book: UNIFORMS OF THE AUSTRALIAN COLONIALSAlbert Festberg, Barry Videonaustralia, military, uniforms, australian defense force, uniforms, colonial uniforms

This hat and hat box was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that 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. McDade is the surname of Dr Angus’ daughter Berry (Berenice) McDade nee Angus. This had belonged to her father Dr William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist (1901 –1970), who wore it on the ship T.S.S. LARGS BAY when travelling from Australia to Scotland for extended studies to be a “Fellow” of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in the 1929. This bicorn cocked hat was worn with the narrow points towards front and back. It is decorated with flat gold braid or ‘lace’ with a geometrical design. Regimental lace was worn on the uniform and headdress of regimental officers in the 19th century. Gold lace chevrons were worn on coats to signify rank. Drummers and Foot Guards also wore regimental lace on their garments to distinguish them from other military personnel. In the late 19th century the English and Welsh infantry officers’ uniforms displayed a rose-pattern lace. The gold bullion and underlying crimson ‘eyes’ have been used to signify the rank of the owner. The crimson eyes were used for military, blue eyes for naval personnel. Different numbers and colours of the bullion and eyes may have been used to represent different military ranks. The Regulations specify nine tassels and eleven underlying eyes but there could have been variations. We have not yet been able to identify the rank for this particular hat. The gold button’s emblem has a cross with five stars, a crown, and the motto “AUT PACE AUT BELLO”, translated “either in peace or in war”. Museum Victoria has a similar button and writes that buttons with this design were used in the nineteenth century by the Victorian Volunteers. The Australian War Memorial Curator of Military Heraldry advised Museum Victoria that these buttons dated from 1880-1892 and were worn by regular, unranked soldiers. The Australian War Memorial has a hat that is very similar in design, described as an “Artillery Staff Officer’s cocked had with plume, worn by Volunteer Artillery Staff in the Victorian Colonial Military Forces”. That hat is different in that it has a plume and the braid and button are silver. Berry MdDade, the donor, has used the hat many times as a dress-up hat but doesn’t know the origin of it. The hat seems to fit the design of the Staff Officers in Victorian Volunteers in Colonial times, but the button on this hat was used for unranked volunteers. Also, military uniforms usually have very clear manufacturer’s labels, as they are made by reputable companies under contract to the Defence Department. The manufacturer’s mark is not discernible on this hat. The origin, original wearer and use of this particular hat is unclear. The military bicorn cockade hat belonged to Dr William Roy Angus and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection. It is significant for still being located at the site where it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery. Black bicorn cocked hat and case. It appears to be part of a 19th century Colonial full dress military uniform. The long, narrow crescent-shaped hat is made of beaver fabric and the crown is lined with crimson silk and finished with a hand stitched leather sweatband. On one flat side there is a pleated black silk, lace cockade woven in the pattern of oak leaves and acorns. The cockade is overlaid with a double row of gold lace braiding secure with a Victorian Volunteer’s gold button. Wide diagonal bands of black lace braid trim are on each side of the gold braiding. The other side of the hat is plain. The front and back points of the hat each have seven gold bullion tassels with nine underlying twists of crimson ‘eyes’. The fitted metal carry case has a catch and a metal plaque on one side. The button bears a crown and cross with five stars and a motto. Inside the hat is a white name tag with clear adhesive over it, with black printed text with the name “Mc Dade”. The hat is part of the W.R. Angus Collection. The hat has no maker’s marks although there is a darker colour in the centre where there could have been a label. Inside the hat is taped a printed label; “Mc DADE 801 1032” Button’s emblem- a cross with five stars, under a crown, all within a buckled belt with the motto “AUT PACE AUT BELLO”. The plaque on the case has no legible marks. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dr w r angus, t.s.s. largs bay, berry mcdade, 19th century colonial military uniform, artillery staff officer’s cocked had, victorian volunteers, victorian colonial military forces, colonial militia, aut pace aut bello, cocked hat, cockade hat, bicorn hat, military bullion, oak leaves and acorns pattern, gold bullion tassels, military heraldry, w.r. angus collection.

The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment

Medal ribbons are; 1. British War Medal 2. WW1 Victory Medal (faded) with MID ribbon., 3. Possibly Colonial Auxillary Forces decoration 1901-1938 (Green) or Colonial Auxillary Forces - Long Service 1901-1937 (Green). 4. Efficiency Decoration 1930- onwards (faded).. 1. Khaki jacket - old pattern. Four front pockets - held shut with dark copper buttons. Rising Sun Collar Badges. Lt. Colonel metal rank badges on epaulettes. the jacket has plain khaki lining. But has striped lining in the arms. It has a ribbon bar showing four medals and i M.I.D. leaf. The arms have a circular red/black colour patch, 3.3 cm diameter. 2. Khaki trousers - Two side pockets, one hip pocket. 3. Sam Browne belt - tan leather. Brass fittings includes sword holder. 4. Scabbard, tan leather with a silver top. Suits a sword. 5. Hat - peaked, khaki with dark Rising Sun Badge. 6. Belt - khaki woollen with dark copper buckle. Inside belt are light brown buttons. 7. Tie - Khaki woollen. 8. Shirt, Khaki, cotton polyester with Sgts stripes.officers uniform, accoutrements, passchendaele barracks trust

Ref. Cat 6719.2P - Swatton. Medals are: British War Medal 1914 - 20 Victory Medal Mentioned in Despatches Leaf Colonial Auxillary Forces - Long Service - Aust 20+ years. Efficiency Decoration 20+ years.1. This is a summer pattern service jacket. Four front pockets held shut with a button. There are 4 front darkened buttons. Motif is = Australian Military Forces. It has the rank insignia of a Lt.Col. It has four medal ribbons and a M.I.D. 2. Khaki cotton belt to suit. Metal buckle.Written inside the neck is = M530 Swatton.post ww2, passchendaele barracks trust

This metal plaque was dug up in a Warrnambool garden in the early 1980s. It appears to be an item that would have been attached to a wall or building and is possibly a representation of a British military figure involved in military campaigns or colonial administration in a British Empire outpost in the 19th century or early 20th century, perhaps in the Middle East or in north Africa. It could also be a non-British military figure from the same areas. This item is of minor interest as an object found in Warrnambool but with no known details of what it represents. . It is retained pending further research. This is a metal plaque showing the head and shoulders of a man wearing a fez and a military uniform. The back is slightly hollowed out.warrnambool, metal plaque, military plaque

The photograph depicts four mounted troopers from the Victorian Mounted Rifles who formed part of The Body Guard of Colonial Troops for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897. L-R: Mr Scott of Glenthompson, Mr Donaldson from Melbourne, Mr C. Kock of Casterton and Mr J.R. Gough of Branxholm. This photograph is a copy of an original owned by Mr Jack Gormon of Casterton, Victoria.Sepia toned photograph of four colonial era mounted troops in uniform. Details of each trooper are printed on the back of the photograph.colonial troops, victorian mounted rifles

Black & white photo in brown wooden frame with gold inner edge & glass front, white backing with wire hanging strap. Photo of 300th Co Army Service Corps (late 9th Australian Company). All personnel in full uniform with vehicles in background, Australian flag in centre.Bottom of photo: “300th Army Service Corps (late 9th Australian ASC). DSCM Mobilized for European War. June 1915”photography-photographs, frame accessories, 300th, passchendaele barracks trust

Three volumes. Dark Blue hard covers with dust jackets Author MajGen RR McNicoll CBE. .1) Ubique the royal Australian Engineers 1835-1902 "the colonial Engineers." Blue and While dust jacket with soldier in red and navy uniform standing with sword in right hand 203 PP .2) The Royal Engineers 1902 - 1919 " Making and Breaking." 232 PP. Author Maj Gen RR McNicoll CBE, cream and sepia coloured dust jacket photograph of the building of Watson's Rer Anzac Cove June 1915. .3) The Royal Australian Engineers 1919 -1945 "Teeth and Tail." 432 PP Author Maj Gen RR McNicoll CBE AM. Cream and Sepia coloured dust jacket photograph of sappers disarming anti vehicle mines near Derna, Cyremaica 1941..1) .2) .3) Donated by the Batham Family written in ink on title pages,books, military history

This historic photograph collage displays the members of the Warrnambool Garrison Military Band at the time of the Great Exhibition in Melbourne. It commemorates the visit of the band's members to that exhibition in 1888-1889. Major W.S. Helpman was the commander of the Warrnambool Militia Garrison Artilery at that time. This photograph is significant historically for its record of the members of the Warrnambool Militia Garrison Band of 1888-1889. The photograph connects the band members to the citizens of Warrnambool and their protection by the Militia. It is also significant for the connection of the band with the various local military and community events. The site of the 1888 Warrnambool Garrison and Fortifications at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is Victorian State Heritage-listed is significant for its intact and operational nature and is one of the best-preserved pieces of Victoria's early colonial heritage. Black and white photograph collage of the members of the Warrnambool Garrison Military Band. The photograph shows 29 individual portraits of the band members in uniform with their instruments. The photograph was presented to Major Helpmen in commemoration of the visit of the Band to the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition of 1888-89.Printed " Presented / Major Helpman / The members of the Warrnambool Garrison / Military Band / In Commemoration of their visit to the / Melbourne Centennial Exhibition 1888-89" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, photograph, warrnambool garrison band, melbourne centennial exhibition, fortifications, volunteer corps, military band, major w.s. helpman, militia, great exhibition

Candles were the main source of lighting during the Colonial era. The candles were made at home from tallow, or animal fat, which was readily available and inexpensive. The tallow was soft, often had an unpleasant smell, band burned with a low, quickly fading light. Beeswax candles could be bought ready-made and lasted longer when lit. Bayberry wax could also be made into candles but was the process was labour intensive and time consuming. Spermaceti was from whale oil, a growing industry in the late 1800's, made firmer candles. Around this time wooden candle moulds were invented and uniform size and shape candles could be produced using the spermaceti wax. The candle mould is significant in the evolution of household lighting. It was an asset to the 19th century homemakers, allowing the production of their own candles in a uniform size. Candlelight allowed for the extension of time available for duties.Candle mould of tinplate for one dozen (12) candles. The tubular moulds stand upright, three rows of four, in a fitted tray. Another concave tray fits over the top ends of the moulds and has a hole above each of the candles, which is used for filling the moulds with melted wax. Ends have wire-reinforced edges.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, candle mould, candle making, lighting, candles, tallow, beeswax, bayberry wax, spermaceti was, whale oil, candlelight

The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment

B+W photo on cardboard. 21 males in football uniforms, 13 males in suits, some with hats. Young boy and L.F. Trophies displayed - mantel clock. Silver at with lid + silver teapot. Foot lap with 'Young Colonials Premiers 1902 & 3' held at C.F. Names written on image. Arranged in 4 rows. Backdrop of decorated room at R. Inscription: in Image printed on Football 'Young/Colonials/Premiers/1902&3'. On Back, 'Royal Historical Society of Victoria/Bendigo Branch' stamp. In image, hand written in pencil + ball point pen, 'Burt Newell. Steve Williams, Ern Cox, - Kemp, - Temby, - Stirton, ---Forbes, Nobby Nixon, Corbett Roberts'organization, club/society, young colonials football club, prev. acc. no. 'gp82'

WW2 internment camp 1, Tatura, Army officers of headquarters and A Company 17th garrison Battalion no 1 camp Tatura. 15 June 1943. Back row (l to r): Captain E A Scates; Lieutenants J A Travers, S H Edwards, J H Trend, C L White, Captain F G Jones, Lieutenants B A Stinson, L P Brown, A L Mackay. Front row: Lieutenant E K Horwood, Captain W A A Tyler, Captain N E Bacon, Major A H Clerke, Captain G B Russell, Lieutenant Colonel F W D Forbes, Major G E Blight, Major E C Foster, Major J Morlet, Captain A E OwensGroup of 19 Army staff officers in uniform. Hut rear right. Tree background. Black and white hound dog foreground.internment camps, tatura internment camps, internment camp army staff, staff officers, captain e a scates, lieutenant j a travers, lieutenant s h edwards, lieutenand j h trend, lieutenant c l white, captain f g jones, lieutenant b a stinson, lieutenant l p brown, lieutenant a l mackay, lieutenant e k horwood, captain w a a tyler, captain n e bacon, major a h clerke, captain g b russell, lieutenant colonial f w d forbes, major g e blight, major e c foster, major j morlet, captain a e owens

Blues Uniform for officer, Colonial. Worn by Col D Jamison current president 2018 00012.1 - Jacket with red facings. 00012.2 - Trousers with red stripe.

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised in 1885 as the mounted arm of Victoria’s colonial defence forces. Companies were recruited in rural centres across the State, members of country rifle clubs forming a significant component. They were semi-professional: only a small allowance was paid to members. Members were required to provide their own mount. Mounted riflemen were not cavalry, not being equipped with lance or sword. They were trained to fight with rifle and bayonet after dismounting. Horses enabled rapid and far reaching manoeuvrability. Upon Federation, the VMR companies became Australian Light Horse regiments.Rare photograph of mounted Victorian colonial soldier.Black and white photograph of Victorian Mounted Rifles trooper mounted on his horse. His side arm is a Yataghan sword bayonet indicating he would be armed with a Martini-Henry rifle.victorian mounted rifles, vmr, uniform, bayonet, horse, military, colonial

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised in 1885 as the mounted arm of Victoria’s colonial defence forces. Companies were recruited in rural centres across the State, members of country rifle clubs forming a significant component. They were semi-professional: only a small allowance was paid to members. Members were required to provide their own mount. Mounted riflemen were not cavalry, not being equipped with lance or sword. The were trained to fight with rifle and bayonet after dismounting. Horses enabled rapid and far reaching manoeuvrability. Upon Federation, the VMR companies became Australian Light Horse regiments.Rare photograph showing the social aspect of pre-Federation militia.Black and white photograph of large group of soldiers of the Victorian Mounted Rifles together with two women and two children. There are tents in the background suggesting the occasion was an open day during an annual encampment.victoria, mounted rifles, colonial, uniform, military

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised in 1885 as the mounted arm of Victoria’s colonial defence forces. Companies were recruited in rural centres across the State, members of country rifle clubs forming a significant component. They were semi-professional: only a small allowance was paid to members. Members were required to provide their own mount. Mounted riflemen were not cavalry, not being equipped with lance or sword. The were trained to fight with rifle and bayonet after dismounting. Horses enabled rapid and far reaching manoeuvrability. Upon Federation, the VMR companies became Australian Light Horse regiments.Fine study of pre-Federation soldier showing uniform.Black and white photograph of a soldier of the pre-Federation Victorian Mounted Rifles.victoria, mounted rifles, uniform, military

Seymour was selected as the site for a military training camp by General Kitchener during his 1909 visit to Australia to advise the government of defence needs. Space for light horse training and areas for artillery training were factors in the choice of location. Soldiers thought to be Beechworth Troop, 8th Light Horse (VMR). 8th Light Horse (VMR) was raised following Federation from companies of the colonial Victorian Mounted Rifles throughout North-east Victoria. 8th regiment was renumbered 16th Light Horse (Indi) in 1912 and reverted to 8th Light Horse (Indi) in 1920.Black and white photograph of thirteen members of a light horse troop at Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910 posed for photograph. Photograph is professionally mounted on card.In manuscript: "Kitchener Camp Seymour 1910"; faint ink stamp: " James Colquhoun / Photographer / Donald Street / Prahran"light horse, seymour, 8th, vmr, indi, beechworth, kitchener, uniform

The Victorian Mounted Rifles was raised as the mounted arm of the Victorian Colonial defence force in 1885. It was under the command of Colonel Thomas Caradoc Rose (Tom) Price (1842-1911). Price was born in Tasmania, educated in Hobart Town and at Scotch College, Melbourne, before entering the East India Military College, Addiscombe, England. He was commissioned on 7 July 1861 in the Madras Infantry and began twenty years’ service in India with several regiments, retiring in April 1883. On his return to Victoria he was tasked with raising of a force of one thousand, to be known as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and appointed a lieutenant-colonel in the Permanent Military Forces. Companies of the Victorian Mounted Rifles were raised in rural districts throughout Victoria. The soldiers were paid a small annual allowance and were required to provide their own horse. Many members served in contingent to the Boer War. After Federation the VMR was gathered up into the Australian Light Horse. Black and white photograph of group of Victorian Mounted Rifles soldiers posed with a gentleman and three ladies. Occasion is probably open day at a camp of training. Photograph is professionally mounted o backing card.Ink stamp on reverse: "Hewitt / Photographer / 98 Simpson Street east Melbourne / Weddings and picnics attended / Extra copies may be obtained"vmr, boer war, colonial, training, uniform

Good quality framed photograph of founder of Victorian Military Forces, Colonel Tom Price.Framed photograph of Colonel Tom Price in uniform of Victorian Mounted Rifles.victorian mounted rifles, vmr, price, uniform, hat, military, colonial

A military unit of the Victorian Volunteer Colonial military forces was formed in Bacchus Marsh in 1860. The unit was commonly called the Bacchus Marsh Troop but was more formally known as the Bacchus Marsh Prince of Wales Light Horse.Foolscap size ledger book. Bound. Gold colored covers with rectangular red section on spine which has gold lettering inside it. The book is mainly a record of stores received by the Bacchus Marsh Light Horse Troop. Stores or supplies noted include shot and shell, saddle cloths, shoulder belts, bugles, leather, ammunition, uniforms and clothing details such as great coats and tunics and firearms such as rifles. Some pages contain details of specific firearms received such as Lancaster and Martini Henry rifles. Most entries relate to supplies received. Some pages contain specific supplies provided to each member of the troop who are individually listed by name and rank alongside their allotted supplies.'Stores Received' on spinearmed forces, bacchus marsh volunteer military troop, colonial military forces

A military unit of the Victorian Volunteer Colonial military forces was formed in Bacchus Marsh in 1860. The unit was commonly called the Bacchus Marsh Troop but was more formally known as the Bacchus Marsh Prince of Wales Light Horse.Foolscap size ledger book. Bound. Gold colored covers with rectangular red section on spine which has gold lettering inside it. The book is mainly a record of stores received by the Bacchus Marsh Light Horse Troop. Stores or supplies noted include shot and shell, saddle cloths, shoulder belts, bugles, leather, ammunition, uniforms and clothing details such as great coats and tunics and firearms such as rifles. Some pages contain details of specific firearms received such as Lancaster and Martini Henry rifles. Most entries relate to supplies received. Some pages contain specific supplies provided to each member of the troop who are individually listed by name and rank alongside their allotted supplies.'Stores Received' on spinearmed forces, bacchus marsh volunteer military troop, colonial military forces

non-fictionInter-colonial railway communication was established in 1883 when the Melbourne - Wodonga railway was extended over the River Murray to meet the New South Wales railhead at Albury. When the two lines finally met a significant fact became apparent - the track gauges of the two systems differed by six and a half inches. For 80 years this difference created havoc until a new railway of uniform gauge was built parallel to the Victorian gauge line from Melbourne to Wodonga. This book deals with the planning, construction and the first 100 years of operation or the railway to Wodonga, together with its locomotives, stations and trains which travelled its tracks.railways victoria, railway melbourne to wodonga

This glass plate photograph shows good detail of members of the Warrnambool Garrison posing for their photograph in front of a young township. There are other well-dressed citizens behind them. The three men with frogging on their sleeves were commanders were likely to be commanders. The men are facing north with Cannon Hill and the fortification area in the background. It dates from the 1860s. The firearms held appear to be 1853 pattern Lee Enfield muskets used by the British army in Crimea at this time and in Australia, rather than the later Martini Henry cartridge rifles. The uniforms match other photos of the Warrnambool Garrison Militia and Band in our Collection, taken up until the 1880s. The three storey building in the photograph is likely to be the Manifold & Bostock flour mill, built in 1854 near the ‘cutting’ in Merri Street, which was one of the main streets at the time; if one faced the building’s front from a vantage point and looked south to south-east, the hills around Flagstaff Hill and Cannon Hill would be behind that mill, and the Harbour behind the hills. This is the area of the Fortifications. The glass plate method of photography was widely used during the mid-19th to early-20th century. The donor and maker of the photograph are unknown. Around this time the citizens of Victoria were prospering from the gold rush but felt isolated and uneasy about their security in the colony. In 1854 the Volunteer Act was passed to provide some military defence. In 1858 the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps was established, disbanded in 1863, then a new Warrnambool Detachment was formed in September 1866. Legislation was passed in 1884 that replaced the volunteers’ corps with a partly paid, permanent Militia Defence Force. The batteries manning the coastal forts of Victoria were termed Garrison Artillery Companies. When the Army was federated in 1901 there were eight Militia Companies in Victoria. Warrnambool and Port Fairy together were known as 8 Coy AGA (Australian Garrison Artillery). Changes to formation and name continued into the 20th century.This photograph is a record of the very early local defence force, circa 1866. The photograph signifies the connection of the colony in Victoria to the growing need for security due to the unrest in Europe at that time. The photograph is also locally significant to the industry of the young township of Warrnambool, showing what is likely to be one of the first flour mills in the town. The photograph is also the only example of the early methods of glass plate photography in our collection. Photograph, rectangular glass plate, positive sepia image. Photograph has brass framed edges that fold over to the back, with mitred corners. The front edges are pressed with a decorative floral pattern. The photograph shows a group of thirty military men, standing or kneeling, in dark uniforms with pillbox forage caps, round-collared jackets with light buttons, light sashes worn from top left shoulder to bottom right side of waist belt, and long, straight-legged trousers. Three of these men have light braid around the buttons on the front of their jackets, light frogging on their sleeve cuffs and stripes on the outside seams of their trousers. The other twenty-seven men have plain uniforms and are holding firearms in their right hands, steadied with their left hands. Other figures are standing behind this group of soldiers, including three or four men wearing top hats, jackets and ties. In the background is a row of buildings. The central building is three stories high. Bare hills are in the far background. The foreground is uneven ground with patches of short grass. Photographer looking towards the south east and Cannon Hill, with the Warrnambool Garrison facing north, ca.1860s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, glass plate, photography 19th century, colonial forces, military defence, volunteer act 1854, volunteer rifle, garrison artillery, volunteer corps, militia, militia garrison band, pillbox forage caps, helpmann, manifold and bostock, 1853 lee enfield musket, tintype, warrnambool garrison, 1860s, cannon hill, manifold & bostock, flour mill, 3-storey building