Operation Hammersley , 10 February until 9 March 1970, was undertaken by a combined force of: C Company, 8th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (8RAR); armoured personnel carriers from 3 Cavalry Regiment; tanks from 1 Armoured Regiment; sappers from the Royal Australian Engineers; a mortar section from 8RAR’s Support Company; air support, and even a Navy destroyer off-shore to provide gunfire support. The operation aimed to protect 17 Construction Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, at a quarry in the western foothills of the Long Hai hills. The Long Hai hills were a stronghold for the Viet Cong, who used the caves there as a bunker complex and had planted many landmines and booby traps in the area. Over two fierce weeks, 8 RAR carried out patrols and conducted ambushes, engaging VC troops and eventually capturing the bunker system. However, it was a costly campaign. In total, over 70 Australians were killed or wounded during the operation. The worst day for mine casualties in Australia's war in Vietnam occurred on 28 February 1970. It became known as 'Black Saturday". Nine members of 8RAR were killed and 29 wounded. This item is the Order of Service from the memorial service held at Nui Dat on 3 April 1970 to honour those killed at Long Hai. It was issued to the donor, National Serviceman G G Ravenscroft, who was serving in 1 Platoon, A Company 8RAR during Operation Hammersley, and received a minor shrapnel wound on Black Saturday.Two typed A-4 pages that have been folded into booklet, now flattened and framed. Listed are the prayers, Bible readings and sermon given, along with the names of the 8 fallen soldiers, and the chaplains who officiated.8rar, long hai, long hai hills, black saturday, 1970, operation hammersley, ravenscroft, geoff ravenscroft, memorial service

A.J.Abicair was C/O of 486 Maintenance Squadron from 22/08/1946 having been promoted to A/W.Cdr in May 1944 , then T/OT/W/Cdr. January 1945. .Part of the collection of Wing Commander A.J.Abicair issued equipment.Rectangular mirror with see through cross in centre on front. Instructions for use printed on rear. Cord threaded through corner hole. Contained in original cardboard container.One Emergency Signalling Mirror ESM/1. "Spec. 40653" Open this end and pull lanyard. This package contains 1 emergency signalling mirror with which the attention of persons in the distance (in ships, aircraft, etc) may be attracted by a beam of reflected sunlight. A positive means of aiming the reflected beam of light is provided.Instructions are printed on the other side of this package and on mirror. General Electric company. Instruction for use are written on the rear. From collection of Wing/Com A.J. Abicair

Dreadful Lady over the Mekong Delta looks at the men of No: 2 Squadron and the operations they flew in the Vietnam War in their Canberra bombers.australia - royal australian airforce, raaf, 2 squadron raaf, canberra bomber

This book describes the combat experiences of 1 Troop of A Squandron on the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse in Vietnam. The 1RAR group including Carriers, was in turn attached to the US 173rd Airborne Brigade - a 'gung ho' paratroop unit.australia. army. light horse regiment, 4th/19th (prince of wales's) - history, vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation. australian, bien hoa, qantas, 1 troop, a squadron, 173rd airborne brigade, 1rar

They came together to form one of the most potent fighting forces the world had ever seen: Red teams, heavily armed Huey helicopters and the deadly AH-1 Cobras. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, american, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - united states, huey helicopter, ah-1 cobra

They came together to form one of the most potent fighting forces the world had ever seen: Red teams, heavily armed Huey helicopters and the deadly AH-1 Cobras. 1961-1975 - personal narratives, american, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - regimental histories - united states, huey helicopter, ah-1 cobras

A black and white photograph (Circa November 1966) Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron boring for water at Nui Dat, the recently formed 1st Australian Task Force Base, Phuoc Tuy Province. The rapidly developing base was suffering from a lack of the most basic commodities, including water.photograph, 17 const sqn, 1 atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, gibbons collection catalogue

Mounted photo of Air Vice Marshall Townsend visiting No2 Squadron to open the Phan Rang "Sydney Harbour Bridge" over monsoon drain at No2 HeadquartersAWM VN69-73-1 (6)air vice marshall townsend, monsoon, phan rang bridge, 2 squadron, 2 sqn

Four page booklet, 1 page letter of introduction of origin. Soft cover booklet, white with blue writing. emblem of the Aust Army photo, E.R. Emblem and image of a bear 108. 17th Construction Squandron Groupbooklet, 17th construction squadron

Story: Advisor (Apr 1964-Nov 1965). Squad Commander Nui Dat (1/1970-12/1970).behind the wire, ian teague

Polished wooden plaque with Australian insignia & service details.292 Service Days between 23/1/1967-2/7/1968. 32 Small Ships squadron (AV1355-Av1356).plaque, sapper evan leslie jeynes

Peter was born on 16/4/1950 at Corryong before moving to Barnawatha, Wodonga then Wangaratta in 1963. On the 5/1/1966 he joined the RAN as a junior recruit HMAS Leeuwin W.A. On 1/1/1967 he joined HMAS Yarra - Far East Strategic Reserve and Vietnam. Arriving back in Australia on 1/1/1968 he was posted to HMAS Watson in NSW. In 1969 he volunteered for submarine training in the UK at HMS Dolphin (Gosport). Joined HMS/m Onyx (3rd squadron at Faslane Scotland (Garelock Head) (HMS Neptune) On returning to Australia in 1971 posted to HMAS Platypus and HMAS/m Otway. In 1973 Peter was posted to HMAS Sydney - later decommissioned - then HMAS Torrens. Following the Royal Tour Pacific Islands in 1974 he joining the Naval Police in 1975 specialising in Fire fighting. Peter was discharged whilst still in hospital from the RAN in 1983 following a serious motor cycle accident in 1982. In 1984 on his return to Wangaratta he rejoined the RSL and held the office of Secretary for 10 years and Welfare/Pensions Officer for 22 years. In 2012 in recognition of his long service he was appointed Life Member of the RSL.Brown timber look frame inner edge gold painted with photograph of male wearing service medalsPeter L CARDWELL Appointed Life Member of the RSL in December 2012peter cardwell, wangaratta rsl, ran

This watch belonged to Alan Robert WEBSTER who was born on 11-1-1923 at Wangaratta. He enlisted in Melbourne and served with the RAAF 30 Squadron. He was killed on the 11-8-1944 when his Beaufighter A19-194 was hit by AA fire at Cape Simork, Dutch New Guinea while on a bombing mission. He is buried in the LAE Cemetery in Papua New Guinea. Gold coloured metal watch with square face and white plastic watch band.Engraved on rear of watch - ARW 409630 RAAFalan robert webster, raaf, 30 squadron, ww2, lae, png

Photograph of William Edward EMERY Born at Wangaratta on 6/1/1919 who was killed in action in Belgium during Second World War. Flying Officer William Emery 410593 lost his life serving with 460 Squadron RAAF over Belgium on 15 June 1943. He is buried at Heverlee War Cemetery, near Leuven, Belgium. Black and white photograph of male wearing forage hatwilliam emery, wangaratta, ww2, raaf, 460 squadron

Letter dated 7/1/1945 from Wing Commander ???? 83 Squadron RAF in Lincolnshire to Mrs Wilkinson acknowledging her letter dated 30/11/1944 seeking names and addresses of members of her late son's crew on the night they went missing. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC : Place of enlistment - MELBOURNE : Next of Kin - WILKINSON HUDSON. Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944 and tragically killed in action over Germany also in 1944. See also 237 and 240. Original letter in black type Single page with embossed crest letterheadpilot, kia, killed in action, dfc, distinguished flying cross, wwii, world war two, air force

Photos depict the staff members of Denny Lascelles Ltd. who were on active service in World War II (a '+' denotes those who were killed in action). Those depicted are: Sgt. J.A. GANLY, 159 AUST. L.A.A. BTY., A.I.F., +Driver R.H.B. COLLETT, C.A.M.T.C., A.I.F., L.S.A. E.R. McKINNON, R.A.N.R., S/Sgt. K.O. DAVIS, 2/2 A.A. REGT., A.I.F., F/O W.E.S. HOLTHAM, 7 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F., Tpr. J. Mc. K. MOODIE, 2/1 AUST. ARMD. RECCE. SQN., A.I.F., W.O.I. G.R. MATHISON, H.Q. 1 AUST. CORPS, A.I.F., Cpl. K.J. DOODRELL, 3 WATER TRANSPORT GP., A.I.F., W/O J.R.M. McWILLIAM, 463 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F., A/B R.A. HOBSON, R.A.N.R., W.O.II A.J. WILKS, 4 AUST. RECOVERY SECT., A.I.F., F/O D.N. McKENZIE (R.A.A.F.), 34 SQUADRON, R.A.F., +Cpl. A. BEATTIE, 2/21 BTN., A.I.F., Pte. A.R. YOULDEN, 4 AUST. INF. BDE., A.I.F., Cpl. A.J.E. GOSBELL, H.Q. 2 AUST. ARMD. BDE., A.I.F., Sgt. J. DENTON, 2 CON. DEPOT, A.I.F., Sgt. D. CLERY, B.C.A.F. H.Q., R.A.A.F., Lieut. D.C.P. URQUHART, 2/23 BTN., A.I.F., S/Sgt. R.C. SEARGEANT, 2 FIELD TRAINING REG., C.M.F., L/Cpl. K.P. LANYON, INF. TRG. BTN., A.I.F., Sgt. A.J. TONKIN, N.T. PRESS UNIT, A.I.F., A/B D.M. CHALMERS, R.A.N.R. ["H.M.A.S. LONSDALE" on hat], Lieut. L.H. BATTEN, 2/2 AUST. A.A. REGT., A.I.F., F/Sgt. B.J. McINTYRE, H.Q. WESTERN AREA, R.A.A.F., Sapper P.R. PIPER, 41 LANDING CRAFT COY., A.I.F., LAC. E.A. STEVENS, 2 R.I.M.U., R.A.A.F., +F/Lieut. J.S. AUSTIN, D.F.C., 490 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F., Sgt. T.E. DENDLE, 13 SURVEY & DESIGN, R.A.A.F., F/Sgt. J.C. BONE, 4 AIR OBSERVERS SCHOOL, R.A.A.F., Cpl. R.H. REEVES, 4 AUST. INF. REIN. BTN., A.I.F., Sgt. N.J. COUPER, A.A.P.C., A.I.F., +F/Lieut. J.D.R.B. CARRUTHERS, (R.A.A.F.), 18 SQUADRON, R.A.F., LAC. J.R. NEWLAND, 481 MAINTENANCE SQDN., R.A.A.F., Lieut. R.G. CRITTEN, 2/6 AUST. INF. BTN., A.I.F., F/O. D.J. ASTBURY, 83 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F., F/Sgt. J.J. ROBINSON, 21 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F., Gnr. G.G. STANBROOK, 2/3 FLASH SPOTTING BTY., A.I.F., Cpl. P.B. WILKINSON, 67 AUST. MOB. SEARCHLIGHT BTY., A.I.F., +P/O D.V. HIGGINS, 73 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F., Lieut.-Col. W.R. DEXTER, D.S.O., 2/6 AUST. INF. BTN., A.I.F., C.O. 61 AUST. INF. BTN., A.M.F., F/Sgt. E.T. ORCHARD, 1 OP. TRAINING UNIT (CANADA), R.A.A.F., +L/Sgt. H.T. LEWIS, 2/21 BTN., A.I.F., LAC. D.N. PESCOTT, 21 WIRELESS TEL. UNIT, R.A.A.F., Bdr. L.G. COMMONS, 2/14 AUST. FIELD REGT., A.I.F., Sig. C.K. MORRIS, "B" AUST. CORPS SIGS., A.I.F., F/Lieut. P.N.M. FISHER, 30 SQUADRON, R.A.A.F. The photographs have been taken by several different photographers, namely: The Lockwood Studios, Geelong (Lewis & Austin), Boxmount, Nhill (Morris & Moodie), Robert Pockley, Geelong (Ganly, Collett, Mathison, Wilks, Seargeant, Tonkin, Dendle, Reeves, Wilkinson, Orchard, Pescott, Critten), and Watt Telfer, Geelong (Higgins).Photograph, "Members of the Staff of Dennys Lascelles Limited who served in the Armed Forces of Australia during the War - 1939-1945". Contains 46 portraits. Photograph, "Members of the Staff of Dennys Lascelles Limited who served in the Armed Forces of Australia during the War - 1939-1945". Contains 46 portraits.world war ii, dennys, lascelles limited

A rare portrait of Henri Heremene. A french orphan, probably stunted by malnutrition, he was unofficially adopted by the Number 4 squadron, Australian flying corps when he wandered into their Christmas dinner at an airfield near cologne, Germany in 1918. Nickname "Digger," Henri came under the care of Private Timothy Tovell. With a tailored AIF uniform made for him, he was smuggled to Australia in1919, where he was adopted by the Tovell family. He remained traumatised by the war and died in 1928 from injuries received in a motorcycle accident in Melbourne. Black and white print of a young Henri Heremene.At the top of the photography it says "Aust flying corps (mascot)"henri heremene, a.f.c, afc, australian flying corps, aif, a.i.f, ww1, world war 1

A group of air craft mechanics including Private Jim Stewart (far right) of the 3rd squadron. Australian Flying Corps. A popular, carefree character, Stewart played as a ruckman for south Melbourne in the Victorian Football League between 1915 - 1920, though war service precluded for much of 1917 - 1919Black and white photographic printww1, world war 1, afc, jim stewart, mechanics

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Tom Fogarty was Commanding Officer of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles 1948-1955.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of two men, one in civilian dress. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Lt. Colonel Tom Fogarty C.O. 8/13th VMR Puckapunyal 1950"fogarty tom lieutenant colonel

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. Anzac Day parades were a regular part of regimental life. The regiment was able to call on members who had previous service in RAN and RAAF.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of group of nine servicemen, seven in Army uniform, one in RAAF uniform and one in Navy uniform. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Anzac Day Albury: Left Sgt.Purcell, Sgt. Larkin, Sgt. Cunningham, Lt. McKay, Sgt. Vietch, Tpr. Davies, Cpl. Giles, Sgt. Neale and Sgt. Kothoff. "anzac day

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. Alan Cunningham joined the regiment as a trooper in 1948 and went on to command the regiment as a Lieutenant Colonel 1962-65. The use of civilian vehicles was not uncommon inn early days of the regiment especially for activities such as radio training.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of T-model Ford utility vehicle and two soldiers. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Alan Cunningham's Staff Car - Ron Braddy Bonnet, Alan Cunningham Driver"8th/13th victorian mounted rifles, cunningham alan lieutenant ciolonel, braddy ronald

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. Following RAN service in WWII John Neale joined 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1948. He progressed through the ranks and postings in the regiment becoming Commanding Officer 1969-76, and later served as Honorary Colonel. Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of soldier in khaki drill shirt. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951.Sgt. J. Neale neale, 8/13, vmr, cmf

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. Following WWII service in RAAF and RAN respectively, Lieutenant Ian McKay and Sergeant John Neale served in 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black ands white photograph of two soldiers in khaki drill uniforms, boots, web anklets and berets. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Lt. McKay. Sgt. Neale :mckay ian, neale john

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. George Atkinson joined 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1948.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of soldier in khaki drill uniform leaning on post. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Sgt. G. Atkinson "atkinson george

The 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as a regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps on 1 May 1948 with Headquarters in Melbourne and squadrons in Sale, Benalla/Wangaratta and Albury. In 1955 Regimental Headquarters moved to Wangaratta and a second squadron was located at Albury. The Sale squadron transferred to 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse. In 1977 8/13 VMR Regiment was reduced to an independent squadron A Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles and in 1991 was linked with 4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse forming the VMR Squadron of that regiment. Following service in WWII Sergeant Alan Veitch served in 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles.Unique collection of photographs showing the first years of an armoured regiment of the post-Second World War era Citizen Military Forces showing equipment, uniforms, training and social activity and some personalities.Black and white photograph of soldier in khaki drill uniform and beret with silver Rising Sun hat badge. One of a collection of photographs of 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment between 1948 and 1951." Sgt. A. Veitch8/13 vmr, veitch, cmf