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Melbourne Legacy
Letter, Intermediate Legacy Club, 1975
A letter written by Norm Smith and addressed to Kem Kemsley on 21 July 1975. It outlines recollections compiled by Norm Smith about the Intermediate Legacy Club (ILC) and individual members. His letter mentions 'Looking back over those years, recalling old time, old faces and places, we as Junior Legatees have a lot to be thankful for and I, for one, have always been exceedingly grateful to you, and those like you in legacy, who helped us so much.' Graham Billiet's letter dated 23 Mar 1974, mentions taking Frank Doolan to the reunion in 1974. Graham felt the ILC was winding down and was only running on half steam. He gives ILC members' addresses. Norm Smith's letter includes: Ted Kennedy, was the first president of the ILC, he was 'tall rangy lad with fiery red hair' who worked for United Distillers Ltd for 40 years (mostly in Brisbane where he joined Brisbane Legacy). Had been a keen junior legatee and taken part in Literary and Debating group and the Dramatic group where he met his future wife, Florence Pittard - which was the first marriage between junior legatees. He had been a naval cadet in the 1928 compulsory training and later joined the CMF where he was closely associated with L/ Stan Savige. He rose to rank of Major in AIF. Jack and Tom Kennedy, his brothers were in the Lacrosse team and his sister Molly in the JLC for years. G Billiet, a first nighter, very well known to legatees of the time. Bill Johnston, a studious type, went to MHS and university, became a Solicitor. Served in the RAAF as a Flight Lieut. Frank Corrie, prominent Junior Legatee in the Literary and Debating group, a fitter and turner by trade, was on JLC cricket and lacrosse teams, joined the AIF. Fred Hollingsworth, a motor mechanic, he joined CIG. He joined the AIF and served in the Middle East, and was one of the Rats of Tobruk as a sergeant. Bert Hollingsworth (brother of Fred) also in AIF and rank of Lieut. Is a past president of ILC. Bert Wood, a past president, worked for Victorian Railways, moved to Coolangatta. Dan Fitzgerald, active in the Drama group of JLC, worked as an announcer at the ABC. Alan Davidson, keen gymnast - particularly wrestling, helped with Alan Beattie (instructor of boys classes). Roy Davidson (brother of Alan) joined the AIF, afterwards joined M&MTB as a driver, married a Junior Legacy girl. Their younger brother Arthur was also in the lacrosse team. Roy Gilbert, keen junior legatee took part in Literary and Debating group and the Dramatic group and lacrosse team. Worked for Vacuum Oil Co., a past president of ILC and also married a Junior Legatee, Miss Lil Edmunds. Served in the AIF and was a Lieutenant in the Middle East. 'Jimmy' MacGregor, a colourful and handsome Junior Legatee, born in Collingwood, was one of L/ Stan Savige original contacts. Keen JLC gymnast and member of the football team. Worked at the Ret. Soldiers Woollen Mills in Geelong and was in the Geelong ILC. Frank 'Happy' Holliday, was in the lacrosse team, foundation member of ILC and past president. Served with the RAAF as an air frame fitter. Worked for L/ Con Fahle in the printing workshop for 40 years. Howard Auterey, joined the RAAF during the war and returned work for the State Saving bank before retiring in Warrnambool. Norman Smith, was working as an apprentice with M&MTB, took interest in Literary and Debating group and was in the lacrosse team. Was ILC president in 1946. Enliseted in the RAAF as airframe fitter. Retired from M&MTB after serving 50 years, married for 40 years to a daughter of an original Anzac who has also been an active member of the Ladies ILC for many years. Background: The ILC was formed in 1929. The idea of the club sprang from those boys who had outgrown the Junior Legacy Club. In the early days it fielded a lacrosse team and it was this that mainly held the members together (formed under guidance of L/ Jimmy Downing). Enthusiasm wained after a few years as it lacked a solid objective. The answer came from one of its members and in 1938 they founded the Don Esses Club. This was a club for the children of incapacitated ex-servicemen which met every Thursday night at 7.30 run by the ILC members. The name came from the signallers' code Disabled Servicemen's Sons. During the second world war 80% of the members of the ILC enlisted in the services. Leaving only 8 members that could not join due to ill health or reserved occupations. They continued the Don Esses and whatever aid they could to Legacy. ILC members had always helped Legacy where possible including being camp leaders or camp staff, with the annual demonstrations, and coffee stalls at the ANZAC dawn service. Post second world war some ILC members were nominated into Legacy, others drifted away in civil occupations. It was found difficult to recruit new blood into the ILC and eventually membership waned when the boys from the Don Esses clubs found other youth activities to join. The ILC ceased to meet regularly in the mid fifties. However a strong comradeship still existed between members and they would meet in one anothers homes. Members were always ready to help the senior Legacy Club in any way in their power and still helped at Christmas parties and summer camps. ILC was a service rendering organisation and was self governing. Non-sectarian and non-political, the members were ex-junior legatees over 18 years of age. After serving in World War 2 members were eligible to become members of Legacy. Was in a folder of material collated about the ILC by an early archive committee. A record of a Junior Legatee recording what he knew about ILC members and their life outside of Legacy in response to a request from L/ Kem Kemsley. It could have been part of the early archive committee working to capture Legacy history.White note paper x 18 pages handwritten by Norm Smith about the ILC members and a handwritten letter x 3 pages from Graham Billiet about ILC members with addresses.ilc, membership, junior legatee -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Australian Imperial Force, 1918
... wish to make a personal appeal to every single member... wish to make a personal appeal to every single member ...A leaflet issued by General William Birdwood to the AIF troops just after the Armistice on 11 November 1918 to end the first world war. 'To the officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the Australian Imperial Force. It is now just four that we have been serving together, often through days of hardship and peril, and often through times of well-deserved success. During this time I hope and think we have come to know each other well and I trust we realised how rightly we have confidence in each other. No words of mine can possibly express all I feel for the magnificent work which has been done by the Australian soldier during these long four years. It is well known and recognised, not only throughout the British Empire, but throughout the world - and now we have peace in sight, and peace after a victory in which the Australian soldier has taken so large a share. Even then, with peace there are still difficult times before us. Faith in our recent foe cannot quickly be established, and it may be that some little time yet we shall be able to relax no precautions, until we are assured of the complete and honest fulfilment of our terms. Then will come the difficult time of demobilisation, and it is regarding this that I wish to make a personal appeal to every single member of the AIF in the full confidence that it will be met as every other appeal to face and tackle the strongest positions has ever been met by the Australian solider. Never has the name of Australia stood higher than it does now throughout the world, thanks to the bravery of her soldiers, and it sup to everyone one of us to see that this is maintained, and that no reproach can be cast on the Australian Flag owing to any behaviour of ours. The time of demobilisation will undoubtedly be difficult and irksome - I fully realise what great personal self-restraint will certainly be required - but if each individual of us makes up his mind to do his best during these times, realising the good name we bear, I feel confident that all will go well. I want you to remember that everything possible will be done to look after and help the troops during this period, while every energy will be strained to get men back to their homes as soon as this possibly can be done. You will have to realise, however. that there is a great shortage of shipping, and that there must be a considerable inevitable delay. Play the game, boys, during this time, as you have always done, and add still more to the deep debt of gratitude which will always be acknowledged to you by the Empire and remembered by me as your comrade and commander. In the field, 14 November 1918.' (Signed) 'W Birdwood'.A rare example of a notice to troops about the Armistice.A leaflet issued by General Birdwood to AIF troops to commemorate the end of World War 1.world war one, soldier -
Melbourne Legacy
Book, Carry On. A History of Carry On (Victoria) 1932 - 1998, 1998
The book is about the history of the Carry On Club which was set up in 1932 along similar lines to Legacy. Their main focus is to help with the care for veterans and their dependents. The founder was WL Hawkins (1861-1969), who served in the First AIF in 1915 and saw active service in France. He attained the rank of Lieutenant. With the economic collapse of 1929 he saw a need to help the many unemployed ex-servicemen. He discussed his ideas with Stan Savige of Legacy. Liaison between Carry On and the other ex-service organisations continues to the present day.A record of the founding of the Carry On Club and its history to 1998.Green cloth hardcover book x 80 pages about the history of Carry On, with a white paper dustcover with flags.Flyleaf is inscribed as a gift to Melbourne Legacy from the president and members of the Carry On Club in 1999.carry on club, history, hawkins -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Eulogy, Legatee Francis John Doolan
Information on the life of Legatee Frank Doolan from a eulogy in 1988. Legatee Doolan was a very active Legatee, starting within the first year of Legacy when he was nominated by Bill Laver and Charles Copp in 1924. While he never sought 'office but he was always there - in the background - able and willing to actively serve'. In World War 1 he enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he attended a course for young AIF surveyors at the British Ordnance Headquarters at South Hampton designed to bring skills back to Australia. Famously it was Frank that proposed that the spirit of Legacy is service to the widows and children. "Here it received its soul. The thoughts transmitted to the Board by this quiet man." He was Legacy's link to the Big Brother movement that was sponsoring bereft children in England to be sympathetically housed in Australia. He was a foundation member of the the first boys' gymnasium class and of the literary and debating class. He worked with the Intermediate Legacy Club for it's entirety He was part of the Legacy team who worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Shrine. It was his technical skill as a surveyor that enabled the ray of light to shine on the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am on 11th November. Also to solve the complication of daylight saving in 1976 by positioning two mirrors. For this he was awarded the British Empire Medal. Born in 1896 at Armadale he was educated in Ballarat and South Melbourne. He obtained his qualification as a licensed surveyor at the Working Men's College (now RMIT) in 1919 on returning from war. He was partner in 'Doolan and Goodchild' through the hardships of the Great Depression. Then joined firm of Mendell, Gillespie and Charleman - being supported by Legatee Jim Gillespie. He went on to Lecturer of surveying at the Working Men's College from 1926 to 1938. Then he was assisted by Legatee Alan Murray to a position with the Valuers Section of the Department of Interior. In 1953 he was promoted to be Chief Property Officer for Victoria retiring in 1961. The page from the Bulletin from 18 August 1988 shows the names of many donors that had paid tribute to Frank. A few sentiments were included by some: 'A quiet, loveable and outstanding Legatee.' 'He was my friend, guide and mentor during the 14 happy years I spent in Legacy.' The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Frank Doolan a prominent member of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed A4 document x 2 pages of the life of Legatee Frank Doolan and one page from the Bulletin with donations received in his memory.eulogy, frank doolan, ray of light, shrine of remembrance, ilc, donations -
Melbourne Legacy
Article, Bulletin VALE Legatee Jim Gillespie, 1987
An article from the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin on the death of Legatee James George Gillespie, a long serving Legatee, on 21st May 1987. The Bulletin published articles on Legatees when they passed away. The article includes a snapshot of his life and career as a surveyor and long history of service in many fields. He was a member of the RMIT Council, on the board of he Royal Women's Hospital - both of whom named building after him. He served on the Hospitals and Charities Commission, and the Nurses Memorial Centre and Greenvale Geriatric Centre. Plus many more. He enlisted in the AIF 18 months after his older brother had been killed on the first day of the landing at Gallipoli. He was in the 46th Battery, 12th Artillery Brigade as a gunner. He served in France and Belgium and was in Paris on the day the Armistice was signed. In World War 2 he was called up and was appointed Assistant-Director of Survey, with a rank of Lieut-Colonel. Jim Gillespie joined Legacy in June 1928, being nominated by Frank Doolan and seconded by Harold Peters. He filled many posts, including vice-president in 1937 and President in 1938 The article was part of an folder about of past presidents that served on the LCC in preparation for the photo board that was produced. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of some Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of the life and service of Legatee Jim Gillespie. The information was published in the Bulletin and collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed copy of 4 pages from the Legacy Bulletin on the death of Legatee James Gillespie.Bulletin No. VAW 1209. 28.5.1987. Pages 2 to 5.vale, eulogy, past presidents, jim-gillespie -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Eulogy, James George Gillespie MBE, Hon. FIS Aus, FRICS, 1987
A copy of two addresses made at the funeral service for Legatee James George Gillespie, a long serving Legatee. The funeral was held on 25th May 1987 at St Stephen's Church, Caulfield. The addresses were by Rev. Vere Heazlewood (Parish Minister) and Wing-Commander Ron Austin. The article is very similar to the VALE notice published in the Bulletin and includes a snapshot of his life and career as a surveyor and long history of service in many fields. He was a member of the RMIT Council, and on the board of the Royal Women's Hospital - both of whom named building after him. He served on the Hospitals and Charities Commission, and the Nurses Memorial Centre and Greenvale Geriatric Centre. Plus many more. He enlisted in the AIF 18 months after his older brother had been killed on the first day of the landing at Gallipoli. He was in the 46th Battery, 12th Artillery Brigade as a gunner. He served in France and Belgium and was in Paris on the day the Armistice was signed. In World War 2 he was called up and was appointed Assistant-Director of Survey, with a rank of Lieut-Colonel. Jim Gillespie joined Legacy in June 1928, being nominated by Frank Doolan and seconded by Harold Peters. He filled many posts, including vice-president in 1937 and President in 1938 The article was part of an folder about of past presidents that served on the LCC in preparation for the photo board that was produced. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of some Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of the life and service of Legatee Jim Gillespie. The information was published in the Bulletin and collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Photocopy x 5 pages of the addresses made at the funeral of Legatee James Gillespie.eulogy, past presidents, jim-gillespie -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Creswick Light Horse, Arch of Victory, Ballarat, 2011, 2011
Colour photograph of three members of the Creswick Lighthorse on horsback at the Ballarat Arch of Victory. ballarat arch of victory, creswick lighthorse, armed services, aif, war memorial -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Program, Eric Welch Testimonial Dinner, 1974
Program and menu for a testimonial dinner for Eric Welch (1900-1983), sporting commentator and broadcaster and former member of the 14th Battalion AIF. The dinner was held at the Victorian Club on 7 March 1974. The Victorian Club was founded in 1880 and has had many famous, reputable and sporting media personalities among its members. At the time of the dinner, the Club was located at 141 Queen Street Melbourne.White card, folded and printed in dark blueHandwritten notes in black ink on back covereric welch, 14th battalion aif, victorian club -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Notice, Report, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "Wattle Park Band Recital", Oct. 1943
Set of six documents associated with a Wattle Park band recital by the AIF Legion of Anzacs band on Sunday 17 October 1943 in support of the 4th Liberty Loan. .1 - printed poster advertising the afternoon and travel by tram from Princes Bridge. .2 - duplicated notice from the Assistant Manager to Depots dated 13/10/1943 about the bus to be used to transport band members from Elizabeth St to Wattle Park - Central Bus Depot - notes the bus had been specially prepared for the event. .3 - typed notice from the District Traffic Superintendent to Hawthorn and Camberwell depots about special trams for the event and arrangements for conductors. Signed by J. M. Harry rubber stamp. .4 - hand written in blue indelible pencil on ruled paper, the table for the special cars for the event. .5 - hand written notes on heavy card of timing and loading on trams at Glenferrie Road. Signed R. Whitelaw. .6 - ditto for loading ex Wattle Park loop - signed by A? Cameron.1 - has a pencil inscription "158" in the top left hand corner. .3 - has a pencil note "Copy sent Hawt Insp with table" along the bottom edge.trams, tramways, mmtb, world war 2, wattle park, events, bands, buses, hawthorn depot, camberwell depot -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - World War One soldiers, Members of 18th Company Australian Army Service Corps, c1916
HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. [Research by a granddaughter of Henry Smerdon Holmes, Jane Dyer (nee Chatham) 2024] Ray Blight and Gordon Les Sim were former students of the Ballarat School of Mines. Les Sim was associated with Sim and Co. hardware and wood merchants). Eight soldiers of the AIF. They are the tent mates of Harry Holmes a Driver with the 5th D.A.C. The names of the soldiers are John Raymond (Ray) Blight, Joseph Fawcett, John Joseph (Jack) Nase, Gordon Spittle, Harry Holmes, Harold Joseph Reid, James Leslie (Les) Sim, Leslie John Walters. handwritten in pen on verso "This is a snap of our tent mates. Reading left to right. Back row, Jack Nase, Joe Fawcett, H. Reid. Middle - Les Walters, Ray Blight, Gordon Les Sim, (Sim and Co wood merchants) and Harryworld war 1, chatham, jack nase, chatham family archive, joe fawcett, h. reid, blight, sim, les walters, ray blight, gordon les sim, pickford, world war, gordon spittle, harry holmes, les sim, horace pickford, world war one, aif, armed services -
Clunes Museum
Medal - MEDALS
Milton Arthur Williamson was born in Clunes, Victoria and enlisted at 22 years and 5 months on 29/3/1915. He embarked for Alexandria on 30/8/1915. He was injured during duty and had continual problems with his knee. He was returned to Australia on 10/9/1917 following several appearances before the Medical Board of the Australian Military Offices of London and Kent in the United Kingdom. The termination of his appointment was effected on 4/3/1918 and he was medically discharged from the AIF. L-R .4 The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II. .3 The Victory Medal was awarded to prescribed classes of persons who entered a theatre of war on duty between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. .2 The British War Medal instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of World War I and record the service given. *PTE SS WILLIAMSON 1 The 1914–15 Star was authorised in 1918 and was awarded for service in specified theatres of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915.4 MEDALS : L-R WITH RIBBONS .1 BRONZE : STAR SHAPED MEDAL 1914-1915 ON BANNER. BACK 1112 SPR M A WILLIAMSON 2/ DIV SIG COY AIF .2 PEWTER - ROUND MEDAL FACE OF GEORGE V 0 BACK 1914-1918 NUDE MAN ON HORSE WITH 2 FEET OFF GROUND. RIM : 636 PTE SS WILLIAMSON 8 BN AIF .3 ROUND MEDAL ANGEL IS HOLDING A PALM BRANCH. BACK : ENCIRCLED BY WREATH - THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919 .4 ROUND SILVER MEDAL PROFILE OF GEORGE VI. BACK : AUSTRALIAN COAT OF ARMS ENCIRCLED BY THE AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945 RIM : W 71800 A M WILLIAMSON RIBBON NAVY, RED, BEIGE, SKY BLUElocal history, numismatics, medals, military -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Photograph, Bulmer Studios, 1955 c
Black and white photographic proof believed to be a member of the Henning family wearing AIF uniform and slouch hat Lakes Entrance Victoriapeople, fashion -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Postcard, Willetts Geelong, 1915 c
Also a sepia toned postcard of same soldier with two family members a woman and young girl photographed at Bulmer Bairnsdale 05456.1Black and white postcard of unidentified WWi soldier in AIF uniform holding a swagger stick Geelong Victoriaworld war 1914-1918, uniforms aif -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Newspaper - Clippings, Death Notice and Obituary - Ernest Ferdinand Wieland - February, 1945
Ringwood Mail death notice 15/2/1945 and Obituary 16/2/1945 reporting the death of Ernest Wieland of Canterbury Road, Heathmont, on Thursday February 8, 1945, aged 67.Beloved husband of Beatrice, dear father of Stanley, Norman (deceased) and Alan (AIF). Mr. Wieland was born and grew up at Heathmont. A successful orchardist, he also took a keen interest in all local affairs. He was a member of the Heathmont Progress League, President of the Recreation Reserve Committee, a member of the Ringwood Bowling Club, and a member of the Dads' branch. The flags at the Town Hall and the Bowling Club were at half mast.