Held in Melbourne from the 22nd November to 8th December, the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad or the Melbourne Olympics were the first held outside of Europe or the USA. The Olympic torch relay passed through Central Victoria on its way from Cairns to Melbourne. Faith Yvonne Leech (31 March 1941 – 14 September 2013) was born in Bendigo and won a gold medal in the 4×100–metre freestyle relay and bronze in the 100-metre freestyle at the Melbourne Games.Commemorative glass produced by Greig's Honey prior to the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. The glass has both images and text printed on the outside and features an image of Faith Leech in swimsuit, accompanied by Olympic symbols and advertising text. [Head, shoulders and torso image Faith Leech], [Olympic ring, torch and wreath], OLYMPIC PAGEANT / MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / 1956 / Faith Leech, Australia / May represent / in / 100 metres / freestyle / Greig's Honeyfaith leech, melbourne olympics, 1956, faith leech swimming pool

The Guild of St Stephen is an International Organisation of Altar Servers founded in England in 1904 by Father Hamilton McDonald when he formed a Society of Altar Servers at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in London. In 1934, Pope Pius XI enabled all Guilds of Altar Servers throughout the British Commonwealth to be affiliated with the Archconfraternity at Westminster. The guild was strong in Ballarat Diocese until the 1980s.A bronze medallion altar servers, guild of st stephen, ballarat diocese,

Replica medal with pale lime green with red centre ribbon, mounted on promotion card with notes.Promotional card reads: The Governor-General awards the Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or delegate. / The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 is bronze and portrays the Southern Cross surrounded by golden wattle , Australia's floral emblem. / The Southern Cross represents Australia and the golden wattle represents the civilian population joining in defence of the country. / The medal ribbon has three vertical bands. The central band is ochre to represent the soil of Australia. / The two outer bands are green for the land and food production. The two white stripes on the ribbon represent communication and construction. civilian, 1939-45, australian

Gilt bronze medallionIssued by Dept of Defence. returned from Active Service. Australian Military Forces. 211591

Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow 1120 born in Georgetown Sth Australia enlisted on the 19th September 1914 at Melbourne and posted to the 5th Battalion AIF. He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 20th September 1917 and died of his wounds on 22nd September 1917 Private Sandow's family received of a memorial plaque which is inscribed - He Died for Freedom and Honour. Brown wooden frame containing round metal disc and four metal medals with ribbons mounted on red velvet.Bronze Plaque Service Number 1120 Pte. Roy L. Sandow MM 5th Battalion AIF Enlisted 19th September 19th September 1914 Awarded Military Medal 20.9.1917 Polygon Wood Belguim Died of Wounds 22.9.1917military medal, death penny, private roy l sandow, 5th battalion, memorial plaque

Medals x 2British War Medal & Victory Medal The British War Medal has an effigy of George V on the obverse. The reverse has an image of St. George on horseback trampling the eagle shield and the skull and crossbones, the emblems of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are contained on the outside edge medal. The Victory Medal is bronze with a figure of Victory on the obverse. The reverse has the inscription The Great War For Civilisation surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Commemorative medal made for the 1897 Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Two portraits of Queen Victoria on the face, one as a young girl, the other an older, veiled woman. The medal originally had the words "Queen Victoria's 60th Year of Reign 1837 to 1897" around the perimeter of the face, however the medallion is so worn that the words are barely visible. The reverse has the Australian Coat of Arms, within a diamond shape. The words "Diamond Jubilee / Australia's Celebration" are around the perimeter (barely readable due to wear). A small crown is above the Coat of Arms and the date "1897" is below it, these are also barely visible due to wear. The medallion appears to have been of gilt plate, however only small areas of gilding are left on the reverse side. Found in the ground by Geelong Bottle Club Prospectors.Round bronze coin, small hole at top, with two faces of Queen Victoria on obverse, and the Australian coat of arms on reverse.On face: "Victoria - 1837-1897". Reverse: "1897-Diamond Jubilee Celebration Australia".queen victoria, diamond jubilee celebrations, medals

Regimental No 113 Trooper Hugh Lennon 8 ALH was killed in action at the Nek 7 August 1915. His brother Richard, 7 Battalion was killed the same day at Lone Pine, and a second brother John, 29 Battalion, was killed in France 29 July 1918.Bronze disc with goddess holding trident, and a lion in relief The name Hugh Lennon in block letters.Hugh Lennongallipoli, wwi, first world war, 8lh, nek

To honour the service provided, a bronze coloured medallion was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Association for the Blind Medallion / Founder Tilly Aston'. On the reverse is 'Presented to' with a spray of laurel around the edge. The medallion hangs on a blue fabric band that goes around the neck. Bronze coloured medallion with illustrationsassociation for the blind, awards, medals

Medal in case given to the Shire of Buninyong in 1951. Returned to B&DHS in June 2008 by Derek Leather, who was given it by Debbie Viksna, formerly Wright, who worked as a secretary for the Shire in the 1980's-1990's.Historical significance as it is a commemorative medal given to the Shire of Buninyong.Bronze medallion in leather bound case, given to Shire of Buninyong in 1951 to celebrate the Centenary of Victoria by State Government"Presented to the Shire of BUNNINYONG 1951" (Buninyong spelled incorrectly)medal, shire of buninyong, buninyong shire council, centenary, victorian government

Bronze PlaqueFredrick James Powell [5066]

Anzac commemorative medallion issued to the next of kin of Private Thomas Emanuel Rollings - 1983 - 24th Battalion, Wangaratta who served at Gallipoli during WW1The Anzac Commemorative Medallion was instituted 1967. It was awarded to surviving members of the Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916.Bronze commemorative medallion depicting Simpson and his donkey on the front and Australia, New Zealand and the southern cross on the back.Medallion is set inside a plastic hinged lid box with a deep purple velvet lining. Original white cardboard box with two sections. Top section has brown paper label with handwritten address and white/blue stamp on outside. The medallion is cast in bronze and is approximately 75 millimetres high and 50 millimetres wide. The obverse of the medallion depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety. It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves. The name and initials of the recipient is engraved on the reverse. The medallion is issued in a presentation box.Medallion - Front: "1915" "ANZAC" Back: "T. E. ROLLINGS" hand engraving Cardboard box - Top section: "St Kilda Rail., S.2 / Victoria / No. 8248"printed "Mrs A E Rollings / Eldorado / Victoria" handwritten "If not claimed in seven days return to :- Central Army Records Office, Albert Park Barracks, Melb" anzac, medallion, commemorative medallion, bronze, eldorado, 24th battalion, wangaratta, gallipoli, ww1

Three WW1 medals including 1914 Star awarded to Private Ernest LUCAS Royal Defence Corps who was first assigned to the Middlesex Regiment. LUCAS was discharged on 18/5/1919 having served 11 years and 305 days.The 6th Battalion Middlesex Regiment can trace its history back to 7 August 1760 as part of the Middlesex Militia. In 1778 it was titled the 1st East Middlesex Militia. By royal order the regiment was later designated the Royal East Middlesex Militia on 24 April 1804. By 1855 it was using the formal title of "1st or Royal East Middlesex Regiment of Militia". In 1900 the number of regular Middlesex Regiment battalions was doubled with the formation of a new the 3rd and 4th battalions; and the two militia battalions were renumbered as 5th and 6th battalions of the regiment. The unit's standing orders of 1863 record the regimental insignia as being somewhat unusual, in that it did not include standard royal crown, but featured a five-pointed Saxon Crown atop a shield with the arms of the East Saxon Kingdom i.e. three stylised Seaxes hilted and pommeledThree original WW1 medals with ribbons attached to white cardboard - round silver coloured metal medal with grey black white and orange striped ribbon - round gold coloured metal medal with purple blue green yellow and orange striped ribbon and bronze coloured star shaped metal medal with blue white and red striped ribbonPTE E LUCAS- Middlesex Regt.ernest lucas, middlesex regiment

Medallion awarded to surviving members of Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula during 25 April 1915 to January 1916. Recipient enlisted 07 June 1915 and was taken on strength of the 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment at ANZAC on 14 October 1915. He arrived at Alxandria on 27 December 1915. Subsequently served in France, and was discharged, in London, 24 January 1920. Returned to Australia, departing United Kingdom 06 May 1921. Cast bronze, approximately 75 mm high and 50mm wide. The obverse depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier, with '1915' . It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by fern leaves. The name and initials of the recipient is engraved on the reverse. The presentation box in black leatherette is lined with deep red velvet and deep red silk (lid)."W. R' Hawkins"

Commerorative centenary limited edition Medal celebrating the 100th anniversary of VCAH Longerenong. Bronze double sided embossed and engraved medal in blue velvet presentation box numbered 22 of 50.Front : Stylised emblem of the college VCAH Longerenong Erudimur dum colimus 1889 One Hundred Years 1989 *Advancing Australian Agriculture* Back: Commemorative Centenary Medal * * * with olive leaf wreath engraved 22 OF 50.100th anniversary, 1989, centenary, longerenong agricultural college, vcah longerenong, commeroration

From the Maritime Union of Australia: In December 2015 the crew of the MV Portland heard about their sacking by newspaper article. What ensued was a 60 day sit in by the crew to fight for their jobs. The crew were threatened with legal action but they stood firm because they believed that their ship was purely cabotage trade taking Australian resources from one Australian port to another Australian port as it had done for 27 years without incident and it should have an Australia Crew. On January 13 2016, at 1am the five remaining crewmembers aboard the Alcoa-owned vessel were woken by up to 30 security guards and intimidated into leaving the vessel. A foreign crew had been flown in and it crewed the ship and it sailed off the Australian Coast. This documentary was produced one year after the dispute but since then the Australian Industrial Relations commission was attempting to prosecute the union and the crew. They failed.Bronze coloured medallion. One side has an image of a vessel with writing around the circumference of the object. The reverse of the objects has a list of vessel specifications. with plastic stand - acrylicPortland Smelter Services Pty. Ltd / Hyundai Corp. Hyundai Heavy Ind Co Ltd / Naming Ceremony / For / 36500 DWT Bulk Carrier / MV Portland / March 25, 1988 / Ulsan / Koreavessels, vessel, container, maritime union

IAN ALFRED (Joe) LYONS MBE Born 16.2.1915 in Bendigo enlisted in the RAAF aged 25 years on 27.5.1940, No 400095. Starting in the ranks as an LAC, he rose to Flt/Sgt pre-embarkation. He embarked for the Middle East on 2.11.1941before dis-embarking to serve with No 3 Sqd RAAF. During heavy action on 8.1.1942, his plane was forced down due to engine damage. It landed in an enemy minefield and when it came to a halt, its wheels were straddling a mine. After being rescued by a British officer, dozens of mines were located and dug up. On return, some 15 miles from base, the vehicle Lyons was travelling in hit a mine (on 9.1.1942), resulting in 5 KIA or WIA. Lyons spent 2 weeks in hospital with severe concussion and deafness. Lyons the embarked for Australia on 11.3.1942 before disembarking on 18.4.1942. He was posted to Townsville with 82nd Sqd on 27.6.1944. Subsequently he was posted to Noemfoor Island on 21.9.1944 as Operational with 82nd Sqd and promoted to Flt/Lt (Temp.) on 3.1.1945. On 6.1.1945 he was posted to 77Sqd as Operational on Morotai. This deployment ended on 9.7.1945. Records show that he flew 26 Strike/Attack missions and 13 others with both squadrons. Post WW2, Lyons remained with the RAAF with a new service number (033072). On 2.2.1948 he was posted to Japan before returning to Australia on 28.8.1948, apparently for medical reasons. He was appointed Flt/Lt on 23.9.1948 before returning to Japan and Korea on 22.8.1950. He was awarded an MBE as Operations Officer with 77Sqd for 'Outstanding enthusiasm and energy at 3 Korean bases'. A US Bronze Star was awarded to Lyons for 'Distinguished and meritorious service as Operations Officer in Korea during the period 14.10.1950 to 17.2.1951'. After Korea, Lyons received a number of posting from Victoria to Western Australia. He was awarded the Air Efficiency Medal in 1964. At his own request, Flt/Lt Ian Alfred 'Joe' Lyons MBE, retired from the RAAF HQ OP COM on 15.12.1967. The photograph is part of the Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection.Framed hand tinted colour head and shoulders photograph of a man in an RAAF uniform. The photograph is bordered with a light brown matt. THe wooden frome is painted white and gold. A white printed label bearing the name of the man is located below the photograph. Clear perspex covers the photograph. The photographer's name also appears below the photograph. The rear of the frame is covered in brown paper secured with masking tape. Two eyes and white cord are attached for hanging purposes.Handwritten in black below the photograph: 'VINCENT KELLY, Bendigo'.raaf uniform, photograph, flight lieutenant ian a. lyons

Part of the Kurtze Collection purchased by the City of Portland in 1990s from Brendan Kurtze. Theo Frederics said his grandfather used this gun to shoot porpoise. He was a fisherman - Frederickson? Changed name when migrated to Australia from Sweden. Further research with Theo and other family personal conversation with Theo Frederics (Gordon Stokes 1997)Wooden stock, bronze breech, steel barrel. Barrel painted high gloss black, polished bronze sights and name plate running length of barrel. Gun has pivot mount. Harpoon, steel, with hinged flukes.Front: On bronze name plate. 'CHASE OSBORNE & CO WHITEHALL PLACE LONDON WORK BIRMINGHAM GOLD MEDAL AWARDED INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 1883'. Back: -harpoon, whaling, maritime

Issued to Australian Service personnel who served at the beginning of the warSignificantBronze Star with Red, white and blue RibbonFront centre: Crossed Swords with 1914-15 banner surrounded by a wreath Rear: 2598. Pte. E. E. Connors. 22 Batt. A.I.Fmilitary awards

The Orford family, a pioneer family remained continuously living and working in Eltham for 170 years from 1854 to 2024. James and Sarah Orford arrived in Sydney in 1839 aboard the ship “Orestes”; they had several children there before settling in Eltham in 1854. Three children, James Mathias, Sarah Amelia and Thomas Henry initially remained in the Eltham area. James eventually moved to Brunswick. Sarah married Arthur Butler Young and finally lived in Bunyip. Thomas who was six years old when the family arrived in 1854 remained in Eltham, married Helen Logan who died, leaving a large family. They lived in a slab hut by the Yarra at Laughing Waters and Thomas managed the Panton Park Estate, a selection owned by Magistrate Thomas Panton. Thomas’s son, Ernest Orford was born 1892 at Pitt Street, Eltham and also lived his entire life in Eltham working as a labourer, orchardist and later as a gardener and grounds keeper for Sir William Irvine, a former Chief Justice and Premier of Victoria. Ernest married Kate Thomas; their two sons Ron and Doug stayed in the area. Another of Thomas' sons, Arthur, also lived in Eltham. Four Orford generations attended Eltham schools. Doug Orford was born on the kitchen table (reference, son Ted Orford) of the family home at the corner of Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road. Doug married Gwen and they established a family however Gwen died at a young age from cancer. Doug eventually remarried another Gwen and they lived for several decades in Napoleon Street, Eltham. Doug was actively involved in EDHS over many years, including serving as a committee member and vice president. Contributions by Doug and Gwen (Treasurer/Membership Secretary), his wife, assisted EDHS to continue to develop as a not-for-profit group intent on promoting and preserving our local history. Both Doug and Gwen were made Life Members of EDHS. They also acted as EDHS delegates to the Eastern Region of Historical Societies. His significant work with assisting to establish our valued Local History Centre helped develop our home base and supported the continued growth of our society. Doug’s local knowledge, suggestions and family connections were highly valued, Until recent times, he continued to regularly attend our Collections Team workshops providing his insights and historical information about photographs and society records. Doug died peacefully July 8, 2024, and represents the last link in the Orford Eltham chain which spanned 170 years. His funeral was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Le Pine Funerals, 848 Main Road, Eltham. Contents: Typed notes, no date: Memories of Ernest Orford [taped 1979] about his school days. Handwritten notes, no date: History of Ernie Orford Typed notes, no date: History of Thomas Henry Orford and family. Photocopy: Shire of Eltham General Rate Receipts. Received from D Orford 7 June 1923 and Received from E F Orford, 4 August 1924. Letter, no date: Nillumbik Shire to Russell Yeoman, Gwen Orford to receive Volunteer Recognition Award. Newsletter article: "The Orford Family, Eltham", Shire of Eltham Historical Society, No.80 September 1991. History of Orford family. Handwritten notes: 21 March 2011, genealogy of George Orford. On reverse Melways map makred with Orford and other land ownerships. Newspaper advertisement, 21 March 2011: "264 Reynolds Road, South Eltham", property for sale [land in ownership of Orford family]. Letter: St Margaret's Anglican Church Eltham to Doug Orford, 17 November 2011, Extracts from church records relative to Orford family. Newspaper article: "Timely facelift at war memorials', Diamond Valley Leader, 30 April 2024, Nillumbik war memorial will have some work and a bronze plaque will be installed at the Eltham Avenue of Honour, Wingrove Park; photograph of Doug Orford Newsletter item: "Welcome home medal", Eltham District Historical Society newsletter no.216 May 2014, World War I two 'Welcome Home Medals' in ownership of local men, being Harry Gilham and Doug Orford. Order of Service, Le Pine Funerals (Eltham), In Loving Memory of Douglas Frederick Orford 22nd August 1929 - 8th July 2024 Doug Orford Reminiscences (2002) in conjunction with Jock Read and Peter Bassett Smith; 4 pages - 3 typed, 1 handwritten possibly transcribed from an audio tape recording (location unknown). New word file and associated pdf created [\Dropbox\EDHS DATA\DOCUMENTS\COLLECTION CATALOGUE DOCUMENTS AND PDFs\2-2 Family Folders\EDHS_06110-2 Doug Orford reminiscences 2002.docx - 1 April 2025]Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcdoug orford, harry gilham, welcome home medal, eltham avenue of honour, nillumbik war memorial, wingrove park, henry dendy, alfred armstrong, james orford, 264 reynolds road south eltham, george orford, george joseph orford, maryanne george joseph, thomas henry orford, ernest orford, e f orford, eltham cemetery, helen orford, joseph panton, panton park, gordon lyon, banyule estate heidelberg, james matthias orford, wurundjeri, constable peter lawlor, george hill, franklin street eltham, ronald orford, eltham primary school, john brown, robert gamble school inspector, sarah orford, mary ann orford, james mathias orford, sarah amelia orford, james peet, arthur butler young, watsons creek victoria, kangaroo ground victoria, helen logan, william orford, jane orford, arthur orford, frederick orford, florrie orford, victor orford, chem orford, sunnymede eltham, panton hill estate, sir william irvine, gordon lyons, kate thomas, north eltham gospel church, harold clapp, eltham cricket club, research primary school, dalton street school eltham, keith banks, betty banks, benjamine boyd, laughing waters road eltham, freddie gilsinen, douglas frederick orford, eltham district historical society, funeral service, le pine funeral home, life member, order of service, 1934 flood, 1939 bushfires, alcock & pierce, ansell, associated schools sports, blacksmith shop, boakes, bridge street, bryce family, bullock track, butcher, catholic church, cliff lester, cliffy green, daisy smith, dave lyon, diamond creek, diana bassett smith, dick tooth, dr. frank may, eltham higher elementary school, ernie andrew, fire station, flower stall, fodder business, fruit shop, furniture store, gahan family, garni burges, greensborough, harold norman, harry hawker, hat factory, hawker & owen, hay and com store, henry hawker, henry street, j .harry butherway, jack burgoyne, jack ryan, jock read, john lyon, junk yard, kevin gahan, kilpatricks, len parsons, lyon family, machine factory, mc leans, memorial, metery road, miss reynolds, monteith 's bus, mr. gadd, mrs. bird, mrs. morrison, napoleon street, peter bassett smith, peter's gahan, plenty river, plumridge, produce store, public hall, rechabite hall, reynolds road, roger bird, rutter family, ryan family, shoe factory., staffs produce store, studley cairn gahan, sweeneys lane, swimming pool, taylor street, tennis court, warren family, wooden bridge, yarra brae road

This medallion was produced at the Royal Australia Mint in Canberra in 1988 to commemorate the Bicentenary of European settlement in Australia. The obverse design was by Michael Meszaros and the Bicentenary logo was designed by Michael Tracy. This medallion was given to Elizabeth Douglas in 1988 in recognition of her work as Secretary of the Shire of Hampden Bicentennial Community Committee. At the time Miss Douglas was Principal of Derrinallum High School, a position she held from 1984 to 1991. In retirement Elizabeth O'Callaghan (nee Douglas) spent many years as an active member of the Warrnambool and District Historical SocietyThis item is of historic interest as an example of a Bicentennial medal awarded to a local individualThis is a medallion of circular shape and bronze colouring (gold-plated). On the obverse side it has a raised gold pattern representing masses of people with a flag and gold lettering. On the reverse side it has a stylised map of Australia with gold lettering and sprays of flowers. The medal rests on a round plastic container inserted into a rectangular green box with felt trimming. The box is contained in another green cardboard box Australian Bicentenary 1788-1988 Celebration of a Nation Australia 1788-1988 The Official Bicentenary Commemorative Medallionaustralian bicentenary, bicentennial medallion, elizabeth douglas derrinallum

Pilot Officer Wilkinson 400444 was seconded from the RAAF to the RAF flying missions over Germany. His gallantry earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1944 for numerous successful missions over Germany. He was Killed in Action on 30th of August 1944.Brown timber frame containing 5 metal medals, photograph of Airman, flying patch and plague on red felt backgroundBronze Plaque: Service Number 400444 P.,O. John W. Wilkinson DFC Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross March 1944 Killed in Action over Germany August 1944j h wilkinson, raaf, dfc

This medal for bravery, for rescue of the crew from the shipwreck “Eric the Red” on 4th September 1880, was awarded to one of the crew of the steamer S.S. Dawn by the President of the United States in July 1881. The medal is engraved with the name “Nelson Johnson” (the anglicised version of his Swedish name Neils Frederick Yohnson). It was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in 2013 by Nelson’s granddaughter. Nelson had migrated from Sweden to Sydney in 1879. The next year in 1880, aged 24, he was a seaman on the steamship Dawn and involved in the rescue of the survivors of the Eric the Red. Nelson Johnson was a crew member of the S.S. Dawn and was one of the rescue team in the dinghy in the early morning of September 4th 1880. Medals were awarded to the Captain and crew of the S.S. Dawn by the President of the United States, through the Consul-general (Mr Oliver M. Spencer), in July 1881 “ … in recognition of their humane efforts in rescuing the 23 survivors of the American built wooden sailing ship, the Eric the Red, on 4th September 1880.” The men were also presented with substantial monetary rewards and gifts. The city of Warrnambool’s care of the survivors was also mentioned by the President at the presentation, saying that “the city hosted and supported the crew ‘most graciously’. Previously, a week after the shipwreck, the Australian Government had also conveyed its thanks to the Captain and crew of the S.S. Dawn “Captain Griffith Jones, S.S. Dawn, The Hon. Mr Clark desires that the thanks of the Government should be conveyed to you for the prompt, persevering and seamanlike qualities displayed by you, your officers and crew in saving the number of lives you did on the occasion referred to. The hon. The Commissioner has also been pleased to award you a souvenir in commemoration of the occasion, and a sum of 65 pounds to be awarded to your officers and crew according to annexed scale. I am, &c, W Collins Rees, for and in the absence of the Chief Harbour Master.” The Awards are as follows: - Crew of DAWN'S lifeboat-Chief Officer, Mr G. Peat, 15 pounds; boat's crew-G. Sterge, A.B., 5 pounds; T. Hammond, A.B., 5 pounds; J. Black, A.B., 5 pounds; H. Edwards, A.B., 5 pounds. Dinghy's Crew-Second Officer, Mr Christie, 10 pounds; boat's crew -F. Lafer, A.B., 5 pounds; W. Johnstone, A.B., 5 pounds; Mr Lear, provedore, 5 pounds; Mr Dove, purser, 5 pounds. Captain Jones receives a piece of plate. (from “Wreck of the ship Eric the Red” by Jack Loney) The medal’s history, according to the Editor of ‘E-Sylum’ (the newsletter of The Numismatic Bibliomania Society “… appears to be an example of an 1880 State Department medal, catalogued as LS-3 (page 322 of R. W. Julian's book, Medals of the United States Mint: The First Century 1792-1892). The reverse is mostly blank for engraving, surrounded by a thin wreath. It was designed by George Morgan, chief engraver for the Philadelphia Mint, and struck in gold, silver and bronze. The one pictured here (in The Standard newspaper, 2nd July 2013) appears to be silver.” The following is an account of the events which led to the awarding of this medal. The American ship Eric the Red was a wooden, three-masted clipper ship. She had 1,580 tons register and was the largest full-rigged ship built at Bath, Maine, USA in 1871. She was built and registered by Arthur Sewall, later to become the partnership E. & A. Sewall, the 51st ship built by this company. The annually-published List of Merchant Vessels of the U.S. shows Bath was still the home port of Eric the Red in 1880. The vessel was named after the Viking discoverer, Eric ‘the Red-haired’ Thorvaldsson, who was the first European to reach the shores of North America (in 980AD). The ship Eric the Red at first traded in coal between America and Britain, and later traded in guano nitrates from South America. In 1879 she was re-metalled and was in first-class condition. On 10th June 1880 (some records say 12th June) Eric the Red departed New York for Melbourne and then Sydney. She had been commissioned by American trade representatives to carry a special cargo of 500 exhibits (1400 tons) – about a quarter to a third of America’s total exhibits - for the U.S.A. pavilion at Melbourne’s first International Exhibition. The exhibits included furniture, ironmongery, wines, chemicals, dental and surgical instruments, paper, cages, bronze lamp trimmings, axles, stamped ware, astronomical and time globes, samples of corn and the choicest of leaf tobacco. Other general cargo included merchandise such as cases of kerosene and turpentine, brooms, Bristol's Sarsaparilla, Wheeler and Wilson sewing machines, Wheeler’s thresher machine, axe handles and tools, cases of silver plate, toys, pianos and organs, carriages and Yankee notions. The Eric the Red left New York under the command of Captain Zaccheus Allen (or some records say Captain Jacques Allen) and 24 other crew including the owner’s son third mate Ned Sewall. There were also 2 saloon passengers on board. The ship had been sailing for an uneventful 85 days and the voyage was almost at its end. As Eric the Red approached Cape Otway there was a moderate north-west wind and a hazy and overcast atmosphere. On 4th September 1880 at about 1:30 am Captain Allen sighted the Cape Otway light and was keeping the ship 5-6 miles offshore to stay clear of the hazardous Otway Reef. However, he had badly misjudged his position. The ship hit the Otway Reef about 2 miles out to sea, southwest of the Cape Otway light station. Captain Allen ordered the wheel to be put ‘hard up’ thinking that she might float off the reef. The sea knocked the helmsman away from the wheel, broke the wheel ropes and carried away the rudder. The lifeboats were swamped, the mizzenmast fell, with all of its riggings, then the mainmast also fell and the ship broke in two. Some said that the passenger Vaughan, who was travelling for his health and not very strong, was washed overboard and never seen again. The ship started breaking up. The forward house came adrift with three of the crew on it as well as a longboat, which the men succeeded in launching and keeping afloat by continually bailing with their sea boots. The captain, the third mate (the owner’s son) and others clung to the mizzenmast in the sea. Then the owner’s son was washed away off the mast. Within 10 minutes the rest of the ship was in pieces, completely wrecked, with cargo and wreckage floating in the sea. The captain encouraged the second mate to swim with him to the deckhouse where there were other crew but the second mate wouldn’t go with him. Eventually, the Captain made it to the deckhouse and the men pulled him up. At about 4:30 am the group of men on the deckhouse saw the lights of a steamer and called for help. At the same time, they noticed the second mate and the other man had drifted nearby, still on the spur, and pulled them both onto the wreck. The coastal steamer SS Dawn was returning to Warrnambool from Melbourne, and its sailing time was different to its usual schedule. She was built in 1876 and bought by the Portland and Belfast Steam Navigation Co. in 1877. At the time of this journey, she was commanded by Captain Jones and was sailing between Melbourne and Portland via Warrnambool. The provedore the Dawn, Benjamin Lear, heard cries of distress coming through the portholes of the saloon. He gave the alarm and the engines were stopped. Cries could be heard clearly, coming from the land. Captain Jones sent out crew in two boats and fired off rockets and blue lights to illuminate the area. They picked up the three survivors who were in the long boat from Eric the Red. Two men were picked up out of the water, one being the owner’s son who was clinging to floating kerosene boxes. At daylight, the Dawn then rescued the 18 men from the floating portion of the deckhouse, which had drifted about 4 miles from where they’d struck the reef. Shortly after the rescue the deckhouse drifted onto breakers and was thrown onto rocks at Point Franklin, about 2 miles east of Cape Otway. Captain Jones had signalled to Cape Otway lighthouse the number of the Eric the Red and later signalled that there was a wreck at Otway Reef but there was no response from the lighthouse. The captain and crew of the Dawn spent several more hours searching unsuccessfully for more survivors, even going back as far as Apollo Bay. On board the Dawn the exhausted men received care and attention to their needs and wants, including much-needed clothing. Captain Allen was amongst the 23 battered and injured men who were rescued and later taken to Warrnambool for care. Warrnambool’s mayor and town clerk offered them all hospitality, the three badly injured men going to the hospital for care and others to the Olive Branch Hotel, then on to Melbourne. Captain Allen’s leg injury prevented him from going ashore so he and three other men travelled on the Dawn to Portland. They were met by the mayor who also treated them all with great kindness. Captain Allen took the train back to Melbourne then returned to America. Those saved were Captain Zaccheus Allen (or Jacques Allen), J. Darcy chief mate, James F. Lawrence second mate, Ned Sewall third mate and owner’s son, John French the cook, C. Nelson sail maker, Clarence W. New passenger, and able seamen Dickenson, J. Black, Denis White, C. Herbert, C. Thompson, A. Brooks, D. Wilson, J. Ellis, Q. Thompson, C. Newman, W. Paul, J. Davis, M. Horenleng, J. Ogduff, T. W. Drew, R. Richardson. Four men had lost their lives; three of them were crew (Gus Dahlgreen ship’s carpenter, H. Ackman steward, who drowned in his cabin, and George Silver seaman) and one a passenger (J. B. Vaughan). The body of one of them had been found washed up at Cape Otway and was later buried in the lighthouse cemetery; another body was seen on an inaccessible ledge. Twelve months later the second mate James F. Lawrence, from Nova Scotia passed away in the Warrnambool district; an obituary was displayed in the local paper. Neither the ship nor its cargo was insured. The ship was worth about £15,000 and the cargo was reportedly worth £40,000; only about £2,000 worth had been recovered. Cargo and wreckage washed up at Apollo Bay, Peterborough, Port Campbell, Western Port and according to some reports, even as far away as the beaches of New Zealand. The day after the wreck the government steamship Pharos was sent from Queenscliff to clear the shipping lanes of debris that could be a danger to ships. The large midship deckhouse of the ship was found floating in a calm sea near Henty Reef. Items such as an American chair, a ladder and a nest of boxes were all on top of the deckhouse. As it was so large and could cause danger to passing ships, Captain Payne had the deckhouse towed towards the shore just beyond Apollo Bay. Between Apollo Bay and Blanket Bay, the captain and crew of Pharos collected Wheeler and Wilson sewing machines, nests of boxes, bottles of Bristol’s sarsaparilla, pieces of common American chairs, axe handles, a Wheelers’ Patent thresher and a sailor’s trunk with the words “A. James” on the front. A ship’s flag-board bearing the words “Eric the Red” was found on the deckhouse; finally, those on board the Pharos had the name of the wrecked vessel. During this operation, Pharos came across the government steamer Victoria and also a steamer S.S. Otway, both of which were picking up flotsam and wreckage. A whole side of the hull and three large pieces of the other side of the hull, with some of the copper sheathing stripped off, had floated onto Point Franklin. Some of the vessels' yards and portions of her masts were on shore. The pieces of canvas attached to the yards and masts confirmed that the vessel had been under sail. The beach there was piled with debris several feet high. There were many cases of Diamond Oil kerosene, labelled R. W. Cameron and Company, New York. There were also many large planks of red pine, portions of a small white boat and a large, well-used oar. Other items found ashore included sewing machines (some consigned to ‘Long and Co.”) and notions, axe and scythe handles, hay forks, wooden pegs, rolls of wire (some branded “T.S” and Co, Melbourne”), kegs of nails branded “A.T. and Co.” from the factory of A. Field and Son, Taunton, Massachusetts, croquet balls and mallets, buggy fittings, rat traps, perfumery, cutlery and Douay Bibles, clocks, bicycles, chairs, a fly wheel, a cooking stove, timber, boxes, pianos, organs and a ladder. (Wooden clothes pegs drifted in for many years). There seemed to be no personal luggage or clothing. The Pharos encountered a long line, about one and a half miles, of f locating wreckage about 10 miles off land, southeast of Cape Otway, and in some places about 40 feet wide. It seemed that more than half of it was from Eric the Red. The ship’s crew rescued 3 cases that were for the Melbourne Exhibition and other items from amongst the debris. There were also chairs, doors, musical instruments, washing boards, nests of trunks and flycatchers floating in the sea. Most of the goods were saturated and smelt of kerosene. A section of the hull lies buried in the sand at Parker River Beach. An anchor with a chain is embedded in the rocks east of Point Franklin and a second anchor, thought to be from Eric the Red, is on display at the Cape Otway light station. (There is a photograph of a life belt on the verandah of Rivernook Guest House in Princetown with the words “ERIC THE RED / BOSTON”. This is rather a mystery as the ship was registered in Bath, Maine, USA.) Parts of the ship are on display at Bimbi Park Caravan Park and at Apollo Bay Museum. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village also has part of the helm (steering wheel), a carved wooden sword (said to be the only remaining portion of the ship’s figurehead; further research is currently being carried out), a door, a metal rod, samples of wood and this medal awarded for the rescue of the crew. Much of the wreckage was recovered by the local residents before police and other authorities arrived at the scene. Looters went to great effort to salvage goods, being lowered down the high cliff faces to areas with little or no beach to collect items from the wreckage, their mates above watching out for dangerous waves. A Tasmanian newspaper reports on a court case in Stawell, Victoria, noting a man who was caught 2 months later selling tobacco from the wreckage of Eric the Red. Some of the silverware is still treasured by descendants of Mr Mackenzie who was given these items by officials for his help in securing the cargo. The gifts included silver coffee and teapots, half a dozen silver serviette rings and two sewing machines. A Mr G.W. Black has in his possession a medal and a purse that was awarded to his father, another Dawn crew member who was part of the rescue team. The medal is similarly inscribed and named “To John Black ….” (from “Shipwrecks” by Margaret E. Mackenzie, 3rd edition, published 1964). The wreck and cargo were sold to a Melbourne man who salvaged a quantity of high-quality tobacco and dental and surgical instruments. Timbers from the ship were salvaged and used in the construction of houses and shed around Apollo Bay, including a guest house, Milford House (since burnt down in bushfires), which had furniture, fittings and timber on the dining room floor from the ship. A 39.7-foot-long trading ketch, the Apollo, was also built from its timbers by Mr Burgess in 1883 and subsequently used in Tasmanian waters. It was the first attempt at shipbuilding in Apollo Bay. In 1881 a red light was installed about 300 feet above sea level at the base of the Cape Otway lighthouse to warn ships when they were too close to shore; It would not be visible unless a ship came within 3 miles from it. This has proved to be an effective warning. Nelson Johnson married Elizabeth Howard in 1881 and they had 10 children, the father of the medal’s donor being the youngest. They lived in 13 Tichbourne Place, South Melbourne, Victoria. Nelson died in 1922 in Fitzroy Victoria, age 66. In 1895 the owners of the S.S. Dawn, the Portland and Belfast Steam Navigation Co., wound up and sold out to the Belfast Company who took over the Dawn for one year before selling her to Howard Smith. She was condemned and sunk in Suva in 1928. The State Library of Victoria has a lithograph in its collection depicting the steamer Dawn and the shipwrecked men, titled. "Wreck of the ship Eric the Red, Cape Otway: rescue of the crew by the Dawn". The medal for bravery is associated with the ship the “The Eric the Red which is historically significant as one of Victoria's major 19th century shipwrecks. (Heritage Victoria Eric the Red; HV ID 239) The wreck led to the provision of an additional warning light placed below the Cape Otway lighthouse to alert mariners to the location of Otway Reef. The site is archaeologically significant for its remains of a large and varied cargo and ship's fittings being scattered over a wide area. The site is recreationally and aesthetically significant as it is one of the few sites along this coast where tourists can visit identifiable remains of a large wooden shipwreck, and for its location set against the background of Cape Otway, Bass Strait, and the Cape Otway lighthouse.“ (Victorian Heritage Database Registration Number S239, Official Number 8745 USA) This medal was awarded to Nelson Johnson by the U.S. President for bravery in the rescue of the Eric the Red crew. The obverse of the round, solid silver medal has an inscription around the rim. In the centre of the medal is the head of Liberty to the left, hair in a bun, with a sprig of leaves in the top left of a band around her head. There is a 6-pointed star below the portrait, between the start and end of the inscription. There are two raised areas on the rim, horizontally opposite each other, from the edge to just below the lettering and coinciding with the holes drilled in the edge. Slightly right of the top is a round indentation in the rim. The reverse has a wreath of leaves as a border, joined at the bottom by a ribbon bow. In the centre of the medal is an inscription, decorated with 3-pronged design and dots. The edge is plain with 2 small, rough and uneven holes horizontally opposite to each other, as though they had been used for mounting the medal at some stage. The medal has a matte finish on both sides and is slightly pitted and scratched.“PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES” around the perimeter of the obverse of the medal. “TO / Nelson Johnson, / seaman of the British, / str “Dawn”, for bravery, / at risk of life, / in / rescuing the crew of / the American Ship / “Eric the Red.” “M” on obverse, truncation of the portraitwarrnambool, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, shipwreck artefact, eric the red, zaccheus allen, sewall, 1880, melbourne exhibition, cape otway, otway reef, victorian shipwreck, medal, nelson johnson, neils frederick yohnson, s.s. dawn, george morgan, hero

Gallipoli star medal and badge belonged to Private Thomas E. Rollings 1983 who was born at Tallangatta and enlisted on the 21/6/1915 at age 24 . He served with the 24th Battalion and on the 11/ 11/1915 at Lone Pine received severe bomb wounds to both legs and right arm. On 24/12/1915 his right leg was amputated and he was repatriated home in January 1916. He passed away in 1966 and is buried at Eldorado.Black timber frame containing bronze coloured star shaped metal medal with red blue and white striped ribbon and a gold-coloured metal badge/medallion depicted a soldier with rifle both mounted on red felt."1983 / Pte. Thomas E. Rollings / 24th Battalion A.I.F."gallipoli star, medal, anzac, wwi, world war one, 24th battalion

.1) The medallion is believed to be for Rifle shooting. .2) Commonly called Dead Mans Penny. Issued to next of kin of a soldier who never returned. Walter Peake 6/1688 N.Z.E.F. Refer Cat No’s 1794, 1791.3, 1792P..1) Gold coloured commemorative medallion for W. Peake Jr dated 15/11/15, centre disc, target with rifle on maltese cross. .2) Memorial plaque, bronze with Brittania, lions and seals. A space is provided for individual names..1) " W Peake jr /Epsom/15/11/15" .2) "WALTER PEAKE " HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR.numismatics - medals - commemorative, military history, memorial plaque