Twenty-two young New Zealand soldiers were posted to a clandestine intelligence unit in Melbourne called the Allied Intelligence Bureau. Their task was to undertake espionage and sabotage lines of communication, train natives as soldiers for local resistance and set up a radio link back to Australia. This is the account of the experiences of one soldier’s operation in Borneo – and is an account of their divine protection. Soft cover 174 pageSigned by author.ww2, australian special operations, nz special forces in ww2

Brian Walpole, the author, was a Australian Commando and special operations operative behind enemy lines in New Guinea and Borneo during WW2. Brian was a commando with the Australian 2/3 Independent Company. He went to New Guinea in January 1943 and remained until the fall of the Japanese base at Salamaua in September. He fought on the Bobdubi Ridge. His commanding officer was the well-regarded George Warfe, whose portrait was sketched by war artist Ivor Hele. Brian blazed a trail through the New Guinea jungle which appears on some maps as Walpole’s Track, discovering and naming the ambush site Goodview Junction. Soon afterwards (July 1943) Goodview Junction was the scene of a key campaign victory which contributed to George Warfe being awarded the Military Cross.Brian’s Special Operations training mostly took place at Careening Bay (Western Australia) and Fraser Island (Queensland). He arrived in Borneo at the time of the 9th Division’s landing at Labuan Island, and took part in two SRD operations – Colt and Semut 3. After the surrender, Walpole's work continued as many of the Japanese did not recognise the surrender and continued to fight on. Brian relates how on the 14th of September 1945 while still an operative in SRD he was able to save POWs from certain death and after a firefight arrested 10 Japanese soldiers at Simanggang Borneo. He was alone and had been assisted in the battle by 20 headhunters from the jungles along the Rejang River. One of the people saved was a young nurse in her 20s, Lena Ricketts. ww2, australian special operations, australian commando, new guinea, borneo, world war ii

Drawing done on location by Francis John " Curly" Papworth in Timor on the second day of his deployment with 2/2 Independent Company.This work of soldiers is significant as a work produced by a serving soldier on location during WWII and is a unique example of an artistic work showing the men and their surroundings at the time. Pencil drawing on white paper in landscape Diary entry of the second day on Timor with drawing of cooking with local huts in backgroundww2, world war 2, independent company, 2/2 commando squadron, francis john papworth, timor, 2/2 independent company.

Japanese Commanders crossing a pontoon bridge under guard by Australian soldier on the way to the official surrender of Japanese forces in Balikpapan in (Dutch East Indies) Indonesia 1945. This was a major event in the ending of World War 2. Following the japanese surrender the Local population began it push for independance. Framed photograph (copy) of Japanese Commanders surrendering at Balikpapan. Black frame and glass covered. The Japanese Command staff with a Japanese general and aid-d-camp (Captian)carring his breif case along with other staff members. In the background here are 2 American PT boats with American naval personal .Note American flag flying in the top left corner. There are several American landing craft next to a Japanese landing barge. The Japanese landing bardge has the required surrender markings which is a green square with a white cross on top right of photo. The Australian soldier following the Japanese soldiers is wearing slouch hat and gungle green uniform. Along the docks are native workers.Paper discription on lower photograph with details of item description, where photo obtained from and donated by.ww2, japanese, surrender, balikpapan, generals, americans, pt boats, japanese landing bardge, american landing craft, dutch east indies

This was the "Order of service" for the inaugural unveiling of the WW2 Commando Cairn at Tidal River, Victoria. Lt General Sir Edmund Herring, Lt Governor of Victoria addressed the assembly, 2 Commando Company soldiers were the Guard of Honour, and the 4/19 PWLH Regt band played. This was the first official memorial to WW2 Commandos, located at Wilsons Promontory where the Commando units were first trained. A memorial ceremony is held in November each year since 1964. Honour rolls of WW2 and post-WW2 Commandos who died in battle or training were added in 2011.2 sheet quarto (four sides) white semi-glossy paper with black type and logo. Order of service.Niltidal river wilsons promontory commando memorial cairn ww2 honour rolls post-ww2 national

1939 - 1945 Australian Army Sewing Kit. This kit is just one of many different brands of sewing kit - issued to Australian troops during the Second World War. Containing the standard requirements for uniform/clothing repair in the field. Items include:- assorted sewing needles,spare metal (quad hole) buttons and spare cotton/wool thread. Originally the "hold-all" (or pouch) was manufactured using leather, which was in plentiful supply in Australia and is quite durable. The major problem with leather however, especially in tropical or damp conditions - is it's susceptibility to moisture. This will then have an adverse affect upon the metal items contained within the kit, obviously resulting in corrosion to the metal sewing needles and buttons. This sewing kit hold-alls was manufactured from a khaki cotton or similar material. The metal thimble is missing.Standard issue sewing kit for Australian Soldiers serving in WW2 1939-45 in New Guinea and tropical areasA rectangular khaki cotton pouch containing wool and cotton threads, needles, metal buttons, folding stainless steel scissors that rolls up and is tied by two cotton bands.world war 11 1939-1945, cotton, khaki, soldier field kit, sewing kit, new guinea, army supply department, australian army, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham,

Female Relative Badges were issued to the nearest female relative (usually wives or mothers) of those who engaged in active service overseas during the First and Second World Wars. For active service abroad during the Second World War, a single badge was issued to the nearest female relative of members of the RAN, the Australian Imperial Force (including members of the Australian Army Nursing Service), and the Royal Australian Air Force. Stars displayed on a bar suspended below the badge represented the number of relatives involved in the war effort. Authority for the issue of the badge was given under AIF Order 200,14 February 1941. This medal was given to Veronica ( White ) Roper in 1942 because her husband Alfred William Roper was a member of the Australian Army Signals Corp serving in New Guinea. Emma Olymphia Roper of Balaclava/ Ripponlea would also have received a medal like this with 4 four stars because her 4 sons were serving in the Australian Army 1939-45 This Military Medal was given to the wives and mothers of Australian Soldiers serving during World War 2 1939-1945Silver medal, engraved wreath of leaves, crown and map of Australia and pin clasp on back . A bar with one star is suspendedAround medal : For the Women of Australia Back : Issued by the / C'wealth Govt. / A 135699 / Angus & Coote / 1942 Bar : star/ asteriskworld war 1939-1945, military medals, roper alfred william , roper veronica, moore joan catherine, roper arthur leopold, roper emma olymphia, war memorials, bentleigh, city of moorabbin, totally and permanently invalid, returned service league, victoria barracks, department of defence australia,

A Gaiter or Puttee covers the lower leg and boot lacing and are a type of protective clothing for the ankles and legs below the knee.. These long woollen wrap around Gaiters were issued 1943 to a serving Australian Soldier in World War 2 1939-45 This pair of Australian Army Gaiters were issued in 1943 to one of the many young men from City of Moorabbin who volunteered to serve during WW2 1939-45 WW2 extra long wool wraps /gaiters / puttees Australian Army issue 1943 MADE IN AUSTRALIA / N466 D D / REGIMENTAL NO. ......./ NAME ... C.M / 1943australian army, world war 2 1939-45; gaiters, puttees, woollen goods, protective gear, uniforms, australian infantry forces, moorabbin, bentleigh , cheltenham

The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1862. Initially its purpose was to try and find ways of overcoming the inadequacy of army medical services so as to alleviate the suffering of those wounded in armed conflict. Over time it has extended its work to include many forms of humanitarian aid in times of peace and war. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It is especially remembered in the provision of “comforts” for soldiers overseas. Enormous sums of money were raised, and thousands of women volunteers contributed their time by making vast quantities of clothing: socks, vests, mittens, mufflers, pyjamas and a variety of linen. Items were sent to headquarters located in the state capitals, often using government houses as depots, where, after being sorted and packed by yet more volunteers, they were sent to Britain or the front. The effect of this work for the recipients was to bring comfort in its truest sense, for a seemingly trivial gift of a bar of chocolate of a pair of dry socks could bring the most profound relief for a soldier on the Western Front. From the date of its inception until the armistice the ARCS dispatched 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels Between 1914 and 1918 more than £3,500,00 was collected and spent on Red Cross services to the Australian Forces and Empire Forces. During WW1 and WW2 Red Cross raised funds selling buttons.Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire held fundraising events for the support of Red Cross Victoria and made cakes and knitted socks, gloves and scarves for distribution to serving men and women Metal buttons with printing on themRed Crossred cross, fund raising buttons, wwi, wwii, french red cross, british red cross, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, caulfield repatriation hospital

The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1862. Initially its purpose was to try and find ways of overcoming the inadequacy of army medical services so as to alleviate the suffering of those wounded in armed conflict. Over time it has extended its work to include many forms of humanitarian aid in times of peace and war. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It is especially remembered in the provision of “comforts” for soldiers overseas. Enormous sums of money were raised, and thousands of women volunteers contributed their time by making vast quantities of clothing: socks, vests, mittens, mufflers, pyjamas and a variety of linen. Items were sent to headquarters located in the state capitals, often using government houses as depots, where, after being sorted and packed by yet more volunteers, they were sent to Britain or the front. The effect of this work for the recipients was to bring comfort in its truest sense, for a seemingly trivial gift of a bar of chocolate of a pair of dry socks could bring the most profound relief for a soldier on the Western Front. From the date of its inception until the armistice the ARCS dispatched 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels Between 1914 and 1918 more than £3,500,00 was collected and spent on Red Cross services to the Australian Forces and Empire Forces. During WW1 and WW2 Red Cross raised funds selling buttons.This Carnival was an example of the support given to Red Cross by market gardeners, early settler families and schools in Moorabbin ShireDandenong Red Cross Carnival 1917red cross, dandenong, springvale, chelsea, dingley, keysborough

Soldiers Pocket Bookdocuments, ww2, army

Australian Soldier at Kokodapicture, ww2, army

Company of Soldierspicture, ww2, army

Small resin statuette of Private Bull saving an American soldiermodel, ww2

Small resin statuette of AIF soldier, Middle East 1942plaque, ww2, army

Belonged to VF397611 Honor Alice Humbleequipment, ww2, army

#V5243 Sgt. Henry Bertram Raymond GEORGEephemera, ww2, army

Index, ill, p.486.non-fictionFollowing the publication of the remarkable 'Forgotten Voices of the Great War', Max Arthur has once again gone deep into the Imperial War Museum Sound Archive to create this landmark oral history of the most devastating conflict the world has ever seen, the Second World War. The Imperial War Museum holds a vast archive of interviews with soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians of most nationalities who saw action during WW2. world war 1939-1945 - personal narratives - britain, oral history

Australian soldiers photographed in front of the "Dome of the Rock" shrine in Jerusalem. During the Second World War, Palestine was under a British mandate and Australian and New Zealand soldiers were back helping the British army to stop the Germans from capturing Egypt and the Suez Canal. They fought alongside several Palestinian brigades enlisted into the British Army under The Palestine Regiment. World famous "Dome of the Rock", site of the ancient temple of Solomon and now a Muslim shrine. During the 7th century it served as a testament to the power of the new faith of Islam. The Dome of the Rock is one of the earliest surviving buildings from the Islamic world. This remarkable building is not a mosque, as is commonly assumed and scholars still debate its original function and meaning.Black and white photograph of Australian Soldiers in front of arched columns with large dome building in background.domeof the rock, jerusalem, ww2

Roy Tobias MM Born 2/1/1924 at Wangaratta . He enlisted on 9/4/1942 and served with 57/60 Battalion in New Guinea during the Second World War. He was wounded by a gunshot wound to the left thigh. He died in 2001 at the age of 77 years.Timber frame surrounding green and brown print of four soldiers in a village.57/60 BTN in Action at Bougainville Loaned by 57/60 Btn Assoc. Donated by Roy Tobias M.M. 199957/60 battalion, bouganville, ww2

On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber frame with gold coloured inner edge containing badge and tribute on grey backgroundGull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha In memory of and tribute to the Officers and Men of "Gull Force" comprising of 2/21 Battalion and attached Units.gull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2

Recruitment poster urgently calling for enlistments to the AIF during World War Two. The poster depicts a man donning a uniform, rifle in one hand, his civilian clothes lie in heap on the ground behind him.Australian Commonwealth Military Forces Second World War recruitment poster released in 1941 before Japan had entered the war, at a time when many Australians were reluctant to enlist to fight on the other side of the world. Dark timber frame containing poster of a soldier JOIN THE A.I.F THIS IS SERIOUS ENLIST NOWrecruiting, oster, ww2

Item donated by Eric Hamilton VX42389 who served with the 2/32nd Australian Infantry Battalion in the Middle East and at the battle of Tobruk which lasted 241 days in 1941. Brown timber frame containing poster with Map in centre and circles in each corner with images of soldiers and one symbol on light blue background Siege of Tobruk April- Dec 1941tobruk, ww2, 1941

Collection of assorted Army standard issued books and personal papers including hand sketch of camp 'Kilo 89' in Palestine belonging to Private Alfred VONARX VX29295 who was born on 5/1/1901 at Docker Plains near Wangaratta. He enlisted on the 4/7/1940 at Seymour and assigned to the 2/7th Battalion which was deployed to the Middle East and later New Guinea.Soldiers Pay Book X 2, Bible & Meal Card, The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book, Clothing ration book and note book camp kilo 89, private alfred vonarx, vx29295, ww2, palestine

Pocket Book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to George Denis Parker VX123730 who served with the 6th Australia Infantry Training Brigade. He was deployed in February 1944 to New Guinea and assigned to HQ New Guinea Force Details Depot. Based in Buna, in Papua, they carried out garrison duties as well as patrols around the areas surrounding Milne and Nassu Bay. In May 1944, they moved to Lae. Parker returned to Australia in June 1944.An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from the Australian Comforts Fund 1942australian soldier's pocket book, george denis parker, ww2, png

Australian Soldier's Pocket book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to WO2 Almora Reedie SHARROCK VX142263 Born 13/7/1911 at Dandenong. Enlisted 26/2/1940. Occupation Armourer. Unit 127 Australian Brigade Workshop. Served in New Guinea during WW2An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund 1944ww2, almora reedie sharrock, 127 aust bde workshop

Certificate of appreciation dated 30/6/1946 presented to Wangaratta Comforts Fund by RSS & AILABlack plastic frame containing certificate with black and red writing below two symbols and picture of a buildingThe Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmen Imperial League of Australia Presented to Wangaratta Comforts Fund in grateful appreciation of meritorious service rendered to the RSL War Service Fund during 1939-1945.comfort fund, ww2, wangaratta, certificate

WW2 War Service Badge issued to former soldiers who had served within the boundaries of Australia and who were, therefore, not eligible for the RAS badge. To be worn on civilian clothing.Gold badge with crown on top, rising sun in middle, an anchor at the bottom.On front: Service at bottom of crown. Australia is written at bottom, under anchor. On back: 1948, Issued by C'Wealth Govt, Amor Sydney. 49241australia, wwii, world war 2

Lieutenant Albert Sargent VX15290 was born on the 3rd of November, 1918 at Wangaratta in Victoria. He was a member of Z Special Unit and involved in Operation RIMAU. when he was captured and executed by the Japanese in Malaya on the 7th of July, 1945 during WW2. Operation RIMAU - In September, 1944, 23 British and Australian members of Z Special Unit travelled from Australia by submarine to the outskirts of Singapore Harbour then under Japanese occupation. Their mission was to attack and destroy enemy shipping from small submersible boats using magnetic limpet mines. Official Japanese records state that the ten men of the contingent captured were beheaded at Pasir Panjang on 7 July 1945, approximately one month before World War II in the Pacific came to an end.Brown timber frame and green mount containing a copy of photograph of soldier and map showing RIMAU battles and listing RIMAU personnel.Lt Albert Sargent Operation RIMAUoperation rimau, albert sargent, z special unit, vx15290, wangaratta, ww2