The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December. The port continued to be held by the Allies until its surrender on 21 June 1942. HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970'sMervyn Hutchins owned this jacket. He was both a RAT of Toburk and a patient at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Navy blue woolen jacket pocket with embroideryLarge letter T with red crown. Overlay of the RATS of Tobruk logo with Victoria embroidered across the bottomrats of tobruk, wwii, world war two, second world war, uniforms, mervyn hutchins collection

Police Tunic made in Australia dates from 1947 Dark navy wool Tunic and trousers, fully lined with ticking cotton. 10 silver buttons and belt. with victoria Police badges on each sholder. sargents stripes on each sleeve.Made in Australia

This brand of starch was first manufactured in 1914, during the First World War, and continued to cover the other wars and military conflicts that followed. It was a time when Australian made was important due to the limited supplies coming from England and Europe. This was a period when the demand for "home grown" produce was at its peak. This was in a time when by necessity not by the "Buy Australian" campaign (of later years) which was the major factor for the demand of goods. It was in a time when starch was used in formal clothing to put a "crisp" or fresh new appearance for clothes. The important social more of "clothes make the person" was in vogue.This box which once contained starch powder is very significant to a rural semi isolated region because it clearly demonstrates that the social mores of the city were also entrenched into the rural population. The fashion of the day, even in remote areas, especially rural, were still a requirement to be maintained on certain special occasions. Cleanliness and stiff "upper lip" persona were just as important in the rural sector as in city and Government circles. Institutions such as hospitals, Government Offices and the legal personnel were bound by the fashion of the starch appearance (no dirt sticks to a personage with the "starch" look). Appearances, especially the first ones, were the judgmental image that remained in the uppermost regions of the viewer. This box with white writing and a "formally clad" man on a navy blue background held Australian grown maize based starch powder(1 LB gross). The package is made from 200 gsm thick cardboard. As production was made during the two World Wars 1914 to 1945 the promotion was heavily focused on Australian made and Australian grown maize.The same cover both front and back, "DANDY" below this a figure outlined in white on a navy blue background "hat and tails" outfit. Next to the sketch in smaller lettering" STRONGER THAN OTHER STARCHES. LESS REQUIRED". Below the figure "GLOSS" and below this in larger print "STARCH". Below this and in smaller print "CONTENTS. NETT WEIGHT 14 1/2 ozs" Below this and in smaller print "MANUFACTURED BY MAIZE PRODUCTS PTY LTD FOOTSCRAY VICTORIA" On one side of the box and in large white print on royal blue background"PURITY, STRENGTH AND UNIFORMITY." On the other side are the manufacturers directions. On the left side "FOR RAW STARCH" Underneath and in smaller print,"Dissolve in warm water a quantity to give the required thickness. Add bluing if required Stir before each using. On the right side "FOR BOILING STARCH" underneath this in small print"Mix well in small quantity of cold water to creamy consistency. Add boiling water, and stir constantly while cooking. Allow to cool, and add blueing if required. Underneath these two sets of instructions is "Make your consistency thinner than if using another kind of Starch"household starch, household cleaning, domestic laundering.

Red Ensign 1801 design. - The British red ensign was altered in 1801 to include the change to the design of the Union Jack. British legislation required, with a few exceptions, that all merchant shipping throughout the British Empire fly the British Red Ensign, without any defacement or modification. The ensign is sometimes referred to as the red duster. The Royal Navy stopped using the Red Ensign in 1864. This red ensign was used by the Surgeons of the Kyneton District Mounted Rifles to indicate their location. The Banner is a large red ensign mounted on a 10 foot long polished wooden pike. The Banner was used by the Kyneton District Mounted Rifles, later The Royal Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (Prince of Wales Hussars), then Prince of Wales Victorian Light Horse, ancestor units of the modern day 4th /19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment. In the binding is the inscription ‘Kyneton Prince of Wales Light Horse’ and three names: Surg-Major S Smith MRSLE, Dr McMillan, and Maj Thirkettle. These surgeons played a significant role in the military and civil affairs of Kyneton. Dr McMillan Dr McMillan was the first surgeon but left KPWLH 2-3 months after its formation and little else is known of him. Surgeon-Major Samuel Smith 1836 Born, Scotland 1857 Surgeon to the Hon. Hudson Bay Company. Ship “Prince Arthur” from London to Moose Fort, Hudson Bay. June 13 – Aug. 24 1857. 1858 Appointed Medical Officer of large immigrant ship to Port Phillip 1859 Appointed Assistant District Coroner, Castlemaine 1859 Appointed to Castlemaine Hospital 1862 Appointed first resident surgeon and manager of Kyneton Hospital Foundation member of Kyneton District Mounted Rifles 1874 Appointed Surgeon-Major Kyneton Volunteer Prince of Wales Light Horse Conducted a private practice in Kyneton. 1909 Died 8 November 1909, aged 73 years Samuel Smith was a Life Governor of Castlemaine Benevolent Asylum, a member of St Andrews Presbyterian Church, a Mark Master Mason of the Edward Coulson Lodge No 17, Kyneton. He also had a notable collection of stuffed native birds and animals of which he had great knowledge. Major Thirkettle 1855 Major Thirkettle arrived in Kyneton Established a timber merchant and ironmongery business in Kyneton with Robert Burton. 1857 By 1857 he was practising as an architect. His house is still standing in Yaldwin St, West Kyneton. 1860 Joined the Prince of Wales Light Horse 1863 Joined Rifle Volunteers and appointed Captain. On their disbandment he was made Honorary Major. 1864 Won Queen’s prize for rifle shooting. Major Thirkettle was noted for his skill with woodwork. He won many prizes and orders of merit for his models of yachts It is believed likely that he made the wooden pike with its metal head (now missing). He was Tyler of the Zetland Lodge, also Secretary of the MUIOOF and Bowling Club. 1904 Died in Kyneton, aged 75 years Protection for medical services The Surgeons’ Banner indicated the location of the Regimental Aid Post. The use of this device in the 1860’s overlapped the adoption of the Red Cross which became the symbol for the protection of sick and wounded soldiers. In 1864 twelve European nations signed a treaty stating that in future wars they would care for all sick and wounded military personnel, regardless of nationality. They would also recognise the neutrality of medical personnel, hospitals and ambulances identified by the emblem of a red cross on a white background. The treaty was called the Geneva Convention. This Convention was concerned only with soldiers wounded on the battlefield. Over the years, however, it has been expanded to cover everyone caught up in conflicts but not actually taking an active part in the fighting. The Surgeons’ Banner complements the Colours of the Kyneton District Mounted Rifles, also held by the Unit History Room, in presenting the colonial period of the Regiment’s history. Provenance It is believed that the Banner was manufactured in Britain and brought to Australia by Samuel Smith. After the disbanding of Colonial units, the Banner was in the care of the Shire of Kyneton until presented to the 4/19 Prince of Wales’s Light Horse Regiment on 14 September 1986 on the occasion of the Regiment exercising its right of freedom of entry to the city. There are many examples of Regimental and King’s/Queen’s Colours held by various organisations. However A Surgeons’ Banner such as this is rare, if not unique, in Australia. A large red ensign, post 1801 design. - The British red ensign was altered in 1801 to include the change to the design of the Union Jack. British legislation required, with a few exceptions, that all merchant shipping throughout the British Empire fly the British Red Ensign, without any defacement or modification. The ensign is sometimes referred to as the red duster. The Royal Navy stopped using the Red Ensign in 1864. On the binding is the inscription: "Kyneton Prince of Wales Light Horse", and three names - Surgeon Major S Smith MRSLE Dr McMillan Major Thirkettlekyneton district mounted rifles, heraldry, red ensign, surgeons banner

Tawonga CWA branch commenced on 7th Feb. 1946. Prior to this the ladies would have been involved in supporting the war effort with knitted and spun items as described in this book. The branch often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. Getting together for the war effort would have succeeded in this aim perhaps encouraging the women to continue meeting under the banner of C.W.A.The Tawonga ladies would have been involved in assisting the war effort from home. Most of the ladies lived on remote farms so they may have got together, learnt together and felt happier while contributing to the war effort and supporting the men fighting overseas. Wool was available and easily made into useful items that could be shipped overseas. After the war, the ladies may have wanted to continue meeting and hence decided to form a C.W.A. branch.Small brown book with black writing. 32 pages held by 2 rusty staples.The book gives patterns and instructions for making woolcraft (knitting & spinning) eg. socks & scarves, for the Airforce, Navy and Army with specific colours, thickness of wool and notes eg. no frills. Price 3d. posted 4d. Sponsored by the Australian Wool BoardCover: Warworkers Woolcraft / Compiled by the CWA / Knitting Spinning / Sponsored by the Australian Wool Boardww11. warworkers. tawonga. country women's association of victoria. woolcraft. australian wool board. c.w.a.

This book presents a pictorial history of the western District of Victoria. It explores various aspects of the Western District such as water supply,architecture,ports,produce,and agriculture. It also presents the various scenic spots around the district. The publishers of this book , the Australian publicity Council is dedicated to publicising the state of Victoria and its natural resources in an effort to attract overseas investment and industry.This book provides a snapshot of the Western District in the 1960 's both with the information and the photographs contained within, including some which were taken by Ralph Illidge who was one on Warrnambool's best known photographers. Coloured hard board cover with country scene with road with two vehicles on a road which continues to the back cover.. A large gum tree sits beside the road. The title is gold on a navy blue banner. Thereis a small blurb on the back cover. 112 pages.Australian Publicity Council. Henry Bolte Premier of Victoria.history of warrnambool, western horizon, western victoria, ralph illidge, warrnambool 1960's

This jacket is part of a winter mess dress uniform belonging to Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. Worn in 1978, this jacket style was first developed in the 1950s and continues to be worn as mess uniform in the present day.This item has aesthetic significance and is a representative example of uniform design from the 1950s to present day. This item has clear provenance, having been donated by RSL member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley after its use during Bernard’s service in the Airforce. As a former member of the Australian Airforce and member of the Warrnambool ex-service community, Bernard’s uniform has great social significance, telling a broader story of life after service.Dark navy blue dress jacket with long sleeves ending at waist height. Jacket is double breasted with eight metal buttons; two buttons are larger and held on by safety pins. Buttons are gold in colour and marked with a crown and eagle motif. Lapels on jacket are of a lighter, grey-blue. Jacket is adorned with epaulettes on both left and right shoulder, attached with a cotton loop on each shoulder and held in place with a screw-in gold button. Jacket has synthetic lining in cream colour and an interior pocket on the left hand side; lining is detatched on both the left and right sides at the base. Label on interior collar reads “C.G.C.F” Epaulettes bear three lines in gold embroidered stitching and a badge depicting an eagle underneath a crown, also in gold. dress uniform, airforce, commonwealth government clothing factory, uniform, epaulette

This uniform belonged to Sapper Hughes 3795948 of the Royal Australian Engineers Corps. By the date on the uniform, it is assumed that he served C 1968.This uniform has significance as an example of uniform worn by soldier ranks for daily work and dress parades.Khaki coloured short jacket with lapels, and waist band which has strap and buckle on right hand side. There are two patch pockets on the front have a box pleat down the middle and a V shaped pocket flap at the top, closing with a hidden button. The shoulder epaulets each have a plain khaki coloured button at the neck edge.The sleeves are cuffed fastened with a button however the right button is missing.There are red patches on each shoulder with navy blue text. The back of the jacket has darts stitched at the waist and at shoulder level. There are four khaki buttons down the front. The sleeve seams are bound in cotton tape which also forms a label on the back neck collar with the lining of the waist band also in a cotton twill.Stitched in navy blue on arm banners,” Royal Australian Engineers.” On inner label, “ DUNLOP NSW 1968 8405-66-025-6411 SIZE OF CHEST 35/36S MATCHING TROUSERS 29/30S WAIST DRY CLEAN ONLY CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPELS ONLY . NAME....HUGHES ( in blue pen) ARMY NO... 3795948 (in blue pen)warrnambool rsl, royal australian engineers, hughes 3795948

These trousers are part of a winter mess dress uniform belonging to Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. Worn in 1978, this trouser style was first developed in the 1950s and continues to be worn as mess uniform in the present day.This item has aesthetic significance and is a representative example of uniform design from the 1950s to present day. This item has clear provenance, having been donated by RSL member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley after its use during Bernard’s service in the Airforce. As a former member of the Australian Airforce and member of the Warrnambool ex-service community, Bernard’s uniform has great social significance, telling a broader story of life after service.Dark navy blue dress trousers with cream coloured lining on waistband and pockets; dark synthetic material rectangles are sewn on interior of pants hem on pressed edge. Seven buttons, coloured black, are present on the interior of the waistband and were likely used as attachments for suspenders; reverse of pants rise into two points either side of the spine. Pants are fastened with a black plastic zip and a hook and eye at the top of the fly. Two pockets are present on both left and right hips and one small pocket on the front right hand side near the pelvic bone. Fabric is pleated twice on the front and has two darts on the reverse. Label on interior collar reads “A.G.C.F./VIC. 1978/(arrow symbol)/NO./NAME” Inscription on interior left hand pocket lining reads “992”dress uniform, airforce, commonwealth government clothing factory, uniform

This cummerbund is part of a winter mess dress uniform belonging to Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. Worn in 1978, this cummerbund style was first developed in the 1950s and continues to be worn as mess uniform in the present day.This item has aesthetic significance and is a representative example of uniform design from the 1950s to present day. This item has clear provenance, having been donated by RSL member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley after its use during Bernard’s service in the Airforce. As a former member of the Australian Airforce and member of the Warrnambool ex-service community, Bernard’s uniform has great social significance, telling a broader story of life after service.Dark navy blue broad waist sash which forms part of a dress uniform. Elasticised woven fabric in a rectangular shape fastened with two strips of velcro. A label is attached to the interior along the seam attaching the velcro. Label reads: “A.G.C.F../VIC. 1983/(broad arrow)/SIZE. 34/8440.S6.035.3816/NO./NAME”dress uniform, airforce, commonwealth government clothing factory, uniform, cummerbund, belt, sash

This jumper is part of a General Purpose Uniform issued by the Australian Airforce to Bernard Farley during service. This uniform type was developed in 2014 and replaced camouflage as the uniform worn during general base duties and in non-warlike environments. Although a camouflage pattern, this design is not intended for use as camouflage. This woolen jumper was presumably a winter addition to the GPU.This item has social significance, as an item of uniform worn by Warrnambool RSL community member and Secretary (2019), Bernard Farley during service with the Australian Airforce. The item is a representative example of current Airforce General Purpose Uniform and is in excellent condition. As a set, the uniform has aesthetic significance in it’s design, incorporating GPU uniform design from the Army alongside the colours and motifs of the Australian Airforce. Navy blue ribbed knitted jumper with stitched navy cotton elbow patches, rectangular in shape. Similar rectangular shaped patches on the left and right shoulder, bearing two epaulettes, stiched at one end and fastened with velcro and the other. The left shoulder carries an Airforce embroidered patch at the top of the arm. Arm cuffs have external seam for approximately 100 mm from the end, indicating that the jumper may have been worn with cuffs folded over. Synthetic strip of black fabric on the interior collar behind a cream coloured label.Label on interior of collar reads: “CALCOUP KNITWEAR/291083/ 06/01 / 8405/661468799 / SIZE: 115cm-125cm/SERVICE No........./ NAME........../MACHINE WASHABLE GENTLE CYCLE/Fasten shoulder straps before/washing. Warm machine wash,/inside out on medium cycle./Do not bleach./Warm rinse. Normal spin./Doi not tumble dry./Dry in shade. Warm iron./ Dry Cleanable A/80% Wool 20% Nylon”camouflage, general purpose uniform, airforce, uniform, australian defence force

This object is one of a three piece set. There is also a pair of trousers and a defence leave ticket which are associated with this object. The three chevrons on the sleeve signify three years of service. The unit patch may denote that the wearer was part of the Army Serice Corps Divisional Unit one. The associated ticket shows that the serviceman was at some point travelling in uniform on defence leave in a first class carriage from Spencer Street to either Moreland, Newmarket, North Carlton, Northcote or Westgarth.As an historic army uniform with an association to Victoria this item is of local historic and social significance. It is also in very good condition. Woolen khaki jacket with button-up front. The top button is a plain brown plastic button. The lower four buttons are identical embossed dark brown metallic buttons. They depict an image of Australia in the centre with a crown above. Encircling this image are the words "Australian Military Forces". There is also a metallic clip at the waist-band and a metallic stud below the row of buttons. There are four button-up pockets on the front of the jacket. Two of these are breast pockets and the other two sit directly beneath these. There is also an interior pocket on the lower right section of the jacket. The lower right exterior pocket is missing its button. There is a spare button in the right breast pocket. All of these pocket buttons are of the same type as the decorative dark brown metallic buttons. There is also a spare unit patch in the bottom right pocket. The two cuffs are buttoned up with one decorative dark brown metalic button each. There are two identical brass badges on either collar. They depict a crown in the centre with the rising sun surrounding it and ribbons below with the words "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces". There are two identical brass badges on the shoulder edges of the epaulettes depicting the word "Australia". There are two buttons that fasten the epaulettes to the jacket near the neck which are of the same type as the decorative dark brown metallic buttons. There are two identical felt unit patches on either section of the upper arms. They have a light blue border surrounding a navy blue rectangle above a white rectangle. There is also a felt chevron just above the cuff on the right arm. This depicts three blue stitched arrows on a khaki/green background. There are also two labels stitched to the interior of the right breast pocket. Ther are two white rectangular labels that are stitched to the interior of the right breast pocket. These have inscriptions. There is also a stamp on the interior of the lower right pocket.Inscription on the two interior Labels: REGIMENTAL No........./ NAME........./ V.162 / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / 1942 / SIZE / (within a rectangle the number “26”) Stamp on the interior of the lower right pocket inscription: W.W. ( and what appears to be an upside-down W above thesearmy, uniform, jacket, army service corps, asc, divisional unit one, division one

The Order of the British Empire was formed in 1917 to reward service to the British Empire in the United Kingdom and abroad. Originally having only a civil division, a military division was added in 1918 to acknowledge distinguished military service of a non-combative nature. The Order has five classes of appointment in each division and a medal of the Order. In descending order, the classes are: Grand Cross (GB); Knights and Dames Commander (KCB and DCB); Commanders (CBE); Officers (OBE); Members (MBE), and Medal (BEM). Mrs Joyce Hayward along with her husband Cyril, had a 30 year association with the Warrnambool Theatre Company. They acted, directed and produced a number of works from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s. Mrs Hayward taught drama and speech at Warrnambool High School and St Ann’s College. They both worked towards reviving the Warrnambool Arts Council.. They were involved in Christ Church choir, readings for the blind, Probus and Penguin club. They retired to Bribie Island in 1985. Joyce Hayward died aged 97 in 2007. Joyce Hayward played a significant role in the development of the performing arts in Warrnambool. The British Empire medal is an award of some importance and recognizes the contribution Mrs Hayward made to the Warrnambool Community. Both Mrs Joyce Hayward and her husband Cyril were awarded the British Empire Medal. Cream paper with black typed text. Navy blue seal at top. Framed in black and gold plastic frame. Governor General Commonwealth of Australia printed at top. warrnambool, joyce hayward, cyril hayward, british empire medal, joyce thora hagon hayward

Part of Ansett Airways hostess/stewardess uniform of 1940's era. Complements the collection of air flight crew attire.Navy hostess side cap with a cloth embroidered badge stitched on the left hand side. Badge 'AA' with map of Australia below and surrounded feathers. Lined. Double stitch Gusset on the crown. Stitching on brim which is folded onto crown.ansett airways, hostess, flight attendants, stewardess, uniform, navy, side cap

Ansett Australia 1991-1996Red, wide brim straw sun hat, with 18mm navy and cream grosgrain band on crown. No maker listed.No size on item. AP black ink initial handwritten inside crownansett australia, red, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, straw, sun hat

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a blue and pink hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and M for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a blue and pink hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and S for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a blue and pink hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and M for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a blue and pink hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and 55 cm for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a blue and pink hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and M for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a blue and yellow hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and 54 cm for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

1984-1986 uniform of that era.Navy Blue wide brim felt hostess hat with a brown and yellow hat band. White tag with WEISS Australia and Medium for size.uniform, hat, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, blue, weiss

Donated to Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum. Formerly worn by Ansett Airlines pilot.Complements the collection of air flight crew attire.Pilot's peaked cap. White vinyl crown. Black cotton exterior band supported by rigid internal rafia band. No interior lining. Has perforated leather sweat band. Rigid peak/visor made of green vinyl, covered by navy blue cotton fabric. Insignia features a golden bird in flight, with a depiction of Australia, in red, as background, beneath a golden royal crown, and surrounded by a golden wreath of feathers. Navy blue mounting.No inscriptions. No markings.

Ansett Australia 1991-1996Red, wide brim straw sun hat, with 18 mm navy and cream grosgrain band on crown. No maker listed.No size on item. AP black ink initial handwritten inside crownansett australia, red, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, straw, sun hat

Ansett Australia 1991-1996Red, wide brim straw sun hat, with 18 mm navy and cream grosgrain band on crown. No maker listed.No size on item. Unreadable stamp on inside crown of hat.ansett australia, red, hostess, stewardess, flight attendants, straw, sun hat

Unknown at this stageAnsett Hostess hat. Navy blue basket-weave nylon narrow-brimmed sunhat style with rounded crown. 1.5cm interior grosgrain ribbon bandNo inscriptions or identifying marksansett airlines of australia, hostess / stewardess, sunhat, navy