LANGEMAK BAY, NEW GUINEA, 1943-10-28. MEMBERS OF THE 2/24TH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION BOARDING BARGES AT THE BEACHHEAD.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of soldiers on shoreline boarding barge2/24th battalion, new guinea, ww2

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine where they were based prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. Whilst in camp the band entertained the troops.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 depicts soldiers playing brass instruments seated in two rows in a semi circle facing conductor in the open.Handwritten on rear 2/24 Band"Dimra Camp" prior to Tobruk 19412/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

TROOPS OF THE 2/24TH. AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION ON PATROL IN THE SATTELBERG AREA, NEW GUINEA IN 1943 DURING WW2The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of five soldiers patrolling in dense jungle terraiin2/24th battalion, new guinea, ww2

RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREAThe 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honourReproduced black and white photograph of soldiers and Army Officer watching on as two soldiers in foreground demonstrate equipment2/24th battalion, ww2, ravenshoe, blamey

Dame Gracie Fields, DBE (born Grace Stansfield; 9 January 1898 – 27 September 1979) was an English actress, singer and comedienne and star of both cinema and music hall. When World War II was declared and whilst recovering from surgery she threw herself into her work and signed up for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Fields travelled to France to entertain the troops in the midst of air-raids, performing on the backs of open lorries and in war-torn areas. She performed many times for Allied troops, travelling as far as New Guinea, where she received an enthusiastic response from Australian personnel. In late 1945 she toured the South Pacific Islands. In 1979, seven months before her death, she was invested a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the entertainment industry.Reproduced black and white photograph of female wearing army jacket with soldiers kneeling and standing in background. Handwritten on rear - Gracie Fields in Pacificgracie fields, ww2, new guinea, 1945, south pacific islands

Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 issued to Flying Officer Owen Campbell MORTIMER 420235. Discharged 2/7/1945 at own request to resume civil occupation. Awarded 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Victory Medal and eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge.Cream paper with black print and type with emblem centre top contained within a black border and attached by staple top left corner to large sheet of paper.Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 Rear - To the Secretary the Returned Soldier's League with compliments Dr Owen Mortimer 29th May, 1989owen campbell mortimer, raaf, ww2

Photograph of the 2/24th Battalion A Company featuring 24 soldiers numbered and most identified by name.Black and gold plastic frame housing enlarged copy of black and white photograph of soldiers in four rows each numbered with list of names below.At top handwritten - A Coy 2/24 Battww2, 2/24 battalion a coy

Plaque present to Corporal Sperry BODSWORTH MID who served with the 2/21st Battalion and involved with the Battle of Ambon. On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber in the shape of a shield mounted with a metal a coat of arms depicting white seagull above black and orange diamond within pale blue oval shape.Gull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha Plaque - Cpl Sperry Bodsworth VX23435 MIDgull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

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

Brooch attached inside Australian Army Soldier's pocket book belonging to Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 who served during WW2. Born 14/7/1909 at Condoblin NSW but enlisted at South Melbourne in Victoria.Rectangle metal brooch housing three filigree metal circles with red and blue plaited metal surround.leonard francis muldoon, ww2

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

The embroideries were machine chained onto colourful cotton sateen (often mistakenly thought to be silk) and usually bear the words 'Souvenir of Egypt' and a year date. Most have a distinctly Egyptian flavour and show the pyramids, camels or date palms. Others show images associated with different armies (such as the Australian Rising Sun Badge, New Zealand General Service Badge or British unit badges) or nations (such as the Australian coat of arms). However, during WW2 they were usually embroidered on black velveteen and the variety of images was not as great as had been available during the First World War. These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message.Black and gold timber frame containing rectangular black cloth edged in light blue fringe. Machine embroidered on the cloth is image of rising sun badge with a camel and pyramids either side. Souvenir of Egypt 1941 Australian Commonwealth Military Forces1941, ww2, embroidered souvenir, egypt

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

When snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915, soldiers turned to the khaki woolen coat, known as the Greatcoat, for protection against the cold and wet climate. This item's provenance is unknown. This iconic piece of clothing often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the harsh weather conditions. Khaki Army greatcoat with Australian Army buttonsJ FERRIS ...?58019army greatcoat, world war two, ww2, wwii, second world war, australian army, australian army coat, australian uniform

This was the official state flag of Italy used by Italian armed forces during WWII. The tri-colour flag with the emblem of the former Royal House of Savoy was the first national flag and lasted for 85 years until the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. Soldiers' inscriptions on the flag suggest that it was capture from Italian troops during the Battle of El Alamein on 9 July 1942. The service numbers tell us that these soldiers served with the 2/24th Battalion which was raised Wangaratta. Walter Edward PARKER VX34529 Lancelot HALL VX32047 DOB 25/10/1904 Mildura Greville Egerton DENNYS Capt. NX4731 DOB 4/3/1917 DOD 4/10/1969 Enlisted 27/10/1939 George Charles GREEN VX21968This was the official state flag of Italy used by Italian armed forces during WWII. The tri-colour flag with the emblem of the former Royal House of Savoy was the first national flag and lasted for 85 years until the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. Soldiers' inscriptions on the flag suggest that it was capture from Italian troops during the Battle of El Alamein on 9 July 1942. The service numbers tell us that these soldiers served in the 2/24th Battalion which was raised in Wangaratta. Recognising the cultural and historical significance of the flag to both Italy and Australia, the Wangaratta RSL received a grant to have the flag professionally restored and framed in 2017.Large Italian flag with green, white and red vertical panels of equal size defaced with the Savoyan coat of arms, a red shield with white cross bordered with blue. Three two-piece hoist ties on the green side. Panels are sewn together from separate pieces of fabric. The shield appears to have been printed directly onto the white panel. The edges are hemmed.There are several handwritten inscriptions on the coat of arms in red and blue/black ink detailing the name and service numbers of different soldiers. (Not all of the writing is legible). Legible texts reads: "VX32047 / L HALL / ALAMEINE / 9.7.42" "VX21968 / G Green" "VX?45?? / W PARKER / ALAMEIN" - "NX4731 Greville Denys"italian flag, italy, el alamein, battle of el alamein, 2/24th battalion, wangaratta, ww2

Brass hat badges of the 158th Infantry Division Zara a regular infantry division of the Royal Italian Army and a garrison unit stationed on the Dalmation Coast during WW2. It surrendered to the Germans after the Italian surrender to the Allies in September 1943. Badges were often souvenired by Australian soldiers during WW2The 158th Infantry Division Zara was a regular infantry division of the Royal Italian Army during World War II. The Zara Division formed in March 1942, was a garrison division stationed on the Dalmatian coast. It surrendered to the Germans after the Italian surrender to the Allies in September 1943Two brass Italian Army hat badges showing crossed rifles and '158' within a rope circle surmounted by a crown. One badge is mounted on a red, white and green striped ribbon rosette 158ww2, italian army, badge

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Gunn meets Greek Orthodox leaders at the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly 19 October 1976.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Head & shoulders of Gunn looking to his left.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Gunn seated at his desk holding the telephone.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

Gunn was Stated Clerk of the Victorian Presbyterian Assembly until 1976. In 1986 he had been ordained 50 years. Gunn was ordained on February 12, 1936 in New Zealand. He served in three parishes before chaplaincy with the 20th Armoured Regiment in WW2. He was awarded the MBE for devotion to duty and recovering wounded soldiers across a minefield under mortar fire. He was called to St Andrew's Gardiner in 1955 and became the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in 1969, and in 1970 was also Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of Australia. He was Moderator of Victoria in 1965 and 1967. He chaired the Joint Constituional Council and the commission set up to prepare the interim constituion of the Uniting Church. He presided over the inaugural assembly of the UCA on June 22 1977 and made the declaration of inauguration.Gunn holding tea cup and talking to two people also holding tea cups, at the celebration of his 50 years of ordination.Name.gunn, l. farquhar, victorian presbyterian assembly, general assembly of australia

In the post-war era from 1947 to the mid-1980s, the Forests Commission sponsored Australia's only military sawmilling unit, the 91 Forestry Squadron. It was a special reserve unit of the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). Established and commanded by Commission forester and WW2 veteran, Major Ben Benallack, the "Woodpeckers" as they were known comprised a small pool of specialised soldiers capable of rapid mobilisation in the event of need. Several other Victorian departments such as the State Electricity Commission (SEC) did the same thing who supported a construction squadron based at Newborough in the Latrobe Valley. The scheme created a very active and capable part-time military group that completed many worthy projects across the State. In addition to their military training, the Woodpeckers operated bush sawmills, built timber bridges along the Murray River, the Snake Island Jetty, forest roads and performed various demolition tasks.Presentation plaque from the "Woodpeckers" Mounted on polished wooden burl

Colour Photo Soldiers’ Memorial with Grampians in Background. The photograph was taken on Anzac Day in 1988. The three Australian flags were flying to commemorate the day. Colour Photograph of Soldiers WW1 Memorial with Grampians in the background. Photo has 3 Australian Flags flying, Australian Army, The National Flag and the State Flag. Also, the globe to the left next to a give way sign, with a fountain between the flags and a Caltex sign on the right.Stawell 1988 Anzac Day Australia.stawell ww1 ww2

Close up of Soldiers’ Memorial inscription. 1999.Black & white detailed photo of the inscriptions on the memorial. Australian Commonwealth Military Forces emblem above the wording "Erected by - The Stawell Girls' Remembrance League to the Honor of the living and the everlasting Glory of the dead who fought in the Great War 1914-1919. - "Lest We Forget." stawell ww1 ww2

World War 2 Soldiers’ Memorial 1999. "In remembrance WW2 and Korean War, Malaysia, Borneo, Vietnam". The unveiling ceremony of the memorial was held on Sunday Nov 4th, 1956, by Lieutenant Edmond Herring. KCMG. DSO. MC. EO. The ceremony was dedicated "To the men of Stawell and District who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War 2 and Korean War. Two black & white photos taken in 1999 of World War 2 memorial. One photo an enlargement of the other. The memorial includes a list of all these who served in World War 2 and sits in a garden bed. At the top of the list is a world globe showing Australia surrounded by Asia, at the base Remembrance is prominently written around the base. stawell ww2

Paul Soumilas left Greece with his family to escape the 2ndWW, but was then conscripted by the Australian Air force when he arrived in Australia/ Many Greeks immigrants served in the Australia armed forces at times of conflict.Photo in brown frame Photo solo solider in uniform, shorts and wearing a cap, holding rifle bayonet, standing at attention.greek soldiers, soldiers, armed forces, army, air force, australian, greek australians

Black and white photocopy on A4 paper of a photograph of a group of Australian soldiers.Accompanying sheets identify some of the men in the photosoldiers, mornament, douglas, alf joyce, stan jackson, mccaw, pritchard, chappelow, shilston, burnett, mcgrath, kevin newton, max feldtmann, petts, grainger, newbigan, john mansen, garoni, robins, jones, hocking, lawford, martell, mcnamara, ron freeburn, garry howarth, morton, tom lappin, frank o'keefe, bruce nam, don mercer, mccormack, pigram, ernie aitken, cooper, john denner, richins, horsinton, mcfadgen, reade, carters, wwii, world war 2, world war ii, ww2

Memento of the 50th anniversary of the end of the second world warFour round brass medallions. Obverse has an inner circle in which a returned soldier is depicted greeting a woman and two children. The boy is wearing the soldier's slouch hat. The outer circle contains the words 'AUSTRALIA REMEMBERS 1945-1995'. The reverse has an inner circle with the Australian coat of arms and an outer circle with the words 'FREEDOM MEDALLION'."Australia remembers 1945-1995" "Freedom Medallion"ww2, memento, ww2 50th anniversary, freedom medallion

00151.1 Black and white photo of US WW2 Fighter Aircraft. 4 bladed prop. 00151.2 “. “. “. “. Australian soldiers by Anti Aircraft gun smoking. 00151.3. “. “. “. ‘ Pointing the gun upwards. 00151.4. “. “. “. “. Holding the round- 3 soldiers in the photo. 00151.5. “. “. “. “. Sighting the gun. 00151.6. “. “. “. “. US Fighter with 3 bladed prop. 00151.7. “. “. “. “. Aiming the gun upwards. 00151.8. “. “. ‘. ‘. Soldier changing gun elevation. 00151.9. ‘. “. “. “. Catalina Flying Boat. 00151.10. “. “. “. “. Twin seater aircraft.

Sent to an Australian soldier serving in the Middle East in WW2WW2 Canteen Order - Australian Defence Canteens Service Value Five Shillings Issued at Healesville Post Office V108878Sent to VX5414 C. L. Cowley 22nd May 1941. Sent by Mrs E. A. Humphries C/O N. L. Taylor.

Victory Parade Melbourne May 1945Black and White photograph of Australian soldiers marching north up Swanston Street.