Showing 542 items
matching raaf ww2
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Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Biscuit Tin, Swallow and Ariel
... Former possession of local WW2 ex RAAF serviceman. On label... Tatura the-murray Former possession of local WW2 ex RAAF ...Former possession of local WW2 ex RAAF serviceman. On label is also written "Packed specially for parcels for troops overseas" and "And sold on the express condition that these goods are not used in Australia". Contents 16 ozs. nettRectangular biscuit tin with lid. Label in red, blue and white colours with advertising wording. Brand name is Swallow and Ariels. Biscuits are morning tea.as abovebiscuit tins, tin containers -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Medals RAAF, WW2 onwards
... RAAF collection displaying 5 WW2 service medals plus 2... melbourne RAAF collection displaying 5 WW2 service medals plus 2 ...RAAF collection displaying 5 WW2 service medals plus 2 later medals for Bomber Command and POW. Also Gold Caterpillar Club badge with certificate. Also RSL, POW association and RAS Badges. Stalag dog tag and Air Gunner's half wing. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - Minister for Defence’s Visit to the Army Survey Regiment, Fortuna, Bendigo, c1978
... served in the RAAF in WW2 and later had an illustrious career... served in the RAAF in WW2 and later had an illustrious career ...This collection of 16 photos was most likely taken in 1978. Mr Denis James “Jim” Killen was the Minister for Defence in the Fraser Government from 1975 to 1982. It’s evident in these photos he was taken on a tour through the production areas in Air Survey, Cartographic and Lithographic Squadrons. Jim Killen served in the RAAF in WW2 and later had an illustrious career in politics. After receiving his knighthood and an AC for service to Australia, he was known as Sir Denis James "Jim" Killen, AC, KCMG. Key Army Survey Regiment personnel identified include the CO LTCOL Bob Skitch, who led the unit from 1976 to 1980 and WO1 Aub Harvey, who was RSM from 1976 to 1982.This is a set of photographs of a visit to the Army Survey Regiment, Bendigo c1978, by Mr D.J Killen who was the Minister for Defence. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Unidentified, Mr D.J. Killen and CO LTCOL Bob Skitch. .2) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CO LTCOL Bob Skitch and Mr D.J. Killen. .3) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Unidentified, SPR Mark Lander. .4) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: MAJ Peter Eddy, Mr D.J. Killen. .5) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CPL Alan Staley, Mr D.J. Killen, MAJ Peter Eddy. .6) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CPL Robert Cocksedge, Mr D.J. Killen, MAJ Peter Eddy, unidentified. .7) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CPL Mick Davey, Mr D.J. Killen, MAJ Peter Eddy. .8) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CPL Mick Davey, MAJ Peter Eddy, Mr D.J. Killen, CO LTCOL Bob Skitch. .9) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Unidentified, Mr D.J. Killen. .10) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Unidentified, Mr D.J. Killen. SGT Bob Scaddan. .11) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Unidentified, Mr D.J. Killen, LCPL Laurel (Ryant) Staley. .12) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CAPT Gary Kenney, Mr D.J. Killen. .13) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CAPT Gary Kenney, Mr D.J. Killen, RSM Aub Harvey. .14) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Unidentified, unidentified, Mr D.J. Killen, CAPT Gary Kenney, .15) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: CO LTCOL Bob Skitch, Mr D.J. Killen, CAPT Gary Kenney. .16) - Photo, black and white, c1978. L to R: Mr D.J. Killen, unidentified, CAPT Gary Kenney.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr -
Rye RSL Sub Branch
Cork helmet wolesley, Embelton & Co. Melbourne Australia, Twentieth Century
... WW2 RAAF Wolsley cork helmet. Helmet Khaki cotton six (6... in brown ink. A1917 F/Lt C KERR GRANT WW2 RAAF Wolsley cork helmet ...This type of head dress was very commonly worn by British Commonwealth Forces in the Sub Continent and other tropical areas. This particular example would have been a common sight in Northern Australia during the time frame, as well as Africa, Middle East and the Pacific. It is a light weight ventilated helmet offering good air circulation via the vent in the top of the crown, and shade to the back of the neck. As well as protection by the peaked front for the eyes reducing glare, preventing sun and heat stroke. It also created an image of gentlemanly dress and pride in appearance. It conformed to an ideal and was considered quite fashionable and a little dashing, often worn at a jaunty angle, creating a rakish air, far from today's simplistic view of pure functionality and at as low as possible cost. Whether worn with a tropical uniform with jacket and trousers, or open necked shirt and shorts, the wearer was easily identifiable as British or one of the Commonwealth countries.WW2 RAAF Wolsley cork helmet. Helmet Khaki cotton six (6) panel outer, with three (3) fold pugaree. Colour patch on left side approximately 6cm X 5.5cm, Dark blue,2.5cm, Light blue, 0.5cm and Maroon 2.5cm. Tan leather trim around brim, tan leather chin strap. Traditional pith helmet four (4) hole domed type vent on top of crown. Beige leather sweat band pierced around the top and with a cotton cord adjustment threaded around. Fixed to shell in four points diagonally. Interior is also covered in Khaki cotton. Hand written in brown ink. A1917 F/Lt C KERR GRANTworld war two, head dress, helmet, pith, cork, cloth covered, leather trimmed, royal australian air force, officer, flight lieutenant, khaki, pith helmet, air force, tropical, hat -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH RAAF, FRAMED, c.1939 - 1945
... . There were 13 RAAF communication Units during WW2 which provided.... There were 13 RAAF communication Units during WW2 which provided ...ALBERT WILLIAM MALLOY No 428333 RAAF. He enlisted on 10.10.1942 aged 29 years 6 months. During training he was posted to 8 differant units and rose through the ranks from Airman Pilot to W/O on 26.2.1945. Finally embarked from Cairns for New Guinea with No 8 Communications Unit on 7.4.1945, granted a Commission as Pilot Officer (P/O) on 1.7.1945, disembarked Townsville 21.11.1945, discharged from the RAAF on 14.12.1945. No 8 Communication Unit. There were 13 RAAF communication Units during WW2 which provided support roles including transport, supplying isolated Garrisons and support training. No 8 operated in New Guinea from 4.11.1943 to 4.3.1946.Blue wooden rectangular photographic frame with gilded interior & coloured photo of Pilot Officer ALBERT WILLIAM MALLOY RAAF No 428333.On white label: “Pilot Officer ALBERT WILLIAM MALLOY RAAF No 428333” Donor: Yvonne Padfield.photography- photographs, military history - airforce, raaf, malloy -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Photograph - Digital Image, Cheryl Williams, "Electric Tram Driver's Certificate No. 407", Original 1929
... during the race), was a Navigator on Transport RAF/RAAF flights...), was a Navigator on Transport RAF/RAAF flights during WW2. War memorabilia ...Digital image of "Electric Tram Driver's Certificate No. 407", issued to D. (Daniel) Patience, signed by G. Barker Instructor, with "A. W. Murdoch" stamp authorising the document, dated 23/3/1929. Donated by Betty (daughter - aged 90) and Cheryl Williams (grand daughter) of Daniel. Reported to have been the first driver leaving the then new Camberwell depot. Born in Avoch Scotland, was a police constable there, before emigrating to Melbourne. Was a cable tram Gripman in the Albert Park Area. Became an electric tram driver, then signalman at St Kilda Junction and trained as an inspector, but did not like the green uniform. Ran in the Stawell Gift of 1925 (injured foot during the race), was a Navigator on Transport RAF/RAAF flights during WW2. War memorabilia to the War Memorial Canberra. Cheryl advised 26/11/2019 - My grandfather was born 2nd June 1903 and died 11th Nov 1977.trams, tramways, drivers, gripmen, camberwell depot, signalmen, certificates -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - 3 SQUADRON RAAF PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION, 3 Squadron RAAF Aircraft Africa Sicily and Italy
... flown by No. 3 Squadron RAAF in WW2. The full set numbering... RAAF 1939-1945 P40 Kittyhawk African campaign WW2 Set of 39 ...The seven photographs shown above are part of an anonymous donation by a relative of the photographic collection of a former member of No. 3 Squadron RAAF 1939-1945. They cover the African, Sicily and Italian campaigns. The entire collection comprises 175 photographs. The collection has been divided into sets depicting various aspects of 3 Squadron operations. The above images are representative of this particular set of 39 photographs, featuring the various aircraft used by No. 3 Squadron, mainly the P40 Kittyhawk and variants. The museum had digitized the complete set.Set of 39 black and white photographs featuring aircraft flown by No. 3 Squadron RAAF in WW2. The full set numbering and description is as follows: 9662.01P 3 Squadron Africa P40.jpg 9662.02P 3 Squadron Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.03P 3 Squadron badly damaged P40 Tripoli.jpg 9662.04P 3 Squadron Italy P40 with nose art .jpg 9662.05P 3 Squadron P40 Italy 1943.jpg 9662.06P 3 Squadron P40s.jpg 9662.07P 3 Squadron Mustang Italy 1944.jpg 9662.08P P40 caption Sicily 2.jpg 9662.09P P40 Sicily.jpg 9662.10P 3 Squadron bad prang Sicily.jpg 9662.11P 3 Squadron P40 showing tail fin.jpg 9662.12P 3 Squadron Mustang Italy .jpg 9662.13P 3 Squadron Mustang Italy dispersal.jpg 9662.14P Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.15P Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.16P Africa Lysander.jpg 9662.17P Africa Spitfire of 417 Squadron RCAF.jpg 9662.18P American P40.jpg 9662.19P Caption The famous Spitfire.jpg 9662.20P Italy Foggia.jpg 9662.21P Italy P40 .jpg 9662.22P Italy P40 Caption On the job in Italy.jpg 9662.23P Italy P40 taken in Italy.jpg 9662.24P P40 Africa.jpg 9662.25P P40.jpg 9662.26P P40 250 Squadron RAF Sicily Sicily.jpg 9662.27P P40 Africa.jpg 9662.28P P40 ground crew.jpg 9662.29P P40 Italy .jpg 9662.30P P40 loaded with bombs.jpg 9662.31P P40 of 112 Squadron RAF.jpg 9662.32P P40 prang caption Sicily.jpg 9662.33P P40 prang caption Sicily.jpg 9662.34P Pranged P40s from 112 and 250 Squadrons RAF.jpg 9662.35P P40s taking off.jpg 9662.36P Mustang Italy 1944.jpg 9662.37P Sicily P40 bad prang caption taken in Sicily.jpg 9662.38P Squadron P40 prang.jpg 9662.39P Gloster Gladiator Africa .jpgno. 3 squadron raaf 1939-1945, p40 kittyhawk, african campaign ww2 -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account, C. L. Swift order docket re Mrs Matthews. 21/8/1957
... in 1924 and served in the RAAF in Borneo during WW2. He... Road Canterbury melbourne Clive Leslie Swift (RAAF 430415 ...Clive Leslie Swift (RAAF 430415) was born in Elsternwick in 1924 and served in the RAAF in Borneo during WW2. He was mentioned in dispatches. He married Enid (Ina) Mary Smith in 1947. Together they ran the grocery store at 10 Croydon Road from 1949 until some time after 1954. In the 1980s they were living in Highbury Road, East Burwood and Clive was working for Unigate (later Bonlac) in a managerial position. (REF: Oral testimony, Libby Wilson, Canterbury History Group). The shop continued after the Swifts left but was later destroyed by fire. Clive Swift died in March 2014. This and other dockets were tucked into Ruth Matthews' recipe folder. Ruth and Harold Geoffrey (Geoff) Matthews lived at 42 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. The donor recalled that her paternal grandmother (Ethel May Matthews) also occasionally shopped at the Swifts' shop as it was closer to her home (31 Guildford Road) than either than Griffith’s on Union Road or Thomas’ on Maling Road . Dockets such as these are reflective of shopping in the pre-supermarket era when women generally walked to the local shop or had proprietors or a staff member come to the house to take weekly orders. A pre-printed grocery docket for C. L. Swift (Late R.A.A.F.) on cream (discoloured) paper printed in black, red and blue filled in with 20 hand-written items, their prices and the total of the grocery order. Signed with initials as having been paid. Order was for Mrs Matthews of Guildford Road.On the rear in blue ink an addition in pounds, shillings and pence.clive leslie swift, miss enid (ina) mary smith, mrs enid (ina) mary swift, croydon road, guildford road, grocery store, docket, accounts, bushells tea, mrs ruth matthews, harold geoffrey matthews, 'geoff' matthews -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account, C. L. Swift order docket re Mrs Matthews. 21/8/1957
... in 1924 and served in the RAAF in Borneo during WW2. He... Road Canterbury melbourne Clive Leslie Swift (RAAF 430415 ...Clive Leslie Swift (RAAF 430415) was born in Elsternwick in 1924 and served in the RAAF in Borneo during WW2. He was mentioned in dispatches. He married Enid (Ina) Mary Smith in 1947. Together they ran the grocery store at 10 Croydon Road from 1949 until some time after 1954. In the 1980s they were living in Highbury Road, East Burwood and Clive was working for Unigate (later Bonlac) in a managerial position. (REF: Oral testimony, Libby Wilson, Canterbury History Group). The shop continued after the Swifts left but was later destroyed by fire. Clive Swift died in March 2014. This and other dockets were tucked into Ruth Matthews' recipe folder. Ruth and Harold Geoffrey (Geoff) Matthews lived at 42 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. The donor recalled that her paternal grandmother (Ethel May Matthews) also occasionally shopped at the Swifts' shop as it was closer to her home (31 Guildford Road) than either than Griffith’s on Union Road or Thomas’ on Maling Road . Dockets such as these are reflective of shopping in the pre-supermarket era when women generally walked to the local shop or had proprietors or a staff member come to the house to take weekly orders. A pre-printed grocery docket for C. L. Swift (Late R.A.A.F.) on cream (slightly discoloured) paper printed in black, red and blue filled in with 19 hand-written items, their prices and the total of the grocery order. A green and cream duty stamp to the value of 3d is attached and over-signed with initials as having been paid. Order was for Mrs Matthews of Guildford Road.clive leslie swift, miss enid (ina) mary smith, mrs enid (ina) mary swift, croydon road, guildford road, grocery store, docket, accounts, bushells tea, mrs ruth matthews, harold geoffrey matthews, 'geoff' matthews -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Document - Account, C. L. Swift order docket re Mrs Matthews. 21/8/1957
... in 1924 and served in the RAAF in Borneo during WW2. He... Road Canterbury melbourne Clive Leslie Swift (RAAF 430415 ...Clive Leslie Swift (RAAF 430415) was born in Elsternwick in 1924 and served in the RAAF in Borneo during WW2. He was mentioned in dispatches. He married Enid (Ina) Mary Smith in 1947. Together they ran the grocery store at 10 Croydon Road from 1949 until some time after 1954. In the 1980s they were living in Highbury Road, East Burwood and Clive was working for Unigate (later Bonlac) in a managerial position. (REF: Oral testimony, Libby Wilson, Canterbury History Group). The shop continued after the Swifts left but was later destroyed by fire. Clive Swift died in March 2014. This and other dockets were tucked into Ruth Matthews' recipe folder. Ruth and Harold Geoffrey (Geoff) Matthews lived at 42 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. The donor recalled that her paternal grandmother (Ethel May Matthews) also occasionally shopped at the Swifts' shop as it was closer to her home (31 Guildford Road) than either than Griffith’s on Union Road or Thomas’ on Maling Road . Dockets such as these are reflective of shopping in the pre-supermarket era when women generally walked to the local shop or had proprietors or a staff member come to the house to take weekly orders. A pre-printed grocery docket for C. L. Swift (Late R.A.A.F.) on cream (slightly discoloured) paper printed in black, red and blue filled in with 19 hand-written items, their prices and the total of the grocery order. A green and cream duty stamp to the value of 3d is attached and over-signed with initials as having been paid. Order was for Mrs Matthews of Guildford Road.clive leslie swift, miss enid (ina) mary smith, mrs enid (ina) mary swift, croydon road, guildford road, grocery store, docket, accounts, bushells tea, mrs ruth matthews, harold geoffrey matthews, 'geoff' matthews -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - WATER BOTTLE WW2
Number stamped on leather strapping around the bottle is “435891” This matches Flying Office Mervyn Albert Henry Schramm who enlisted 8/10/43 and was discharged 20/12/45 and was posted to RAF Station Gampston. The name written on the felt bottle cover possible “lowein” ?? Does not match any on the DVA rolls.Military Issued Water Bottle. Bottle in blue tin metal but is fully bound in brown felt material. Wrapped around felt is a leather strap that hooks over the shoulder. The water bottle is capped by a cork top with a metal hook into a wooden top on the cork. Lid is attached to the case by a piece of string. Written on the felt case cover in black pen a name appears to be "Denis Lowein". Stamped on leather strap No. “435891”, also on side strap "R.A.A.F K.W (over)194?"raaf, gampston -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS of SYMPATHY, 3 Dec 1941
Letters of Sympathy from RAAF Units for Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend" lost on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter on white paper. Paper headed with RAAF stamp and name of Military Base. 2. Handwritten letter on cream white paper. Royal Australian Air Force stamp in top left corner and name of RAAF Unit in right corner. 3. Handwritten letter of cream white paper. Stamp at top of bird with outstretched wings with crown at top.1. Listed from RAAF Station, Nhill, Victoria and dated 3/12/41, signed by “Edward Campbell”. 2. Listed No. 1 School of Technical Training, Radio Mechanics Course, Dated 1st December and signed “Allan Davis”. 3. Listed No. 2 METO Course, School of Technical Training and dated 3/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend -
Bendigo Military Museum
Newspaper - NEWSPAPER ARTICLE 2002, original 2002
Item in the collection of Gilbert John Mitchell (Jack) Pre WW2 Jack had service for a brief time in the 38th BN Bendigo No 447203. He enlisted in the RAAF on 31.1.1942 No 410686 age 20 years. Embarked for England on 6.1.1943 for further Training. Posted to 166 Sqd RAF Wellington Bombers then posted Operational to No 466 Sqd RAAF flying Halifax Heavy Bombers. On 18.7.1944 he and his crew in MZ313 were on a mission to attack Railway Sidings at Vaires. This was new Aircraft on 11.6.1944. They were hit by Anti Aircraft shells exploding in the fuselage. The Bomb Aimer Flt/Lt Finley advised the crew to leave by parachute as it was possible the craft could disintegrate. The Pilot Officer R.J. Evans decided to try and get the aircraft back to England, once there they abandoned the craft which was seen to disintegrate in mid air. Both were awarded the DFC. Jack was taken POW and sent to Stalag Luft 1 near Barth on the Baltic Sea for Allied Airmen. The Crew were; Roger John Evans No 410202, enlisted 5.12.1941 age 31 years. Peter Hamiliton Finley No 412294, enlisted 22.6.1941 age 22 years. L.C. Abbott, British/Allied. G.J. Mitchell, POW. Keith Mossman Tranent POW, No 426402, enlisted 20.6.1942 age 19 years 2 months. J.P.T. Finn RAF (Paddy) T.W. Wild British/Allied. On 30.4.1945 The Germans vacated the Camp Jack was in and 2 days later the Russians released them and he was placed in a British Hospital weighing 6 stone. He arrived home in Sept 1945. He stayed in the RAAF No 033130 and served in No 35 Sqd flying VIPs. He was in the Berlin Airlift 1948 - 1949, he also went on exchange with the RAF and flew in No's 24 & 511 Sqd's one a transport the other VIP transport. He was discharged from the RAAF with the rank of Flt/Lt on 6.7.1956 in No 11 Sqd. "Maunder and Sheean". In the article Jacks says that Lofty Maunder always had a joke etc when near the target to settle everyone down. The crew of Halifax LV875 were shot down by a Night Fighter near the target "Terngier" north of Paris 0n 11.4.1944. There was 157 Halifax's on the raid with 10 being lost. The Crew were; John Henry Maunder No 412562, Navigator, enlisted 19.7.1941 age 19 years 10 months. Brian Leo Sheean, No 409855, Wireless Operator, enlisted 1.10.1941 age 18 years. Research shows there were at least 3 more of the Crew KIA. Cecil John Bond No 420433, Pilot, enlisted 8.11.1941 age 19 years 11 months. John Neville Keys No 426112, Bomb Aimer, enlisted 23.5.1942 age 19 years 6 months. Clifford Young Warren No 427047, Rear Gunner, enlisted 26.4.1942 age 19 years 3 months. J.A. White, Flight Engineer, British/Allied. D.K. Messenger, Mid Upper Gunner, British/Allied. Newspaper article Herald Sun 19.4.2002, copy. Article re Jack Mitchell. The article has 6 photo insets 3 of Jack, 2 show Airmen beside an aircraft. The one with 2 Aircrew is "Lofty" Maunder and Jack. The article is mostly about "Maunder and Brian Sheean" mates of Jack. The inset photo of a women in uniform is believed to be "Maunders" English wife who he had married previously. Maunder and Sheean were KIA. "FLY THE FLAG FOR A MATE"newspaper, article, 466 sqd -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - DRESS UNIFORM, RAAF
The uniform belonged to Wing Commander "Leonard Bacon", born 11 June 1906. He enlisted in the RAAF on 31 May 1926 No. 03305 with the rank AC.1. In 9 postings in Vic, QLD and WA he rose through 11 ranks to Sgt Maj Class 2 by 1940. He was commissioned as Flying Officer on 1.8.1940. He rose through the ranks to be Wing Commander on 1.7.1951. During WW2 from 1941 he was explosives Inspecting Officer at Northern Area 5 then to Explosive Inspecting Officer for the whole RAAF in the S/W Pacific. This role took him to some 21 places in the North from Townsville - Darwin to across the islands many several times. Leonard was awarded a "Mention in Despatches" on Morotai in 1945. Post WW2 in 1950 Leonard was appointed Chief Inspector of explosives in the RAAF, one of these roles was the supervision of the disposal of large quantities of War Stock. On 13.6.1958 he was recommended for an “OBE” which he received in the 1959 New Years Honors List. Leonard retired from the RAAF on 11.6.1960 after 34 years. This is a very brief record of his service documents.Dark Blue Service Dress Uniform comprising of jacket (.1) Pants (.2) gold buttons with RAAF emblems. Ribbons on the coat are as follows; Left to Right: OBE, 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, British War Medal with clasp "MID". Australian Service medal, Long Service and Good Conduct medal. Jacket has black inside lining with belt connected to back. Three stripes of Wing Commander rank on the sleeves. Size "M".raaf, uniform, leonard bacon -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - RAAF BARRACKS BOFU JAPAN, RAAF, 1946
Item is part of the BCOF Association Collection, refer Cat No 7625This is a large black and white photo. In the background are mountains. On right side of the photo, are some factories with tall chimneys. The middle ground is flat. It shows housing alongside roads. The foreground shows 10 major double storey buildings and three rows of single storey buildings The foreground, left bottom of the picture shows darkened devastated area. A solo tall chimney is on the right side.On rear - “81 fighter..... Occupation Forces. RAAF Camp (Barracks) Bofu, Japan 1946. This was previously a camp for Kamakazi pilots”ww2, bcof, japan -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CERTIFICATE FROM SHIRE COUNCIL, Bendigo City Council, C. 1945 onwards
Often after a Service person returning from War, the Local Council would present them with a Certificate of Appreciation for their sacrifice's. In this case was to "Thomas Potter" after WW2. This is possibly 54610 Potter - Thomas RAAF, enlisted 27.4.1942 age 44. Discharged 22.3.1946 with the rank of Cpl in Air Defence HQ Townsville.Large Certificate on cream colour paper. Gold frame edges drawn inside of paper edge. Pictures of series of different service people standing over British & Australian flag and emblem of "City of Bendigo". Message of thanks and the name of returned soldier, followed by a poem and signature of Mayor and Town Clerk and stamp of Council. All overlaid over an image of Bendigo CBD.Signed by Mayor and Town Clerk. Says " The Citizens of Bendigo express deep Thankfulness to T. Potter"bendigo city council, certificate, thomas potter -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH of an AIRPLANE, RAAF, c1942
This photo relates to Ronald Leslie Schorey Dickinson RAAF, refer Cat No 7260 for service details. This is a black and white photo of a twin engine Beaufort Bomber in flight. It is flying low to the ground. Under the plane is flat ground with a few gum trees. In the background is a water way of some sort.Written on the back in blue ink is; "Beaufort Bomber being flown at Sale by Flying Officer Peter John Gibbs D.F.C in 1942. When I was at RAAF Laverton as a RAAF Cadet in 1942, F/O Peter Gibbs took me for my first ever flight in a similar plane".ww2, photo, aircraft, beaufort bomber -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - LOG BOOK, FLYING, RAAF, 1942
Ronald Leslie Schorey Dickinson RAAF No 439212. He initially enlisted as a RAAF Cadet age 16 years on 27.2.1942, Cpl 17.11.1942, Sgt 17.6.1943, S/Sgt 8.10.1943. At age 18 he enlists on 29.2.1944 with the rank A/C 2 and soon with the rank LAC (leading Aircraftsman). He is posted to places like Geraldton & Kalgoorlie WA, Benalla & Tocumwal VIC. From 23.9.1945 he is listed with postings at 54 Mile NT, Darwin in two different units, Winellie and Ransford. He is discharged with the rank of LAC on 20.5.1946. Records are hard to follow but it appears he could have been Aircrew as an LAC. Refer also Cat No 7263PThis is a hard cover book. The colour of the front cover is a purplish hue. The spine has a blue buckram binding. It was Airforce Form A.18. Inside are a large number of pages covering such subjects as; Pilot Certification, Aircraft flown, Hours, Locations. Dates - range from 1944-2017. Possibly some pages are missing. 1942 - 1944. It has records for RAAF Flying and Civilian Flying Post WW2.Written on bottom of book pages is name "DICKINSON R.L.S.raaf, flying log -
Bendigo Military Museum
Programme - PROGRAMME, BCOF
For Memorial Service held at Corowa Cenotaph of Thursday 22 March 2018 to Celebrate the Australian Contingent of BCOF in occupying Japan Post WW2. Items in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. refer Cat No. 7287P for his service details, photos and awards. Folded white paper, A5 size of programme for memorial service at Corowa Cenotaph NSW. Black writing on front and inside. Blue square in middle of front with British Forces Commonwealth Emblem. Emblem is "British Forces Commonwealth" written on a dark blue ribbon with a blue and red crown on top.Header - "British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (Japan) Australian Contingent. Bottom '(Memorial Service Corowa Cenotaph, NSW. Thursday 22 March 2018 at 10.30 pm).bcof, japanese occupational forces -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK - BCOF, Captain R.V. Kneale, Lieutenant E.E. Smith, Lieutenant R.F. O'Malley, STAND EASY AFTER THE DEFEAT OF JAPAN 1945, c1945
Book - item in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer Cat. No. 7287P for his service details, photo, awards.Hard cover book. Cover - cardboard with adhered green colour buckram. Light green print on front and spine. Small illustration on front - soldier with hands raised. 208 pages - cut, plain, off-white paper. Illustrated - black and white sepia and colour photographs, maps, sketches and cartoons. End papers - illustrated, green and cream, stylized pattern of uniforms.history, books, ww2, bcof -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK - AUTOBIOGRAPHY, Sir Edward Dunlop, "THE WAR DIARIES OF WEARY DUNLOP", First published 1986. reprinted 1986, 1987
"THE/ WAR DIARIES/ OF/ WEARY DUNLOP/ JAVA AND THE BURMA - THAILAND RAILWAY 1942 - 1945" Book - item in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer Cat. No. 7287P for his service details, photo, awards, HARD COVER BOOK WITH DUST COVER. Hard cover - cardboard with adhered red buckram, gold print on spine. Dust cover - paper, white print on front, spine and back on red background. Folded flaps with black print on beige background. Illustrated - front - colour seated portrait of Sir Edward Dunlop. Back - copy in colour of watercolour painting of "Weary Dunlop" operating in a jungle hospital by "Jack Chalker". 401 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and sketches.history, books, ww2, autobiography -
Bendigo Military Museum
Currency - CURRENCY, JAPANESE OCCUPATION
Foreign currency issued by Japanese Forces in WW2. Aim was to take economic control of countries occupied and to diminish western influences with these countries. Items in collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. refer Cat No.7287P for his service records, photos and awards.One Gulden notes issued by Japanese Occupation. Four notes basically brown in colour. Cloud emblems on one side with No. 1 and other side a picture of fruit and nut trees. Has "De Japansche Regeering Betaalt AAN Tronder EEN GULDEN". Translated to "The Japanese Government Pays to Bearer One Gulden."Inscribed "De Japansche Regeering Betaalt AAN Tronder EEN GULDEN" and No. 1.japanese occupation forces, foreign currency, gulden, richard william mcgilvery -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, WW2, C.WW2
... & RAAF service details. Phoptographs WW2 Army Back of photograph ...The photo is most likely taken at Air gunnery School. Item in the collection of Vivian D BULLEN. Going by the photo Bullen is possibly 4th from the right rear row. Refer Cat No 7386 for his AIF & RAAF service details.Photograph - original sepia tones on photographic paper. Group photograph of possible RAAF Servicemen seated and standing, dressed in overalls. Gunners at Sale, Photograph has been laminated. Back of photograph shows 24 handwritten, legible and illegible signatures and comments. Blue, black, red and green ink has been used.Back of photograph, sample of legible, handwritten signatures and comments. Top to Bottom - black ink - "B. BULLEN" - "Best of luck always Bill" Blue ink "E, EVENS". "Good shooting BULL" "LOU BROWNE" Townsville "(see you down town for lunch)" Black ink - "T. JACKSON" - "Will meet again Bull". Green ink - "D.J. CAMPBELL (Junior)" Black Ink "BONDI BICKLEY" - "Here's up your kilts" phoptographs, ww2, army -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, WW2, C. WW2 (ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH)
... for his AIF & RAAF service details. Photograhs WW2 Army Bendigo ...Item in the collection re Vivian BULLEN, refer Cat No 7386 for his AIF & RAAF service details.PHOTOCOPY OF AN ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH. PHOTOGRAPH - BLACK AND WHITE ON PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN LAMINATED. Depicts "VIVIAN DONALD BULLEN", Bendigo - Soldier in uniform and slouch hat standing in front of a fountain with streetscape of buildings in the background. Handwritten information below photograph.Below photograph - handwritten, black ink. "VIVIAN DONALD BULLEN: BENDIGO"photograhs, ww2, army, bendigo, vivian donald bullen -
Bendigo Military Museum
Container - CIGARETTE CASE
Souvenirs collected by a member of BCOF in Japan Post WW2. Item in collection of "RICHARD WILLIAM McGILVERY". RAAF. Refer Cat No. 7287P for his service details, photos and awards.Silver heavy metal cigarette box, rectangular shape with curved bowl shape inside. Lid on top has engraved series of Japanese images (Buildings and Deer in gold, gate in red and tree branch in silver). Word - possibly MIYAYIMO engraved into bottom left corner. Inside burnished gold colour.Word - possibly "MIYAYIMO" engraved into bottom left corner.bcof, souvenir -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - HOLDER, MATCH BOX
Souvenir collected by a member of BCOF in Japan during Post WW2. items in collection of "RICHARD WILLIAM McGILVERY", RAAF. REFER CAT NO. 7287P FOR HIS SERVICE DETAILS, PHOTOS AND AWARDS.Silver one piece metal match box holder. Shape is a hollow box, open at the top where match box will be inserted sitting on a pedestal. Pedestal is open at the bottom. Engraved on the box is a plant branch and two snaking lines like "S" on the wide side and on the thinner side a flower head. One of the flowers is in red.bcof, souvenirs -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - PLATTER
Souvenir collected by a member of BCOF in Japan Post War WW2. Items re collection of "RICHARD WILLIAM McGILVERY" RAAF. Refer Cat No. 7287P for his service details, photos and awards.Silver coloured metal platter. Raised edges engraved with decorative flowers and leaves, mostly silver but some red. Small hole at each end. Base engraved with series of rural images. Back engraved with speckled image and each corner slightly raised.bcof, souvenir -
Bendigo Military Museum
Medal - SERVICE MEDALS, WW2
Relates to "Edmond (Tim) Grey Bates" RAAF 20841. Enlisted 30/5/41. Discharges 30/6/45. Cpl. 1 Wireless & Gunnery School. Pacific Star awarded for Service in WW2. War medal was for all who served in the armed services or Merchant Navy in WW2. Australian Service medal was specific to Australian Citizens.Four WW2 Service Medals. 1. 1939-45 Star. 6 pointed Star of yellow copper and zinc alloy with a dark blue, red and light blue ribbon. Attached to a ring at the top. 2. Pacific Star - 6 pointed star of copper and zinc alloy with a small ring at top and colours on ribbon of red, dark blue, green, yellow, cream, dark blue and red. 3. War Medal 1939-45. Round silver medal in copper nickel with fixed straight bar on top. Attached ribbon is a combination of red, dark blue and white. 4. Australian Service Medal - round silver color medal of nickel alloy with fixed star and bar on top and ribbon colours of light blue, red, white and dark blue. 1.& 2. A crown and "GRJ VI" on front. 3. King George VI one side and roaring lion on other. 4. King George VI on one side and Commonwealth Emblem on other.medals, raaf, edmond grey bates -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Aerial Photograph, Landata, Eltham; Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (Stokes Orchard Estate), Dec. 1945
Centred on present day Diosma Rd, Stokes Pl, Nyora Rd and Eucalyptus Rd Historic Aerial Imagery Source: Landata.vic.gov.au Aerial Photo Details: Project No :5 Project : MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN AREA PROJECT Run : 36 Frame : 60546 Date : 12/1945 Film Type : B/W Camera : EAG4 Flying Height : 10200 Scale : 6000 Film Number : 195 GDA2020 : 37°42'47"S, 145°09'56"E MGA2020 : 338306, 5824438 (55) Melways : 22 C4 (ed. 42) A History of the Development of Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik – Stokes Orchard Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) is a square allotment of 158 acres or approximately a quarter of a square mile. It lies just beyond the eastern end of Pitt Street, south of Nyora Road to the northern end of Eucalyptus Road and extends east from Eucalyptus Road to Reynolds Road. The topography of CA15 is generally steep, sloping up to a hill near the centre of the land, the ridgeline passing through the properties along the southern side of Diosma Road. Eucalyptus Road is a straight north-south road with its northern end at the north west corner of CA15. Until the end of the 1970s this road was an un-named Government Road and was largely not open to traffic. With residential development in the 1970s the road was constructed, and the council allocated the name obviously in recognition of the predominant species of the local bushland. CA15 was purchased from the Crown by George D’Arley Boursiquot, a prominent Melbourne printer, on 28th October 1852. On November 23, 1922, former Member for Gippsland and Melbourne Real Estate Agent, Hubert Patrick Keogh purchased the allotment then sold it March 13, 1925, to local farmer, Robert David Taylor, a former Shire of Eltham Councillor (1911-1920) and Shire President (1919). Taylor had extensive land holdings stretching west towards Bible Street and Main Road. The Taylor home was situated at the top of the hill in Bible Street at present day 82 Bible Street. At the time of Taylor’s purchase in 1925, CA15 was subdivided into 48 lots that could be described as small rural properties or large residential lots. A typical lot size was one hectare or 2.5 acres. The subdivision created two roads, Nyora Road, and Diosma Road, each following an irregular alignment between Eucalyptus and Reynolds Roads. However, the lots were not sold off separately nor were the roads constructed. The land effectively remained as one parcel for many further years. Robert David Taylor died November 30, 1934, and probate was granted to his son of the same name, Robert David Taylor of Bible Street, Salesman and William McLelland Vance Taylor of 73 Emmeline Street, Northcote, Clerk, with the transfer of the land into their names on July 8, 1935. Frank Stokes worked as a qualified accountant at Kennons leather factory in Burnley, while living at 1 Thomas Street, Mitcham. He suffered from migraines and wanted to return to working the land (he had previously worked on farms and orchards since coming to Australia from England in 1926, both in WA and Vic.). He first travelled to the district by train in July 1942 to find land with the intention to establish an orchard. By chance he met Arthur Bird of Bird Orchard (bounded by Pitt Street, Eucalyptus Road, and Wattle Grove) and they got talking over their common interest. Arthur put Frank up for the night and pointed out the land, 158 acres- part of the Taylor Estate- £900, Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) somewhat diagonally opposite Bird Orchard. Stokes applied through the Riverina Agency to purchase the land who in turn applied for permission from Canberra to sell as there was a new government regulation introduced during the Second World War banning land sales except for immediate production. Stokes obtained a loan on his Mitcham house of £600 @ 5% and paid £450 deposit with quarterly payments of £15 spread over 5 years. Stokes was assisted and advised by Arthur Bird who farmed the neighbouring orchard. In early 1943 Stokes took possession and would catch the train out to Eltham on Fridays after work and began building a hut on the corner of Nyora Road and the Government Road (Eucalyptus Road) for shelter and to lock up tools. He established an orchard on the central western part of the land through the centre of which ran a natural waterway (part of the present-day linear park) and was able to pay a neighbour (Hawkins) to help with clearing and fencing 25 acres, and with a horse and single furrowed plough, planted approximately 2,500 fruit trees - cherries, peaches, plums, almonds, pears, apricots and lemons as well as a few apples and oranges; a massive task. Aerial photographs from the 1940s through to the 1990s clearly show the orchard with most of the larger CA15 site remaining as natural bushland. A huge problem was hares and rabbits eating all the new buds off the tiny trees. As well as laying poison he painted the trees with a mixture of cow manure and lime, often working by moonlight. Procurement of wire and wire netting was difficult because of the war but after much effort he obtained a permit from the Agricultural Department for supplies in March 1944. In February 1945 Stokes applied for a permit to build a “packing shed” as no house building was allowed. It was to be 33 feet x 21 feet and cost £312. It was constructed mostly from second-hand materials, which were hard to obtain, especially iron for roofing. Stokes finished work at Kennons on October 31, 1945, and in March 1946 he sold the family home at Mitcham for £1,230 plus £170 for furniture. On May 15, 1946, title to the CA15 property was issued to Frank Howard Alfred Stokes, Orchardist and Gladys Ethel Stokes, Married Woman, both of Pitt Street, Eltham. The family of five then moved into the very unfinished “packing shed” at Eltham, which was a struggle to weatherproof. Eventually rooms were divided off and lined with hessian bags and whitewashed. Their income was firewood (cut and sold), selling rockery stones and cut Sweet Bursaria. (It was discovered during the 1940s that Sweet Bursaria contained the sunscreen compound Aesculin. The RAAF utilised this compound from Sweet Bursaria during WW2 for pilots and gunners.) The orchard’s first fruit sale was a half-case of Le Vanq peaches in December 1947 for the price of 8 shillings. In 1956 plans for house were drawn and Glen Iris bricks purchased (1956 Olympic Rings variant). The building of the house commenced in 1957 - 12 feet of original packing shed was removed – and was completed in 1959. Water was connected from newly built pressure storage on the property at the end of 1959 and the electricity connection for the first time at 3pm on April 29, 1960. The house remains to present day (somewhat modified) at 1 Nyora Road, home to Nyora Studio Gallery. On occasions, spare remnants of the 1956 bricks have been known to be unearthed in gardens on the estate as they were utilised by Frank Stokes to fill in rabbit holes. On May 26, 1950, a parcel of land was compulsorily acquired by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works on the hilltop to establish an easement for a high-level service reservoir to augment Eltham’s water supply. The project also included pipe tracks for the necessary water mains. The reservoir has now been superseded by higher level water tanks east of Reynolds Road and its former site is now a public reserve. On November 27, 1964, the State Electricity Commission served notice to compulsorily acquire a further parcel through the eastern part of the land for a major electricity transmission line that augmented supply from the La Trobe Valley to Melbourne. The easement was registered February 11, 1966. The easement was widened July 18, 1969 for a second transmission line to be constructed. In 1971 Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme amendments adopted Nyora Road as the boundary between a residential zone to the north and a rural zone to the south. This determined the future development of the land. In the mid-1970s the Shire of Eltham divided the orchard into numerous rate-able parcel lots, the 48 lots having been established in 1925 and the subsequent rates assessment proved unsustainable for Stokes. He commenced selling lots outside the boundary of the orchard, north of Diosma and South of Nyora. However shortly later the land between Nyora and Diosma Roads and west of the electricity easement was sold and subdivided into residential lots, a housing development by Macquarie Builders and marketed as the Stokes Orchard Estate. New streets were created, and most were named after trees, although one, Stokes Place, commemorates the former owners. The development was undertaken in two stages; Stage 1 (1975) encompassing Scarlet Ash Court, Ironbark Close and Peppermint Grove bounded by Nyora and Eucalyptus roads and Stage 2 (1978) encompassing Stokes Place, Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout bound by Nyora and Diosma roads. The developer, Macquarie Builders went bankrupt shortly after the release of Stage 2 leaving many purchasers to fend for themselves and arrange for their own independent builders. There were also difficulties with sewerage for the land immediately south of Diosma Road and so the conventional residential lots were abandoned in favour of larger lots. The development of Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout did not proceed as planned and the proposed lots were incorporated into five-acre parcels instead. These included a low-density group housing development by the Graves family and the award winning Choong House (1983) with Gordon Ford developed garden immediately next door situated on the ridge of the hill nestled amongst the original bush, Eucalypt trees and Sweet Bursaria. In 1994, Nillumbik Shire Council applied Significant Environment and Significant Landscape overlays upon the properties on the south side of Diosma Road to ensure protection of this natural bush garden environment. With the arrival of the sewer along Diosma Road in the 1990s, most of these five-acre parcels have since been subdivided multiple times. The Choong house presently sits on a 2.7-acre property, which in 2022 Nillumbik Council nominated for Cultural Significance Heritage protection and is considered potentially significant at State level. The Stokes family were also associated with the Eltham Christian Church. In the 1970s this church had met in temporary premises in Eltham. Lots of the original 1925 subdivision remained south of Nyora Road and a number of these lots were utilized for the Eltham Christian School, which was established by the Eltham Christian Church in 1981. The school operated on this site until 2000. The premises are now used by The Vine Baptist Church. By the mid-1980s the whole of CA15 had been developed for residential and school purposes, except for the sections north of Diosma Road and between the transmission lines and Reynolds Road. Sewerage issues had been resolved for the section north of Diosma Road and in 1987 it was in the process of being subdivided into residential lots. The development coincided with the discovery of colonies of the rare and endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly on the site. This resulted in a community and political campaign to save the butterfly habitat. With the co-operation of the land developer the subdivision was altered to create two bushland reserves in the critical butterfly habitat areas. In the late 1980s the State Government was investigating options for establishing a metropolitan ring road link between Diamond Creek and Ringwood. The chosen route was adjacent to Reynolds Road and so this created a freeze on development of CA15 between Reynolds Road and the electricity easement. The ring road proposal was eventually abandoned, and this part of the land was subdivided into low density residential lots. Diosma Road has been discontinued at the electricity easement and the eastern part incorporated into View Mount Court with access from Reynolds Road. The whole of CA15 has now been developed for residential or associated purposes, ranging from conventional density to quite low density south of Nyora Road. Some remnants of the orchard remain, a few cherry trees on the Graves property and a lone apple tree in Stokes Place. The butterfly reserves comprise significant areas of remnant bushland. Linear reserves through the estate link with central Eltham via the Woodridge linear reserve and with Research along the electricity easement. CA15 as it exists today has a complicated history of rural use, Government acquisition, urban development, and community action. References: • “Stokes Orchard, an incomplete history”; Russell Yeoman with Doug Orford • Correspondence, Beryl Bradbury (nee Stokes) • Aerial Photographs, 1931-1991, Landata (landata.vic.gov.au) • Certificate of Title, Vol. 4930 Fol. 985900 • Plan Number LP 10859 aerial photo, diosma road, eltham copper butterfly, eucalyptus road, ironbark close, nyora road, peppermint grove, peter & elizabeth pidgeon collection, power transmission lines, reynolds road, scarlet ash court, stokes orchard estate, stokes place, woodridge estate, frank stokes -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Aerial Photograph, Landata, Eltham; Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (Stokes Orchard Estate), Nov. 1931
Centred over present day Reynolds Road and Mount Pleasant Road, Eltham (including Diosma Rd, Stokes Pl, Nyora Rd and Eucalyptus Rd) Historic Aerial Imagery Source: Landata.vic.gov.au Aerial Photo Details: Project No :1931 Project : MALDON PRISON Run : 21 Frame : 3160 Date : 11/1931 Film Type : B/W Camera : F8 Flying Height : 11000 Scale : 18860 Film Number : 60 GDA2020 : 37°43'31"S, 145°10'20"E MGA2020 : 338912, 5823086 (55) Melways : 22 E8 (ed. 42) A History of the Development of Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik – Stokes Orchard Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) is a square allotment of 158 acres or approximately a quarter of a square mile. It lies just beyond the eastern end of Pitt Street, south of Nyora Road to the northern end of Eucalyptus Road and extends east from Eucalyptus Road to Reynolds Road. The topography of CA15 is generally steep, sloping up to a hill near the centre of the land, the ridgeline passing through the properties along the southern side of Diosma Road. Eucalyptus Road is a straight north-south road with its northern end at the north west corner of CA15. Until the end of the 1970s this road was an un-named Government Road and was largely not open to traffic. With residential development in the 1970s the road was constructed, and the council allocated the name obviously in recognition of the predominant species of the local bushland. CA15 was purchased from the Crown by George D’Arley Boursiquot, a prominent Melbourne printer, on 28th October 1852. On November 23, 1922, former Member for Gippsland and Melbourne Real Estate Agent, Hubert Patrick Keogh purchased the allotment then sold it March 13, 1925, to local farmer, Robert David Taylor, a former Shire of Eltham Councillor (1911-1920) and Shire President (1919). Taylor had extensive land holdings stretching west towards Bible Street and Main Road. The Taylor home was situated at the top of the hill in Bible Street at present day 82 Bible Street. At the time of Taylor’s purchase in 1925, CA15 was subdivided into 48 lots that could be described as small rural properties or large residential lots. A typical lot size was one hectare or 2.5 acres. The subdivision created two roads, Nyora Road, and Diosma Road, each following an irregular alignment between Eucalyptus and Reynolds Roads. However, the lots were not sold off separately nor were the roads constructed. The land effectively remained as one parcel for many further years. Robert David Taylor died November 30, 1934, and probate was granted to his son of the same name, Robert David Taylor of Bible Street, Salesman and William McLelland Vance Taylor of 73 Emmeline Street, Northcote, Clerk, with the transfer of the land into their names on July 8, 1935. Frank Stokes worked as a qualified accountant at Kennons leather factory in Burnley, while living at 1 Thomas Street, Mitcham. He suffered from migraines and wanted to return to working the land (he had previously worked on farms and orchards since coming to Australia from England in 1926, both in WA and Vic.). He first travelled to the district by train in July 1942 to find land with the intention to establish an orchard. By chance he met Arthur Bird of Bird Orchard (bounded by Pitt Street, Eucalyptus Road, and Wattle Grove) and they got talking over their common interest. Arthur put Frank up for the night and pointed out the land, 158 acres- part of the Taylor Estate- £900, Crown Allotment 15, Section 5, Parish of Nillumbik (CA15) somewhat diagonally opposite Bird Orchard. Stokes applied through the Riverina Agency to purchase the land who in turn applied for permission from Canberra to sell as there was a new government regulation introduced during the Second World War banning land sales except for immediate production. Stokes obtained a loan on his Mitcham house of £600 @ 5% and paid £450 deposit with quarterly payments of £15 spread over 5 years. Stokes was assisted and advised by Arthur Bird who farmed the neighbouring orchard. In early 1943 Stokes took possession and would catch the train out to Eltham on Fridays after work and began building a hut on the corner of Nyora Road and the Government Road (Eucalyptus Road) for shelter and to lock up tools. He established an orchard on the central western part of the land through the centre of which ran a natural waterway (part of the present-day linear park) and was able to pay a neighbour (Hawkins) to help with clearing and fencing 25 acres, and with a horse and single furrowed plough, planted approximately 2,500 fruit trees - cherries, peaches, plums, almonds, pears, apricots and lemons as well as a few apples and oranges; a massive task. Aerial photographs from the 1940s through to the 1990s clearly show the orchard with most of the larger CA15 site remaining as natural bushland. A huge problem was hares and rabbits eating all the new buds off the tiny trees. As well as laying poison he painted the trees with a mixture of cow manure and lime, often working by moonlight. Procurement of wire and wire netting was difficult because of the war but after much effort he obtained a permit from the Agricultural Department for supplies in March 1944. In February 1945 Stokes applied for a permit to build a “packing shed” as no house building was allowed. It was to be 33 feet x 21 feet and cost £312. It was constructed mostly from second-hand materials, which were hard to obtain, especially iron for roofing. Stokes finished work at Kennons on October 31, 1945, and in March 1946 he sold the family home at Mitcham for £1,230 plus £170 for furniture. On May 15, 1946, title to the CA15 property was issued to Frank Howard Alfred Stokes, Orchardist and Gladys Ethel Stokes, Married Woman, both of Pitt Street, Eltham. The family of five then moved into the very unfinished “packing shed” at Eltham, which was a struggle to weatherproof. Eventually rooms were divided off and lined with hessian bags and whitewashed. Their income was firewood (cut and sold), selling rockery stones and cut Sweet Bursaria. (It was discovered during the 1940s that Sweet Bursaria contained the sunscreen compound Aesculin. The RAAF utilised this compound from Sweet Bursaria during WW2 for pilots and gunners.) The orchard’s first fruit sale was a half-case of Le Vanq peaches in December 1947 for the price of 8 shillings. In 1956 plans for house were drawn and Glen Iris bricks purchased (1956 Olympic Rings variant). The building of the house commenced in 1957 - 12 feet of original packing shed was removed – and was completed in 1959. Water was connected from newly built pressure storage on the property at the end of 1959 and the electricity connection for the first time at 3pm on April 29, 1960. The house remains to present day (somewhat modified) at 1 Nyora Road, home to Nyora Studio Gallery. On occasions, spare remnants of the 1956 bricks have been known to be unearthed in gardens on the estate as they were utilised by Frank Stokes to fill in rabbit holes. On May 26, 1950, a parcel of land was compulsorily acquired by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works on the hilltop to establish an easement for a high-level service reservoir to augment Eltham’s water supply. The project also included pipe tracks for the necessary water mains. The reservoir has now been superseded by higher level water tanks east of Reynolds Road and its former site is now a public reserve. On November 27, 1964, the State Electricity Commission served notice to compulsorily acquire a further parcel through the eastern part of the land for a major electricity transmission line that augmented supply from the La Trobe Valley to Melbourne. The easement was registered February 11, 1966. The easement was widened July 18, 1969 for a second transmission line to be constructed. In 1971 Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme amendments adopted Nyora Road as the boundary between a residential zone to the north and a rural zone to the south. This determined the future development of the land. In the mid-1970s the Shire of Eltham divided the orchard into numerous rate-able parcel lots, the 48 lots having been established in 1925 and the subsequent rates assessment proved unsustainable for Stokes. He commenced selling lots outside the boundary of the orchard, north of Diosma and South of Nyora. However shortly later the land between Nyora and Diosma Roads and west of the electricity easement was sold and subdivided into residential lots, a housing development by Macquarie Builders and marketed as the Stokes Orchard Estate. New streets were created, and most were named after trees, although one, Stokes Place, commemorates the former owners. The development was undertaken in two stages; Stage 1 (1975) encompassing Scarlet Ash Court, Ironbark Close and Peppermint Grove bounded by Nyora and Eucalyptus roads and Stage 2 (1978) encompassing Stokes Place, Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout bound by Nyora and Diosma roads. The developer, Macquarie Builders went bankrupt shortly after the release of Stage 2 leaving many purchasers to fend for themselves and arrange for their own independent builders. There were also difficulties with sewerage for the land immediately south of Diosma Road and so the conventional residential lots were abandoned in favour of larger lots. The development of Orchard Way, The Crest and The Lookout did not proceed as planned and the proposed lots were incorporated into five-acre parcels instead. These included a low-density group housing development by the Graves family and the award winning Choong House (1983) with Gordon Ford developed garden immediately next door situated on the ridge of the hill nestled amongst the original bush, Eucalypt trees and Sweet Bursaria. In 1994, Nillumbik Shire Council applied Significant Environment and Significant Landscape overlays upon the properties on the south side of Diosma Road to ensure protection of this natural bush garden environment. With the arrival of the sewer along Diosma Road in the 1990s, most of these five-acre parcels have since been subdivided multiple times. The Choong house presently sits on a 2.7-acre property, which in 2022 Nillumbik Council nominated for Cultural Significance Heritage protection and is considered potentially significant at State level. The Stokes family were also associated with the Eltham Christian Church. In the 1970s this church had met in temporary premises in Eltham. Lots of the original 1925 subdivision remained south of Nyora Road and a number of these lots were utilized for the Eltham Christian School, which was established by the Eltham Christian Church in 1981. The school operated on this site until 2000. The premises are now used by The Vine Baptist Church. By the mid-1980s the whole of CA15 had been developed for residential and school purposes, except for the sections north of Diosma Road and between the transmission lines and Reynolds Road. Sewerage issues had been resolved for the section north of Diosma Road and in 1987 it was in the process of being subdivided into residential lots. The development coincided with the discovery of colonies of the rare and endangered Eltham Copper Butterfly on the site. This resulted in a community and political campaign to save the butterfly habitat. With the co-operation of the land developer the subdivision was altered to create two bushland reserves in the critical butterfly habitat areas. In the late 1980s the State Government was investigating options for establishing a metropolitan ring road link between Diamond Creek and Ringwood. The chosen route was adjacent to Reynolds Road and so this created a freeze on development of CA15 between Reynolds Road and the electricity easement. The ring road proposal was eventually abandoned, and this part of the land was subdivided into low density residential lots. Diosma Road has been discontinued at the electricity easement and the eastern part incorporated into View Mount Court with access from Reynolds Road. The whole of CA15 has now been developed for residential or associated purposes, ranging from conventional density to quite low density south of Nyora Road. Some remnants of the orchard remain, a few cherry trees on the Graves property and a lone apple tree in Stokes Place. The butterfly reserves comprise significant areas of remnant bushland. Linear reserves through the estate link with central Eltham via the Woodridge linear reserve and with Research along the electricity easement. CA15 as it exists today has a complicated history of rural use, Government acquisition, urban development, and community action. References: • “Stokes Orchard, an incomplete history”; Russell Yeoman with Doug Orford • Correspondence, Beryl Bradbury (nee Stokes) • Aerial Photographs, 1931-1991, Landata (landata.vic.gov.au) • Certificate of Title, Vol. 4930 Fol. 985900 • Plan Number LP 10859 aerial photo, diosma road, eltham copper butterfly, eucalyptus road, ironbark close, nyora road, peppermint grove, peter & elizabeth pidgeon collection, power transmission lines, reynolds road, scarlet ash court, stokes orchard estate, stokes place, woodridge estate, frank stokes