when HMAS Adelaide rescued survivors after the sinking of the RAMSES. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provided some information about Shigeyoshi Higuchi. He was a sailor but did not serve on a ship. After WWII, he returned safely home to his family.This hat is significant as a tangible connection to wartime service by Japanese sailor Shigeyoshi Higuchi.A dark blue circular velvet hat lined with black cotton on the inside with four studs. A square label with printed and hand written Japanese characters is attached to the underside of the hat.Part of the label has been translated from Japanese into English. It indicates the owner of the hat was Shigeyoshi Higuchi, who was based in Nagasaki Sasebo. His military number was (some kanji) and 1274. The hat was made in April 1943.japanese imperial navy, ramses, hmas adelaide, shigeyoshi higuchi, nagasaki sasebo

4 Badges in total - 3 Brass coloured badges surmounted with crown, inscription encircling & rising sun AIF emblem. Badge no 4. Shield-shaped badge; surmounted by crown white enamel around, blue enamel circle with inscription, central image: 2 servicemen (one with rifle); red enamel scroll with inscription underneath.1.-.3 issued by Dept of Defence. Returned from active service. AIF..4 returned sailors & soldiers Imperial League.numismatics, badges

Medals awarded to Alwyn Terrance Till during 1939- 1945 war.1.1939- 45 Imperial Star, navy red and blue ribbon 'A. Till' 2.1939-45 France & Germany star red blue & white ribbon. 'A.Till' 3.1939-45 Defence medal green red & black ribbon 4. 1939-45 'Australian service medal' mentioned in dispatches, navy, red beige & pale blue ribbon. 5. 1939-45 War medal navy red & white ribbon.l 6. photo of Alwyn Till. 7. photo of Alwyn Tills' grave. 8. plaque..1 1939--1945 Imperial Star, Bronze star, crown over G R 1V.The 1939-1945 Star engraved around. Ribbon with dark blue, red & pale blue stripes. A.Till on back of medal .2 1939--1945. France & Germany Star. Bronze star .crown on top with GR1V in middle. 'The France & Germany Star' around edge. Dark blue white & red ribbon. A.Till 410756 on back.|3. 1939--1945. Defence Medal, round silver coloured medal with King George 1V profile. George .1VS:V1G BR MN REX F.D IND IMP around edge. The defence medal printed underneath coat of arms. Orange black & green ribbon. 'A.Till 410756 outside edge'. 4. Australia Service Medal mentioned in dispatches. Round silver coloured medal with King George V1 in profile wearing crown. 'George IVS ViDG BROMN REX ET INDIA IMP' around edge on front. Australian coat of ar,s on back with 1939-1945. Pale blue, red, beige and dark blue ribbon. 'A.Till 410756', on outside edge. 5. War medal 1939-1945. Silver coloured medal with King George V1 in profile on front 'George IVS G BR,OMN,REX ET INDIAE IMP around edge. 1939-1945 and lion on back. A.Till 410756 around outside edge. 6. Photograph of Alwyn Till in uniform. RAAF.|7. Coloured photograph of Alwyn Till grave at Hotton war cemetery in Belgium.|8. Metal bronze coloured plaque--Alwyn Terrence Till 1921-1944. Son of Sydney and Evelyn Till. Brother of Alison Till.numismatics, medals - military, photography, photographs / slides / film

It appears that Mr WA Benville was born in/near Durban South Africa on 6th Oct 1884. He served for Her Majesties Services for 222 days in the Boer war then came to Australia. He worked as Electrician at the GPO and lived at 180 High St.Kilda and joined the Australian Imperial Force, Australian flying Corps on 26/6/1917. Service No, 2320. Rank,.Air Mechanic 2nd Class. Roll Title Flying Corps Conflict Operation, First World War 1914-1918. Mr Benville Departed Melbourne on HMAT Port Sydney A15 on 9/11/1917. He was Married to Mrs Emily Madge Benville when he enlisted in Australia. Mrs Benville died on 10th July 1947. ( Buried at the Cheltenham Cemetery) Mr William Arthur Benville Died on 28th August 1976. Rest In Peace. Drivers licence to drive a Motor Car "William Arthur Benville" Natal Province District of Durban South Africa. Pink Cover.(The licence is written in English on left and Afrikaans on right. [We have used the English Inscriptions] Natal Province-Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulation Ordinance 1937. (Ordinance No. 10 of 1937 as amended) Drivers Licence class of motor vehicle in which respect licence is granted Motor Car. 123659. Issued to Surname Benville, Christian Name William Arthur, Address 178 Florida Rd, Date of Birth 6.10.84, Fee Paid 10/- shillings This licence is hereby granted to the abovenamed person, whose photograph and signature (or right thumb impression) appear hereunder, to drive a motor vehicle of the class described above. (Signature) ?????? Registrar District DURBAN , Date 26Sep 1951 ( Line undecipherable ) he must present his licence at any revenue or borough licencing office for amendment. Change of Address Date New Address Recorded by. Endorsements PN 363-P. 15593/NW.756/4,000/22-6-49

Black and white photographic image of Broadmeadows Military Camp during World War One. Numerous tents are surrounded by soldiers and horses and carts.world war one, broadmeadows military camp, tents, australian imperial force, camp

Black and white photographic image of Australian troops on board the 'Persic' awaiting departure. A nuber of people stand on the pier watching the departure.world war one, australian imperial force, troopship, s.s. persic

The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) was the forerunner of today's Returned and Services League (RSL). Formed after the First World War, the organisation was a veterans' association formed by returned servicemen to care for and advocate for the returned service community. The organisation later changed its name to the RSL. This badge is dated to the 1920's by the name of the organisation. It is significant because it has the capacity to represent an earlier incarnation of today's RSL.Small blue, white and red enamel and metal badge. Inset embossing of two soldiers advancing. Words enscribed on the front. A white shield shape with a crown mounted on the top.Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League Australia.rsl, rssila, returned services

WWI historical significance.1/ Australian Imperial Force. Copy of Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad, George William Cameron dated 17/7/1915. 2/ Copy of Certificate from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Ypres (Menin Gate) In Memory of George William Cameron 4172, 8th Bn., Australian Infantry, A.I.F. who died on 20th September 1917 Age 34.As above

WW1 Historical significanceAustralian Imperial Force. Attestation Paper of Persons enlisted for Service Abroad. #2839A / V27336 Dugald Cameron.V27336 Dougald Cameron Attestation Paper of Persons enlisted for Service Abroad

Tribute Certificate from the Citizens of the Shire Of Dandenong.A tribute from the Citizens of the Shire of Dandenong..."James Mathew McQuade".... No 7038 23 Reinforcements 7th Battalion....Australian Imperial Forces... In appreciation of his Patriotism in Enlisted for the Service of the Empire in the Great War which began on 4th August 1914,..... Signed by President/Councillor/Shire Secretary,,,, Seal of The President Councillors & Ratepayers of the Shire of Dandenong. The certificate is surrounded by---Various flags including Union Jack and Australian Red ensign/ photographs of His Majesty the King, Right Hon.Sir Edward Grey Bt MD Lord Kitchener/ Actual Photograph of the beach where the Australian and New Zealanders landed landed at Gaba Gallipoli. Taken by Sergeant Robt.Carnie Inset is small view of the men landing from the boats. THE CERTIFICATE IS ENCLOSED IN A WOODEN FRAME

Various Historical significance.Australian returned from active service badges. 2 x Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League Badges. (1919 - 1947.) 2 x 1971 to 1990 Life Member Badges. Maralinga & Monte Bello Association Badge. Boomerang with Rising Sun badge. Royal Australian Engineers 1930 - 1942 badge. Silver badge "To the Women of Australia. Vintage Turkish Medal. Inscribed To The Women of Australia Crown surrounded by Laurel Leaves with Map of Australia in centre. Returned From Active Service. Two or Three Servicemen shown. RAAF #A1102 - 1942. Boomerang with Rising Sun below Crown. Royal Engineers Badge inscribed "FACIMUS ET FRANCIMUS" encircling GviR in centre Crown over Laurel leaves.

Service Medals for War Service. Medals Awarded to Phillip Wallace Fenner. Born Derby England. Enlisted 1st February 1916. Unit 6th Battalion 16th Reinforcement. Rank of Private. Deceased on 15th May 1919.Historical significance.1914 - 1918 British War Medal. 1914 1919 Victory Medal. Metal dog tags. 1919 Children's Peace Medals. Returned From Active Service Badge. 1914 - 1919. Membership Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League.British War Medal - Obverse George V1. Reverse 1914 - 1919 image of Saint George on horseback. Victory Medal - Obverse winged full length figure of Victoria. Reverse The Great War for Civilisation 1914 - 1919. Dog Tags inscribed 5085. Fenner P.W. 6th Battalion A.I.F. Return From Active Service Medal. Inscribed with Rising Sun over A.I.F. Issued by the Department of Defence. .

Black and white image of Australian soldiers s Studying a model of the terrain of Messine Ridge during World War One. messines, messines ridge, world war one, world war 1, australian imperial forces

Photographs of the Daylesford War Memorial taken on the 50th anniversary of the Long Tan battle during the Vietnam War. battle of long tan, long tan, daylesford war memorial, world war one, vietnam war, korean war, boer war, world war two, john cock, royal australian navy, royal australian airforce, australian imperial forces, daylesford

Numerous colour photograph of a parade to commemorate 100 years since the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) undertook a recruitment drive in Bacchus Marsh. This was an early event during the ANZAC centenary. bacchus march, anzac centenary, aif enlistment drive, reenactment

This item was used as a duffele bag to carry equipment (ie. blankets, clothes, food) by the service man, Stanley Linton Nicholls. Nicholls was born in Ballarat on 16 June 1911 and was enlisted during WW2 into the second Australian Imperial Force on 4th August 1942 in the third military district of Victoria. He served as a Corporal and was discharged on 19 December 1945.Canvas bag, cylindrical in shape with closed round base and open, drawstring top. Smaller circle of same material attached inside drawstring opening as an internal cover/flap when closed. Metal eyelets (12) along top hem for drawstring (missing); two eyelets missing. Name and service number inscribed on side of bag in paint; slight staining around paint. Side panel: “S.L. NICHOLLS/VX84489/45017”. Green circle with three line breaks at even intervals. Green circle repeated on base. Base: Green circle as above. “45017”bag, barracks bag, gear bag, kit bag, canvas bag, equipment bag, duffle bag

This item was used as a duffel bag to carry equipment (ie. blankets, clothes, food) by the service man, Allan Eversfield Howlett. Howlett was born in Snake Valley on 11 March 1921 and was enlisted during WW2 into the second Australian Imperial Force, enlisting in Caulfield. His next of kin was James Howlett.Canvas bag, cylindrical in shape with closed round base and open, drawstring top enclosed in a hemmed top. Black stitching encircling top hem and round base. Name and service number inscribed on side and reverse of bag in ink.Side panel: “HOWLETT.A.E./VX28214” On reverse: “VX28214”bag, barracks bag, gear bag, kit bag, canvas bag, equipment bag, duffle bag

The silver or bronze medal was awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient’s service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.World War One British War Medal 1914-1918 awarded to 260268 Private J Whittaker. Medal is attached to board with thumb tack through ribbon.bwm, medal, world war one, wwi