The Maréchal de Turenne, a three mast barque, was built in the "Chantiers de la Loire" shipyard in Nantes, port in the West of France, in 1899 by the company René Guillon et René Fleury. Capacity of 3000 barrels. The barque is called a "cap-hornier" in French. In a book written in 1973 by Georges Aubin, "La mer douce et cruelle", ed. France-Empire, a chapter "Une traversée du trois-mâts nantais Maréchal de Turenne" (page 285 to 319) tells how the ship was navigating from London to New-York to load barrels of petrol bound for Melbourne.The photograph demonstrates how prepared the merchant navy was during the First World War. The French Merchant Navy had additional men from the Navy: the six sailors in uniform and sailor "bachi" bonnet with the AMBC inscription were on the ship to support the crew in case of enemy attack. Two of those soldiers carry a bayonet. One of the sailors is wearing headphones: World War One saw telecommunication progress. At sea, the threat were the German submarines: the U-boats.The photograph depicting the 22 members of the crew was taken in October 1918 onboard the Marechal de Turenne. The two on the right and left side are holding a picture of the barque. One man at the back is holding a cat. 11 names are written at the back. The photograph was turned into a postcard.Printed at the back: On the left: Green Bros/Photo/251 Nelson Place, Williamstown Centered: Post Card/Correspondence/Address only Top right corner for the stamp: Kodak Australia Written at the back: octobre 1918 Souvenir du navire Maréchal de Turenne Berthot Jacquet Renaut R. Renaut H. Lecoq Mercier Berger Dubas Lorie Coat Tilloncrew, barque, french, 1918, marechal de turenne, nantes, wwi, world war one, first world war, great war, buoy, ship mascot, cat, a.m.b.c, bayonet, african, black man, apprentices, armement militaire des bâtiments de commerce, bachi, sailor beret, radio transmitters, telegraph, morse, telecommunication, german submarines, u-boats, cigarettes, smoking, williamstown, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, nelson place, crews and ships

In November 1914, an advertisement was placed in the British national press inviting monetary contributions to a 'Sailors and Soldiers Christmas Fund' which had been created by Princess Mary, the 17 year old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The purpose was to provide everyone wearing the King's uniform and serving overseas on Christmas Day with a 'gift from the nation'. The response was overwhelming, and it was decided to spend the money on an embossed brass box, based on a design by Messrs Adshead and Ramsay. The contents varied considerably; officers and men on active service afloat or at the front received a box containing a combinationof pipe, lighter, tobacco and 20 cigarettes and wrappers. Non smokers received a bullet pencil and a packet of sweets instead. Indian troops often got sweets and spices, and nurses were given chocolate.This box is on loan from the grandson of the soldier who it was given to.This box is on loan from Terry Phillips. It belonged to his Grandfather who served at Gallipoli.Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Gift tin. Decorative brass with Princess Mary's profile surrounded by a laurel wreath engraved in the the centre of the lid, with the letter 'M' on both sides. The names of the allied nations are engraved in the corners and on the sides. A sword and scabbard decorate the top side. The lower side is decorated with battleships..At the top a decorative cartouche contains the words "Imperium Britannicum" and one on the lower edge contains the words "Christmas 1914". In small roundels on the corners appear the names "Belgium", "Japan", "Montenegro" and "Servia". "France and "Russia" are written on the short sides.world war one, box, brass box, princess mary 1914 christmas gift, decorative box, anzac, 1914, christmas, gift, princess, mary, russia, belgium, japan, montenegro, servia, france

In 1951 - in the context of the Cold War - the Menzies government established the 'National Service Act 1951', which called-up men for compulsory military training for a period of 176 days. The 14th Battallion was located in Victoria. The coat has historic significance in the wider context of Australia’s involvement in the Cold War (particularly in Vietnam) and in the establishment of a National Service Scheme. Olive green army man coat with four outside pockets - two on the chest, two at the bottom; each pocket has one metallic button attached. Coat has a metallic zip as well as metallic buttons; two velcro scratches at the wrist level. Extra removable padding inside, which is attached with plastic buttons. Two identical inscriptions on right and left shoulder reading '14 National Service Battalion'. Two identical inscriptions on right and left shoulder - reading '14 National Service Battalion' Manufacturing details on the inside reading: Coat, Cold weather, Man's, Field M-65. Olive green colour. Style 8120/8542 DSA 102-81-C1204. 1. Wear as outer garment or as under-layer in cold-dry climate. 2. Wear button-in liner for added insulation. 3. Adjust closures and drawcords to ventilate; avoid over-heating of body. 4. When hood is used, lower extension shall be worn over neck opening, preventing water. 5. Brush snow or frost from garments before entering opening. 6. For fast drying, remove liner from coat. 7. Do not expose to high temperature of a stove. 8. Lubricate slide fasteners with wax. 9. For cleaning and restoring of water repellency return to laundry for machine washing in accordance with established procedures for quarpel garments. 10. Do not starch. Do not remove this label. Black ink pen inscription on manufacturing label reading '3/715875' and 'N.Wain'war, army, coat, man's coat, australian army, military uniform, national service scheme, cold war, vietnam war

In January 1923, 5 years after the end of WWI, the two French cruisers Jules Michelet and Victor Hugo went on a tour in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand consolidating the friendship between the countries. The cruisers arrived in January 1923 and Melbournians were invited to visit the ships. Amongst them the ladies from the Guild. In the "Jottings from Our Log"number 69 dated from January 1923 we can read: Our French Visitors The French cruisers, “Jules Michelet” and “Victor Hugo”, each with a complement of 26 officers and 747 men, paid a visit to this port towards the end of the year. Many of the sailors made good use of our institute, and were supplied with French magazines and papers, and were delighted to find that quite a number of ladies could speak French fluently. Over one hundred men were present at the Institute on one of our special nights during Christmas week, when each French visitor was supplied with refreshments and a cigar. Through the great kindness of some of our ladies, each man aboard the two cruisers was supplied with a packet of cigarettes. These were greatly appreciated by the men, and a warm letter of thanks was received from each of the captains."Reflects strong community and LHLG links via the Mission and as a result of WW1 support and fundraising efforts.Sepia tone blurry photograph with a white frame depicting two French seafarers with their traditional uniform and beret on shore near a pier shed children or women in the far distance at lwr right.Handwritten at the back in pencil: New Year 1923 Jules Micheletfrench cruiser, jules michelet, victor hugo, wwi

This informally posed photo was taken in front of the old grandstand at Mortlake's recreation (football) oval. It shows 17 troopers in uniform, holding rifles. There are 7 horses, one trooper is mounted. All wear an early version of the slouch hat. An interested group of mainly boys and a few men, including a policeman, watch from the grandstand. Shows early preparation for national defence or conflict, at a local level. Britain had withdrawn its defence forces from the colonies in 1870, so the States had to provide their own. District defence groups were common at this time, meeting regularly for training. This un-named and un-dated photo appears to be a local (Mortlake) unit of the Victorian Mounted Rifles c. 1885,[A local expert on weaponry believes they are from the 'Victorian Rangers' judging from their rifles.] They were precursors of the Light Horse regiments of the Boer and First World Wars. Mortlake has its own Boer War Memorial (1902) in Mortlake Botanic Gardens. Rectangular sepia photograph on cardboard backinghorse, victorian, australian, australia, defence, war, rifles, memorial, mounted, light, mortlake, boer

The photograph shows a ship visit. It is historically significant and thought to be one of a series of photographs linked to a publicity campaign circa 1955-1956 promoting the work of the Mission. The campaign partly inspired by the Centenary year of the Mission in Australia (1956) also resulted in the production of a black and white short film "The Flying Angel", featuring and Padre Oliver and the work of the Mission was deposited in 2016 with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, (ACMI) Federation Square, Melbourne.Padre Frank Oliver, Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers 1930 - 1960 led the Mission through a period of significant changes through the mid 20th C. This image is one of a series of key images showing the work of the Mission Chaplain in the Post WWII period. Father Frank Oliver wearing uniform including officers cap walking up a gangway and being met by a group of four men. There is a fifth man standing slightly to the left of the photograph.Discolouration on the bottom left and top centre of the photograph.uniform, machinery, ship, crew, gangway, deck, handshake, chains, rope, buoy, pulleys, rivets, padre oliver, frank leslie oliver, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, robin kent, kerr bros studio

Formal group photograph of men, women and children in Red Cross uniform outside the Rechabite Hall Greensborough, during World War I.Digital copy of black and white photograph.red cross, world war i, rechabite hall greensborough

The Corps of Commissionaires was founded in 1859 to provide work for ex service men. The Corps of Commissionaires is a Security Company and is currently trading as 'Corps Security'. The Company specialises in providing corporate security.This hat badge, buttons and ribbons are the originals of someone who was employed by the Corps of Commissionaires.These items include a hat badge, uniform buttons, 2 x ribbons (colour light blue, dark blue and red) with rosettes. The two rosettes indicate 25 years service.Around to centre of the hat badge and the buttons 'Corps of Commissionaires Victoria'.commissionaires, ex serviceman

Light Horse Group No 2 Troop, C Squadron, Victoria Valley.This troop was part of the Hamilton and District Group. This group was disbanded in 1941/42. Members in the photograph were: Back L-R Doug Beveridge, Norm Whittford, Merv Crawford and Bob Gordon. Front L-R Cec McArthur, Hec HayBlack and white photograph mounted on white card. Group of 6 men in Light Horse army uniform.light horse, victoria valley, military, army

Mt Beauty Workman's Club was formed in 1945, re-built and opened in 1954 and again in 1962 and 1968. The Bowls club was founded in 1970 and later was affiliated with the Victorian Ladies' Bowling Association (VLBA) and the North Eastern District LBA in 1974. There were strict rules regarding the Bowlers' uniform.The Mt Beauty Workman's Club was built by the SECV in 1945 to service their employees on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. As Mt Beauty grew it became the centre of activity for residents including the Bowling Club. The blazer is an example of the dress code for men playing bowls at the time.Black wool blazer fully lined with long sleeves, collar, 2 silver buttons. 3 pockets on the front - 2 on the bottom - left and right - and one at the top on the left. This one has a woven green, yellow and white logo with RVBA at the top and 'Mt Beauty Workman's Club' underneath. There is an inside pocket on the top right side with a label 'Blazer and Uniform Specialists / David Lack / Pty Ltd / Melbourne / Name "R. Burnett" / No. "3888"' - the name and number are typed in.mt beauty workman's club, mt beauty bowling club, r. burnett, bowling blazer

These type of gaiters were used by soldiers who would have been attached to the Light Horse Regiments. No other men other than soldiers in the Light Horse Regiments wore these gaiters as they were part of their uniform and added protection of their lower legs when riding their horses. All levels for AIF people wore these gaiter from Privates to Officers. There seems to be several types of gaiters which were lace ups or had straps over the outside of the gaiters or some were just done up with the buckles at the top. It is unknown it the ones we have would have had straps on the outside or if this was a choice of the wearer. Towards the end of WWI many of the light horse regiments combined with each other as their numbers became less and eventually with the advancement of military weapons the use of horses in war battles become less and were not needed in consequent world wars. These gaiters are historical significant to world war one and the light horse regiments especially the 4th and 13th Regiments. Men from the the Kiewa Valley went off to war and fought with the these regiments. Henry Higginson fought with both the 4th and 13th LHR in France. Sydney Stewart fought with the 4th LHR in France and was killed in France aged 20 years of age. A few of the young men that left from Tawonga in the Kiewa Valley went into the Light Horse Regiments as they were farmers that had experience with horse. Even though the AIF said they just did not automatically put country men into the LHR . Despite not having provenance of these gaiters the fact that men from Tawonga were in the light horse regiments, and only men from the LHR wore these gaiters it would be safe to say they would have been from some one in the local area that fought in WWI who owned these. Therefore they are representative of gaiters from the LHR and have excellent interpretive capacity as KVHS have a photo of Henry Higginson wearing his uniform which clearly shows his gaiters similar to these ones.One pair of brown leather gaiters with buckle at top. Seam at ankel. Left gaiter has strap missingmilitary, army, horse, gaiters

Black and white photograph mounted on grey frame. 24 men posing for photograph in 4row structure - on the background, arena style sitting area. On extreme left and right, 2 Police officers stand on their uniforms. On the middle and sitting, middle age man in suit. The other, are younger men (police officers?) in sporting outfits. [information of event on newspaper cutting stuck on the back - as described on Inscriptions]Handwritten in the front of the frame, bellow photograph: back row W.Parker. J.Power. B.Barker. A.Condie A. // P.V.Callahan (see)E.Brewis T.Robertson. E.White V.Burns R.Farrell S.Cannon // W.Brady J.Purdon R.Boyle E.Denham.Pres. W.Hudd. R.Priestley. J.Brody // W.Poulter F. F.Elliott J.Thompson // Premiers V.P.F.A. 1934 Stamp: H.M. WALKER // PHOTOGRAPHER // 117 COLLINS ST. // MELBOURNEvictoria police museum, police officers, police academy, police force, football, sports, vpfa, poulter, william arthur; h. m. walker parker; w. power; j. barker; b. condie; a. callahan; p. v. brewis; e. robertson; t. white; e. burns; v. farrell; r. cannon; s. brady; w. purdon; j. boyle; r. denham; e. hudd; w. priestley; r. brody; j. poulter; w. elliott; f. thompson;

Black and white photograph mounted on dark brown frame. 18 young men posing for photograph in 3 row structure - on the background, arena style sitting area - and serious man on top left, dressed in 'detective' style. They are all in Victoria Police Football Club uniform, white or dark shorts, socks to the knees, sporting boots and shirts with VFP letters.Handwritten in the front of the frame, bellow photograph: Victorian Police Football Club June 1926 Handwritten on the back of the frame: 41502 // Bill 20 years Victoria Police Football // Team 1926 // Premiers Mid Week Association // 1926 BILL POULTER // FRONT ROW EXTREM RIGHTvictoria police museum, police officers, police academy, police force, football, sports, vpfa, william, poulter, bill poulter, victoria police football team, victoria police football club

Black and white photograph mounted on grey frame. 25 mid age police officers in formal setting posing for photograph in 3 row structure [all seem to be influential personalities of Victoria Police - see Inscriptions bellow]. They are all in full 1950s Police uniform, apart from two men on the extremes of front row, who wear suits. They stand in terrace of what seems to be a large and wealthy building on the back, large windows and collums on varandah.Printed above photograph: POLICE COLLEGE << Course No.1 -- November, 1958 - June 1959 >> Printed bellow photograph: Left to Right, Back Row: Stn. Officer Mooney, Sgt. Sheather, Det-Sgt. Carter, Sgt. Poulter, Sgt. Mooring, Sgt. Pearson, Sgt. Comrie, Sgt. Sharkey, Det.Sgt. McKnight. Centre Row: Sgt. Scotney, Insp. Hynes, Sgt. Long, Sgt. Payne, Insp. Houghton, Sgt. Peach, Sgt. Moore, Sgt. Heath, Sgt. Rose. Front Row (Directing Staff): Mr. C. H. Smith, Det-Sgt. Warne, Insp. Quill, Insp. DeLany, Insp. Milner, Det-Sgt. Braybrook, Mr. R. Crowling.victoria police museum, police officers, police academy, police force, william, poulter, bill poulter, police college, tompkins, stuart, stn. officer mooney, sgt. sheather, det-sgt. carter, mr. r. crowling., det-sgt. braybrook, insp. milner, insp. delany, insp. quill, det-sgt. warne, mr. c. h. smith, sgt. rose, sgt. heath, sgt. moore, sgt. peach, insp. houghton, sgt. payne, sgt. long, insp. hynes, sgt. scotney, det.sgt. mcknight, sgt. sharkey, sgt. comrie, sgt. pearson, sgt. mooring, sgt. poulter

Black and white photograph mounted on grey frame. 12 young men pose for photograph in 1920s[?] uniform (no insignia on clothes) in 2 row strucuture, front one sitting and back standing up. 3 men on the bottom right look way more relaxed - not sitting up straight, large smiles and holds a cigarette in their hands. Likely to have Robert Davidson on the photograph, who joined the force in 1924Handwritten: (centre) BOB DAVIDSON // 203 CRANBOURNE RD // FRANKSTON // 7836194 (top right) CP42 White sticker on frame: 9/7/80 // Received from S.C. Steve Muir, 'Police Life' on this date. victoria police museum, police officers, police academy, police force, bob davidson, davidson, robert, senior constable steve muir, muir, steve, police life

Frank Porter laying out a Triumph Thunderbird 650cc at Yarra Bend Park with three men watching in the background. Two men to the left are in overalls and the third man is in full uniform including helmet and one glove.police vehicles; wireless patrol; motor transport branch; motor transport section; motor cycle patrol; police motorcycles; triumph thunderbird motorcycle; porter, frank

Three men, with two standing beside a Kawasaki and Henry Graham Johnson sitting astride motorcycle. The man to the right of the photograph, in full uniform, is Sgt Arch Condiepolice vehicles; wireless patrol; motor transport branch; motor transport section; motor cycle patrol; police motorcycles; kawasaki motorcycle; johnson, henry graham; condie, david archibald

This photograph is probably of school teams.This is a pictorial record reflecting the importance of sport in Orbost society.Two black / white photograph / postcards of a group of girls dressed in sports uniforms. In photograph 3155.2 a man is holding a drum stick and another a drum. There are two other men on the left. All men are wearing suits.3155.2 - on back - "Girls Hockey Team Orbost V Newmerella Newmerella won"sport-hockey-orbost recreation

Snowy River Shipping Company formed in 1880. They were soon shipping produce (mainly vegetables) from the area to Melbourne. The Snowy River Shipping Company was formed by Mr Henry James during the 1880s, with Captain McNeil as master. Captain McNeil was an always cheerful Marlo identity and local children had many times sailing with him on the river. Captain McNeil with tug went out through the entrance and brought in the schooners.This photograph is associated with an early Marlo identity.A black / white photograph of five people, three men and two women, standing in front of a wooden cottage. The man on the left is wearing what appears to be a ship's captain's uniform.on back - "Capt. McNeil in front of house, Marlo, July 1897"

This photograph was published in "The News" on Friday, January 11 1974. Those in the photograph are : L -R Stan Reed, Ted Smith, Alf Barling and Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria). They are having morning tea with the State Governor when he visited Orbost.The accompanying article was titled "TEA WITH THE GOVERNOR". Councillor S. J. Reed was the Orbost Shire President, E.A.Smith was a Shire Councillor and Mr A. Barling was the Orbost Municipal Band Leader. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall This photograph is associated with the Orbost Municipal Band. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe was the last British Governor of Victoria, Australia from 1963 to 1974.A black / white photograph of four men standing facing the camera. They are dressed in suits and wearing ties. One man is dressed in a band uniform. Three are holding cups and saucers.orbost-municipal-band barling-alf delacombe-rohan

The Robex traveller’s pouch may have originally contained men’s grooming set or toiletries such as shaving accessors and soap. The leather strap inside the lid was designed to hold items like a toothbrush, comb or razor. The owner, Dr W.R. Angus, had used the pouch to store his personal memorabilia including epaulettes and various Australian Army-issued items from WWII. It seems likely that he wore the epaulettes on a uniform when he worked his passage to or from the UK as a young Ship’s Surgeon, with the purpose of furthering his studies overseas in 1927-1928. He travelled outward on the SS Banffshire and homeward on the Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. The pouch dates from 1946 at the earliest. The Robex leather accessories brand was made by Lyall Robertson Pty. Ltd., Sandringham, Victoria. Robertson established his home business in the 1940s and went on to be a leading firm with over 200 staff. The Robex trademark was registered on July 5th, 1946. The leather pouch is now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II Dr Angus served as a Military Doctor. He was a Surgeon Captain for the Australian Defence Forces, Army Medical Corps, stationed in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W. He completed his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Both Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This traveller's pouch is significant for its connection with the firm Lyall Robertson Pty Ltd of Victoria, a home-based enterprise of the 1940s with quickly grew to employ much staff to make its good quality goods. It is also connected with the local doctor, W.R. Angus and Warrnambool's Medical History. Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist, collected a range of military objects including those he personally used during his time as Surgeon Captain in the Australian Defence Forces in World War II. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.Traveller's pouch; tan water buffalo calf leather with brass zipper closure, cream-coloured fabric lining, and leather straps inside the lid for securing items. A silver embossed logo is on the lining of the base of the pouch. The Robex brand was made by Lyall Robertson Pty. Ltd in Victoria. The pouch belonged to Dr W R Angus and is now part of the W. R. Angus Collection.Stamped inside the base “ROBEX / WATER BUFFALO” and a silver logo [shield] flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, dr w r angus, w.r. angus collection, australian army, world war 2, second world war, ww 2, army issue, wwii, traveller's pouch, personal grooming accessory, robex, buffalo calf leather, lyall robertson pty. ltd, ss banffshire, t.s.s. largs bay, leather goods, travel goods

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a group of men dressed in a band uniform, many without jackets and with their sleeves rolled up and some with handkerchiefs tucked under their hats, shading the backs of their necks. They are performing on a platform raised on trestles in a grassy field and in the background people can be seen. The conductor standing in the middle is Frank Wright, the band is the Soldier's Memorial Band and the place is Tanunda.Written in pencil on back - B Grade Hymn Contest, Frank Wright conducting, Ballarat S.M.Band, Tanunda Oct 1930frank wright, ballarat soldiers' memorial band, tanunda, brass band, conductor

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of four men standing beside the fence of a weatherboard and lacework house. The left hand man is dressed in a soldier's uniform, the middle, left hand man is dressed in the 71st Infantry Band uniform, the man to his right is an older man with a beard and dressed in a dark suit and the fouth man is dressed in a jacket and light trousers. The middle, left hand man is Frank Wright and the man to his right is his father William Wright.frank wright, william wright, 71st infantry band