A Century of Service, the events, people and places that shaped the RSL in Bendigo 1915-2015. A tribute to the men and women from Bendigo who have served in the Defence Forces of Australia and our allies in time of need and in particular to those who formed a sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers Association in Bendigo in 1915 and those who have participated in the last 100 years.Soft cover 239 pages with black and white & coloured photographs.Murray Poustieorganization, military, rsl

John Joseph LOWERY Regt No 1926 enlisted in the AIF 3rd Reinforcements, 22nd Batt on 16.6.1915 aged 18. Embarked for Egypt 26.8.1915, taken on strength Gallipoli 25.10.1915. Hospitalised 23.12.1915 frost bite to feet. Embarked for France 19.3.1916, promoted T/Cpl 1.2.1917, promoted L/Cpl 2.5.1917, promoted L/Sgt 21.8.1917. KIA Belgium 2.10.1917. Refer Cat No 2564P.Wooden frame, green border around certificate, glass front, centre is a photo of a soldier.Document: “Honour the Brave. Presented to Sgt J J LOWERY by the Members and Friends of the View Street Church of Christ and Bible School in grateful appreciation of his services for God, King and Country in the Great War 1914 - 1918” Bottom centre on white label: JOHN JOSEPH LOWERY “Enlisted 16.6.1915 Regt No 1926 3rd Reinforcements 22 Batt AIF aged 18. Embarked for the Middle East 26.8.1915. Admitted to hospital Gallipoli with frostbite 15.12.1915 Embarked for France 19.3.1916. Appointed Lance Sergeant 2.5.1917. KIA 2.10.1917 at Broodseinde, Belgium. Donated by Mrs Lyla Sutton” Bendigo District RSL Museum civic mementos - certificates, religion - christian, military history

Burnewang House Elmore Letter to Mrs Bunn, secretary Central Victoria Branch National Trust requesting infoon Burnewang Park. Newspaper articles from 'the Gazette' about R.S.L. House Letter to Mrs Smith from B. J. Balnchen re a visit to Burnewang house. The Elmore Progress Association newsletter No. 44. Awedding held at Burnewang in 1973 Coy of an article from Elomore Standard of 30/8/1945 re death of Mrs Amy Elizabeth Bayne Photocpies of article published 20/7/72 in the Bendigo Advertiser re RSL House Copy of article published from Elmore Standard 11/10/1902-25/10/1902 A two page biography of Joseph Hallbuildings, residential, historical buildings

The main centre piece of each badge has figures in, 1 & 2 have two figures Army & Navy, 3 & 4 have three figures Army, Navy, Airforce, 5 has four figures Army, Navy, Airforce, Female figure. The first 3 badges have a Kings Crown on, last 2 Queens Crown. The names listed as per on card .2) left to right. 3rd badge, R.J. Tyrer, refer Cat No 1813.5. 4th badge, K.C. Buckley, refer Cat No 1438. 5th badge, H Jackson, refer Cat No .............1) Cardboard covered with red felt with 5 RSL Badges attached in a row. One large and 4 small, 3 badges have a membership year clip on, all badges have difference's being text on or years used. .2) Card with details re each badge.Badges from left to right re text on/years in use. First two large & small. "Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League - Australia". 1st 1919 - 1922 2nd 1922 - 1941 3rd and 4th. "Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's League - Australia". 3rd 1941 - 1966 4th 1966 - 1990 5th. "Returned & Services League Australia". 5th 1990 - current.brsl, smirsl, badges, rsl

This plaque was placed at 18 - 22 High Street Eaglehawk which was the HQ off the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8110 for the Sub Branch History.Plaque granite construction rectangular shape with gold inscriptions relating to the donation of the building to the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch by Mathew’s Bros during WW2“24.4.43”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl

This building was a Nissan Hut which was opened in 1957 and was then the HQ of Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8110 for the Sub Branch History.Plaque granite construction rectangular shape with gold inscriptions relating to the official opening of the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch in 1957.“12.10.1957”brsl, smirsl, ehrsl

This is a very early photo of the Nissan Hut which became the HQ of the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch officially opened in 1957. Refer Cat No 8118 Plaque re the opening & 8110 re Sub Branch History.Photograph B & W showing a Nissan Hut on a block, two men are standing in the far right corner.brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, photograph, nissan

Eaglehawk RSL Ladies Auxiliary 1952. Back Row. Mrs Day, Florrie Hutchinson, Mrs Makepeace, Bessie Lightfoot, Elaine Bull, Una Wright, Mavis Claridge, Mrs Morgan, Glad Bull, Betty Boston. Middle row. Fanny Cameron, Mrs Harding, Dolly Hutchinson, Mrs Steinhauser, Mrs .............., Mrs Finch, Mrs Wood, Mabel Neat, Mrs Birthisall, Mrs Murphy, Mrs Betts. Front row. Mrs Meighan, Mrs Boyd, Mrs Shelders, Mrs Trewartha, Mrs Eeles, Esma Wilson, Joyce Bull, Mrs Laurie, Mavis Williams, Mrs Smith, Miss Trevean, Mrs Bourke, Mrs Pearce, Fay Wilson, Doris Bull. Eaglehawk RSL Ladies Auxiliary. Refer Cat No 8111 for their Honor board also 8110.Dark timber frame with gold edgeing with B & W photo inside a white card inset, separate card inset with details. Shows 36 ladies seated and standing with 2 on the floor central."Eaglehawk RSL Ladies Auxiliary 1952"brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, auxiliary

From back cover- "FROM THE BOER WAR 1900/ TO EAST TIMOR 2000/ MILDURA WAS THERE! / A HISTORY OF SERVICE IN WAR & PEACE."Soft Cover Book. Cover - cardboard with adhered paper cover with gloss finish. Red colour print on front, spine and back cover. Illustrated, front colour photograph of a building entrance - "MILDURA RSL". Back - colour photograph of a stained glass memorial window. 205 pages, cut, plain white paper. Illustrated black and white and colour photographs, portraits and cartoons. Commissioned by the "MILDURA RSL SUB-BRANCH INCORPORATED".books, history, mildura rsl sub branch

Framed certificate, frame is timber brown colour, no glass in frame,certificate is yellow colour, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch” “For Commendable increase in Membership- Winner Country group 501 - 1,000” “Bruce Ruxton State President” “..................... State Secretary” “Dated 1st July 1981”brsl, smirsl, membership

Framed certificate, frame is brown colour timber, certificate is cream background with the RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the Achievement. A red seal is at the bottom LH side.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement - Bendigo Sub Branch for the highest increase in membership, an increase of 14.17% in the category of 501 - 1,000 country group for the year 2005” “David McLachlan State President” “...................... Chief Executive Officer” “Dated 29th June 2006” brsl, smirsl, membership

Refer Cat 8021 for details re Bendigo Women’s Auxiliary.Framed certificate, frame is plastic, black with gold colour edge, certificate whitish background, all print blue and black, at the top badge of “RSL Women’s Council of Victoria” followed by details of the certificate.Main points. “Presented to Bendigo Auxiliary as a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as an Auxiliary for 60 years of the RSL Women’s Council” - “Year 1996” “Judy Murdoch - President RSL Women’s Council” “Joan Russell - Secretary RSL Women’s Council”brsl, smirsl, auxiliary, wabrsl

William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership

Service Award presented in recognition of 50 years continuous service as a member of the League. Robert Thomas Phillips V28869, VX113093, refer Cat No 7258 for his service details.Certificate - on paper, cream colour. Black print. Illustrated with; " top - Gold "RETURNED SERVICES LEAGUE/ AUSTRALIA" badge. Bottom - Red Seal.Handwritten in black ink "Robert T. Phillips" "Fifth September 2001" Two illegible signatures of National President and National Secretary.framed accessories, certificate, rsl, robert t phillips

The photo was taken on ANZAC Day 1985 at the Kangaroo Flat RSL service with Bill Forrest leading. William (Bill) Malcolm Forrest was born in Moora WA, enlisted 12.4.1951 No 5/1788 age 18 years and became a Sapper. After attending Battle School in Japan he then served with 3 RAR in Korea, DVA file states 12.7.1953 to 15.7.1954. He later went on to serve with 2 RAR in Malaya. He was discharged after 6 years service on 11.4.1957, discharge certificate states Active Service being 1 year 337 days. He re enlisted again on 11 3.1958 with Regt No 36283 and served another 17 years 165 days and was discharged with the rank of Sgt on 22.8.1975. During this engagement he had Corps and Trade Training 6 months, Regimental, Steward, Army Mess Supervisor and General Duties with Training and Survey Units.Photograph B & W showing a group of men marching in an ANZAC Day Parade. The man leading carrying a flag is Bill Forrest from Kangaroo Flat RSL.photographs, anzac day, korea, malaya

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

John Kerr Barnes. This award is "Life Membership with Gold Badge" a nomination by the Sate President of the RSL (Vic) Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch plus his WW2 service.Certificate of Life Membership framed, frame is brown timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow colour with gold RSL Logo at the top with "Life Member" under followed by details of the award to "John K Barnes". All print in black, signed in black with a red seal at RH side bottom. A small card insert is at the base coloured with "Presented by"."Life Membership awarded to John K Barnes by the National Executive of the RSL of Australia" Dated "Canberra this sixth day of July 1988" Signed "W Keys" National President. Signed "J.J. Gollings" National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member, gold badge

John Kerr Barnes. This is the highest award in the RSL for 25 years outstanding service. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch.Certificate framed, frame is timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow with an ornate edgeing, gold RSL Logo at the top followed by the wording "The Meritorious Medal" to "John Kerr Barnes", all print in black with red seal bottom RH corner, signed and dated."Meritorious Medal - awarded to - John Kerr Barnes by the National Congress in appreciation of 25 years outstanding service" Dated "Canberra this 2nd day of March 1989" Signed "................." National President Signed ".... Gollings" National Secretary. brsl, smirsl, meritorious

John Kerr Barnes. The items relate to "Jack" as he was known. The photo is Jack in uniform, the central Medal/Ribbon is the "Meritorious Service Medal", see Cat No 8042, The RSL Badge is a Life Members Badge. You have to be a Life Member to be awarded the "Meritorious Service Medal". Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch.Framed Memorabilia, frame is brown timber, item backing green with 4 insets, top is a photo, under is a gold medallion, medal with ribbon, RSL badge.On Medal, "For Merit", On Medallion, "World War11 - Service to Australia", On RSL badge, "Life Member"brsl, smirsl, meritorious,

.1) Balance sheet, pages 1 & 2 report by the President cover Membership, ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Hospital & Benevolent Home, Govenor's visit, Unit Clubs, 27th District Board, Carnival, Finance, Relief Fund, Building Improvements Fund, Club Building fund, Donations, Appreciations, Obituary, Committee, Pilgrimage to Cross (Mt Macedon), Pages 3 & 4 are detailed Income Expenditure of the 5 Accounts of the Sub Branch. The report also mentions the first Life Membership of the sub Branch to Dr Harold Catford. .3) Letter addressed to B.J. Bubb. This is Bruce John Bubb VX108474 2nd AIF..1) Report and Balance sheet Bendigo Sub Branch for the year 1947, all type in black re the finance and activities of this Sub Branch of the "Returned Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, 4 pages folding in total. .2) Letter re yearly membership subscription reminder of the Bendigo Branch that membership is due on the 1st January each year. .3) Envelope, light brown, has green stamp, Sub Branch details and addressed to underlined in red.Main Points, .1) "To be presented at the Annual Meeting of Members to be held at the Memorial Hall on Friday 13th February 1948 at 8pm" .3) "Mr B.J.Bubb White Hills"brsl, smi, rsl, report, balance

These membership record sheets appear to have been used for a period as part of membership up to about 2005.Membership record sheet, all print in blue, double sided, divided into 12 tear of sections, 3 sections in a row are for 3 purposes, sub branch record, State Branch remit and RSL member, front face has the RSL logo on all 12 sections.brsl, smirsl, membership rsl

Refer Cat No 8056.4 for more details of this project, history and re opening.Invitation card, one sided yellow colour to the "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project. A space is blank for the person invited's name followed by time, place, date & RSVP, at the bottom are 4 logos representing State/Federal Govt's, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo.Main points; "Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke is pleased to invite - to the official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday 15, 2018 Lansell Gardens Pall Mall Bendigo".brsl, smirsl, invitaion

The pages of written text cover everything the RSL does from welfare, commemorative, legal aid, membership, women's auxiliary and housing to name a few. Bert Pollard was an active RSL Member involved in Committee and the District Board. He served in WW2.Diary black plastic covers with gold text on front cover, top has the RSL logo followed by "Serving Still - 1969 - Victorian Branch", inside first page are details re Anzac House Melbourne, there are 28 pages of written text, page for members personal details, 4 blank pages for notes, the Calendar itself folds out for viewing and to enter notes, last page has a 12 month calendar. "Bert Pollard, phone 5433741"brsl, smirsl, diary

The recipient is not known and there is no name etc engraved on the rear. There were 6 Life Members of the Bendigo Branch.Badge, metals, colours are blue and red, top has a crown with a membership clip on for the year "1982". Centre is a circular shape with text around, centre is the flag, under is a scroll with the words "LIFE MEMBER". A small gold chain is attached through the scroll area, rear has a pin attachment."Womens Auxiliary - RSL - LIFE MEMBER". On rear raised, "Swann & Hudson"brsl, smirsl, award, life member, wabrsl

These membership cards were used pre 1990, from then on the League became known as The Returned & Service's League of Australia. These were filled in by a prospective new member and forwarded to RSL HQ in Melbourne for approval.Membership cards, blue with black text double sided, front has spaces for the person to fill in details re name address, and financial to service number, rank, unit, time in service. The rear has space for approval, badge number and financial to."Returned Services League of Australia - (Victorian Branch) - Application for Service Membership"brsl, smirsl, membership

This certificate was awarded by the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch to Miss H. Hutchinson (Hanna) on 17.5.1946 in Appreciation and loyalty to Service personnel as a Member of the Eaglehawk Ladies Auxiliary during the War years. The Auxiliaries efforts abled the furnishing of the Club rooms and raise 230.00 Pounds for the Returned Soldiers Distress Fund. Hanna was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal in 1978 Refer Cat No 8212.2 for her Sister Florrie and Photo Cat No 8200P. Certificate on cardboard cream coloured with ornate edging in red, blue and brown, all printed text in black & blue, covers the years 1939 - 45, dated at the bottom.Main points, "Eagle Hawk RSL Sub Branch", "Presented to Miss H Hutchinson"brsl, smirsl, auxiliary, certificate, ehrsl

These Certificates recognized the work of Miss F. Hutchinson (Florride)and Miss D Hutchinson (Doll) in reaching 10 years of Volunteer work for the Eaglehawk RSL Ladies Auxiliary dated 21.5.1960. It appears that there has been a misprint as "Miss D" was actually Hanna, Doll being known as is Florrie’s sister. Refer Cat No 8211 re Hanna. Refer Cat No 8200P for photos of both..1) & .2) Certificates for Long Service, one framed, cardboard, light yellow colours, ornate edging in blue and gold, all text in black and blue, dated at the bottom.Main Points, " "Long Service Certificate" Presented to Miss F Hutchinson", Miss D Hutchison"brsl, smirsl, certificate, 10 years, ehrsl

WW2 Recruiting Poster - original.Poster - cardboard, beige and black print on illustrated background in colour, of a nurse in uniform. WW2 Recruiting poster, original,Words on Poster "It's a worthwhile Career!/ Join the/ ROYAL/ AUSTRALIAN/ARMY/ NURSING/CORPS/ PHONE MATRON". Production number "AHQ ADV PROD A222" on back of poster - handwritten in black ink - "Donated by/Bob Brown/Bgo RSL"posters, ww2, royal australian army nursing corps

Item in the collection re “MAJ. JOHN BALSILLIE MBE” Refer to Cat No 118.5 for his service details, RSL and Council history.Brown leather Sam Browne Belt fitted with double clawed brass buckle. A brass stud and leather loop secured the free end of the belt tongue. The shoulder strap, 32 mm wide, is connected by a similar loop and brass stud arrangement. A pair of "D" shaped rings are mounted at the bottom of the belt (for the sword). The belt also has a flat brass hook mounted against the belt, between the “D” rings. The belt is double layered on the back and left side section.Stamped inside the shoulder strap are the letters "HQEC"uniform, ceremonial, maj john balsillie

This plaque was originally placed in the Foyer (or vestibule on the original plans) of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo in 1921. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was placed in what was originally called "The Writing Room" now named "The Building and RSL History Room"Plaque brass with engraved writing in black attached by 4 screws to a backing piece on a wall."This Lounge was furnished by the Municipal Branch of the Australian Comforts Fund"brsl, smirsl, comforts