The RSS&AILA was the name of the RSL in 1956, called Returned Sailors and Soldiers and Airmen Imperial League of Australia. The Australian Imperial Service of Women’s Auxiliary of the RSL was formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the Australian Imperial Forces in the First World War (1914-1918). The auxiliaries grew from this beginning to raise money for the welfare of men and women who served and their widows and families. In Victoria, the RSL Women’s Council of Victoria is headquarters for Auxiliaries throughout Victoria. The aim of Women’s Council is to support the Auxiliaries, in assisting the Returned & Services League to give a helping hand to Service Members, their families and the wider community. RSL Sub-Branches and their Women’s Auxiliaries work together towards the same goals. As of August 2015 there are 64 Women’s Auxiliaries with approximately 1250 members. The Lara Ladies Auxiliary was disbanded in September 1952, due to not enough members to continue the auxiliary (the ladies from the beginning becoming too old – First World War). Those left promised to continue to support the RSL in all its future activities, which the ladies continue to do today as members and Associate members. Here is the last entry, dated 8th September, 1952: “Since our last meeting our President Mrs Marshall has passed away. It was decided that as there is not enough members to continue the Auxiliary the Lara Sub Branch was requested to have the Auxiliary disbanded. Assistance was promised the League by the ladies present in all its futher activities.” There were four present at this meeting. Signed by P. Walker, Hon Secretary and Treasurer.This badge is of historic significance as it represented a badge held by a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the RSL in 1956.A metal circular badge with outer blue rim with words R.S.S.&.A.I.L.A. Women's Auxiliary. Inner gold circle has blue Australian flag. At top of badge is 56.On the reverse side of the badge is the stamped number 6965

Tin Hat Day was started in 1922, following WW1, as a fundraiser for the RSL. Money raised was for returned servicemen who were doing it tough following the war and during the Great Depression.Tin Hat Day Collector's Permit: Cream Oval label with blue cotton string through a hole for attaching.. In blue print * Returned Soldiers League War Service Fund (Affiliated with the A.C.F.) Tin Hat Day. Sept. 6th 1940 Collector's Permit. Thorold Fink, Chairman 1940 No. 992. Box 625military, world war 2, returned soldiers league, tin hat day. thorold fink.

Two member badges from the The Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA). The number 68 on the front could be 1968 as it is detachable and could be updated each year. The badge with 1921 could be the year of membership. The member number is engraved on the rear. 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. The RSSILA was the precursor to the Returned Services League (RSL) and provided support for returned servicemen after World War One. Worn by members of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, those eligible being members of all services, both wars, including nurses, who have returned from active service outside Australia. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).The RSSILA was an important organisation for ex-servicemen and many Legatees would have been members.Enamel badges from the R.S.S.I.L.A. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. 01124.1 Front has '68' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'V92210 Badge remains the property of League'. 01124.2 Front has '1921' and 'Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia'. On the reverse 'R 3871' and 'C.C Roeszler and Son Pty Ltd Melb.'world war one, rssila

Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for military service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Artillery Regiment. He embarked on overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15th April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22nd April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, de Kerilleau in Wodonga which was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as Mayor. Ian was President of the RSSAILA (Returned Sailor's, Soldier's and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia) branch at Wodonga from 1953 to 1955 and remained as a member after that time. The League was renamed to the Returned Services League in 1965. Mr Ian Watson died on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it recognises the service of Ian Darnton Watson in support of Returned Servicemen in Wodonga.A framed certificate mounted on card. The frame is plastic with a wood grain finish.On Certificate:- R.S.S.A.I.L.A. VICTORIAN BRANCH Presented to Ian D. Watson, As a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as President of the Wodonga Sub Branch Years 1953 to 1955.wodonga rssaila, ian darnton watson, watson family wodonga, rsl wodonga

Ben Boyd enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne, 13 December 1915, giving his age as 42 years and 11 months. At that time he gave Bathurst as parish of birth, and attested that his wife Emma, next of kin, resided in Fitzroy. He gave his occupation as 'cutter'. Boyd reported to Royal Park on 6 January 1916, attached to the 22nd Battalion 11th reinforcements. He embarked for the Middle East on 29 March, and it appears that he spent the rest of his service in Egypt, apart from some four months in Palestine from September 1917 to January 1918. During this time it appears that he was attached to the 11th Light Horse Regiment Provost Corps. There were various promotions to 'temporary Corporal' and 'Acting Sergeant'. Boyd disembarked in Australia on 25 August 1919. The first reference to Yackandandah in Boyd's war record came in his application for the British War Medal and Victory Medal, in a letter dated 10 February 1924. He received those medals on or about 3 March 1924. By that time he had been working in Yackandandah for several years, having been engaged as an 'up-tp-date cutter and tailor' by Mrs Haig in 1921. He continued working as a tailor until his passing in 1957. There is an anecdotal recollection of Boyd sitting up on what was the bank counter making garments and watching the world pass by on High Street, and also reference to him replying to the toast for The Diggers, at a smoke social convened by the Returned Services League to honour Sir Kenneth Beatty, at Martin's Hotel, 8 September 1927. The Yackandandah Museum is housed in what had been the Bank of Victoria and had become the business premises and residence of Haig Tailor. The building bore the title B. Boyd Tailor as late as the 1960's. Isabella Haig sold the building and residence to Yackandandah Historical Society in 1969. Instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of World War I and record the service given, the British War Medal 1914-20, was also variously known as Squeak, or Mutt. Boyd was eligible for having entered a theatre of war during specified periods and having left places of residence and rendered approved service overseas. The medal is cupro-nickel (silver?) with the effigy of George V on the obverse. The reverse has an image of St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers, and a skull and cross-bones, the emblems of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are shown on the outside edge of the reverse surface. A ribbon is attached per a top bar. The ribbon has a wide central watered stripe of orange, flanked by two narrow white stripes, which are in turn flanked by two black pin-stripes, further flanked by two outer stripes of blue. (Refer Notes.) On the obverse, "GEORGIVS V BRITT. OMN: REX ET: IND: IMP" On the reverse "1914 1918" On the edge, stamped, "4378 A-SGT. B. BOYD. PROV. CPS. A.I.F."world war 1, great war 1914 - 1918, medals, british empire

OPENING OF THE VIEWING PLATFORM AT KANGAROO GROUND Nillumbik Council has advised that the viewing platform at Kangaroo Ground 27km NE of Melbourne is to be opened to the public on Wednesday, March 26th 2008 (Melway 271 , G10). The function of the platform is to provide shelter adjacent to the War Memorial Tower whilst allowing all people to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. From the platform you. can see the Dandenongs, the city of Melbourne, the You Yangs, Mount Macedon, the Kinglake Ranges and the Mt Baw-Baw Ranges where the Yarra River starts. This landscape covers all the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri and some of the wider Kulin nation land. The platform has been given the name Moor-rut, a name which described the fertile soils of the Kangaroo Ground area in contrast to the poorer (Silurian) country of its surrounds, which the Wurundjeri knew as 'Nillumbik' or less rich country. The full 360 degree view can be seen from the adjacent Tower of Remembrance which has 53 stairs. The viewing platform however can be accessed by wheelchair. Inside the viewing platform there are eight double sided interpretive panels giving the history and information regarding this special area. The viewing platform's interpretive panels set out the Aboriginal and European history of the area and also the geology and the local flora and fauna, so that the casual visitor comes away understanding more about this significant part of Victoria. The concept of the viewing platform is part of the refurbishment project for the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park which has taken place since 1997 with the active approval and financial assistance of the Nillumbik Shire Council. This project has been guided by an Advisory Committee with volunteer community representatives from the local Historical Societies, the Country Fire Authority, the Returned Services League and the Wurundjeri people. Other allied groups such as the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group have been called upon for their expertise. The initial idea for the viewing platform came from Dean Stewart when he was the caretaker while living at the park. He discussed this idea with local author Mick Woiwod and Harry Gilham of Eltham District Historical Society when they were planning the refurbishment of the War Memorial Park in 1996. When the committee was formalised by the Nillumbik Council in 1997, Nicholas Pelling, representing the CFA and RSL, joined the group. Dennis Ward, local architect, then volunteered to develop the concept plan for the refurbishment of the park and later drew up the plans for the viewing platform. The Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park and its Tower of Remembrance is located on one of the highest locations in the Yarra Valley. The Tower of Remembrance is a unique war memorial constructed from local stone standing 14 metres high. It was built in the style of a Scottish watchtower reflecting the strong Scottish influence of the first European settlers of the district from the 1840s onward. The park was opened in 1921 and the Tower of Remembrance was dedicated in 1926 recognising the local people who served in the First World War. Those who served in the Second World War were recognised by plaques dedicated in 1951 and more recently those who served in Korea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam by plaques unveiled in 2001. Harry Gilham, Advisory Committee Convenor - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter N0 179 March 2008fay bridge collection, garden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park, moor-rul viewing platform

Early stages - no display panels installed. OPENING OF THE VIEWING PLATFORM AT KANGAROO GROUND Nillumbik Council has advised that the viewing platform at Kangaroo Ground 27km NE of Melbourne is to be opened to the public on Wednesday, March 26th 2008 (Melway 271 , G10). The function of the platform is to provide shelter adjacent to the War Memorial Tower whilst allowing all people to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. From the platform you. can see the Dandenongs, the city of Melbourne, the You Yangs, Mount Macedon, the Kinglake Ranges and the Mt Baw-Baw Ranges where the Yarra River starts. This landscape covers all the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri and some of the wider Kulin nation land. The platform has been given the name Moor-rut, a name which described the fertile soils of the Kangaroo Ground area in contrast to the poorer (Silurian) country of its surrounds, which the Wurundjeri knew as 'Nillumbik' or less rich country. The full 360 degree view can be seen from the adjacent Tower of Remembrance which has 53 stairs. The viewing platform however can be accessed by wheelchair. Inside the viewing platform there are eight double sided interpretive panels giving the history and information regarding this special area. The viewing platform's interpretive panels set out the Aboriginal and European history of the area and also the geology and the local flora and fauna, so that the casual visitor comes away understanding more about this significant part of Victoria. The concept of the viewing platform is part of the refurbishment project for the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park which has taken place since 1997 with the active approval and financial assistance of the Nillumbik Shire Council. This project has been guided by an Advisory Committee with volunteer community representatives from the local Historical Societies, the Country Fire Authority, the Returned Services League and the Wurundjeri people. Other allied groups such as the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group have been called upon for their expertise. The initial idea for the viewing platform came from Dean Stewart when he was the caretaker while living at the park. He discussed this idea with local author Mick Woiwod and Harry Gilham of Eltham District Historical Society when they were planning the refurbishment of the War Memorial Park in 1996. When the committee was formalised by the Nillumbik Council in 1997, Nicholas Pelling, representing the CFA and RSL, joined the group. Dennis Ward, local architect, then volunteered to develop the concept plan for the refurbishment of the park and later drew up the plans for the viewing platform. The Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park and its Tower of Remembrance is located on one of the highest locations in the Yarra Valley. The Tower of Remembrance is a unique war memorial constructed from local stone standing 14 metres high. It was built in the style of a Scottish watchtower reflecting the strong Scottish influence of the first European settlers of the district from the 1840s onward. The park was opened in 1921 and the Tower of Remembrance was dedicated in 1926 recognising the local people who served in the First World War. Those who served in the Second World War were recognised by plaques dedicated in 1951 and more recently those who served in Korea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam by plaques unveiled in 2001. Harry Gilham, Advisory Committee Convenor - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter N0 179 March 2008 Black and white inkjet print on paper 14 x 21 cmmoor-rul viewing platform, garden hill, kangaroo ground, memorial park

The Bendigo East Primary School was opened in 1915. In 1916 it was decided to plant an ANZAC Avenue of trees and this was completed on 16 June 1916. The plaques were placed after WW1. The school was closed in 1998 and the plaques were relocated to the nearby White Hills Secondary College in Napier Street on this board. In the early 2000's the Honour Board was donated to what is now called the Bendigo Military Museum. One hundred years after planting, later in 2016 the trees were removed in controversial circumstances. On the board 8 never returned, there is 1 x "DCM" winner, 1 x "MC" winner and 1 x "MM" winner. There are 3 x Wright Brothers of which 2 never returned. The plaque states that the soldiers attended the school which is obvious they could not have due to the opening date. The following Heritage report suggests that the names were of individual soldiers who lived in the area. EXTRACT FROM HERITAGE COUNCIL VICTORIA 2016 SUBMISSIONS HEARING “The Bendigo East School (‘the school’) was officially opened by Mr Frank Tate, Director of Education, on 7 April 1916. Approximately two months later, on 16 June 1916, Arbor Day was celebrated at the school with the planting of an ‘Anzac Avenue’ along a path from the front gate on Strickland Road (‘the pathway’) to commemorate the landing of soldiers at Gallipoli. The school’s ‘Anzac Avenue’ was one of an estimated 37 known to have been planted by school children throughout Victoria during mid-1916 as part of a program led by the Education Department, which included a recommendation to schools on 18 May 1916 that commemorative avenues be planted (‘the 1916 plantings recommendation’). At around this time, avenues of honour were also planted across Victoria to commemorate fallen WWI soldiers (‘the wider commemorative plantings phenomenon’). There were other commemorative plantings at the Place away from the pathway (‘the other commemorative plantings’). Anzac Day was celebrated at the Place in the years subsequent to 1916 and on 11 December 1920 the school’s ‘Anzac Avenue’ was officially opened. Embossed copper plates, mounted on wood, were fixed in front of the trees in memory of individual soldiers from the district who had seen active service in WWI. There is evidence that as many as 32 plaques may have been made and affixed (‘the name plaques’). Plaques were removed from their locations at some stage before 1964, mounted on a board and displayed in the school building. These are now located and displayed at Bendigo Sub - Branch of the Returned Services League.” EAST BENDIGO HONOUR BOARD – COPPER PLAQUES (27 PLAQUES in total). 1. 2441 CPL G.V. LE KIM 60th BATT. M.M. (George Vincent LEE-KIM, born in Bendigo, Awarded Military Medal. RTA. NOK Father’s Address: C/- Strickland Rd, Bendigo). 2. 3821 PTE. E.B. HEM 20TH BATT. (Edward Bert Hem born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: White Hills Post Office). 3. 3513 PTE. C.A. FOLEY 57th BATT. (Charles Albert Foley born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: Wilkie Street, Bendigo). 4. 5241 PTE. G. E. WRIGHT 6th BATT. † (George Edwin Wright born in Bendigo. KIA 8/12/1916. NOK Father’s address: 55 Charleston Rd. Bendigo).   5. 2663 L.CPL. N. E. DAVIS 60th BATT. (Norman Edward Davis born in Footscray. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: 193 Strickland Rd. Bendigo). 6. PTE. A. MOOG 16-6th BATT. † (5143 Adolph Moog born in Bendigo. Died of wounds received in action 8/12/1916, NOK Father’s address: Municipal Yards, Bendigo.) 7. 6515 SGT. W.A. BIRCHMORE DCM 11TH BATT. FIELD ARTILLERY (William Albert Birchmore born in Bendigo. Awarded DCM. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: Butler Street, California Gully) 8. 3924 PTE. J.P. NEWMAN 5TH BATT. † (392 (NAA) James Pausey Newman. Born in Bendigo. KIA 25/7/1916. NOK Father’s address Strickland Road, Bendigo) 9. 4865 PTE. H. T. NUGENT 5TH PIONEER BATT. † (also 4765 Hector Thomas Nugent born in Bendigo. KIA 26/11/1916. NOK Mother’s address: 55 Charleston Rd Bendigo). 10. 835 PTE. C.J. WRIGHT 7TH BATT. † (825(NAA) Charles Julian Wright. Born in Bendigo. KIA at Gallipoli 25/4/1915 NOK Father’s address 55 Charleston Rd Bendigo) 11. 5242 PTE. T.S. WRIGHT M.M. 6TH BATT. (Thomas Stanley Wright born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: 55 Charleston Road, Bendigo). 12. 13111 PTE. R.I. LEE 5TH FIELD AMBCE (19111 Robert Irwin Lee. Born in Kilcunda, Vic. RTA. NOK Wife’s address C/- Barnard Street, Bendigo)   13. 3731 DRIVER T.S. BROWN 5TH BATT.† (Thomas Sheridan Brown born in Bendigo. Died in the Field in France of Heart Failure. NOK Father’s address: Mundy Street, Bendigo). 14. 60999 PTE. J. SPENCE 5th BATT. (John Spence born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: 99 Talbot St, Brunswick) 15. 5127 PTE. S.A. LOY 7TH BATT. (Samuel Arthur John Loy. Born in White Hills, Bendigo. RTA Medical discharge. NOK Wife’s address C/- Hargreaves St Bendigo.) 16. 1649 PTE. A.M. HUTCHINSON 60TH BATT. (Alexander Morton Hutchison. (Note different spelling) born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Mother’s address Wilkie Street, Bendigo). 17. 3035 PTE. R.J. FLACK 10TH – 7TH BATTs. † (Robert John Flack born in Bendigo. KIA France 17/8/1916. NOK Father’s address: Strickland Road, Bendigo). 18. 4558 PTE. J.J. O’BRIEN 60TH BATT.† (John James O’Brien born in Glenalbyn, Vic. KIA 28/9/1917. NOK Father’s address 68 Strickland Rd. Bendigo). 19. 5233 CPL. G. WHITTING MOTOR TRANSPT. COY. (George Whitting born in White Hills, Bendigo. RTA. NOK Mother’s address: 46 Baxter Street, Bendigo). 20. 5203 PTE. A.J. TATTERSALL 6TH BATTALION (Arthur James Tattersall born in Mandurang, Vic. RTA. NOK Wife’s address “Thornwell”, Bendigo East PO.)   21. 2ND LIEUT. K.G. EMONSON M.C. 38th BATT. (Keith Glanfield Emonson born in Sydney NSW. RTA – Medical discharge/ GSW head. NOK Father’s address: Strickland Road, Bendigo). 22. LIEUT. A.J. HAMPSON RAILWAY UNIT (Alfred John Hampson R/N 2300. Born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK wife’s address: 76 Addison St. Elwood, Vic). 23. 216 SIGNLR R.P. BROWN 38TH BATT † (Raymond Patrick Brown, born in Bendigo. KIA 28 May 1917. NOK. Mother’s address: 138 Mundy Street, Bendigo). 24. 15118 STAFF SGT. A. EMONSON 3RD L. H. F. AMBULANCE (Harry Allen Phipps Emonson born in Sydney NSW. RTA. NOK Father’s address Strickland Road, Bendigo, Vic). 25. 1724 CPL. L.J. CHAPPLE 5TH BATT. (Leslie John Chapple born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: Nolan Street, Bendigo) 26. 4557 PTE. E. O’BRIEN 60TH BATT. (Edward Charles O’ Brien, RTA. (NOK Father’s address: Strickland Rd, Bendigo). 27. 3557 SIGNLER F. H. LYALL 5TH BATT. (Francis Hubert Lyall born in Bendigo. RTA. NOK Father’s address: Strickland Rd, Bendigo). Honour Board, Bendigo East Primary School, timber backing with a white timber edging. At the top is a silver Rising Sun Badge with the dates in white "1914 & 1919". There are 27 bronze plaques, each has the Soldiers Regt Number, Name, Rank and Unit, for those that did not return there is a Cross added, if the Soldier won an award it is also added. At the bottom left hand corner is a brass plaque with details. Refer Aquisition for details. On the brass plaque, “These plaques were placed on the Avenue of trees at the school entrance on 20 December 1920. They were a memorial to those who enlisted from the Bendigo East School in the 1914 - 18 War. Mr R. J. Lee a Returned Soldier was Principal at this time”memorials-honour boards, military history-service records, metalcraft-bronze, east bendigo

Letter of Sympathy from RAAF Unit for Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend", lost on HMAS SYDNEY on 15 /11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Letter of Sympathy from Sgt D.P. Pullen. White faded paper, lined with emblems on top of each page for YMCA, Salvation Army, A.C.F. and Returned Sailors and Soldiers League. Both pages same structure with handwritten message in black writing.Listed from “401581, Sgt Pullen D.P. No.1 ED RAAF”hmas sydney, sympathy letters, mervyn clive townsend

William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his fund raising and work with the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details on his Committee history and WW1 service.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon colour, certificate is a cream colour with ornate edging around the details, at the top is the RSL Logo followed by “Returned Servicemen’s League Bendigo Sub Branch” Details of the award follow, signed and dated, all print in blue and black.Main points; “Presented to Mr W.J.Turner - Winner of the Mr Bendigo Competition in aid of the League’s Patriotic fund 1945 - Amount raised £666” “Geo V Lansell President” “W R Porter Secretary”brsl, smirsl, certificate

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of this specific award and his other RSL fundraising and work. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee details and WW1 service record.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate is light fawn colour with ornate columns each side with the words, “Charity, Hope, Faith, Patience”, at the top is “Bendigo and Northern District Base Hospital Inc - Life Govenor” followed by details of the award, at the bottom are the words “Semper Fidelis”Main points; “This is to certify that Mr William.J. Turner was duly elected a Life Govenor of this Institution on the 15th Day of December 1953”. “E.H. D..............President” “.........Cook Vice President” “J.H. Stanistreet Treasurer” “....................... Secretary” At Base of the certificate; “The No 27 District Board of the Returned Servicemen’s League consisting of twenty Sub Branches had pleasure in recommending to the Hospital Board of Management that this award should be conferred”brsl, smirsl, life govenor, certificate

The letters are all related to William John Turner being recommended for a "Life Membership" of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. .1) Appears to be a final one although not officially signed. .2) .3) These are possibly earlier versions of .1) Cat No 8029 is a framed copy. Cat No 8030 is TURNERS Life Membership and his volunteer/committee work with the Sub Branch as well as his WW1 service history..1) Letter, paper with the letter head of the "Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman's Imperial League of Australia" Bendigo Sub Branch, all type/print in black signed in blue pen. .2) Letter paper typed in black and dated. .3) Letter paper typed in black and dated..1) "Bendigo Sub Branch 13th May 1954" - "Re: TURNER W.J" .2) "Memorial Hall Pall Mall Bendigo May 1954" .3) Same as .2)brsl, smirsl, letter, recommendation

Style of badge worn by returned soldiers and sailors from WW1. Started 1919 to early Ww2 by the organisation, "The Imperial League".Shield shaped badge with small crown on top. White background with blue circle and images of standing soldier and sailor in the middle.Engraved Ïmperial League" Returned sailors and soldiers". On back engraved P9043 to enable tracking of individual.passchendaele barracks trust, ww1, returned service league, badge

This plaque was originally in the Foyer (vestibule on the original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo to compliment framed photos of Soldiers who never came home from the Great War. This was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1927. After the closure of the SMI for renovations 2016 - 18 the plaque was placed in what was originally called "The Writing Room" now called "The Building and RSL history Room"Plaque brass with curved corners with inscribed text in black with several scrolls around. Plaque is attached via 4 screws to a backing board onto a wall.“THIS GALLERY of HONOR Instituted by the Bendigo Branch of the RS&SILA exclusively contains portraits of members of the AIF who in the service to King and Empire made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914 - 1919 into the imperishable memory of the priceless heritage beqeathed by them to the nation. This Gallery is dedicated in reverent gratitude”brsl, smirsl, plaque

Badge Board on styrene mount N.Z. Returned Services Association, Returned Soldiers Salors League Victoria WarService Fund, S.A.S., (? Droit et Avanti), S.A.S., P.W.L.H.,Womans Auxilliary R.S.L., Returned Soldiers and sailors league, Waikato, Returned Sailors Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League and Rising Sun collar badge.7th L.H.Hat and lapel badges (Collected by Lt. C. J. Owens VX108037medal, badge, medallion, insignia, 7th light horse, c.j.owens

The League evolved out of concern for the welfare of returned servicemen from the First World War. In 1916, a conference recommended the formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, which included representation from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. New South Wales was admitted to the League the following year, Western Australia in 1918. In 1927, the Australian Capital Territory formed a branch and was admitted. The Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) the forerunner of today’s Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) was formed in June 1916.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia Badge. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. Stamped at the top of the badge is 'COPYRIGHT' and at the bottom of the badge is impressed V40289 and the maker's details 'STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE'.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League Australia.Stamped on the reverse of the badge is 'COPYRIGHT' and at the bottom of the badge is impressedV40289and the maker's details 'STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE'.badges, world war one lapel badge,lara r.s.l.returned sailor's & soldier's imperial league (rssila) membership badge

items issued to John Raymond Bruns VX88627, refer Cat No 5592 for his service history. The RSL badge has a clip over a top crown with the numbers "88" meaning a financial member for 1998.1) Badge, Returned from Active Service, brass depicts a Rising Sun, crown, wings, anchor and boomerang, rear has two lugs and stamped. .2) Badge RSL Membership, shows three central figures on a plaque style shape, white, gold, red & blue colours, rear has one lug with a pin through, rear is stamped..1) On rear, "A 32763" .2) On rear, "48617", "Badge remains property of the league"badges, rsl, ras, 2nd 38th

Limited edition 20th Century commemorative badge in the shape of the first RSL 1919 badge. Part of the Flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See Catalogue No. 5374P for his service record.Gold plated metal resin coated badge in the shape of the first RSL Badge. Pin and fastener on the back.On the front: 'Returned Sailors Soldiers Imperial League Australia 1919'. On the back: 'MADE IN AUSTRALIA'.ww1, rsl badge, ian a. 'joe' lyons

Items issued to John Michael Martin No 2396 A.I.F. Refer Cat No 4567.3 for his service details and true identity..1) Badge, brass, round with Crown at top, “Returned from Active Service”, two lugs on rear for clothing attachment. .2) badge, round, metal, centre has crown and lettering, rear has one single long pin. .3) Badge, metal, plaque shape, coloured, Crown at top with RSL membership clip “1919” denoting a member in 1919..1) Front, “Issued by Department of Defence, Returned from Active Service A.I.F” Rear stamped “187836”. .2) Front, “For King and Empire, services rendered”, rear stamped “92849”. .3) Front, “Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League Australia”, stamped on rear, “R1197”.badges, active service, membership

The “46” attached to the crown is the year of financial membership, ie 1946. Refer Cat No 4768.4.1) Badge “Returned from Active Service” brass depicts Army, Navy & Air Force with a crown at top, rear as two lugs with pin through and stamped & raised lettering. .2) Badge RSL membership, depicts the 3 Services Army, Navy, Air Force, colours white, blue, red and gold, at top is a crown with Number “46” as an attachment..1) Stamped on, “A353069”, raised, “issued by the Cwealth Govt” .2) Stamped on, “97726”, raised, “Badge remains the property of the League Australia”badges, awards, membership, active service

WW1. Y.M.C.A. London, French scenesWW1 Wallet . YMCA LondonYMCA Wallet containing personal papers and letters - Sid Ellis- -472.01 Black leather Wallet - Y.M.C.A. Australian Logo on front. On the rear of the wallet is a Motto "Talk Clean, Live Clean, Fight Clean. Play the Game." .02 Paper slip containing details of acquaintances service numbers name and regiment details. .03 Paper Sovenior of France - written in French. .04 Paper folded to contain 10 photographic shots of French scenes countryside, sailing cutters. .05 Receipt from Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League of Australia(Victoria). Issued to S. W. Ellis Brunswick Sub-branch dated 31/12/1936 Badge Number 48697. .06 Envelope Service of Campaign - printed on the front the envelope is written in Portuguese. "Servicio De Campanha" .07 Small brown paper representation of a boomerang with Cooee in gold lettering embossed on the front. .08 Small white business card for "Cafe - Debit" written in French "Albert Succr" Le Havre. .09 Cut-out from a magazine "View of the Seven Bridges" .10 Cut-out From a magazine "The New Louvre. .11 Cut-out from a magazine "Vendome Place" .12 Cut-out from a magazine "The Madeleine" .13 Cut-out from a magazine "The Arch De Triomphe - it is 150 feet high and cost 362,000 Pounds" .14 Cut-out from a magazine "The Grand Opera House - its cost was about 1,190,500 pounds and it seats over 2,000 people" .15 Cut-out from a magazine "The Cathedral of Notre Dame - A splendid example of the gothic architecture of the 13th century. .16 Cut-out from a magazine "The Trocadero Place erected from the Universal Exhibition of 1878 . with a Hall Capable of holding 5,000 people. .17 Envelope sent to Private S.W. Ellis from Lara took a well-traveled route to reach him. .18 Postcard of Park & Bandstand, Melton, Mowbray to Pte S.W Ellis. .19 Y.M.C.A. Newspaper "The Rising Sun" Vol 1, No. 14 Dated 28/1/1919 London, England. .20 Small note from Y.M.C.A. with pencil note on the rear "423 Pte. Schofield E.J." .21 Small Calander for 1918 from Y.M.C.A. London. .22 Cut out from a newspaper of a Funeral notice of Mrs. Thompson. .23 Paper note a pencil written recipe for an ointment measured amounts of the ingredients. .24 Two copies of Australian Imperial Force, Message to the "Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men of the Australian Imperial Force." From Commander in the field. .25 Memo "the Diggers" by Capt. William Denny - an order form for copies of the book.472.01 Black leather with Y.M.C.A. Australian Armed Forces Logo embossed on the front and on the Back a motto "Talk Clean, Live Clean, Fight Clean, Play The Game." .02 White pocket notebook paper. .03 Small thin cardboard white with Blue and Red chevrons on each corner. On the reverse side is a word "Souscrivez!" .04 Thin paper folder in a cascade that contains 10 small photos of French scenery. .05 Tissue paper receipt No. 31996 dated 15/01/1916 from Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (Victoria). .06 Brown Envelope with Green printing of the front. Army Form Number W 3078 (P) .07 Small Brown paper, shaped as a boomerang with a saying printed on the front "Cooee" .08 Cardboard white Business card for Cafe-Debit, Le Havre, .09 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of the Seven Bridges. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .10 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of the New Louvre. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .11 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of Vendome Place. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .12 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Madeleine. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .13 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Arc De Triomphe. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .14 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Grand Opera House. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .15 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Cathedral Of Notre Dame. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .16 Paper cut out from a magazine with a view of The Trocadero Palace. The reverse is printed with magazine writings. .17 Paper envelope Addressed to Pte. S. W. Ellis No. 640 sent from Lara and redirected to the recipient by Army Base Post Office. .18 Cardboard Postcard with a photographic picture of The Park & Bandstand, Melton Mowbray. Addressed to Pte. S. W. Ellis No. 640. .19 Y.M.C.A. Newspaper "The Rising Sun" Vol. 1 No. 14. .20 Thin paper from Y.M.C.A. addressed to 423 Pte. Schofield E.J. .21 Cardboard folded in two, a calendar for 1918, and small Map of Aldwych, reverse side is Y.M.C.A. in London details. Printed in red and black. .22 Cut out from a newspaper of a Funeral notice of Mrs. Thompson. .23 Thin Brown Paper with a note in pencil containing a written recipe for an ointment measured amounts of the ingredients. .24 Two copies of paper pamphlets. To the Officers & men of Australian Imperial Force dated 14th November 1918, .25 A paper pamphlet "The Diggers" by Capt. William Denny

The handbook was distributed to all ex-servicemen on return from WW2 in the Geelong area and was a guide to civil life.This booklet for returned service personnel from World War 2 living in the Geelong Region is og local district significance as a part of the history of Geelong.The Road Back -two of The Ex-Serviceman's Handbooks,1947/ 1950 Geelong Issued Free.One is Light green in colour with black writingThe Road Back The Ex-Serviceman's Handbook Geelong.the road back, the ex-serviceman's handbook, world war 2, ww2, australian aif, australian serviceman, australian servicewoman, rss&aila, army, navy, air force, returned sailor's, soldier's and airmen's imperial league of australia, rsl

Membership badge for Howard Maxwell DAY VX31282 2nd AIF. Refer Reg No 92.2 for service details, other 88, 89, 90, 91.2. Badge RSL, metal, centre depicts 3 figures, crown at top with a clip over with the number 97. This denotes a financial member of the RSL in 1997. Rear has metal attachments for fixing.On front: Returned Soldier's, Sailors and Airmen, Imperial Australia League On rear: Badge No 56258 V Property of the Leaguebadges, rsl membership

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Hand knitted cream woolen polo neck jumper. Cloth label sewn onto the inside of the neck.Cloth neck label reads: Returned Soldiers League War Service Funduniforms, raaf

The items belonged to Peter James Dodd. “TPI” means “Totally & Permanently Incapacitated”. Refer Cat Log No 2436.2P for his service details..1) Badge RSL with three central figures and crown on top. On the crown is “06” denoting member of the RSL in 2006. Rear has an pin attachment for a jacket. .2) Badge, TPI Association, round central piece with a scroll at the bottom, top has a crown, on the rear is a long pin for Jacket attachment..1) The front has “Returned Sailors, soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia”. On the rear,”36363”. .2) “TPI Association”.badges, membership, associations

Items in collection re Sgt James Clarence WATT. Refer Cat No 3554.2 for his service records..1) Returned sailors & soldiers Imperial League metal badge with crown at top, white background, 2 gold figures in centre. 2 Attachment rings on back. .2) Returned sailors & soldiers Imperial League metal badge, a crown bearing 53 ( member year 1953) inside it at top, white background, 2 gold figures in centre. Attachment clip on back..1) Printed on red marking at bottom on front: “AUSTRALIA”, “Stamped: 80413” .2) Printed on red marking at bottom on front: “AUSTRALIA”, Stamped on back attachment clip: “A2920 2”rsl, membership, badges

The badges relate to the HEWSTON family collection WW1 & WW11. The large badge with clip 1919 was possibly H.E.Hewstons No 40 AIF. Refer Cat No 2759.2..1) Badge, metal, RSSILA. Crown at top with RSL Membership Clip 1919. Centre has 2 figures. .2) Badge, metal, RSSAILA. Crown at top with 3 central figures. .1) “Returned Sailor's Soldier's Imperial League Australia No 67888” .2) “Returned Sailor's Soldier's Airmen's Imperial League Australia No V99409”numismatics-badges, societies-returned service league, rsl, membership

Empire Wounded Stripes were introduced in 1916. Each time a soldier was wounded and taken out of the field he was entitled to a stripe. Worn on the left sleeve below the elbow on your uniform These items belonged to Frederick Campbell Moller No 2233 AIF. Refer1661.3, 1663P, 1680.3..1) .2) "Empire Wounded Stripes" metal, base plate with Stripe resembling gold braid fixed by two pins through the plate. .3) Rising Sun collar badge, blackened pressed brass with 2 lugs on rear. .4) RSL Membership badge, metal, enamelled, crown at top with two central figures. .5) Association Badge, 3rd Field Arty Brigade, copper wishbone shape and Field Artillery motif blue & red enamel..1) "Service Wounded Stripe" .2) "The Wounded Stripe" .3) "Australian commonwealth military forces" .4) "Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia"numismatics - badges - military, metalcraft - brassware, wia, rsl, association