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Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Pack, Equipment
Standard WW2 era Australian Army issue, pattern 1937 equipment pack made of heavy weight cotton webbing material in the standard khaki colour. This pack was carried on the wearer's back, supported by two straps worn over the shoulder. These packs were used by military personnel to carry personal equipment items whilst in the field. This pack type is square in shape and has additional straps for attaching to webbing. The front of the pack has 'NX 83432 G Siddaway' written in black. The top flap of the pack is secured by two straps which attach to brass buckles secured by canvas loops to the front of the pack.This pack is stamped with the standard Australian Dept of Defence mark and has the serviceman's name "NX 83432 G. Sidaway" -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Helmet, Steel MK111
An example of a British pattern steel battle helmet painted dark Khaki, complete with camouflage netting, chin strap and inner support liner. This is an Australian Army type MK111 steel helmet, standard issue for Australian infantry personnel during WW11 operations. The inside of the helmet is padded with a protective, dense rubber liner and has an adjustable cotton webbing chin strap. Australian manufacture, dated 1942, similar to the British "Brodie" pattern steel helmet originally introduced during WW1. The rim of the helmet is stamped '1942' and is marked number '7'. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Writing Paper
A loose pack of 53 sheets of printed writing paper distributed to service personnel for the purpose of writing to their family and friends. This stationery is printed in red ink with a ruled writing area above which is a letterhead. The letterhead features the names of the charitable organisations involved in producing and distributing the stationery. The reverse side of the paper has ruled lines printed vertically in blue ink. The paper is approximately 8 x 5 inches in size and is a buff colour.The paper has printed letterhead with the "AUSTRALIAN COMFORTS FUND", "VICTORIAN DIVISION", the ACF insignia and the note "With Which is Affiliated". The affiliated organisation names are also printed, being "R.S.L War Service Fund", "Y.M.C.A.", "The Salvation Army" and the "Y.W.C.A." -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Book, Pre-Discharge Information and Check List
... to service personnel leaving the Army. The handbook contains details... as a guide to service personnel leaving the Army. The handbook ...A printed book produced by the Australian Army as a guide to service personnel leaving the Army. The handbook contains details of entitlements and instructions relating to applying for entitlements. The book also has a check list to assist users. The handbook is covered with a buff coloured cardboard cover. -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Canteen, Water
Example of Australian Army standard water canteen complete with carrying pouch issued to soldiers during the 1970s. This was a USA Army design adopted by the ADF during the Vietnam conflict. The pouch and canteen are jungle green in colour and are worn attached to the webbing belt issued to defence personnel. refer item 00289.1. -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Decorative object - Gift Tin, c.1900
In 1899, British soldiers and sailors were in South Africa fighting the second Boer War which lasted from 1899 to 1902. Queen Victoria was concerned about the morale of her army and navy and wanted to do something to lift their spirits. She would send chocolate to all of her army and navy serving in South Africa (including Australian contingents) as a Christmas/New Year gift in 1899/1900. The chocolate manufacturer, Cadbury, which since around 1854 had a Royal Warrant to supply Queen Victoria with cocoa and chocolate, was contacted and requested to produce the royal bars of chocolate, each with its own individual tin. This put Richard and George Cadbury in a dilemma because, as Quakers, they were pacifists and did not agree with the war. However they did not want to refuse a request from the Queen. To prevent their confectionery rivals from accusing them of going against their principles, their solution was to invite fellow Quakers, Joseph Fry and Joseph Rowntree to form a temporary three-way partnership to complete the order. Forty thousand tins, designed and made by Fry, were produced in two different sizes. The larger of the tins (15 x 9 cm) has a gold coloured rim around the edge of the lid and contained two layers of chocolate. The slightly smaller or rather thinner tin (16 x 8 cm) has a blue rim around the edge of the lid and contained one layer of chocolate. The design of the lid of both sizes is the same. It was decided by all three companies, that the tins would carry no brand name. However Queen Victoria was not amused by this decision; she wanted her army and navy to know that she was sending them quality British chocolate. As a compromise, the Cadbury name appeared on interior packaging of the chocolate. The tins remained unbranded. The empty tins had a more sombre use for for men killed in action. The tins, containing their few personal belongings, were sent home to the next of kin. The tins were not large and may have contained items such as medals, talismans, coins, jewellery, photos, letters and dog tags.Sheet metal tin with hinged lid. In the middle of the red lid of the tin is a gold-coloured embossed picture of Queen Victoria's head. To the left is Queen Victoria's insignia, and to the right are the words "South Africa 1900" and is inscribed "I wish you a happy New Year" and signed Victoria running along the bottom.gift to defence personnel from queen victoria. gift sent at christmas / new year in 1899/1900, gift sent at christmas / new year 1899/1900 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Framed Photograph, The Picture Factory (Aust) Pty Lrd, Brigadier A. J McNeilage ADC
Army practice is to display photos of key personnel in depotsLTCOL McNeilage was Commanding Officer of the Regiment from 1989-91. He was promoted to Commander 4th Brigade, of which 4/19 PWLH Regiment is part.Framed colour head and shoulders photo of Brigadier A J McNeilageCaption: Brigadier A.J. McNeilage ADC Commander 4th Brigade On back - Sticker of 'The Picture Factory (Aust) Pty Ltd' -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article - Newspaper Clipping (copy), Heidelberg Leader, Rebuilding history plank by plank; and, Home base for defence families, 16/07/2002
Article on Yallambie Homstead, owned by restorers Ian & Vicki McLachlan, and on housing in Yallambie for defense personnelBlack and white photocopy of newspaper articleyallambie, yallambie homestead, simpson army barracks -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Commemorative Medallion
In November 2001 Australian SAS troops joined the war in Afghanistan under the operation name "Operation Slipper." Australia's military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan ended in 2014, making Operation Slipper Australia's longest running operation. According to the Department of Defence, "the ribbon is khaki representing the dominant ground colour of the terrain, edged with light blue and white stripes representing the sky above the mountains and the snow on the mountain peaks with central stripes of purple and red representing the ADF and the conflict in Afghanistan." This commemorative medallion features the Afghanistan Medal ribbon colours encircling the figure of an ADF member holding a weapon. The image is in relief. The reverse features a number of service personnel pictured in front of a vehicle, encircled by the motif of the Australian national flag.commemoration, operation slipper, afghanistan, australian army, middle east, international security assistance force -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Weapon - Hand Grenade, Mills Bomb No. 36 (Inert), 1941
Patented by William Mills and known as 'Mills Bombs', these were first used in WW1 and were used by the British Army until 1972. Three models were made - No. 5, No. 23 and No. 36. The latter two could be fired from a rifle (with suitable attachments). Note that the casing is grooved to assist fragmentation. These grenades had a time delay fuse of 7 seconds initially but later a 4 second fuse was introduced. Upon explosion, its lethal range was approx. 90m but on hard ground it could be double that. Over 75 million were produced.Cast-iron 'pineapple' shaped anti-personnel grenade. -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Book, H.J. Green, Govt Printer, Melbourne, Infantry Training Vol.11 1931, Early 20th Century
This book was at some time in the possession of Capt W.A. Cronk 59th Bn. This Book would have been used to train Military Personnel in Infantry Training in the early 20th Century.Small pocket book, red cardboard cover.In ink on front cover Capt W.A. Cronk 59Bn. In ink on the spine IT 11 1931. Inside on second page Capt W.A. Cronk 59th Infantry.training, infantry, military, battalion army. -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Book, Small Arms Training Volune 1, Pamphlet 7 .303-inch Machine Gun Part III.-Fire Control 1939, Early 20th Century
A book in the possession of Major W.A. Cronk 59 Bn used in the training of Military Personnel in the early 20th Century.This book would have been used in the training of Military Personnel in Small Arms Training.An oblong book/pamphlet buff colour cardboard cover.On the front cover in ink W.A. Cronk. Major. 59 Bn. Inside page 2 in ink W.A. Cronk. Major. 59 Bn. army, military, small arms, .303-inch machine gun, fire control. -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Machete, There are no makers names, Mid 20th Century
These machete's were issued to military personnel posted in jungle like conditions.The machete would have been used by military personnel during WW2 and during the 1950s.Steel blade machete with wooden double sided handle. The handle is attached to the wood with four steel rods. There is an olive green scabbard made of cotton material oil impregnated. The scabbard has a pocket on the front to hold a sharpening stone and has steel on the top opening to keep the opening firm, there is a steel catch for attachment to webbing and a cloth loop with press stud to hold the handle of the machete in place when in the scabbard. There is a cotton fabric loop through the handle.On the handle of the machete MA67. The item number on the scabbard is not readable.army, military, machete. -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Silk Map - Asiatic Series, circa 1940s
Silk Maps were produced by Great Britain and United States during WW2 some 3.5 million Silk Maps and cloth maps were produced for Allied Military Personnel.This Silk Map is an original map from the WW2 era.An oblong, cream colour silk map, Asiatic Series.AAF Cloth Map-Asiatic Series Side 1 - No 34 Southeast China Side 2 - No35 - Northeast Chinaww2, silk map, great britain, united states -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Book, Terry Gander: Modern British Armoured Fighting Vehicles, 1986 (exact)
This book gives details of armoured fighting vehicles in service with the British Army of the eighties. Included are tracked and wheeled reconnaissance vehicles such as Scorpion, Scimitar and Fox, armoured personnel carriers, command, engineer and signals vehicles, bridge layers and others. Specifications and performance details are accompanied by constant-scale plans and photographs.ISBN 0-85059-836-2photographs, armour, armoured fighting vehicles, british army, specifications, terry gander, photographs, armour, armoured fighting vehicles, british army, specifications, terry gander -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Slide Plate, Cinema Advertising, 1980 (estimated)
Glass Plate, 80 x 80 mm, cinema advertising. Orange background. In black borderded 40 x 25 mm rectangle - black print on yellow fill - "Join up 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse George Street FITZROY". Next to this message is a picture of M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier, under which is "Army Reserve The Ready Men" Note incorrect spelling of unit title: "Wales" instead of "Wales's"advertising, army recruiting, cinema, glass slide, advertising, army recruiting, cinema, glass slide -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medals, Africa Star, abt 1945
The Africa Star was granted for operational service in North Africa from the date of the entry of Italy into the war on 10 June 1940, up to the date of the cessation of operations against the enemy in North Africa on 12 May 1943. The Africa Star may also be awarded for operational service as a member of the Australian Defence Force during the Syrian Campaign in the period from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941. Eligibility This medal is awarded for a minimum of one days operational service in North Africa, west of the Suez Canal between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 and in Syria between 8 June 1941 and 11 July 1941. The Medal The Africa Star is a six–pointed star of yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Africa Star'. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. The Ribbon The Africa Star ribbon colours represent the desert and the service of the Armies, Naval Forces, Merchant Navy and the Air Forces. Clasps Three clasps were issued for the Africa Star: 8 th Army 1 st Army North Africa 1942-43 Only one clasp is worn and when the ribbon is worn alone a ribbon emblem, ‘8', ‘1' or silver rosette as appropriate is worn to denote the award of a clasp.Full size and miniature Africa Star medals. Miniature has clasps: North Africa 1942-43 8th Army 1st ArmyNo recipient engraved -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medals, Burma Star, abt 1945
The Burma Star was granted for operational service in the Burma Campaign between 11 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility The Burma Star is awarded for operational service in the Burma Campaign from 11 December 1941 to 2 September 1945. In addition for: Navy - six months qualifying service for 1939-1945 Star first, then operational service in the Bay of Bengal and in the Malacca Strait; Army - service on land in Bengal and Assam from 1 May 1942 to 31 December 1943, areas of Bengal and Assam east of the Brahmaputra from 1 January 1944 to 2 September 1945 and operational service in China and Malaya from 16 February 1942 to 2 September 1945; and Air Force - one operational sortie for aircrew and qualifying service as for Army for other Air Force personnel. The Medal The Burma Star is a six–pointed star of yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Burma Star'. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. The Ribbon The Burma Star ribbon is red with edges of dark blue and orange. The red and dark blue represent the British Commonwealth Forces and the orange represents the sun. One clasp was issued for the Burma Star: Pacific When the ribbon is worn alone a silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp to the medal. Full size with no ribbon Miniature with clasp: Pacific -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medal, War Medal 1939-45
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded for full-time service in the Armed Forces, wherever that service may have been rendered during the war. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration. Eligibility The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded for 28 days full-time service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea. A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945. The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim. The Medal The War Medal 1939-45 is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a lion standing on a fallen dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945. The Ribbon The War Medal 1939-45 ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag. Emblem The single bronze oak leaf Emblem signifying either a Mention in Despatches, King's Commendation for brave conduct, or a King's Commendation for valuable service in the air, will, if granted for service during World War II, be worn on the ribbon of the War Medal 1939-45.Full size and miniature medals with ribbons. Miniature has MID claspnilwar medal 1939-45 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medal, South Atlantic Medal
The South Atlantic Medal is a British campaign medal awarded to British military personnel and civilians for service in the Falklands War of 1982, between the United Kingdom and Argentina; 29,700 were issued. The South Atlantic Medal Association was formed in 1997. The medal is a coin, made of cupronickel, 36 mm in diameter, and was struck by the Royal Mint and issued by the Army Medal Office, Droitwich. The obverse side bears a crowned effigy of the The Queen. Like a modern British coin, it has the abbreviated form of ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR ("Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith") on the border and the Queen is facing to the right. The reverse side has the Falkland Islands' coat of arms, which bears the words "DESIRE THE RIGHT" (an allusion to English explorer John Davis' ship, "Desire"). A laurel wreath and the words "SOUTH ATLANTIC MEDAL" make up the border. CPL J FINLAY (number) RAFmedal, south atlantic, falklands -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medal, Africa Star, abt 1945
The Africa Star was granted for operational service in North Africa from the date of the entry of Italy into the war on 10 June 1940, up to the date of the cessation of operations against the enemy in North Africa on 12 May 1943. The Africa Star may also be awarded for operational service as a member of the Australian Defence Force during the Syrian Campaign in the period from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941. This medal is awarded for a minimum of one days operational service in North Africa, west of the Suez Canal between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 and in Syria between 8 June 1941 and 11 July 1941. Clasps Three clasps were issued for the Africa Star: 8 th Army 1 st Army North Africa 1942-43 Only one clasp is worn and when the ribbon is worn alone a ribbon emblem, ‘8', ‘1' or silver rosette as appropriate is worn to denote the award of a clasp. The Medal The Africa Star is a six–pointed star of yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Africa Star'. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. The Ribbon The Africa Star ribbon colours represent the desert and the service of the Armies, Naval Forces, Merchant Navy and the Air Forces. Recipient is not engraved on reverse, so, either a replica or not issued to Australianmedal africa star -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Badge, Silver War Badge, abt 1918
The Silver War Badge was instituted in 1916 and awarded to men who were honourably discharged under certain regulations which are shown below. It was also awarded in retrospect: that is, to men discharged in 1914 or 1915 who otherwise met the criteria. During the Great War, patriotic British ladies would give white feathers to men not in uniform. Discharged soldiers were unimpressed. The badge served as a white feather deflector. The Silver War Badge, sometimes wrongly referred to as the Silver Wound Badge, was instituted from 12 September 1916 under Army Order 316. The badge was awarded to all of those military personnel who had served at home or overseas during the war, and who had been discharged from the army under King’s Regulations. Expiry of a normal term of engagement did not count and the most commonly seen reason for discharge and issue of the badge is KR is 392(xvi), meaning the soldier had been released on account of being permanently physically unfit. It was possible to be awarded a badge if the man had not served overseas – and if his service record is now lost this may be the only remaining evidence of service for such a soldier.It is a circular badge with the legend “For King and Empire – Services Rendered” surrounding the King George V cypher. The badge had a pin for wear as a brooch. A19225 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Booklet, Victorian Railways Printing Works, Manual of the Royal Australian Army Provost Corps 1952, 1952
A soft covered booklet as a basic guide for Provost personnel in the performance of their dutiesprovost, provost -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Photograph, 1998?
An informal colour photo of a red jacketed army band gathered in front of, and on, two M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carriers of the 4th/19th PWLH. The location appears to be Puckapunyal."1998" written on backband, photo -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Order of Ceremony, The Royal Australian Amored (sic) Corps the Keeffe Family & Eoghan McDonald Celebrates (sic) the Unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque 16 November 2014, 2014
The 13th Australian Armoured Regiment was a Gippsland militia unit that had been called up for full time duty in December 1941 as a traditional light horse regiment. The early months of 1942 had seen the regiment lose its horses, a conversion to a motor regiment and finally to an armoured regiment in May. During this period there were considerable changes in personnel, however the regiment maintained its strong links to Gippsland and its former identity. Between May and November 1942, individual soldiers had become proficient in their trade training and the regiment changed its focus to troop and squadron activities. On 16 November 1942, the unit was located at the Puckapunyal Army Camp. C Squadron's training program involved a night driving exercise where a column of armoured and B vehicles would depart camp at 0245 hours and proceed to a site to the East of Seymour and set up a bivouac between Whiteheads Creek and Highlands Road. Numerous army camps surrounded the Seymour area; and much of the surrounding farm land had been acquired for military purposes. By November 1942 exercises such as C Squadron's were commonplace and had been repeated on numerous occasions since 1939. At 0400 hrs, C Squadron's vehicles reached O'Sullivan's Paddock on the Kobyboyn Road; prior to reaching the Old Telegraph Road the column turned to the North towards a known crossing point on Whiteheads Creek. The column consisted of seven M3 Medium Tanks and four Universal Carriers. In the case of Corporal McLeod's vehicle, there were seven crewmen rather than the usual five man crew. On arrival at the creek crossing, Captain C.M.I. 'Sandy' Pearson dismounted and with the assistance of Sergeant R.J. Ball began to guide individual tanks across the creek. Four tanks had crossed the creek without difficulty when Corporal McLeod's tank, ARN 24652, began its descent. Captain Pearson stated at the Coroner's Inquiry in December 1942, "Whilst climbing out of the ford the vehicle swerved to the left, apparently striking the tree. It was not the portion of the tank (front) that struck the tree. The tank straightened and appeared to be well under control, suddenly the bank on the left collapsed to the extent of 3ft by 12ft by15ft long causing the vehicle to slide into the creek and turn upside down." Captain Pearson and Sergeant Ball were faced with a nightmarish situation: The Grant had come to rest upside down in soft mud, six crew members were unaccounted for, escape hatches could not be opened and the weight of the tank was settling deeper into the water and mud. Compounding the problem was that the location of the tank did not allow for the other tanks to safely conduct a recovery. It was truly the darkest night.Single A4 card. folded, Contains an account of the raising of 13 Armoured Regiment in December 1941and a tank accident during a night creek crossing in which six crewmen were killed, and, Order of Ceremony for plaque unveiling, Guest of Honour LtCol Stuart Cree CO/CI School of Armour13 armored regiment, tank accident, puckapunyal -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Boots Army - left boot, 1980's
These boots were used by the military in Australia during period when there were no active conflicts.Typical of boots worn by military personnel during the nineteen eighties.military boots black leather, front lacing with ten eyelets, mid calf length, rubber sole imprinted with ROSSI and 7/6 Rubber sole ROSSITERLTD FOOTWEAR Made in Australia. Black cotton laces.label. inside boot top. R251 with vertical arrow below (arrow indicates government ownership). On right 7/6, B69 below. On Rubber Sole, impressed lettering 'Rubber Sole ROSITER LTD FOOTWEAR made in Australia. 7,6 stamped on instep of solemilitary boots, army boots, footwear, military uniforms -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Boots Army - right boot, 1980's
These boots were used by the military in Australia during period when there were no active conflicts.Typical of boots worn by military personnel during the nineteen eighties.military boots black leather, front lacing with ten eyelets, mid calf length, rubber sole imprinted with ROSSI and 7/6 Rubber sole ROSSITERLTD FOOTWEAR Made in Australia, Black cotton laces. label. inside boot top. R251 with vertical arrow below (arrow indicates government ownership). On right 7/6, B69 below. On Rubber Sole, impressed lettering 'Rubber Sole ROSITER LTD FOOTWEAR made in Australia. 7,6 stamped on instep of solemilitary boots, army boots, footwear, military uniforms -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Cannon, 1866
In the years following the Crimean War (1854-1857J) there was a great concern in the Colony that Imperial Russia would attempt an invasion. Coastal defences in the colony of Victoria were greatly strengthened by the Government as a result. Warrnambool was originally protected by cannons at Cannon Hill, approximately 1 kilometer west of the Flagstaff Hill Fortifications. These cannons included two 1866 guns, both 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RML) purchased by Victoria’s Colonial Government. They were part of a shipment of 26 such guns sent from England in December 1866. They are registered as No. 23 (80cwt-2qr-0lbs) - Gun 1, and No.13 (81cwt-1qr-12lbs) - Gun 2. They were cast at the Royal Gun Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, in 1866 and have a 6.3 inch bore. Both barrels carry the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, Insignia of the Royal Engineers, within the Garter and Motto surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria within the Garter (letters in centre “VR”, motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it."). The guns were originally supplied with wooden carriages. (The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, England, was established eleven years after the Restoration of King Charles II. It was the principal supplier of armaments to the British and Empire Governments. At the height of its operations during World War One the factory covered 1300 acres and employed very nearly 80,000 workers. Woolwich was the Headquarters of the Royal Artillery since the raising of that Regiment in 1716. The Arsenal was closed in the late 1960’s.) These two cannons were transferred to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery Fortifications erected at Flagstaff Hill in 1887 as part of Victoria’s Coastal Defences. The original wooden carriages were subsequently replaced with the present iron garrison carriages in 1888. They are a “C” pivot. The ‘racers’ or curved track set into the floor of the gun emplacement (which enabled the guns to be traversed more quickly) are as specified for guns up to 10 inch, being of wrought iron 2.78 inches wide. A temporary third gun, now no longer on Flagstaff Hill’s site, was a 5 inch Rifled Breech Loading (BL) Armstrong gun mounted on an Elswick hydro pneumatic disappearing carriage It was faster to load and fire than the 80 pound RMLs and its arrival spelt the end of the older 80 pound guns’ useful life, apart from being used for practice sessions. The 5 inch BL gun was the main defensive weapon of the Warrnambool Battery until the Battery was downgraded in importance and the gun was recalled to Melbourne in 1910. The State of Victoria took over the ownership of the guns at the time of Australian Federation in 1901. In about 1901/1902 the Garrison Battery was converted to the Warrnambool Battery of the Australian Field Artillery (No 4 Field Battery). It was equipped with 4.7 inch naval guns mounted on field carriages. They were now a mobile unit but continued to use the Warrnambool Garrison area at Flagstaff Hill for practice. When the Fortifications were declared obsolete the two 80 Pounder RML were relocated to Cannon Hill in 1910. On the outbreak of World War One the 4.7 inch guns were recalled to Melbourne, and the Battery was disbanded. Most of the personnel probably re-enlisted in the local 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment. The two 80 Pounder RML were moved back to the Fortifications in 1973. They were both fully restored by Army First Year Apprentices at the Ordinance Factory in Bendigo in time for the centenary year of the fortifications in 1987. The guns are capable of firing 80 pound (32.3kg) armour piercing exploding shells 3.65kms out to sea. They were original manned by volunteers before a paid Garrison was established. Now the Guns are again fired by volunteers on Special Event days. Since restoration the Gun Number 1 had been fired on a regular basis but Gun Number 2 hadn’t been fired since the mid 1990’s. In April 2015 Gun Number 2 was serviced in preparation for the firing of both cannons on the ANZAC Centenary commemorations on April 25th 2015. Other guns from the original Cannon Hill location were obsolete by the time the 1887 Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery was built. These guns are (1) a 32 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore (SB) cast in 1813 at the famous Carron Foundry, number 80837 and now located in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens (2) a 68 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore cast in 1861 at the equally august Low Moor Foundry, number 10310 and now located on the lawn area at the entrance to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Both of these guns are mounted on their original wooden garrison carriages. There are only seven 32 Pounder SB made by Carron and fifteen 68 Pounder SB made at Low Moor known to exist in the State of Victoria (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/04)The Warrnambool Garrison has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register H1250 “for its intact battery and guns, a strong reminder of Victoria’s wealth and determination to protect itself from the perceived threat of invasion in the 1880’s.” The City of Warrnambool is one of several custodians of a collection of artillery pieces of heritage significance at a state, national and international level. These pieces are directly related to the defence of south-west Victoria in the 19th century. The care and preservation come under the Heritage Act 1995. Cannon. 80 Pounder Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) Gun on iron carriage and slide, installed in the Battery at Flagstaff Hill’s Fortifications.. Made in 1866 at the Royal Gun Factory (R-G-F), Woolich, England. Gun Reg No - 23. Flagstaff Hill Garrison Gun 1 (Gun No. 1) Insignia of the Royal Engineers, and the weight of the gun, stamped on top of the gun’s barrel. There is a brass plate on the side of the gun with the details of 1987 restoration.Stamped on axle cover on side of barrel “R-G-F / No 23 / 1866”. Stamped into the metal on top of the barrel, Insignia of the Royal Engineers; Garter and Motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria “VR” within the Garter. Also stamped on top of the gun are 2 inward pointing arrows above the weight ”81-2-0”. Brass plate “RESTORATION / BY / FIRST YEAR / APPRENTICES / ORDANANCE FACTORY / BENDIGO 1987”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, cannon, 80 pounder, rifled muzzle, loading, royal gun factory, woolich -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Cannon, 1866
In the years following the Crimean War (1854-1857J) there was a great concern in the Colony that Imperial Russia would attempt an invasion. Coastal defences in the colony of Victoria were greatly strengthened by the Government as a result. Warrnambool was originally protected by cannons at Cannon Hill, approximately 1 kilometer west of the Flagstaff Hill Fortifications. These cannons included two 1866 guns, both 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RML) purchased by Victoria’s Colonial Government. They were part of a shipment of 26 such guns sent from England in December 1866. They are registered as No. 23 (80cwt-2qr-0lbs) - Gun 1, and No.13 (81cwt-1qr-12lbs) - Gun 2. They were cast at the Royal Gun Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, in 1866 and have a 6.3 inch bore. Both barrels carry the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, Insignia of the Royal Engineers, within the Garter and Motto surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria within the Garter (letters in centre “VR”, motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it."). The guns were originally supplied with wooden carriages. (The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, England, was established eleven years after the Restoration of King Charles II. It was the principal supplier of armaments to the British and Empire Governments. At the height of its operations during World War One the factory covered 1300 acres and employed very nearly 80,000 workers. Woolwich was the Headquarters of the Royal Artillery since the raising of that Regiment in 1716. The Arsenal was closed in the late 1960’s.) These two cannons were transferred to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery Fortifications erected at Flagstaff Hill in 1887 as part of Victoria’s Coastal Defences. The original wooden carriages were subsequently replaced with the present iron garrison carriages in 1888. They are a “C” pivot. The ‘racers’ or curved track set into the floor of the gun emplacement (which enabled the guns to be traversed more quickly) are as specified for guns up to 10 inch, being of wrought iron 2.78 inches wide. A temporary third gun, now no longer on Flagstaff Hill’s site, was a 5 inch Rifled Breech Loading (BL) Armstrong gun mounted on an Elswick hydro pneumatic disappearing carriage It was faster to load and fire than the 80 pound RMLs and its arrival spelt the end of the older 80 pound guns’ useful life, apart from being used for practice sessions. The 5 inch BL gun was the main defensive weapon of the Warrnambool Battery until the Battery was downgraded in importance and the gun was recalled to Melbourne in 1910. The State of Victoria took over the ownership of the guns at the time of Australian Federation in 1901. In about 1901/1902 the Garrison Battery was converted to the Warrnambool Battery of the Australian Field Artillery (No 4 Field Battery). It was equipped with 4.7 inch naval guns mounted on field carriages. They were now a mobile unit but continued to use the Warrnambool Garrison area at Flagstaff Hill for practice. When the Fortifications were declared obsolete the two 80 Pounder RML were relocated to Cannon Hill in 1910. On the outbreak of World War One the 4.7 inch guns were recalled to Melbourne, and the Battery was disbanded. Most of the personnel probably re-enlisted in the local 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment. The two 80 Pounder RML were moved back to the Fortifications in 1973. They were both fully restored by Army First Year Apprentices at the Ordinance Factory in Bendigo in time for the centenary year of the fortifications in 1987. The guns are capable of firing 80 pound (32.3kg) armour piercing exploding shells 3.65kms out to sea. They were original manned by volunteers before a paid Garrison was established. Now the Guns are again fired by volunteers on Special Event days. Since restoration the Gun Number 1 had been fired on a regular basis but Gun Number 2 hadn’t been fired since the mid 1990’s. In April 2015 Gun Number 2 was serviced in preparation for the firing of both cannons on the ANZAC Centenary commemorations on April 25th 2015. Other guns from the original Cannon Hill location were obsolete by the time the 1887 Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery was built. These guns are (1) a 32 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore (SB) cast in 1813 at the famous Carron Foundry, number 80837 and now located in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens (2) a 68 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore cast in 1861 at the equally august Low Moor Foundry, number 10310 and now located on the lawn area at the entrance to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Both of these guns are mounted on their original wooden garrison carriages. There are only seven 32 Pounder SB made by Carron and fifteen 68 Pounder SB made at Low Moor known to exist in the State of Victoria (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/05)The Warrnambool Garrison has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register H1250 “for its intact battery and guns, a strong reminder of Victoria’s wealth and determination to protect itself from the perceived threat of invasion in the 1880’s.” The City of Warrnambool is one of several custodians of a collection of artillery pieces of heritage significance at a state, national and international level. These pieces are directly related to the defence of south-west Victoria in the 19th century. The care and preservation come under the Heritage Act 1995. Cannon. 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) Gun on iron carriage and slide, installed in the Battery at Flagstaff Hill’s Fortifications. Made in 1866 at the Royal Gun Factory (R-G-F), Woolich, England. Gun Reg No 13. Flagstaff Hill Garrison Gun 2 (Gun No. 2). Insignia of the Royal Engineers, and the weight of the gun, stamped on top of the gun’s barrel. There is a brass plate on the side of the gun with the details of 1987 restoration.Stamped into the metal on top of the barrel, Insignia of the Royal Engineers; Garter and Motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria “VR” within the Garter. Also stamped on top of the gun are 2 inward pointing arrows above the weight ”81-1-12”. Brass plate “RESTORATION / BY / FIRST YEAR / APPRENTICES / ORDANANCE FACTORY / BENDIGO 1987”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, colonial defences, victoria’s coastal defences, warrnambool fortification, warrnambool garrison battery, warrnambool volunteer corps, ordinance, armaments, cannon hill fortifications, 4th australian light horse regiment, no 4 field battery, 80 pound cannon rifled muzzle loaders (rml), victorian colonial government, royal gun factory england, woolwich arsenal, royal cypher of queen victoria, garrison gun -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Badge - Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women, Stokes, Membership badge, 1957
The badge was issued by the Victorian branch (indicated by the 'V' on the reverse) of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women and is referred to as The Badge of Unity or Tri-Services badge, uniting the armed services of Australia; the Army (rising sun), the Navy (anchor) and the Air Force (pair of wings). The number '57' on the crown represents the year of paid membership; 1957. The badge belonged to Dr W R Angus, who served in the Australian Army as a military doctor during WWII. It was made in Melbourne by Stokes in 1957, around 100 years after the firm was established by Thomas Stokes in Mincing Lane, Melbourne. The firm was operating from Caledonian Lane/Post Office Place in the 1950s. The badge is one of a set of badges collected by Dr W R Angus from the organisations in which he was involved. They are now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus, surgeon and oculist. Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women was formed in 1944 to "entourage fellowship and assist those who have served". The organisation is open to members from Australia, British Commonwealth and Allied ex-service personnel. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as 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 He served as a Military Doctor in the Australian Defence Force. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the responsibility of part-time Port Medical Officer 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 Badge of Unity, or Tri-Service badge, is significant for connecting Doctor Angus with organisations that support men and women who performed military service for Australia. The badge was for membership with the organisation, which supports ex-servicemen and women of the three military forces; Army, Navy and Air Force. 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.Badge; a gold-coloured metal and enamel badge. The blue boomerang-shaped band is below an arch of blue, below a crown with a number and coloured red, white and blue. There are symbols in the centre; a rising sun, above a pair of wings, with an anchor in the centre of both. There is red and blue scrollwork behind the symbols. Inscriptions are on the front and back of the badge. There are two loops and pins on the back of the badge. It is a membership badge of the Victorian branch of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women and was made by Stokes in 1957. The badge has a Serial Number. This badge is part of a set of badges collected by Dr Angus and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.FRONT; “AUST. LEGION OF / EX-SERVICEMEN & WOMEN” On crown “57” REVERSE; “V” “13156" "STOKES” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, w.r. angus, badge, ladies’ badge, military service, stokes, melbourne, australian legion of ex-servicemen and women, membership badge, 1957 membership badge, ex=service personnel, heraldry, world war ii, second world war, tri-services symbol, badge of unity, rising sun, anchor, pair of wings