The 59th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised for service during World War I, the battalion fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium between 1916 and 1918, before being disbanded in 1919. In 1921, it was re-raised as a part-time unit of the Militia in Victoria. They remained in existence until 1942 when, due to a manpower shortage in the Australian economy, the decision was made to amalgamate the battalion with the 58th Battalion to form the 58th/59th Battalion. Together they remained linked throughout World War II, serving in New Guinea and Bougainville in 1943–1945. In 1952, the 59th Battalion was re-raised and subsequently was absorbed into the Royal Victoria Regiment in 1960.Brown timber frame containing cream coloured mount and photograph of large group of soldiers and bandsmenPlaque -59th Militia Circa 193959th militia, ww1, ww2, 1939

Sent to Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia from V129537 ACI Gilbert A V Group 436 RAAF Flinders Island during World War 2 Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured drawing of path leading to three mountains.top left corner - Air Mail/ACF in red star right top corner - postage stamp left side - AIF censor stamp right side - Mrs M Mac Donald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia rear - V129537 ACI Gilbert A V Group 436 RAAF Flinders Islandenvelope art, ww2, aci gilbert a v

One of a series of illustrated envelopes which once contained letters drawn by a soldier/s and sent to Mrs MacDonald of 32 Grey Street Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with drawing of war scene - cannon in front of hut and palm trees, ambulance in centre and bomb exploding below aircraft in sky.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

Envelope Art made during WW2 Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured picture of sun setting over water with palm trees in foregroundTop left - ACF in red star / AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australiaenvelope art, ww2

Sent to Mrs MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta by soldier during second world war.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with hand drawn scroll with stick figure either side Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australiaww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of soldier running away from aircraft dropping bombs. Box and bottles in foreground.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom left- "Fair Dinkum Wouldn't it!" Box - "Jungle Juice 100% OP' ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery. Cream paper envelope with green coloured sketch of soldier holding a rifle behind foliage.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom centre - "They shall not pass" ww2, envelope art

One of a series of illustrated envelopes which once contained letters hand drawn by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald in Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with drawing of two soldiers walking side by side Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom left - "Who pinched Puds bottle?" ww2, envelope art

One of series of illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of Grey Street WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with drawing of side profile of male wearing hat.Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Centre - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Bottom left - "Who is this?" Rear - Red Cross ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of palm tree and mountains and cloudy sky.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Centre - Stamped "Missent to Barnawartha" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of two palm trees with stick figure below. Two small stick figures on rearTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of male in yellow bathtubTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Top Left - "Some Saturday Night Perhaps!" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of officer at desk with a soldier either sideTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia crossed out - 5 ? Street Glen Iris Melbourne. Bottom - "Sarg, Doc Well what's wrong with this fellow?Just another tropo case, reading the papers about leave" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of palm tree and flag pole with red cross flag next to thatched hutTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia crossed out - 5 ? Street Glen Iris Melbourne. Bottom - "Dressing station" Bottom left - Bill 1943 ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of yacht sailing at sunset.Top left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with coloured sketch of flag pole with two flags next to thatched hut and ambulanceTop left - BY AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Left side - AIF Censor stamp Right side - Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

Educational Journal published and distributed free fortnightly to Australian and Allied troops during WW2 1941-1946Small red and blue journal with sketch of a soldier in a slouch hat holding two fingers up.Vol 7 No 2 27 Sept, 1943 Special Second Birthday Issuesalt, army journal, ww2

Pocket book belonging to G R Sands of Sea:Lake. These books were gifted to servicemen in WW2 by the Australian Comfort FundAn example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Small red book with plastic canvas cover with black writing.On front cover: The Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book. Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund. Inside written in blue ink: G.R. Sands 71023 Sgt. 401 Road Sea Lake Vic. NOK M.O Sands. DOB 2-1-23. Weight 12st 6lb. Height 6ft 4in.soldiers' pocket book, g. r. sands, australian comfort fund, ww2

Identity of soldier uncertain at this stage, possibly W.P. Fawcett. Item in the collection of "William Percival Fawcett", Refer Cat 9627.Black and white, head and shoulder shot of an Australian Soldier wearing a slouch hat. Identity unknown but believed to be WW2.photo, ww2 soldier, fawcett 1

From the title page - "NOTHING OVER US/ The story of/ The 2/6th Australian Infantry Battalion" Part of the "William (Bill) THOMASON" Collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Hardcover book with dust cover. Cover - cardboard, mid brown colour buckram, gold colour print on spine. Dust cover - paper, white and dark green colour print on front and spine on dark green, mid brown and cream colour background. Front illustration - brown colour crayon drawing of an Australian soldier. Flaps - white colour printed information. 604 pages, cut, plain white colour paper. Illustrated black and white and colour photographs, maps and drawings. End papers - front and back - sepia toned photograph of troops on Parade, background streetscape of trees and tram. publications, books, history 2/6th infantry battalion, william (bill) thomason collection

Hand draw sketch on cloth handkerchief by Private Edward CURRAN VX143967 - Born Wangaratta 6/6/1923 Service - CMF 23/1/1942-11/7/1943 AIF 12/7/1943-15/10/1945 24th Battalion Embarked 29/3/1943 for New Guinea. Cotton handkerchief depicting hand drawn sketch by soldier whilst on active service in New Guinea during second world war.Brown timber frame and beige mount containing sketch of a koala in a blue diamond above a boomerang on cloth Bouganville New Guinea 24th Battalion AIF "I Hold Fast" Plaque with inscription "Private Edward Joseph Curran 24th Infantry Battalion Australian Imperial Force - New Guinea and Bougainville"new guinea, ww2, 24 battalion, edward curran

Original owner of book, Mr FREDERICK CARLETON. Please see Catalogue Number 142.7 for service history.Hard Cover book. Hardcover, cardboard with red coloured buckram, white print on front and spine. End papers - illustrated black and white photographs, front silhouette of barbed wire and soldiers. Back - soldiers on parade.Opposite Title page - newspaper cuttings from Bendigo Advertiser, Monday June 6, 1994 and Saturday July 2, 1994. Death notices or CARLETON Frederick Lloyd".book, battalions, ww2

"William John Leslie Bennetts". William enlisted as No. 4433 in the AIF on 7.7.1915 aged 24 years 5 months in the 14th Reinforcements, 6th Battalion. He embarked for Egypt on 28.1.1916 then for France on 29.3.1916. Appointed Acting Corporal on 3.8.1916. In hospital on 4.11.1916 with Trench feet, re-joined unit on 12.3.1917. Appointed Corporal 19.7.1917. Wounded in action 5.10.1917, GSW to the head. Re-joined unit 21.11.1917. Appointed Lance Sergeant 10.8.1918 then Sergeant soon after, Returned to Australia 1.9.1919 and discharged from the Army on 25.10.1919. During WW2 William enlists in the CMF as No. v362254 on 14.4.1942 and discharged on 8.6.1944 with the Rank of Sergeant. Sepia toned photograph of a soldier in Australian Army uniform. Sergeant stripes and two wound stripes visible. Photograph mounted in a dark brown folder. Photographic Studio name written on photograph.Handwritten in black on photograph: “JAWLEY BROS PF”william john leslie bennetts, bennetts collection, photograph

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war and sent to Mrs McDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta.Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of male figure running toward signTop left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp Centre - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M McDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Left side "Beer Issue on at 1900hrs" Bottom "Boy OH Boy I'll be in on that" ww2, envelope art

One of several illustrated envelopes, without letter, sketched by soldier/s during the second world war sent to Mrs MacDonald of WangarattaVictoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with sketch of palm trees, hut, mountains and clouds on left of scroll.Top left - AIR MAIL Top right - postage stamp/No stamps available Top left - AIF Censor stamp Right side Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia ww2, envelope art

Soldiers pocket book issued to Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 .Born on 14 July 1909 at Condoblin NSW. Enlisted 23 January 1940 at South Melbourne Served during WW2 An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Burgundy colour imitation leather cover book held together with bandaids pocket book, ww2, muldoon

Iconic design Australian Slouch hat worn by Australian Soldiers.Brown Felt hat, size 7, light brown material band around crown. Stud on left side to button on rim. Black Australian Rising Sun Badge on left side. Inside leather rim around crown.Inside says "N.121 - Fur Felt - 7 -1942"slouch hat, ww2

Defence records belonging to 400444 John Hudson WILKINSON born 18./2/1914 at Rutherglen. He was a Pharmaceutical Chemist prior to enlisting in the RAAF on 2/9/1940 Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - citation reads Pilot Officer Wilkinson is an air gunner of great ability and determination. He has taken part in a large number of operational sorties many of which have been against some of German's most heavily defended targets. On one occasion in March 1944 when engaged n an attack on Stuttgart a Junkers 88 attacked his aircraft five times but Pilot Officer Wilkinson by his accurate directions to his captain and coolly aimed return fire drove ff the enemy aircraft in a badly damaged condition. At all times his unwavering devotion to duty and constant alertness have inspired confidence in his crew. Killed in battle over Europe on 30/8/1944.White and green folder depicted with a sprig of rosemary above large group of soldiers.Defence Service Records National Archives of Australiapilot officer john hudson wilkinson, dfc, ww2, raaf, kia