Colonel Shannon DSO, VD., became the 1st President of the Wangaratta RSL in 1928 when it was organised under Anzac House and the present constitution. He was born at Bowman's Forest in 1874 and died in Wangaratta in 1960. He served in the Victorian Mounted Rifles at the turn of the century, rose to the rank of Captain and commanded the Wangaratta Detachment and Company - this later became the 8th Light Horse Regiment. In 1915 he embarked as Major in the 8th Light Horse and served in Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and Syria when he commanded the 8th Squadron. Later he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and commanded the Regiment. During the Amman raids, he was awarded the D.S.O at El Salt. This award was presented to him by the Duke of Clarence. In post war period he commanded the 8th Australian Light Horse and later as Colonel of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade During the second world war Colonel Shannon came out from retirement to organise the V.D.C in North East Victoria.The DSO medal is awarded for distinguished service during active operations against an enemy.Small rectangular black leather look covered timber box. Inside lid is lined in satin cloth and purple coloured velvet lines the base. Box contains a crimson ribbon with dark blue edges with a suspension bar and pin at the top and a lower suspension bar attached by a loop to a cross shaped medal made from white enamel. In the centre is the imperial crown in gold upon a red enamelled background surrounded by a laurel wreath. The reverse side depicts the royal cypherStamped on lid of presentation box - DSO Inside lid - Garrard & Co Ltd Goldsmiths and Jewellers to the King by special appointment Engraved on reverse of lower clasp - 8 LH Palestine wangaratta rsl, colonel shannon, dso, ww2, 8th light horse, ww1

Red felt beret belonging to John Nelson Taylor QX25010;2900269;3108420 who served with the AIF 19/1/41-7/12/1945;Regular Army Special Reserve 30/1/1952-29/1/1955 and CMF 1/8/1959-2/1/1960. John was posted to 2/7 Advanced Workshops and saw active service in New Guinea. He again saw active service with the 2 Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Japan and Korea including action at the Battle of the Hook. He joined the CMF and served with the 8/14 Victorian Mounted Rifles until final discharge on 2/1/1960. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star,Pacific Medal,War Medal 1939-45,Australian Service Medal 1939-45,Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Korea,Korea Medal,United Nations Service Medal (Korea),Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps PNG and Korea,Australian Defence Medal and Returned from Active Service Badge. John was an active member of the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, served on the Committee and received a 50 year certificate of service to the RSL. He passed away in January 2021.Red felt beret with black lining and edged in black leatherSize 6 1/2 1952ww2, new guinea, korean, japan, 2 bn rar, 2/7 advanced field workshops, 8/13 vmr