The Bofors 40 mm gun, often referred to simply as the Bofors gun, is an anti-aircraft autocannon designed in the 1930s by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors. It was one of the most popular medium-weight anti-aircraft systems during World War II, used by most of the western Allies as well as some captured systems being used by the Axis powers. A small number of these weapons remain in service to this day, and saw action as late as the Persian Gulf War.Brass shell casing 1955 40 mm. and gold coloured plaque with black writing.40mm. MK4. LOT 428 MF A^N 1955. Plaque: Bofers 40mm Mk II Anti-Aircraft Gun Dated 1955.anti-aircraft gun, shell casing, brass, wwii, world war 2, bofers

Hellfire Corner was a junction in the Ypres Salient in the First World War. The main supplies for the British Army in this sector passed along the road from Ypres to Menin - the famous Menin Road. A section of the road was where the Sint-Jan-Zillebeke road and the Ypres-Roulers railway line crossed the road. The German Army positions overlooked this spot and their guns were registered upon it so that movement through this junction was perilous, making it the most dangerous place in the sector.hellfire corner, ypres salient, war, road, ww1, world war 1

In the collection of the Kew RSL (Cotham Road) there is a framed original certificate with information about Lillias Jerram. It includes the following information: Miss Lillias May JERRAM Commandant No. 323 Detachment, Victoria [Citation] Loyal and able leadership and service during World War II Service: Joined No.323 (Kew) Detachment in 1937. Commandant in 1944. Miss Jerram did voluntary duty in casualty and wards at St Vincent's Hospital regularly for 6 years. Also duty at the Eye and Ear Hospital and A.R.P. Duty. Helped No.323 Detachment to raise funds amounting to 400 pounds for St. John Theatre at 115th A.G.H., Heidelberg. Blood donor. [Courtesy: John Torpey representing the Kew RSL]Miss Lillias Jerram in 1989, taken on her 89th birthday. Miss Jerram who lived at 37 Rowland Street, Kew was, during the Second World War, a member of the Kew Voluntary Aid Detachment (V.A.D.)Inscription on reverse in ink: "27.12.89. / Miss Lillias Jerram / 37 Rowland Street Kew 31 / (Taken on her 89th birthday)."lillias jerram, voluntary aid detachment (kew branch), 37 rowland street (kew)

Chu Chin Chow is a musical comedy written, produced and directed by Oscar Asche, with music by Frederic Norton, based (with minor embellishments) on the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Tickets to see Chu Chin Chow were particularly eagerly sought by troops on leave from the Western Front. One of the attractions for the on-leave soldiers was the chorus of pretty slave girls who, for the period, were very scantily dressed. The cast was large and included a camel, a donkey, poultry and snakes. A total of 2,800,000 people saw the show. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_Chin_Chow) It is thought that Harry Holmes attended 'Chu Chin Chow' while on leave in London during World War One. Around this time he had been serving in the Australian Imperial Forces in Egypt. Henry 'Harry' Holmes was the son of Violet Holmes. He enlisted under the name Harry Smerdon Holmes and was put into the 18th A.A.S.C., then later transferred into the 5th Division Train A.S.C. According to his Soldier's Pay Books (Cat. No. 20112) Holmes Registration number was 7983. He was Catholic and enlisted in the Third Military District on 17 September 1915, and embarked on 8 November 1915. Holmes was in the 18th AASC Unit with the rank of Driver at that time. On 15 November 1918 Holmes was promoted to Lance Corporal. He received leave on: * 3 August 1917 - London (10 days) * 19 February 1918 - Paris (10 days) * 27 August 1918 - London (14 days) White paper theatre programme with red and black writing. It is a publicity brochure from the play 'Chu Chin Chow' by Oscar Asche set to music by Frederic Norton. In black ink in front 'So far this is an easy first of the shows I've seen, The scenes are great and being Egyptian we understand them all the better'. chatham family collection, holmes, theatre, world war 1, world war, world war i, herbert tree, entertainment, music, musical, oscar asche, fred norton

The bulk of World War One soldiers from Koroit were Protestant. It was a traumatic and divisive time for the Koroit Community based on religion, which was put behind them after the conclusion of the war. The Koroit War Memorial was not built until 1928. HONOR AVENUE AT KOROIT. Last year one side of Albert-street, Koroit was planted with plane trees, with strong guards, in honor of the men who had gone to the front from Koroit and district. The trees were planted rather late in the season, but fortunately there were only two failures, and the remainder are now higher than the guards. This year, the committee appointed decided to do the work earlier, and the King's birthday was set apart for it. On Saturday afternoon, states our correspondent; a lot of the preliminary work was done and on Monday some 30 residents assembled and went to work and by tea time the whole of the 52 trees and the guards were finished. There are 52 trees on each side of the street planted at intervals of 15 yards so that the avenue is about 800 yards long, running from the Botanical Gardens to the Lake Bank, and in a few years, when the trees are well grown, there will the a magnificent avenue. The weather was beautiful, and during the afternoon number of ladies were present. The ladies brought baskets of good things, and afternoon tea was provided at Mr. W. J. Stevenson's residence, which is situated about mid-way in the avenue. A suggestion has been made that the name of the street should be changed to "Anzac Avenue."' (Warrnambool Standard, 6 June 1918.) The Koroit War Memorial on the edge of the Koroit Botanical Gardens.world war one, world war two, world war, koroit, koroit war memorial, koroit botanical gardens, cenotaph

These badges appear to have been issued as part of Wattle Day celebrations in the period 1910 to 1919. The use of wattle as an Australian symbol was strong during the pre-Federation and Federation days and was particularly promoted by the Australian Natives Association, a prominent campaigner for Federation. Wattle Day was established in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in 1910 and the wattle symbol was a strong one for servicemen serving overseas in World War One and wattle badges and pins were used to raise funds for wartime funds for such organizations as the Red Cross.These badges are of interest as an example of the strong national sentiment engendered in Australia by World War One.Five small circular badges in tones of brown and green. .1 light green background with bunch of yellow wattle below. Text in brown at the top. .2 Brown background with yellow wattle flowers and cream text. .3 Dark green background with yellow wattle flowers.Our own for our own.wattle day celebrations, australian natives association, world war one and wattle badges, warrnambool

The Australian Red Cross was established in 1914 as part of the British Red Cross and the Warrnambool branch was established in the same year. The local Warrnambool branch volunteers were mainly women who held sewing meetings, organized parcels for the soldiers abroad during World War One, undertook First Aid courses to be of assistance in hospitals and raised funds for the Red Cross, especially the local branch and the Melbourne branch. This badge would have been sold as part of the1916 fund-raising campaign.This badge is of particular interest as a badge connected to the Warrnambool Red Cross in World War One and presumably sold to raise funds for the local branch of the Red Cross. This is a circular metal badge with a cream-coloured background, a painted red cross and blue printing. The badge has a metal clip at the back Warrnambool 1916warrnambool red cross, world war one, badge

Civilian Registration Identity Card issued to Ernest Thomas Orford of Irvines Road, Eltham, farmer, signed by subject and witnessed by Elizabeth J. Cox of Eltham. This type of card was issued to British subjects who were civilians. During World War II everyone in Australia was issued with a personal identity card and was required to report changes of address to the government. These cards were particularly important in the identification and monitoring of Aliens (non-citizen residents) , particularly non-Europeans and Asian residents.1942, civilian registration (british subjects), elizabeth j. cox, eltham, ernest thomas orford, identity card, irvines road, second world war, ww2

Menin Gate at Midnight (also known as Ghosts of Menin Gate) is a 1927 painting by Australian artist Will Longstaff. The painting depicts a host of ghostly soldiers marching across a field in front of the Menin Gate war memorial. Longstaff painted the work after attending the unveiling of the Menin Gate memorial, at Ypres in Belgium, on 24 July 1927. The memorial commemorated those men of the British Empire, including Australia, who died in the battles of the First World War around the town. The painting is part of the collection of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. It was purchased by Lord Woolavington for 2,000 Guineas and presented to the Australian government.[1] After a royal command viewing for George V and the Royal family at Buckingham Palace, the painting was displayed in Manchester and Glasgow. It was then taken around Australia, where record crowds paid to view the work. Longstaff oversaw the making of 2,000 prints and 400 of these were given to the nascent Australian War Memorial to sell to raise funds.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing a print of the MENIN GATE AT MIDNIGHTMENIN GATE AT MIDNIGHT by WILL LONGSTAFF Presented to the Commonwealth Government of Australia by Lord Woolavington paintings, prints, ww1, lara r.s.l. menin gate, world war one.

Holmes Family WW1 memorabilia. Westoutre British Cemetery is located 11.5 Kms south-west of Ieper town centre on a road leading from the N375 Dikkebusseweg. The village of Westoutre (now Westouter) remained in Allied hands from the early months of the First World War to the Armistice, but in the summer of 1918, after the Battles of the Lys, it was within 2.4 Kms of the front line. (http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2023773/Westoutre%20British%20Cemetery, accessed 11/07/2014)Black and white postcard of showing the town of Westoutre on Belgium. chatham-holmes family collection, westoutre, world war one, belgium, postcard

Anonymous statement of the author's policy on 'War' and 'Peace', essentially a polemic. Undated but references seem to be to the second World War - 'An all-out effort by every Australian to win the War, both in conjunction with our Allies and by ourselves.' Many of his recommendations would be seen to be outrageous today but were clearly indicative of the times, whilst others revealed a common sense approach - 'To unify Australian railway gauges'. This particular copy belonged to Legatee J.G. Gillespie, President of Melbourne Legacy in 1938.An illustration of social beliefs during the second World War.White foolscap paper with black type.First page: 'L/ Gillespie' in pencil, 'Forwarded for your information, [illegible initials], 16/2/[illegible]' in pen. 'Box 16 L6/5' in ballpoint.world war two, legatee

Corporal Francis John Papworth (VX66806) served in the 2/2 Australian Commando Squadron in Timor, New Guinea and Borneo, Tarakan during World War II. His pencil drawn images of the John Viera and his family during 1942. This work of soldiers is significant as a work produced by a serving soldier on location during WWII and is a unique example of an artistic work showing the men and their surroundings at the time. Strong provenance as part of the family collection.Multiple pencil drawings on white paper board showing three drawings images of John Viera and his family by Corporal F. J. Papworth during his Commando service on Timor in 1942 during World War II. One of the drawings is of John Viera, five rough drawings and a sketch of the Viera family group.john viera and his family during 1942

The biscuit locker came from the vessel the "City of Rayville", an American motor-driven freighter constructed in 1920. The ship was the second victim within 24 hours of an extensive minefield laid by German raiders in October 1940, during World War Two and the first American ship to be sunk in world war II. She was under the command of Captain Cronin and bound from Adelaide via Melbourne to New York, carrying a cargo of 1500 tons of lead from Port Pirie along with a cargo of wool and copper from Adelaide, when she struck a mine in the Bass Strait, six miles south of Cape Otway at 7:45 pm on 8th November 1940. The explosion was heard on shore at Apollo Bay; the force of it tore out the foremast and the ship sank within 25 minutes. There was a crew of 38 and all but one survived. A rescue crew of fishermen from Apollo Bay left shore in the dark and picked up the survivors from the dangerous sea taking them back to safety. The US Secretary of State Cordell Hull at the time wrote individual letters of thanks to all the rescuers involved. The biscuit locker is of historical and marine archaeological significance because of its association with the wreck of the City of Rayville. The vessel is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register No VHR S126. Additional significance is that the ship was the first American vessel sunk in the second world war and is still socially significant to the descendants of the City of Rayville crew and the Apollo bay fishermen who took part in the rescue.The external surfaces of the cupboard and the inside of the door are painted brown. The interior is painted blue the door has 2 metal hinges attached on the outside, each with 6 single-slotted screws and a wooden rotating door latch attached to the side of the door. There is a round eyelet on the door near the latch, the cupboard sides are each made from wood joined vertically and sit within a slightly wider, flat base and top. The frame of the cupboard is split with the paint on the outside of the cupboard scratched and chipped revealing a darker paint underneath. There is also a rough slash of white paint from the side of the cupboard going to about the Centre of the door. “PI/298” is hand written in black pen, paint or ink on the inside panel of the door in neat letters. "MS CITY OF RAYVILLE" stamped on back of cupboard in black paintcity of rayville, cupboard, locker, biscuit locker, 1940, world war ii, wwii, cape otway, german mines, american ship, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, rayvill

A photo of the Tyne Cot Cemetery in Passchendale dated September 24, 1930. It appears to be a professional photograph purchased as a souvenir. See also 01024 Menin Gate, Ypres, as it is by the same manufacturer. The Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) burial ground for the dead of the First World War in the Ypres Salient on the Western Front (source Wikipedia). The hand written inscription on the back of the photo says: "This memorial in Cemetery was built over a German dugout. 12,000 men are buried here. Stone wall at back has soldiers names engraved on same. Those unknown - words in stone 'Australian Soldier of the Great War Known unto God.' Australians captured Passchendale from the Germans Oct 4th 1917. Beautiful cemetery, all well kept, gardens, lawns, flowers. Ypres, Belgium Sept 24/30" The source of these photos is not known but they were stored together in the archives. The founders of Legacy were returned servicemen from the first world war and may have returned to France in the 1930s. Manufactured by L. Duhameeuw, Ypres.The professional photos from France imply that Legatees were making pilgrimages to the battlefields of France in the 1930s in memory of their comrades.Black and white photo of Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendale, France.Indistinct round stamp on the back and a handwritten message.world war one, souvenir, cemetery, memorial

Two medallions which were awarded to Australian World War 1 servicemen, T ENGLISH and C R C FERGUSSON, who had landed at Gallipoli in 1915. These medallions have been mounted on a burgundy felt backing and framed in a small gold coloured photo frame. Each is a circular bronze medallion surmounted by the Queen's crown. Obverse depicts Simpson and his donkey assisting a wounded man, a laurel wreath, the date '1915' and the word 'ANZAC'. Reverse depicts a map of Australia and New Zealand with the Southern Cross superimposed, fern fronds and the engraved name of the recipient. The Anzac Medallion was issued by the Australian government in 1967 to commemorate the 1965 50th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. The medallion was issued to surviving veterans of the campaign or their next of kin. Refer to AWM item for further information < http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RELAWM16790.001/ >There is an engraved label mounted within the picture frame with the inscription "ANZAC Medallions", "Issued to Tom English & C R C Fergusson".anzac, ww1, 1915, world war 1, gallipoli medallion

Yields information about the SEC and its operations during the second World War.27 A4 sheets of copies of relevant papers about the SEC trams, Ballarat & conductresses during the Second World War, from SECV's Staff Magazine "SEC News". Date Page No. Notes 9/1942 6 Our first Conductresses Xmas 42 & 8 Tramway Extension New Year 43 13 Women in the SEC Workforce photos " " 43/44 33 Ballarat Conductresses feted June 1944 28 Between ourselves " " 29 Conductresses raise funds Oct. 1944 10/11 Conductresses triumph " " 19 Ballarat's Success Sept 30, 1946 17 Appreciation for our tram Conductresses Dec. 15, 1945 2-18 Six years of war - the Commission's record. 23 sheets scanned. Photocopies not the best - see high resolution file. See SEC Newstrams, tramways, sec, ballarat, world war ii, conductresses.

A Legacy ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance. One of the annual "Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students" events, usually held just prior to ANZAC Day. This was taken in 1982. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. It is a photo of two school children laying a wreath at the Cenotaph. They are named as two Junior Legatees, Peter Manning and either Bridget Riggs or Gayle Goulding (the two labels are contradictory). It is possible one of the labels belong to another photo (item 01200) as they were found in the same envelope and it appears to be the same boy in both photos. However both labels were attached to this photo. Item was in an envelope with other photos and programmes from different School Student ceremonies. Labelled S15 in red pen it was part of an old archive numbering system, that showed there has been efforts in the past to collect, order and save items of Legacy's history.A record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine.Black and white photo of an Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for students at the Shrine in 1982 with two junior Legatees at the Cenotaph (World War II memorial). Two paper labels typed in black ink.Photo is stamped with Copyright of Herald and Weekly Times in green ink. Handwritten 'Peter Manning and Bridget Riggs' in purple texta. '820423/120' in blue pen. Label says: 'At Melbourne Legacy's Annual School Children's Anzac Commemoration this year Junior legatees, Gayle Goulding and Peter Manning representing all Junior Legatees, laid a wreath at the foot of the World War Two Memorial.' Other label says: Junior Legatees Peter Manning and Bridget Riggs observe a minutes silence after laying a wreath near the Eternal Flame at the Shrine of Remembrance. They were among 1100 children from 54 schools who attended Melbourne Legacy's 51st Annual school children's Anzac Commemoration Ceremony at the Shrine. Photo courtesy Sun News-Pictorial.' The photo was also used as a Highlights page in an Annual Report. The caption confirmed the names as Peter Manning and Bridget Riggs.anzac commemoration for students, wreath laying ceremony

German Army binoculars of World War 1 vintage, capture & re-used by Australian Forces

Standard issue tin opener used by Australian service personnel during World War 2.

World War 1 GRI Medal, For King and Empire Services Rendered, Sarah Jane Procterstawell

Bandsman William Gray A. I. F. 1914 –1918 The Gray Family respected residents of StawellPortrait photograph of a World War 1 soldier in uniform on an oval shaped image on a post card.No 1301 Bandsman Wm. Gray, B. Company A.I.F. 39th Battalion 10th Infantry Brigade. On Active Service Abroad Grammond Gordon Studios, Stawell.stawell ww1

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the surrounding farmland from Mt. Stanley in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.1 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, beechworth, victoria, 1940s, australian army, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals