ROBERT HOULISTON BARON No 3596 enlisted in the AIF in 10th reinforcements 57th Batt on 2.8.1917 age 18 years 5 months. Embarked for England 28.2.1918, promoted Acting L/Cpl 3.9.1918, embark for France 25.1.1919 and attached to Divisional HQ, embark for England 6.6.1919, discharged from the AIF 25.9.1919.Heavy timber frame, gold inset, white mount & glass front. Black & white rectangular portrait photo of WW1 Soldier."3596 ROBERT HOULISTON BARON" photography-photographs, military history - army, cooper collection

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of 7 soldiers (5 shirtless) posed on the edge of a foxhole with jungle in background. L-R Willie Swicegood (USA), John White (AATTV-Aus), Ken Benway (USA), Frank Lucas (Aust), Clay Aitkins (USA), Glenn Miller (USA), Don Cameron (Aust)john white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak

In May 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, led by Australian Captain J White, 11th Mobile Strike Force Company (MSF) occupied an old French fort on a hill named Ngok Tavak tasked with improving allied intelligence-gathering capabilities in the area. However, with enemy activity increasing, on May 4th, 44 US Marines, 35 CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defence Group) and two 105mm Howitzer field guns arrived as reinforcement from the Special Forces base at Kham Duc. By May 9th, Captain White’s company numbered about 200 men. Although in a good defensive position, coming towards them was the Iron Brigade of the 2nd Division of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). At 03:00 on May 10th, the attack on Ngok Tavak began. The NVA, led by Major Dang Ngoc Mai, poured through the entrance at the eastern wall quickly occupying most of the fort. By midday the next day, Captain White had lost 40 Nung soldiers and 11 Marines with over 70 others badly wounded. Realising he could not withstand another attack, Captain White decided to abandon Ngok Tavak. Once the wounded were evacuated, Captain White ordered strike aircraft to blast a ‘corridor’ through the surrounding enemy cordon using napalm. By early afternoon, what remained of the defenders escaped through the ‘corridor’ and helicopters eventually flew them to Kham Duc. Colour image of edge of Ngok Tavak fort with soldiers sitting on & walking around sand-bagged foxholes. Jungle & mountains in background.battle of ngok tavak, john white

In May 1968, in the western jungle of Vietnam near Laos, led by Australian Captain J White, 11th Mobile Strike Force Company (MSF) occupied an old French fort on a hill named Ngok Tavak tasked with improving allied intelligence-gathering capabilities in the area. However, with enemy activity increasing, on May 4th, 44 US Marines, 35 CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defence Group) and two 105mm Howitzer field guns arrived as reinforcement from the Special Forces base at Kham Duc. By May 9th, Captain White’s company numbered about 200 men. Although in a good defensive position, coming towards them was the Iron Brigade of the 2nd Division of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). At 03:00 on May 10th, the attack on Ngok Tavak began. The NVA, led by Major Dang Ngoc Mai, poured through the entrance at the eastern wall quickly occupying most of the fort. By midday the next day, Captain White had lost 40 Nung soldiers and 11 Marines with over 70 others badly wounded. Realising he could not withstand another attack, Captain White decided to abandon Ngok Tavak. Once the wounded were evacuated, Captain White ordered strike aircraft to blast a ‘corridor’ through the surrounding enemy cordon using napalm. By early afternoon, what remained of the defenders escaped through the ‘corridor’ and helicopters eventually flew them to Kham Duc. Colour image of U.S. soldiers disembarking from a helicopter in a clearing in the jungle. Foreground is rear of two soldiers watching. Background is mountains.united states - marine corps, battle of ngok tavak, john white, ngok tavak

Captain Herbert Humphries Hunter (1882-1915) was a Bendigo Dentist when he joined the army. He was a talented sprinter, swimmer and boxer who established the Bendigo Hound and Hares Athletics club in 1901. He was a past president of the Bendigo football League. He was killed in Action at Gallipoli and is buried at the Dardenelles, Turkey. Malwyn Williams was a doctor who studied at Melbourne University 1905-1908. He was also a surgeon. He joined the 1st Australian Field Ambulance and died from wounds received in France on 3//3/1917.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Monday, June 17, 2002. Vale war heroes: a tribute to missing heroes of the South Bendigo Football Club, Capt. H. H. Hunter (top) and Lt. Col. M. Williams (below). An extract from the South Bendigo Football Club 1920 premiership souvenir program. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Found in attic of Hardware store at No. 1 Barkly Avenue, Richmond. This store was the original home of the Turner Tools Company (later Stanley Tools Co). The Company moved to Swan Street Richmond before they moved to Nunawading. (Information Courtesy of Graham Plaw of the Hand Tools Preservation Society). Inscription from postcards written by Joseph Tracey to his wife Jessie and daughter Ruby, 9 Barclay Street, Richmond. Joseph's number was 2891, 38th battalion, 6th reinforcements. Joseph embarked from Melbourne Victoria on board HMAT A7 Medic on 16th December 1916 and returned to Australia 10 April 1919WWIWooden framed picture with eight souvenir postcards and one handkerchief from France 1919, mounted on wood veneer. Handkerchief with 1919 and pink flowers on top. Army photo of 17 soldiers. All postcards are embroidered and the handkerchief with lace edging a Souvenir de France: 1919.On the flower- Rose Day in London 13/7/17 Post card inscriptions: -Wednesday 11/4/17. Well Dear I did reseve your loving letter yesterday and I was pleas to heare that you was out of the Hospitle agan and I hope you keep well right now and Dear I hope you don't afto go in to the Hospitle agan Well Dear dont you voat for Conscription voat NO as the game is not fare. To My Loving Wife from your Loving Husbiun Lark Hill Camp -Just a small Card from a land so fare away amuce the snow and strangers in the lovey place they ? London I remain your loving husbuin Sutton Mandeville Camp To my Dear Wife From your lovening Husbuin Abroad -Just a small card from a Place far away and so cold and quite I wish I was near you agan and let it be sun I send this from Lark Hill Camp To My Dear Daughter From Dear Dader -To My Dear Little Ruby I am sending this card to you with my best love to you and lots of kiss for you Dear and hope you are a good Girl for Mother from your Dear Father in a place so far away. The best of love to you and hope you are well as it leave me in the best of Halth. Sent from Camp at Wind mill Hill on the Planys Vilies Tudgershall. Miss Ruby Tracey No. 9 Barkley Avenue E Richmond Melb Vic Australin -From Dear Dadey Just a token my Dear Daughter From your farther across the sea and smetimes I that I hear your laughter Blown right across the Water. From Sutton Mandeville No. 4 Trayind Camp To Miss R Tracey No 9 Barkley Avenue Richmond Australian -My Darling Wife Just a small card from your loving Boy and Hoping you Will be please with it I did get this at the camp we just came to the name of it is Sutton Mandeville and it was snowing a little. Mrs J Tracey No 9 Barkley Avenue Richmond Aust Vict Aust military history, army

Gladys REYNELL (04/091881 - 16/11/1956) Born Glenelg, South Australia Gladys Reynell was South Australia's first studio potter and the first Australian artist to apply modernist principles to the crafts. For four years she worked from Ballarat. Osrey Pottery Ballarat operated between 1922 and 1926 by Gladys Reynell and George Osborne. The name of the pottery was an acronym formed from their surnames. Gladys Reynell, her sister Emily and brothers Rupert and Carew supported the war effort during World War One. Rupert Reynell was a neurologist who valued handicrafts in the rehabilitation of shell-shocked soldiers. He influenced Gladys and Margaret Rose (Rose) McPherson (later known as Margaret Preston) to learn pottery at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, London, in 1916. Next year a friend sent Gladys some Kangaroo Island clay which excited her: 'I thought then that it could be the most delightful thing on earth to make pots in Australia from virgin clay'. In 1918 Gladys and Rose began teaching pottery to soldiers at Seale Hayne Neurological Hospital, Devon. In September 1919 Gladys Reynell came home in September due to her father's illness. She established the Reynella Pottery and became responsible for all stages of pottery production. Using a seasoned dump of buff-coloured clay from a well at nearby McLaren Vale Gladys Reynell built and fired her own kiln; threw simple, robust forms based on early European folk pottery; and decorated them with designs inspired by both Aboriginal art—one of the earliest to use this as a source. Gladys Reynell decorated her earthenware pottery with the characteristic rich 'Reynella blue' slip. On 14 August 1922 at St Mary's Church, Edwardstown, Gladys married George Samuel Osborne, an ex-serviceman and gardener at Reynella; they had no children. Between 1922 and 1926 they set up Osrey Pottery In Ballarat. Gladys produced pottery for sale at fairs with George as her assistant. She would throw her pots in the street, causing a sensation. In 1926 George contracted lead poisoning from lead in the glazes. They moved to rural Curdievale where Gladys resumed painting and making woodcuts. From 1939 Gladys and George lived in Melbourne. In World War II she worked in the army pay corps, in the Taxation Office, and as a translator of French. Gladys died of cancer on 16 November 1956; her husband scattered her ashes at Reynella. Her ceramics, the work of one of Australia's earliest studio potters, have been avidly collected since the late 1960s and are in most major art galleries. Small blue glazed ceramic bowl incised around the top with a decorative frieze. Incised on the base "(Dam Clay) Ballarat 1923, Osrey"gladys reynell, osrey pottery, blue bowl, incised bowl, australian studio pottery, ceramics, native clay

Built by noted artist Theodore Penleigh Boyd, father of architect Robin Boyd. Covered under National Estate, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Local Significance and Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p111 The Robins at Warrandyte,* was once home to a member of a famous family and is also one of the first reinforced concrete houses in Victoria. The builder, Theodore Penleigh Boyd, born in 1890, was a talented painter1 noted for his works of the Warrandyte bush. He was the father of architect Robin Boyd, author of the Australian Ugliness and the uncle of painter, Arthur Boyd. Penleigh Boyd’s great grandfather was Sir William A’Beckett, Victoria’s first Chief Justice. Penleigh Boyd is considered by some to be an ‘unsung hero’ overshadowed by more famous members of his family. Mornington Gallery Director Andrea May said many believed Boyd ‘had never received the national acclaim that he deserved’.2 Classified by the National Trust3 and part of the Australian National Heritage,4 The Robins is set well back near the end of Kangaroo Ground – Warrandyte Road, unobserved by passers-by. Built in 1913, The Robins has some Art Nouveau influences and is a descendant of the Queen Anne style. It is covered in stucco and has a prominent attic, which Boyd used as a studio. Some parts of the house are up to 33 centimetres thick and built in part with pisé (rammed earth) and in part with reinforced concrete. Amazingly, Boyd built The Robins without an accessible driveway, and only a narrow track along which he had to cart building materials. The journey was uphill and Boyd terraced the land with Warrandyte rock5 without the aid of machinery. At only 33 years, Boyd was killed in a car accident in 1923. He was buried in Brighton near the home of his parents. Several people have since owned the house, including political journalist, Owen Webster. Boyd was born at Penleigh House, Wiltshire, and studied at Haileybury College, Melbourne and The Hutchins School, Hobart. He attended the Melbourne National Gallery School and in his final year exhibited at the Victorian Artists’ Society. He arrived in London in 1911 and his painting Springtime was hung at the Royal Academy. He painted in several studios in England and then worked in Paris.6 There he met painter Phillips Fox through whom he met artists of the French modern school and also his wife-to-be, Edith Anderson, whom he married in Paris in 1912. After touring France and Italy, the couple returned to Melbourne. In 1913 Boyd held an exhibition and won second prize in the Federal Capital site competition, then the Wynne Prize for landscape in 1914. In 1915 Boyd joined the Australian Imperial Force, and became a sergeant in the Electrical and Mechanical Mining Company. However he was severely gassed at Ypres and invalided to England. In 1918 in London Boyd published Salvage, writing the text and illustrating it with 20 black-and-white ink-sketches of army scenes. Later that year he returned to Melbourne, and, despite suffering from the effects of gas, he held several successful one-man shows, quickly selling his water-colour and oil paintings. In his short career Penleigh Boyd was recognized as one of Australia’s finest landscape painters. He loved colour, having been influenced early by Turner and McCubbin. His works are in all Australian state galleries, the National Collection in Canberra as well as in regional galleries.7 His wife Edith was also an artist having studied at the Slade School, London, and in Paris with Phillips Fox. After her marriage she continued to paint and excelled in drawing. In later years she wrote several dramas, staged by repertory companies, and radio plays for the Australian Broadcasting Commission, in which she took part. She was the model for the beautiful red-haired woman in several of Phillips Fox’s paintings and the family hold three of his portraits of her. *Possibly named after the Aboriginal words warran, meaning ‘object’ and dyte, meaning ‘thrown at’.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, kangaroo ground-warrandyte road, north warrandyte, the robins

The Vietnamese people's war of liberation against the French imperialists and the American interventionists.vietnam - history - 1945-1975, general vo nguyen giap

A superb and compelling reexamination...among the best books of its kind.vietnam war, 1961-1975, vietnam -- history -- 1945-1975, french indochina war, cambodia, laos, south vietnamese soldier, anzac, people's army of vietnam, ho chi minh trail, lt gen lam quang thi

A superb and compelling reexamination...among the best books of its kind.vietnam war, 1961-1975, vietnam - history - 1945-1975, french indochina war, people's army of vietnam, ho chi minh trail, cambodia, laos, lt gen lam quang thi, south vietnamese soldier

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

Soldier Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria sent this postcard to his family while serving in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) in France. 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 Jane Dyer) White Postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery features green ivy leaves and red berries, and the words "Happy Christmas".Verso "All good wishes to all the dear ones at home for a happy Xmas and a bright New Year from Harry 11/11/16."chatham - holmes family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war one, world war i, france, christmas

Allied military badges collected during the Great War 1914 to 1918 by Private (Shoeing Smith) John BLAIKIE 2341 who was born at Wangaratta. He was a Blacksmith and at the age of 42 enlisted on May 28 1915. He embarked on August 10 1915 and served with the 14th Battalion. He returned to Australia in January 1918 and discharged as medically unfit on April 10 1918. Inset photograph is of John BLAIKIELarge collection of allied military badges collected during the campaigns in France, Belgium and Egypt in 1916-17 by John BLAIKIE 2341. A Blacksmith who at the age of 42 years enlisted in the Army and served during the first world war. On his return to Australia he was discharged medically unfit due to rheumatism and senility. He was a stalwart of Wangaratta RSL and his collection was present to the Sub Branch as a souvenir of the first world war.Brown timber frame in the shape of Australia containing a large collection of badges and small photograph Souvenir of the Worlds Great War 1914 to 1918 Military Badges Collected by J BLAIKIE 14th Batt 4th Div AIF In Belgium France & Egypt 1916-1917military badges, ww1

Frank joined the army in 1915 and served with the 1st Bn. On 20/7 /1916 he was hospitalised with Shell Shock and medically discharged unfit on 20/12/1916. He re-enlisted on 3/8/1917 and joined the 13th battalions and proceeded to France. In October 1918. On 15/4/1919 he was hospitalised for unknown illness and returned to Australia. In 1938 he joined the 59th Battalion (Militia). On 26/6/1940 he was taken on strength (V30012) and served with the 2/21 and 2/14 Training Bn’s. On 16/2/1945 he was seconded for special duties with Z Special Unit and performed duty outside Australia between 27/4 and 30/9/1945. On 3/5/1946 he was placed on the retirement list . He joined the RSL in 1916 and Wangaratta Sub-Branch in 1933. He was President from 1937-38 and Assistant Secretary from 1935-1936 and for many years served on the Committee as well as Welfare Officer.Timber framed black and white photograph of a male attired in a suitFRANK H. McDONAGHmcdonagh, frank h. mcdonagh, wwi, wwii

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a French Renault 8 taxi operating in Saigon. These little cars were the backbone of the Vietnamese taxi fleet. They would be in varying degrees of maintenance and it was not uncommon to get into one to find a great gaping hole beneath your feet.photograph, renault 8, taxi, saigon, gibbons collection catalogue, photographer, vietnam war, denis gibbons

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Black framed glass covered flag. Red material with gold fringe, gold writing with Blackbird in the centre with parachute holding 2 white swords standing on a gold star. 11Co. in gold underneath. Gold plaque mounted under the flag.GUIDON OF 11 COY (NUNG) MOBILE STRIKE FORCE (MIKE FORCE) /5th SF GROUP, 1 CORPS, SVN/ A Significant number of AATTV personnel served with this Nung Company based in Da Nang./ At the end of the Vietnam War, this flag was taken by a former US SF officer and held until/ when it was given to former Captain John "Jed" White (AATTV), CO 11 Coy (Nung), who led/ the MIKE Forces at the Battle of Ngok Tavak on 10 May 1968.battle of ngok tavak, mobile strike force, nung, john white

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)Coloured image of John (Jed) White, aged 26 arriving at Tan Son Nhut Airport in full uniform, bag straps over left shoulder. Close- up of chest and head with plane visible in the background.AWM - p 11058,001capt john (jed) white, aattv, battle of ngok tavak

Captain John E D White, Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam (AATTV) took over command of 11 Mobile Strike Force (Mike Force) Company in Da Nang, Vietnam, in February 1968. He was 26 years old. The 2 NVA Division was moving from Laos into South Vietnam and his mission was to establish contact with the division and trace its movements south. In mid-March the company was air lifted to the Special Forces camp of Kham Duc, near the Laotian border. They used an old French Foreign Legion fort as a temporary base from which patrols could be sent out. White called it Ngok Tavak after a nearby mountain. Initially, patrols failed to find the enemy, but in late April a patrol clashed with the enemy. At the same time, White received intelligence that the NVA division was closing in. At night they could hear explosions in the distance heading toward them. White decided their best chance was to leave the fort and take to the jungle to adopt guerrilla tactics. However, in the meantime a platoon of United States Marine Corps artillery arrived bringing with them two howitzers and a stockpile of ammunition. To abandon the fort was to abandon the guns. White contacted Da Nang, explaining the predicament, and was ordered to remain where he was. A Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) platoon was sent to reinforce his numbers. This was a para military force comprised mainly of indigenous highlanders, trained by United States Special Forces. They also brought with them two mortars and their crews. At 3.15am on 10 May 1968 some members of the CIDG chose to assist the NVA to attack the fort instead of supporting Mike Force, and close hand to hand fighting followed, along with grenade attacks and heavy machine gun fire. Air support offered a brief respite from the NVA attack, and some NVA forces were pushed back outside the perimeter by counter attacks, but at 9am White contacted Da Nang to advise that his position was untenable. A second attack was imminent and they could not withstand it, so they would have to withdraw. The wounded were evacuated by helicopter (under orders from Major Mai, the NVA had not attacked the previous medical helicopters that collected the wounded under the cover of air strikes) and at 1pm the rest of the force evacuated east, into the jungle. The NVA did not notice their withdrawal, and continued mortar attacks on the fort for another ninety minutes. Seven kilometres from the fort White called for a helicopter withdrawal of his forces. The force was successfully lifted to Kham Duc and then Da Nang. (Credit AWM)A wooden shield painted grey/black celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Battle of Ngok Tavak. There are three messages from mates written in black on the back. The shield was presented to Capt John (Jed) White.Presented to Captain John White, AATTV from the men of the Mobile Strike Force, Danang, Vietnam, 1968.mobile strike force, capt john (jed) white, shield, battle of ngok tavak

Finally - more than three decades after French colonial forces were crushed at Dien Bien Phu - America has a difinitive accont of its own first military involvement in Vietnam.vietnam history - 20th century, dien bien phu, u.s. army, saigon, fall of saigon

Australian World War One Soldier memento. This postcard was possibly sent home from France during World War One, most probably from Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria. 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 and Tourello lads and district connections: neighbours (including a Wrigley boy), Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) Postcard with embroidered detail on white silk, with top flap. The central embroidery depicts two small soldiers dressed in brown outside a gate leading to house in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees. Below is a blue embroidered "Best Compliments" and red embroidered garland of red flowers.chatham family collection, chatham, world, war, world war one, world war 1, world war i, france, harry holmes, holmes, embroidery, postcard

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the French manager of the Duc Trung "Gallia' rubber plantation, complains, through an Australian Linguist interpreter about the 5th Battalion holding up production conducting the cordon and search of Operation Bondi. The complaint was fruitless.photograph, duc trung "gallia" rubber plantation, 5 rar, operation bondi, gibbons collection catalogue, 5th battalion, french manager, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph at the French owners house at the 'Gallia' rubber plantation, becomes a shady nook for the staff and workers on the plantation to keep out of the sun, as they await their turn to be interrogated and undergo identidy checks during Operation Bondi.(30/12/1969)photograph, duc trung "gallia" rubber plantation, 5 rar, operation bondi, gibbons collection catalogue, french manager, diggers, denis gibbons, idenity checks

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the French owners house at the 'Gallia' rubber plantation becomes a shady nook for the staff and workers as they await to be interrogated and undergo identidy checks during Operation Bondi. photograph, duc trung "gallia" rubber plantation, operation bondi, gibbons collection catalogue, french manager, diggers, 5 rar, denis gibbons, idenity checks

The 59th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised for service during World War I, the battalion fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium between 1916 and 1918, before being disbanded in 1919. In 1921, it was re-raised as a part-time unit of the Militia in Victoria. They remained in existence until 1942 when, due to a manpower shortage in the Australian economy, the decision was made to amalgamate the battalion with the 58th Battalion to form the 58th/59th Battalion. Together they remained linked throughout World War II, serving in New Guinea and Bougainville in 1943–1945. In 1952, the 59th Battalion was re-raised and subsequently was absorbed into the Royal Victoria Regiment in 1960.Brown timber frame containing cream coloured mount and photograph of large group of soldiers and bandsmenPlaque -59th Militia Circa 193959th militia, ww1, ww2, 1939

Illustrated book. Front cover has a coloured black and white photograph of Kit McNaughton in nurse's uniform seated alongside soldiers. Book title is printed in golden-brown and white ink on the front cover along with the authors name (white ink) Spine and back cover have a golden-brown background. Abbreviated title printed in white and black ink on spine, along with the authors name in white ink. Same coloured photo of Kit McNaughton is printed at top of spine. Publishers mark is printed in white ink on a black background at base of spine. The back cover has a summary of the book along with three black and white photographs: Kit McNaughton and another nurse standing behind two soldiers in hospital beds, the photograph from which the image on the front cover was taken, and a photograph of Kit McNaughton aged 16non-fictionThis book is based upon the previously unpublished diaries of army nurse Kit Mcnaughton, who embarked on the troopship Orsova in 1915, tracing her journey through the war from Egypt (where she nursed Gallipoli veterans), Lemnos Island and then to France and the Somme. Kit finished active service as Australia's first plastic surgery nurse, assisting medical pioneers in this field as they repaired the shattered faces of Australian soldiersworld war 1914-1918, nurses, nursing

Joseph G.A. Williams, WW1. Refer 9724P for his service details.Cream coloured card with 2 internal pages, one of which contains a typed in red Christmas Message and signed by J. Williams. Pages bound together on left side with red ribbon. On front in centre emblem of Australian Army Badge of Rising Sun.Written inside "To All", Signature "J. M. Williams" Front says "Australian Veterinary Hospital" "A.I.F. France" "Xmas 1918" Emblem of Rising Sun.christmas card, ww1, j. williams, baxter mc

From the front cover; "Intense pride in the Australian Soldier glow in/ this book Sir John doubts whether there is any/ parallel in military history to their performance"/ Daily Graphic (London)." Part of the "William (Bill) THOMASON" Collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, mid grey colour with dark blue colour print on front and back. Black colour print on spine. 336 pages - cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated - front end papers - black and red print map of a battle. Back end papers - black and red print map of a campaign. Handwritten signature - front cover and second page from front, price notation - top of page.Handwritten signature - black ink pens - illegible. Price notation - grey lead pencil - "$ 30c"publications, books, ww1, france, monash, william (bill) thomason

Born in Castlemaine 1886. Maldwyn L. Williams (Leslie) was a prominent doctor in Bendigo, both at Bendigo Base Hospital and in private practice. He played several games in the Victorian Football League (VFL) whilst at university. Enlisted in Citizens Military Force in 1909 as Captain in Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. Promoted to Major in 1913. Sept 1915 - appointed Major in regular army, 8th Field Ambulance Unit. Nov 1915 - sailed for Egypt; June 1916 - sailed for Marseilles. Jan 1917 - promoted to Lt. Colonel and command of 1st Field Ambulance Unit. Wounded near Bapaume 2nd March 1917; died from wounds 3rd March 1917. Buried at Dernancourt Cemetery, France. The engraver of the plaque was C.G. Roeszler & Son of Melbourne. This business was founded in 1869 and is still family-owned and trading today. This company is responsible for many examples of engraving around Melbourne, including work on the 1928 Ringwood Memorial Clock and in St Paul's Cathedral in Flinders St, Melbourne. Rectangular metal plaque, possibly brass. 4cm border featuring botanical motif. A flower with eight round petals at each corner - each flower has a 0.7cm hole at its centre. Decoration and inscription engraved and filled with black material, possibly shellac or enamel paint which is degraded, cracking, and loose.Main inscription: "TO THE MEMORY OF/OUR FRIEND/MALDWYN LESLIE WILLIAMS. LT. COL, M.B,B.S./WHO DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN FRANCE/MARCH 3RD ['RD" is in smaller font and higher that other letters with a dot beneath] 1917.' Bottom right: "C.G. ROESZLER & SON MELB".plaque, memorial