Showing 974 items
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Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK SET, Lansdowne Publishing Pty Ltd, DIGGERS, The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force in Eleven Wars from 1860 - 1994, Post 1994
... . DIGGERS, The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force in Eleven Wars ...Author George Odgers Endorsed by the Australian Defence Forces .1) Diggers from 1860 to 5 June 1944 The royal blue & dark yellow hard cover book with dust jacket. On the front cover is a picture of a painting in the centre of horses, guns & soldiers on a battlefield with stars of the Southern Cross around the picture 272pp. .2) Diggers from 6 June 1944 to 1994 The royal blue & dark yellow hard cover book with dust jacket. On the front cover is a picture of a painting of a group of soldiers during a battle. 2 tanks & palm trees in background. Stars of the Southern Cross around the picture 272pp. Page numbering in Volume 2 continues on from last page number in Volume 1. .3) Blue cardboard sleeve Open sided royal blue & dark yellow box slip cover for 2422.1 & 2422.2. Portrait orientation LHS has photo of 4 fighter pilots walking away from an aeroplane. Stars of Southern Cross around photo. RHS has picture of a painting of a group of soldiers during a battle. 2 tanks & palm trees in background. Stars of the Southern Cross around the picture. Bottom section of the box is missing.books-military-history, containers, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Adolf Galland, The First And Last . The German Fighter Force in World War II, 1955
Translated by Mervyn Savill. This is a translation of Die Essten Und Die Letzten published in Germany in 1953 by Franz Schneeklnth. First English edition published 4.4.1955.Pale blue buckram cover (hand cover), gold fading print on cover, black & white photo, 392 pages.books, military history, air force, german aircraft -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, George Odgers, Diggers: The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force in Eleven Wars From 1860 to 5 June 1944, 1994
... in the background. Diggers: The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force ...Vol 1. See also item no 724.Hardcover book with dustjacket. Both covers are blue, the spine is yellow. Front cover has a Southern Cross with a yellow section with a painting of soldiers manning a cannon and a horse team in the background.books, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, George Odgers, Diggers: The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force in Eleven Wars From 6 June 1944 to 1994, 1994
... and Air Force in Eleven Wars From 6 June 1944 to 1994 Book BOOK ...Vol 2. See also item no 723.Hardcover book with dust jacket. Both covers are blue, spine is yellow. Front cover has picture of Australian soldiers fighting the Japanese with two tanks in the background. Picture is between the stars of the Southern Cross.books, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Flak. True Stories from the Men Who Flew in World War II, 2008
Black and white cardboard cover with red, white print and black and white photos front and back. Illustrated with black and white photos.books- military history, military history-air force -
Bendigo Military Museum
Container - TIN, BISCUIT, est 1920's onwards
The tin was owned by Jack Grinton No 1043, 38th Batt AIF. This tin held hundreds of his nitrate negative photos for many years that he took during the Great War which remained virtually intact as away from light and air until rediscovered early 21st century. This collection became part of the exhibition “A Camera on the Somme”which was 80 selected photos to make a story with 7 story boards with photos to compliment. A book was also produced to accompany the travelling exhibition. The framed collection are Cat No’s 7100P to 7179P and 7180 to 7187. Part of the Grinton collection.Refer Cat No 1280 for Jacks service details. Refer 1317P, 1320P.Biscuit tin, rectangular with coloured floral arrangement on front. Used by jack Grinton to hold nitrate negative photos taken during WWI. Original biscuit manufacturing label on front in one corner.containers-commercial, domestic items-containers, food storage, metalcraft -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Lieutenant Colonel A J Barker et al, Classic Aircraft of World War II, 1984
Classic Aircraft of World War II presents detailed profiles of the 6 most significant & dramatic aircraft of the greatest war in history: they are Stuka, Spitfire, B-17 Flying Fortress, Zero, P-51 Mustang & B-29 Super Fortress.Book, hard cover, dark blue buckram, gold print on spine. Dust cover with title in red & black print on front, back & spine. Illustrated in colour, numerous WWII aircraft on mid blue colour background. 400 cut pages illustrated, black & white & coloured photographs & diagrams.In black ink on front flyleaf: RSL Stampbooks, history, air force -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Don Charlwood, No Moon Tonight, 1991
Book is part of the Australian War Classics series presented by E E (Weary) Dunlop.Book, soft cover, white print on front, back & spine. Front cover illustration Ballet of Wind & Rain by Colon Colahan. Rising Sun badge illustrated on front & back covers, 188 plain cut pages.Handwritten in blue ink on front flyleaf: J Fuller In black ink on back page: RSL Stampbooks, military history, air force -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Douglas Cockwood, Australia's Pearl Harbour. Darwin 1942, 1966
Book is part of the Australian War Classics series presented by E E (Weary) Dunlop.Book, soft cover, front cover has 3 colour bands - black, red & green, at top of page is the Rising Sun badge. Bottom half is a painting of air attack on a harbour by the Japanese aircraft. 232 pages illustrated with black & white photos.J Fullerbooks-military-history, bombing of darwin -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, The Golden Eagles. Air Heroes of two world wars, 1980
Hard cover board with dust cover. Dust cover rad background, black and gold writing. Stylised image of an imperial German army aircraft tail plane. Book - brown buckram. No writing. Pages 242. Illustrated with black and white photos."Sister M SEAGRAVE" - LABEL "From Bishop Noel Day's Collection"books, military history -
Federation University Historical Collection
Newspaper - Twenty page issue December 1941 No. 93, Societe Orientale de Publicite, The A.I.F. News Special Christmas Issue 1941, December 1941
... . Page 9 includes articles "War Will Revolutionise Air Services... includes articles "War Will Revolutionise Air Services In Australia ...The A.I.F.= The Australian Imperial Force and this newspaper was supplied free to the troops of the Australian Army Canteens Service. This issue is dated Saturday 22nd December 1941. It includes advertisments for businesses in Cairo and Alexandria; Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Page 2 includes a poem titled "This Holy Night" by Pte C.M. Walker; two sonnets by Rupert Brooke; a poem, "Waiting Dreams" by Pilot Officer J.A. Henderson RAAF and a poem by Lieut. David McNicoll AIF Abroad Air Mail - Palestine. Page 3 includes a message from General Sir Thomas Blamey, an article on the part women would increasingly play as a consequence of the emergency war policy; an advertisment for tobacco specially packed for overseas forces. Page 4 includes an article on Australian coastal cities being ready for raids. Page 5 includes an article about the Commonwealth of the Philippines and their defense which until 1946 lay with America. General D Macarthur was the Commander In Chief in the Philippines. Germany's "secret Weapon" legend. Page 6 includes "Dancing Dan's Christmas"; "Bluey and Curley" comic strip. Page 7 includes article "Rommel's Armoured Might Lies Strewn Over Libyan Sands" Page 8 includes an article: "All In Fun" - a revue - has begun a tour of Australian camps in Palestine and Syria. Page 9 includes articles "War Will Revolutionise Air Services In Australia"; a list - Greek Awards To AIF Officers and a cartoon by George Aria titled 'Jonah '. Pages 10&11 "Christmas 1941" - messages from prominent people: Mr Winston Churchill; The Govenor General (Lord Gorrie); The Prime Minister (Mr Curtin); Mininster for the Army (Mr Forde). Also photos of army operations and traditional family Christmas time. Page 12 &13 Articles regarding sport under the heading 'Australian Sporting Digest'. Page 14 A story - "The Gift of the Magi" - an O Henry Christmas Story. Also a greeting from Myer's of Melbourne and Adelaide to all Myer Men in the AIF Page 15 An article where General Blamey reassures Australia about its capability of defence. Page 16 A description of a battle by Australian sloop "Parramatta" with HMAS "Auckland" against enemy planes whilst they were escorting a merchant ship with a cargo of petrol during the Battle of Tobruk Page 17 & 18 Pages under the title 'ACK-I-FOOFS' (Articles submitted by soldiers: The real Rat of Tobruk - a rat trained by L/Cpl Jack Kneeshaw which he named "Goebbels"; poems and cartoons. Page 19 "Women of War" - photos of women at work filling in for men who have gone to war. Page 20 Xmas Greetings 1942-1942 - a 1942 Calendar signed by 14 members of the AIF, some with messages and including their Army Number. Twenty pages of news supplied free to the troops by the Australian Army Canteens Service.The last page is a calendar for 1942 with personal inscriptions and greetings of servicemen. Some inscriptions have I.D. Numbers ( VX35435 W. Johnston; QX20753 of Carmody ; VX40449 ; VX39637 N. Powell; VX32054 Blue Ernistson?; N?X23234 W.Cummins; VXthe a.i.f. news christmas edition 1941, australian imperial force, world war 2, australian army canteens service, general blamey, world war 2 - pacific war, world war 2 - phillipine islands, general d macarthur, emergency plans ww2 australia, secret weapons ww2, western desert ww2, australian imperial force - western desert ww2, civil aviation post ww2, air services australia, lord gowrie, governor general lord gowrie, prime minister john curtain, minister for the army - mr forde, cartoons 1941, women-in ww2, xmas greetings calendar 1941-1942, cairo 1941, palestine 1941, western desert 1941, advertisements 1941, middle east 1941 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS RAAF, 1942 - 1945
The photos were in a collection held by SQD Leader Kenneth Frederick Bawden No 250882 RAAF. Enlistment details are scant. Enlisted on 4.12.1939, served Darwin area 15.9.1942. - 6.1.1943, after details are near nil but records state there was Pacific area service and was awarded the Pacific Star. At discharge on 28.2.1946 he held the rank of Sqd Ldr at Air Force HQ. Refer 2048.9. Photographs in envelope. B & W photos of various sizes, including bombing of Darwin, Rear HQ including Birdum, Daly Waters NT and HQ RAAF in Adelaide.photography - photographs, australia, war damage -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDALS VARIOUS, 1939, 1945,1947, 1965
.1) India, Volunteer Service Medal 1939-45 .2) Dutch (DHK 1940-45)Military, army, Navy, Air Force, Merchant Marine .3) India, 1947-48 General Service Jammu & Kashmir 25048 Separation. .4) Dutch, 1945-49 Issued to Dutch Army. War against Indon. Rebels. .5) India, 1965 Rausha Medalfor Bravery 1965numismatics - medals, india, dutch -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - CLOTH BADGES, RAAF, 1939-45
The patches and insignia belonged to Arthur COWLEY RAAF. He enlisted on 22.1.1942 age 18 years 6 months as No 50704 which was a ground staff No. From 12.2.1942 to 12.9.43 he went through various courses at Sale, Lake Boga, Somerset, Richmond and Adelaide. Finally accepted into Aircrew he embarked from Melbourne for Canada for training as a Bomb Aimer on 27.9.1943, arriving Canada via San Francisco 19.10.1943. He then attended Bomb Aimers Courses at Mossbank and Edmonton. Granted a Commission as a Flying Officer on 24.3.1943, embark for England 10.4.1944 and posted to various bases for advanced training. Finally on 7.3.1945 he is posted to No 462 Sqd RAAF flying Halifax Bombers in Bomber Command and begins operations from Foulsham. Arthur completes 8 missions before the war is over with Germany. Departs England 28.11.1945 for Australia and is discharged on 11.1.1946. .1) Bomb Aimers Wings, Cloth, dark blue background with White "B" and Wing. .2) Shoulder Badge, cloth, dark blue with light blue "Australia"& Eagle. .3) Rank Badge, light blue propellor on dark blue background. .4) Badge Shoulder, cloth, Australia light blue on a dark background. .5) Badge Shoulder, cloth, light blue eagle on a dark blue background.air force, raaf, badges uniform -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Kitbag
Issued to Flight Lieutenant JACK WARE CORNISH, 409295, Royal Australian Air Force. Copy of certificate of service attached in Images section Kitbag, RAAF grey canvas, with white cord, circa World War 2, certificate of service attached under images for Flight Lietutenant Jack Ware Cornish, 409295RAAF 409295 -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Training Manual, Standard Gunnery Notes for Air Crew
Training manual issued by the RAAF to trainees during World War 2. Training manual issued to Corporal C. S. Woods service number 19633. Cpl Woods served in the RAAF during World War 2.Air Crew lecture Notes issued to Cpl C. S. Woods, A.G.S. Sale. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Calculator, Course & Speed, E.R Watts & Son London Pty Ltd
Course and Speed calculator used as a navigational aid by Air Force pilots to calculate aircraft relative groundspeed whilst allowing for wind speed and direction. A similar example (MKIIA version) can be seen at the following Imperial War Museum web page: -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Mess, Cheese Dish
Crockery cheese dish complete with cover. The cover is marked with the Royal Australian Air Force insignia. The dish is an example of North Satffordshire Pottery made in Cobridge, England during the World War 2 period. Further details can be found at the following url: -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Recorder, Camera
This is a Camera Gun Recorder used in conjunction with a Gyro Gun Sight type 14A, G. G. S. Recorder Mk2 contained in a wooden box with hinged lid and retaining catch. The recorder consists of a metal enclosure with an electrical power supply cable fitted with a three pole female plug connector. A small access cover in the enclosure can be opened to replace the Recorder Magazine. There is a transparent aperture window on the underside of the enclosure.The recorder enclosure is inscribed with the Department of Defence mark and the following, "14A/3629, G.G.S., RECORDER, Mk2, 24V., XX 12012". There are small controls on the narrow side of the recorder which are marked "START, 0, 5, 10, 15, END" and "DULL, S.S. BRIGHT". The recorder magazine is inscribed with the Department of Defence mark and the following "14A/4008, G.G.S., RECORDER, MAGAZINE, MKII". raaf, royal australian air force, gun, fighter, photography, ww2, world war 2, camera, aircraft, bomber, aerial -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Cap, Forage
... mornington-peninsula raaf air force australia world war 2 ww2 airmen ...A standard issue RAAF blue Other Ranks' woollen forage cap with oxidised brass RAAF badge on left hand side. The two buttons at the front are made of black plastic. The cap is lined with black cotton fabric. The crown opening has been sewn up with large black running stitches in heavy black thread. A rectangular shaped white cotton maker's label that bears various markings indicating size, year of manufacture, etc. is sewn inside the left hand side of the cap. A label attached inside the cap has the following: "V 330, 1944, MADE IN AUSTRALIA, SIZE 7" and the D^D marking with the letters "A F". The cap is also marked with the name "FRASER" and the service number "RAAF A36508"raaf, air force, australia, world war 2, ww2, airmen, aircrew, kings crown badge, -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Mask, Gas
A tank crew gas mask as issued by the United States of America army during World War 2. When correctly worn by the wearer there is a tube fitting at the rear of the head which was connected to a length of flexible hose to receive a fresh air supply. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Handbook, Air Raid Precautions Handbook No 1 Personal Protection Against Gas
Handbook for members of air raid precautions services (that is ARP Wardens). Originally issued by the UK Home Office (Air Raid Precautions Department), date of publication unknown (however presumed to be World War 2 era). This edition was published by the authority of I. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra with acknowledgement that it was reprinted with the permission of the Controller, His Majesty's Stationery Office, London. This handbook contains 100 pages of illustrated notes for Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Wardens. It is bound in a soft cover of heavy weight buff coloured paper. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Helmet, Belgian
Mark 2 Belgian Clone of the British Brodie helmet. After the end of the Second World War Belgium began manufacturing their own version of the British Mk.II Helmet, which came to be known as the Belgian Mk.II Clone. This helmet was used by all services of the Belgian Military; Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as in Civil Defence. Mk.II Clones were produced from 1949 to 1952 and were very similar to the British Mk.II in almost every respect. However on closer inspection the differences are obvious, most noteably with the liner. Belgian Mk.IIs have a brown leather liner with five tongues and a brown drawstring. The cross shaped crown pad has black sorbo foam covered by leather. The underside of the leather has the Belgium Crest printed, while British helmets used oilcloth. Also unlike on British made Mk.IIs, the rims and lugs are made of mild (i.e. magnetic) steel. A Belgium Flag decal was worn on the left hand side of the shell, on all Military issue helmets. Stencilled on the liner is "COMET ABL 50", with the ABL (Armee Belge/Belgische Leger). -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Document, Air Raid Precautions
Printed notice issued during the World War 2 period by the Shire of Frankston and Hastings Council with the approval of the State Emergency Council for Civil Defence (Victoria). This notice provides citizens with instructions to be followed in the event of enemy air raids. Details including addresses and contact information are included. The notice is printed on a heavy weight paper material.Printed notice, refer to scanned image attached to this record. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Handbook, Training, Air Raid Precautions
Manual for training of Air Raid Precaution (A.R.P.) Wardens during World War 2. Issued by the State Emergency Council for Civil Defence, Victoria in August 1941. This manual contains basic principles of personal protection against air attacks. This printed handbook has 72 pages bound in a soft cover of heavy weight buff coloured paper.The Victorian Coat of Arms is printed at the top of the front cover with the following inscription: "AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS", "Manual of General Training (FOURTH EDITION)" "AUGUST 1941" "ISSUED BY THE STATE EMERGENCY COUNCIL FOR CIVIL DEFENCE, VICTORIA" -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Collection, E. R. Steen
Set of documents and a photograph of Flying Officer Ernest Roy Steen a World War 2 RAAF serviceman (refer to item 00308.1 to 00308.4). His enlistment date in the Royal Australian Air Force was 25/10/1940, and his service number 19398. -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Flag, 173rd Airborne Brigade (US)
173 AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) US ARMY 1 RAR BATTLE GROUP BIEN HOA 1965-1966 On May 5, 1965, the Brigade deployed to South Viet Nam as the first US Army ground combat unit in that war. Upon arrival, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) and a battery from New Zealand (161Royal NZ Artillery) were attached to the Brigade -- making the 173d Airborne the only multi-national combat unit in the war. Initially headquartered in Bien Hoa, the Brigade operated in the four provinces around Saigon. (Xuan Loc, Long Khanh, Phuoc Long & Phuoc Tuy), but (in its roll as a "Fire Brigade") also went to the Central Highlands (Pleiku / Kontum) to fight Viet Cong. The 173d also conducted constant operations against the southern stronghold of the VC Main Force in the legendary Iron Triangle in War Zone D. The brigade was organized as a balanced airborne combat force consisting of two infantry battalions, an artillery battalion, a support battalion, an engineer company, a cavalry troop, an armour company, and a headquarters company. Upon activation, it became the first and only separate airborne brigade in the United States Army. This was the beginning of a long series of "Firsts" for the Brigade. On 5 May 1965, it became the first US Army ground combat unit committed to the war in South Vietnam, where further organizational changes were to take place. Australians attached to the Brigade were: 1st Battalion, of the Royal Australian Regiment (I RAR) and support troops of the 4/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment (1Troop), 105 Field Battery Royal Australian Artillery, 161 Field Battery Royal New Zealand Artillery, 3 Field Troop Royal Australian Engineers, 161 Reconnaissance Flight, Royal Australian Army Air Corps, 1st Australian Logistical Support Company. The Brigade's two infantry battalions, the First Battalion of the 503' Infantry (1/503`d) and the Second Battalion, of the 503`d Infantry (2/503`) and the attached Australians of 1 RAR constituted the infantrymen available to the Brigade. Their mission was to protect the Bien Hoa Air Base and to close with and destroy or capture the enemy. This was in fact the first operational ground force formed under the ANZUS Defence Treaty. ANZUS was a mutual defence treaty signed in 1951 between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. In 1965 the spirit of this treaty appeared as 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) a tri-national brigade. The only such tri-national fighting force formed during the Vietnam War. On deployment to South Vietnam in 1965, 1 Troop A Squadron, 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment was part of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade combat group. Flag, two colours divided vertically, hoist half mid blue, fly half red. Badge of 173rd Airborne Brigade (730 x 490 mm) in centreflag, 173rd airborne, south vietnam -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Books, George Odgers, Diggers The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force in Eleven Wars, 1994
... Diggers The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force in Eleven Wars ...Two volume boxed set, with photos and illustrations Vol 1 - From 1860 to 5 June 1944 Vol 2 -From 6 June 1944 to 1994 543 pages overallMonash University David Sabben Club sticker Donation sticker from OCDT David Wynd ISBN 1 86302 385 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Air Power Over Europe
... War Memorial Date: 1963 Air Power Over Europe Book ...This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. (This Statement of Significance is quoted from the Significance Assessment : Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Book Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, February 2009, by Annette Welkamp, Cultural Connections, for Delise Oldfied, FHMV) References Juvenile Department in Warrnambool Public Library In August 1903 The Age newspaper reported in its Warrnambool news section that “With the object of discouraging boys from reading literature of the “penny dreadful” class, the committee of the local public library has decided to open a juvenile department and to stock it with hundreds of suitable books attractive to the youthful mind.” 100 new novels added to Warrnambool Public Library Shelves In November 1905 The Argue newspaper’s Warrnambool news section announced “The committee of the Public Library is bringing the collection of books more up to date. It has recently added 100 new novels to the shelves, and arrangements have been made for a supply of the latest novels immediately they arrive in the state.” Warrnambool Town Council takes over Mechanics’ Institute, Art Gallery, Public Library, Museum – and will double the building’s size In 1912 The Age reported in its Warrnambool news section “Considerable improvements are being effected by the town council in the most picturesque part of Liebig Street. Between the fire brigade station and the mechanics’ institute and art gallery a vacant block of land is being transformed a garden for carpet bedding and flowering plants. The council, which recently took over the control of the art gallery, public library, museum and mechanics’ institute, is doubling the size of the substantial stone building containing these institutions. The new building will contain a supper room for use in conjunction with functions in the town hall, adjoining, and a new reading room.” Mr Pattison, Public Librarian, says Library has a book per head of population In 1953 The Age reported an interview with the Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison, who said “Warrnambool has an insatiable thirst for reading. And its reading recipe contains a strong dash of fiction – 73 percent of it. Fiction makes up 10,000 of the 13,000 books in the senior section of the public library. That works out at a book per head of population. Warrnambool today is really book minded. This city has an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge as well as fiction. We’re lending 400 books a day. We supply 33 percent of the reading population of Warrnambool.” The reporter goes on to say “Warrnambool Public Library also has an ultra-modern children’s section of 3,400 books, open to every boy and girl attending school in Warrnambool. Mr Pattison hopes to show travel-talk films and install a radiogram in the children’s section “later on”. But it won’t disturb adult reading next door because the junior section is sound proof. “ Mechanics’ Institutes and Museums Mechanics’ Institutes were important sites for collecting in country Victoria … Warrnambool … all had museums attached to Mechanics’ Institutes before the end of the twentieth century” Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Ms Tierney said FHMV holds the collection of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute in three different locations on its site. “The Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1871, was demolished in the 1960s and was one of the oldest in Victoria. “FHMV intends to create a new storage area and bring the collection together in one place which will greatly facilitate access and research. “The collection consists of books and archives dating from the 1850s to 1959s. “Some of the books are rare and valuable but it is unclear as to their relevance to the history of Warrnambool or Victoria,” Ms Tierney said. Warrnambool TAFE History South West TAFE has a long and proud history of providing technical and specialist education, with links back to the formation of the Mechanic’s Institute in 1853. Warrnambool Art Gallery’s History The Warrnambool Art Gallery began in 1886 when retired police officer Joseph Archibald opened its doors in a building behind the mechanics institute in Liebig Street. The Gallery began with an eclectic mix of artworks and museum curios. Before long Archibald mobilised public support and paid for a new gallery annex. Loans and grants allowed the Gallery collection to grow with significant early acquisitions by French, German, and Belgian artists, which were less expensive than British works. Despite its enthusiastic start the economic downturn of the 1890s brought the Collection to a halt. In 1910 the Council took control of the Mechanics Institute and ran the Gallery there until 1963 when the building was allocated for municipal offices. The Collection was dispersed on loan to galleries in Shepparton and Hamilton and not reunited until 1971. In 1986 the Gallery’s Centenary year, a permanent home was built next to the ‘Civic Green’ and named in memory of one its champions Sir Fletcher Jones O.B.E. 2016 Warrnibald Entries Joseph Archibald established the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery in 1886 while his son Jules Francois Archibald founded the Archibald Prize through his bequest of 1919. His aim was to foster portraiture, as well as support artists, and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. Air Power Over Europe Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Author: John Herington Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1963Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Lower text block has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, air power over europe, john herington -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, BARTLETT, Vernon, [et al], war of 1939 : a history dealing with every phase of the war on land, sea, and in the air, including the events which led up to the outbreak of hostilities / ed. Vernon Bartlett, W. Godron Williams, 1940?
Stamped 'Phillip Island & District Historical Society'.