Showing 264 items
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO. 3770 COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
... I French... says he visited Br. I. French and found him suffering from... Collection - Correspondence Court King of the Forest I French Letter ...Letter written on white paper and dated ? 20 72. Writer says he visited Br. I. French and found him suffering from sciatica. Illegible signature.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, i french -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - JOHN JONES COLLECTION: MANDURANG SCHOOL CENTENARY SEPTEMBER 1977, September 1977
... Kevin O'Brien G Pearce J Sloan V Togno R Pearce J French I Adams ...Small booklet titled Mandurang School Centenary September 1977. It has a black and white picture of the school on the front cover. Mentioned in the book is the History of Mandurang State School and District, Industries, Wine, Milk, Gold, Tannery, The Look-Out, Timber, Hotels, Water Race, Floods, Post Office, Sports, Churches, Fire Brigade, List of Head Teachers 1861 - 1975, The School opens 1877 and Mothers' Club. Photos include Mr & Mrs J T Deravin Pioneer settlers of Mandurang, Deravin's Barn & Wine Cellars, Bernado Togno's Vineyard, Hargreave's Milk Cart, J Pearce & Sons Milk Delivery Bike, The Tannery, Wooden Poppet Head Tower, Kerr's Hotel, The Wine Hall (Previously Junction Hotel), Harry & Len Kofoed's Wood Trucks, Mandurang Recreation Reserve 1977, Mandurang Cricket Club (1889 or thereabouts), Methodist Church, School Pupils 1894, Early School Group, School Pupils 1960 and 1962, Working Bee before shifting School Building to it's Present Site, School Pupils 1922 and School Pupils 1977.Edwin J. Watts. Express Print, Bendigoeducation, primary, mandurang primary school no 1952, john jones collection - mandurang school centenary september 1977, edwin j watts, kevin o'brien, g pearce, j sloan, v togno, r pearce, j french, i adams, b adams, g grose, i kofoed, j pearce, f pentland, g shaw, n todd, i grose, h koefoed, m macdonald, k pearce, t french -
Federation University Historical Collection
Postcard - black and white, Rueil - Chateau de la Malmaison, c1918
... Bonaparte, the future Napoléon I of France.... Napoléon I of France. The Château de Malmaison is a country house ...The Château de Malmaison is a country house in the city of Rueil-Malmaison about 12 km from Paris. It was formerly the residence of Joséphine de Beauharnais and, with the Tuileries, was from 1800 to 1802 the headquarters of the French government. (Wikipedia)Black and white postcard of a three storey chateau. It was the manor house Joséphine de Beauharnais who bought the house in April 1799 for herself and her husband, General Napoléon Bonaparte, the future Napoléon I of France.chatham-holmes family collection, rueil, napoleon, henry smerdon holmes -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Postcard - Image, c1917
... On back of card: "Grandpa Collier in middle. I think...: "Grandpa Collier in middle. I think in France in 1919" According ...According to his military records, William Collier did not make it to France. After enlisting on 3/04/1915 he went to England. It was there that he was diagnosed with "Miner's Complaint" and discharged as medically unfit, returning to Australia on 17/07/1917 on the Aryshire.Black and white post card photograph of three men in World War 1 military uniform, standing in snow. They appear to have been in a snowball fight.On back of card: "Grandpa Collier in middle. I think in France in 1919"william collier, world war i, world war 1, ww1, wwi -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Uniform - Buckle
... - collected by Charles Honybun during his WW I service in France.... during his WW I service in France. Honybon Charles World War I ...Used in European Theatre on WW I by German soldiers - collected by Charles Honybun during his WW I service in France.Rectangular, brass-coloured belt buckles with central medallion of crown surrounded by inscription and leaves. (.2 with portion of leather belt attached).1. GOTT MIT UNS (NA4962.2) 2. IN TREUE FEST (NA4962.1)honybon charles, world war i, mitcham rsl -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, 1914 - 1918
... your letter dated Feb 24th. France 15/5/1918." 325-03.... Aubin, Floreunes. A. R. Joyce, R. R. Godden, Jim & I. French ...Arthur Woodley who donated the photographs, was a friend of Jimmy Clarke, who was Captain of the Killarra Ferry and lived at Narabeen Guesthouse in Cowes, Phillip Island. The family lived at San Remo - father was George Clarke. 325-01 - Sepia photo/postcard of 7 WWI soldiers - Jimmy Clarke on right at back and Jack Clarke on left at back. 325-02 - Sepia portrait of Jimmy Clarke in Army uniform. 325-03. Sepia photo/postcard of 3 WWI soldiers in uniform. 325-04. Sepia photograph of 4 WWI soldiers. Jimmy Clarke 3rd from left and Jack on the right. 325-05. Small sepia photograph on black cardboard of 8 WWI soldiers in France. Jimmy & Jack Clarke in the front. 325-06. Sepia photograph of a large group of WWI soldiers in France. Jack & Jimmy Clarke standing at left.325-01 - Letter on postcard: "Dear Dick, This is our gun team with Corporal, Lance Corporal M. Medal, Jim on your right and your humble on your left. Kind love to all. From Jack. Rec'd your letter dated Feb 24th. France 15/5/1918." 325-03. "Either Jimmy or Jack Clarke standing" 325-04. "Taken at Tannery, St. Aubin, Floreunes. A. R. Joyce, R. R. Godden, Jim & I. French Mortar Crew. First World War 1914-18. 325-05. "Jimmy" & Jack Clarke front in France WWI. 325-06. "Balance of Battery "Apre le Geurre" France 1919. wwi soldiers, jimmy clarke, jack clarke, arthur woodley -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard - Document, postcard, 1983
... . It is signed GRIFF, it says: The French experience I should have had.... It is signed GRIFF, it says: The French experience I should have had ...A postcard to the Comradeship Committee when a Legatee was travelling in France. The postcard was addressed to the Legatee Chairman of the Comradeship Committee. Dated 3 Feb 1983. It is signed GRIFF, it says: The French experience I should have had years ago. I am in the DORDONGE after spending some days at LA ROCHELLE on the Atlantic coast. The provincial French are courteous, generous, helpful and so elegant. Work I did with my French mistress at the Wesley Church has paid great dividends although today may be tough. I give 40 children (aged 10-14) their first ever Scottish Country dance lesson. The goose hatched in March lives a normal farmyard life till October, then it is force fed for three weeks and then 'WHAM' and PATE. Next meeting at Norton - France! Best wishes to all - GRIFF.A record of a Legatee travelling and relating experiences back to his comrades in Melbourne.Colour postcard of a Frenchman.Printed "Le Gaveur D'oies." French postage stamps. Handwritten text in blue pen.comradeship, legatee -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Postcard, Raphael Tuck and Sons England, 1914 c
... going to France next week so I will not get a chance to write... Dorothy I am going to France next week so I will not get a chance ...message continues from 05475.1...we went out snow balling one another and had some fine fun, and then we made a snowman had our photo taken alongside him. Well little Dorothy I am going to France next week so I will not get a chance to write very often so I will say goodnigh tfor this timeBlack and white postcard of British soldier and a little girl. Englandworld war 1914-1918 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARD PHOTOGRAPH WW1, 1916-17
... on leave in France. I want you to put these faces... Bendigo boys on leave in France. I want you to put these faces ...Robert Thomas Heard No 5105. He is on the right sitting. He was KIA 21.3.18. Refer 1893.2P for his service history. On the rear, “My dear sister, just a card of us six Bendigo boys on leave in France. I want you to put these faces in the Bendigonian. I will name all the ...... from left to right. You will find all the names in a letter sent with this photo. I am sending this from the trenches. We relieved second Division but did not see Wally. His battalion had gone out. He is well. ....... but not goodbye, love to all, yours truly bro RTH, C Coy 57th Batt”Post card photo, sepia tone showing 6 soldiers in uniform, 3 standing, 3 sitting. Rear has writing in black pencil.photography-photographs, military history-army, postcards -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. LIFE OF THE SELECTORS, c1970
... in about a year.'' S.H.- ''Well, Sir, I know the french man....- ''Well, Sir, I know the french man 'as been out here nigh two ...Diggers & Mining. Life Of The Selectors. A BIT FROM THE SQUATTING DISTRICTS. Station Hand.-''That there was a furrin language you were speaking to your brother this morning , weren’t it, sir?.'' New Chum Brother.- ''Yes, Jerry, it was.'' S.H.- ''Learn it easy, sir!'' N.C.B.- ''Well, yes, I picked it up in about a year.'' S.H.- ''Well, Sir, I know the french man 'as been out here nigh two years, and he can't speak enough English to bail up a cow. The picture show the 2 men having the discussion with one leaning on a wooden fence. Markings; Life Of The Selectors 1860-1890 Set 432 No. 21. A Bit From The Squatting Districts- ''Melbourne Punch,'' March 31 1870. Used as a teaching aid. Used as a teaching aid.Visual Education Centereducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Federation University Historical Collection
Postcard - Black and White, La Rue de Dunkerque a la grand Place, Armentiers, c1916, c1917
... goes. Well at present I am in france having -a-go... at present I am in france having -a-go-at the Germans, and so far out ...Holmes Family WW1 memorabiliaA number of people stand in a street surrounded by double storey architecture.Verso: "Dear Willie, I promised to drop you a line, so he goes. Well at present I am in france having -a-go-at the Germans, and so far out Battery is getting on alright. But I must say the Germans greet us know and again with a few shells, and I can assure you they are no friends of mine. I have just been out watching the German anti-aircraft Guns shelling our Aeroplanes. it is a very lucky shot that brings one down. i have seen a little bit of the World since I left australia, And I must say I like france better than egypt. The country at present is looking very nice, it being Spring time, The grass is about 6 foot high, and nothing on it to eat it as most of the people have cleared out from around here. I have not seen anything of Harry over this way as yet. Perhaps he is still in Egypt. Well Willie now about taking another cow to Clunes. Ay What. The name on the front of this card should be familiar to you in the War news. Well Willie Au revoir for present. remember me to all. Your fond cousin, Ron W." chatham-holmes family collection, armentieres, world war one, postcard, clunes, france -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious, University Press, The Holy Bible, Ca. 1850s
... was crowned King James I of England, France and Ireland from 24 March... was crowned King James I of England, France and Ireland from 24 March ...This Bible belonged to the Bell family. Joseph Bell was born on May 9th 1829. He married Elizabeth, who was born on October 22nd, 1833. Their marriage was conducted on September 12th, 1854, at St Pauls, Bristol, England. On the front pages of the bible there used to be a list of their ten children and their birthdates but there are only remnants of a heavy weight paper; the opposite Fly page with publication details is also missing, along with the Family Records section, which no longer has pages for Births and Marriages, only precise edges of two pages . The Bible is the King James Version, named after James Charles Stuart (1556-1625) who was King James VI of Scotland from 24 July 1567, and who was crowned King James I of England, France and Ireland from 24 March 1603 until his death in 1625. The Hampton Court Conference of 1604 commissioned a new and more accurate version of the Holy Bible that was translated from the original Sacred Scriptures and that included only the approved books. This task was undertaken be a group of learned scholars who worked in teams and compared notes, working to ensure a true and accurate version. It was completed in 1611 and became widely known as the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and is still widely used and greatly respected for its poetic language. The first printed page of this Bible is the Translators Speech at the completed work which was handed over to King James I in 1611.This Bible was published after 1611, and likely to have been purchased at the time of the marriage of the previous owners, Joseph and Elizabeth Bell, in 1854, so it is possibly a century and a half old. The decorative cover and metal clasp are a sign that the Bible was a book to be treasured,. Indeed, our Collection included several Bibles brought to Australia by immigrants, even though luggage was tightly restricted. This Bible was once used as a family record, similar to Bibles printed in modern times, with lined blank pages in the centre for the owners to record their own, their ancestors' and their descendants' life events. Sadly, these pages are no longer within the Bible.Book, black textured leather front and back covers, gold leaf page edges, metal clasp on centre edge of front and back covers holds them together. The title is inscribed in gold embossing on the front cover. The Bible has coloured illustrations, cross references and maps. The front inside cover has remnants of a previous stuck-down page, the Fly page, and the Family Records pages for Births and Marriages has been cut out of the book. TITLE: The Holy Bible. PRINTER: University Press, London, England PREVIOUS OWNERS; Joseph and Elizabeth Bell, married in Bristol, England in 1854.Embossed in gold on cover: "HOLY BIBLE"warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, religious book, bible, holy bible, king james bible, king james vi, king james i, 1611, kjv, joseph bell, elizabeth bell, st paul's church bristol, 1829, 1833, 1854, authorised king james version, authorised version, av, sacred scriptures -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
WWI CARTRIDGE, WWI 1914-18
... thing as ever … since I have been in France. I wondered what... thing as ever … since I have been in France. I wondered what ...Pte Evan Edward Jones (No 276) and his younger brother Pte Edward Jones (No 1731) were both members of the 29 Infantry Battalion during World War 1. They enlisted in 1915 in Kyneton where they grew up. Edward enlisted after approval was given by his mother as he was not quite 21. He did not survive the war as he was killed by a sniper in France in 1916. It was Private Edward Jones’ love of adventure that cost him his life. In the trenches in France on 16 August 1916, beside his brother, Private Evan Edward, he raised his head and was caught by a German sniper. The brothers were side by side, and it was suggested to their sergeant that he should take a short rest; they had been 36 hours without sleep. The sergeant said “Oh no, I won’t leave you fellows.” Private Jones said “If I got a chance of a shut eye I’d take it.” He raised his head over the parapet and a German sniper caught him in the forehead, and shut his eyes forever. With difficulty his brother was restrained from rushing over the top for revenge. Evan survived the war, serving in France and Belgium. Some of his letters, together with other memorabilia, have been donated to the RSL by family members. One letter to his wife describes how a bullet hit a cartridge in his pouch but missed his body. Cartridges, the bullet and the piece of shrapnel are also included with the donated items. Part of one of Evan’s letters to his wife is re-printed here. “This bullet is the nearest thing as ever … since I have been in France. I wondered what struck me when it hit me, or rather hit the cartridge that was in my pouch. If it had been an inch or two higher it would have come through my body…the wish bone is from the fowl we had for supper last night, one of the boys bowled the fowl over with a stone so we got to work and cleaned and cooked it and it was just the thing. I got the wishbone so I thought it would be a good souvenir to send home…don’t forget to wish something nice with the wishbone.” Both boys had a strong sense of adventure and it was only natural that they fought and died for King and country. Original letters, photographs and documents have been copied for preservation. *Items donated by John and Phyllis Adams will form part of the World War One commemorative display at the Sub-Branch for Anzac Day 2015. The Jones boys grew up in the Kyneton area and enlisted in the AIF in Kyneton in 1915World War I cartridge damaged by another bullet. K15 VII on base of cartridge casingww1, pte evan jones, pte edward jones,, letters from the front -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Colour, Ann Gervasoni, Gravestone for F. Rawlings, Pheasant Wood Cemetery, Fromelles, 2014, 19/07/2015
... War I Battle of Fromelles, France. He was one of 250 men... in the Pheasant Wood Cemetery, Frommelles, France. The photographer, Ann ...The photographer, Ann Gervasoni, was in Frommelles for the reburial ceremony for 5 previously unidentified Australian soldiers. "AFTER almost 94 years, Ballarat soldier Private Frederick Rawlings, and a long-standing family mystery, can finally be laid to rest. Private Rawlings was one of 5533 Australian soldiers killed in the bloodiest conflict in Australian history, the World War I Battle of Fromelles, France. He was one of 250 men buried in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood after the battle of July 19 and 20 in 1916. In the past two years, a joint Australian and British project has aimed to positively identify the remains of those soldiers buried at the site. This week, the Federal Government announced Private Rawlings was one of 75 men who had been identified by name. Also on the list were Corporal Leslie Hart, born in Clunes, and Lance Corporal Allan Bennett, born in Ballarat, both of whom joined the army in Western Australia. All but one of the 75 soldiers have now been re-buried, with full military honours, at a specially constructed cemetery near the battle site. Private Rawlings' grand-niece, Maureen Holding, of Mannibadar, got a call to confirm the news on Tuesday night. 'It's just quite incredible after all these years and huge loss of life, they've actually identified him,' Mrs Holding said yesterday. Last year, Mrs Holding and her brother, Leo Rawlings, gave DNA samples to the Australian Army to help with the identification process. But until seeing a newspaper article more than 20 years ago, they did not know Private Rawlings or his younger brother, Corporal Sydney Rawlings, had even been in the war. On Anzac Day 1988, The Courier published a photo of Cpl Sydney Rawlings and excerpts from a letter from an army chaplain that informed Ballarat family members of Cpl Rawlings' death in Northern France in 1918. 'About two years later, my husband, Malcolm, found in a tin of rusty nails and shoe buckles belonging to my late dad, a set of war medals,' Mrs Holding said. They were inscribed with Sydney's Rawlings' name, and checks of family records and The Courier story confirmed the connection. In 1991, this newspaper published a list of soldiers who had memorial trees in Ballarat's Avenue of Honour. Next to Sydney's name was that of Frederick Rawlings.(http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/543125/remains-of-ballarat-soldier-killed-in-france-during-wwi-identified/, accessed 16/04/2014.)A number of colour digital images showing the grave of Frederick Rawlings of Ballarat in the Pheasant Wood Cemetery, Frommelles, France.world war one, fromelles, pheasant wood, frederick rawlings, allan bennett, leslie hart -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Personal Effects, safety razor blade 'King Gillette'', 20thc
King Camp Gillette observed in 1902 that as existing, relatively expensive, razor blades dulled quickly and needed continuous sharpening, a razor whose blade could be thrown away when it dulled would meet a real need and likely be profitable. Safety razors had been developed in the mid-19th century, but still used a forged blade that dulled and rusted. In the 1870s, the Kampfe Brothers ( Germany) introduced a type of safety razor Gillette improved these earlier safety-razor designs, and introduced the high-profit-margin stamped razor blade steel blade. Gillette's innovation was the thin, inexpensive, disposable blade of stamped steel. Gillette's safety razor retailed for a substantial $5 half the average working man's weekly pay — yet sold by the millions. The most difficult part of development was engineering the blades, as thin, cheap steel was difficult to work and sharpen. This accounts for the delay between the initial idea and the product's introduction. To sell the product, Gillette founded the American Safety Razor Company on September 28, 1901 (changing the company's name to Gillette Safety Razor Company in July 1902). Gillette obtained a trademark registration (0056921) for his portrait and signature on the packaging. Production began in 1903, when he sold a total of 51 razors and 168 blades. The following year, he sold 90,884 razors and 123,648 blades, thanks in part to Gillette's low prices, automated manufacturing techniques and good advertising. By 1908, the corporation had established manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, England, France and Germany. Razor sales reached 450,000 units and blade sales exceeded 70 million units in 1915. In 1918, when the U.S. entered World War I, the company provided all American soldiers with a field razor set, paid for by the government, and as they were allowed to take them at discharge they continued their use of this product thus ensuring future sales. The company continues in the present day as the Gillette brand of Procter & Gamble, USA. Throughout the 20thC most men used this type of safety razor with disposable stainless steel razor blades to shave their beards prior to the introduction of affordable electric razors in 1960'sA blue packet of unused 'King Gillette' safety razor blades.on top of packet; Press with thumb / and snap end open / GILLETTE QUALITY THE / SAME THE WORLD OVER / FACTORIES IN / USA / CANADA , GREAT BRITAIN / MEXICO , FRANCE / COLUMBIA, GERMANY / BRAZIL, SPAIN / ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA / GILLETTE TRADE MARK / KING C GILLETTE / RED. TRADE MARKS / GILLETTE (AUST.) PTY. LIMITED / MELBOURNE / DE 2023 / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / shaving equipment, safety razors, gillette king, proctor & gamble, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Document - Document , photocopy of Steerage Passenger Ticket 1912, 1912
'Australind' steam ship built 1904 by C. Connell & Co. Ltd., Glasgow .1928 sold to France renamed Colbert, 1933 sold renamed Scandinavia, 1934 scrapped at Savona.In the 1880s Trinder, Anderson & Co. joined Charles Bethell and started operating a twice monthly service from Great Britain to Fremantle and Albany. In 1886 Trinder, Anderson & Bethell started a steamer service called the West Australian Steam Navigation Co. at London. Their first steamer was given the name AUSTRALIND. In 1904 Bethell, Gwyn & Trinder, Anderson formed the Australind Steam Shipping Co.The new company was involved in the transport of emigrants. In 1912 the company owned five ships. During World War I the company lost four of its six ships. In World War II the company lost two ships. In the 1970s the company withdrew from the liner services and started hiring ships to other companies. The last cargo ship was disposed off in 1981 / 1982.The ‘Australind’ steam ship brought migrants from England to Australia 1904 - 1926 A photocopy of a Steerage Passenger’s Contract Ticket for Louisa Larner and her children Herbert aged 5 and May aged 2 aboard the British Steam-ship ‘Australind ‘ departing Tilbury England March 20th for Fremantle, Australia. a) front of ticket b) enlargement of a section of the ticket a) No 132 Berth No, 47 & half 48 / Australind Steam Shipping Company Limited / TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA / central flying flag with a black swan on a white cross -/ JOINT MANAGERS/ TRINDER ANDERSON & CO., l BETHELL, GWWYN & CO., BALTIC HOUSE LEADENHALL STREET EC. 22 BILLITER STREET, EC. STEERAGE PASSENGER’S CONTRACT TICKET / ( NOT TRANSFERRABLE ) / The British Steam-ship “Australind” of 5,563 Tons Register, to take in Passengers / at the Port of London ( TILBURY) for FREMANTLE, on the twentieth day of March 1912 Signed W I Moore dated 30Jan1912 paid £18 Larner Louisa age 32 adult1 / do Herbert age 5 adult ½ / do May age 2 adult ½ written on ticket b) photocopy enlargement of a section of the ticket showing names and signatures london, tilbury, fremantle, steamship, ss australind, steerage, passengers, immigration, provisions, rations, trinder anderson company, larner louisa, larner herbert, larner may, bethel gwyn company -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
It is believed this photograph was taken in the early 1900s during World War I. Depicted is a 19 year old male soldier named Thomas "Tom" Lacey, who was a resident of Beechworth, Victoria. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform and posing inside a photographic portrait studio.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 9 November 1914, the Royal Australian Navy made a major contribution when HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This began a campaign that ended with an evacuation of allied troops beginning in December 1915. The next year, Australian forces fought campaigns on the Western Front and in the Middle East. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on paper.Reverse: 3417.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, thomas lacey, tom lacey, soldier, australian army, war -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
Depicted is a handwritten note written by Thomas "Tom" Lacey. It is addressed to his sister, Maude. This letter accompanies a portrait of Tom dressed in an Australian army uniform (record number 3417.1). Tom was a resident of Beechworth, and was only nineteen years old when he fought in World War I.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 9 November 1914, the Royal Australian Navy made a major contribution when HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This began a campaign that ended with an evacuation of allied troops beginning in December 1915. The next year, Australian forces fought campaigns on the Western Front and in the Middle East. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: My Dear Sister / I will / write / you / a long / letter / next / week / CARTE POSTALE / Just a line / in (?) to your letter / which I received two / days ago. I suppose you / used to wonder why I / never wrote but it is / pretty hard to get / writting paper at / (?). Well maud / I suppose you heard / about me getting around / I was shot through the / both legs but my poor / old mate got killed / straight out. I tell you / I do miss him. / I am glad you like / your new place. / Do you ever see Mary Y(?) / I had not had a letter / from her for 3 months / I have had a good / rest since I came out / of hospital I have been to / Cairo twice. Do you ever / get any letters from Dave / (?) him to drop me a / line some of these days / Well Maud I would like / to spend next XMAS with / you but that not my luck / this is all the new good by Tom /military album, beechworth, tom lacey, army, world war i, wwi, letter, thomas lacey -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are three - are believed to signify a Sergeant ranking. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: CARD / JAS.C.CRADDEN, / 182 PITT ST, SYDNEY. / Cecil Johnson / BMM2640.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, postcard, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, sergeant, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, portrait -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM2640.2 / POST CARD / Write here for Inland Postage only / The Address to be written heremilitary album, wwi, world war i, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, uniform, postcard, portrait -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: Mendelssohn & Co., / Swanston St., Melbourne / POST CARD / KODAK / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / BMM 2640.3 /military album, world war i, wwi, corporal, portrait, soldier, australian imperial force, aif, postcard, uniform -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM 2640.4 / P RD / Write here for Inland Postage on /military album, aif, australian imperial force, corporal, war, wwi, world war i, rising sun, badge, uniform, military -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM 2640 / POST CARD / KODAK / 5 CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / R. McGEEHAN, PHOTO, 57 ELM GROVE RIPPONLEA, / EXTRA COPIES & ENLARGEMENTS OBTAINABLE. /military album, military, war, world war i, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, rising sun, uniform, portrait -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier kneeling beside a grave in a cemetery. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. The cemetery pictured is the Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, United Kingdom. There are multiple crosses marking graves in this photograph, all marked in memory of different soldiers who fought with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during World War I. It is believed that the soldier who is kneeling was also part of the Australian Imperial Force. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Another signifier of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the three inverted chevron stripes positioned on the lower part of the left sleeve, near the wrist. These are called Good Conduct Stripes and were worn by Warrant Officers and NCOs. This patch consisted of a single chevron stripe for each year of military service meeting certain requirements of good conduct. Additionally, the man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Furthermore, the grave that this unidentified soldier is kneeling next to is the resting place of Private John James (J. J.) Simpson. He was born in Stanley, Victoria in 1883. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Melbourne, Victoria on 12 July, 1915, with the service number 4909. John James Simpson was then posted to the 60th Company Depot at Seymour for military recruit training. John James Simpson was reported wounded in action in France on 19 July, 1916. He was admitted to 13th General Hospital, France with gunshot wounds to his legs. From Boulogne, France, he traveled to the United Kingdom aboard the Hospital Ship 'St. Denis' for medical care. Upon arrival, he was admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol, England on 27 July, 1916. John James Simpson passed away from his wounds on 1 August, 1916. He was 33 years old.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on card.Obverse: A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA / 441, PTE.T. / T (?) / 26B (?) / 6.1.17 / (?) / LANGTON RD. / ST. ANNES PK. / BRISTOL / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 708, GNR B.L.CRAWFORD. / FR / 5 D.A.C. / 13.2.17 / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 4481, P (?) D.MORRIS. / (?) / 31.12.(?) / A.I.F. / AUSTRALIA. / 4909, PTE J.J.SIMPSON. / 608(?) / 1.8.16 / Winchester / LANGTON RD. / ST. ANNES PK / BRISTOL / Reverse: 2641 /military album, military, war, world war i, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, j. j. simpson, uniform, cemetery -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... album army war wwi world war i france charleroi train military ...Taken some time between 1914-18 in France, the photograph depicts extensive wreckage of a railway train. There are collapsed buildings, debris, and helmets scattered all across the landscape. There is one unidentified soldier standing in the middle of the photograph. With research that is currently available, it can be inferred that the wreckage depicted in this photograph is from the tragic Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment which occurred on December 12, 1917. The railway accident involved a troop train carrying almost 1,000 French soldiers on their way home for leave from the Italian Front in World War I. As the train descended into the Maurienne Valley, a sudden, uncontrollable acceleration caused a catastrophic crash and subsequent fire. 675 people died in the accident.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Additionally, there is only limited information available about the Sant-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment. The record may be a useful springboard for further investigation into this accident and its history.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 6530 / Destruction of train carrying / German helmets (?) to (?) prior to / his retreat at Charleroi /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, charleroi, train, military, wreckage, europe, belgium, saint-michel-de-maurienne, maurienne valley -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... war wwi world war i france great britain trenches village ...Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a house in the bottom right corner. A dotted line has been drawn across the photograph, marking the section of trenches that belonged to British forces during World War I. It is believed that the line marking on this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3FE.O.146 / G2R 29 . 6 . 18 (Y p.m) / F= 10 1/4 / British Line / ------------------------------------------ / P. 250 1040 / 0. 30d. 0010 / 0. 30d. 3070 /military album, military, war, wwi, world war i, france, great britain, trenches, village, rural, western front -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
... army war wwi world war i france trenches ...Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a cluster of houses in the top right corner. It is believed that this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3.FE.2.291 / 62D O.20bd.P.25O.C / 16.7.18 / 12 / F 8 1/4 / Reverse: 6532military album, military, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, trenches -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1916
The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in Egypt on 4 March 1916, during World War I. Depicted are three unidentified Australian soldiers part of the Australian Imperial Force. They are dressed in military uniforms. Each of these men are seated atop a camel's back. All three camels are draped in - what are believed to be - traditional Egyptian textiles, including tassels, carpets and beads. In the background, we can see a triangular pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) were established by the Australian government in August 1914. This announcement marked the beginning of Australia's involvement in World War I. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first contingent of the AIF departed Australia by ship in November 1914. England was their destination. Although, their convoy was diverted to Egypt after the Australian High Commissioner in London, Sir George Reid, and the British military authorities unanimously agreed that the overcrowded military camps in England were unsuitable for so many men over winter. The AIF disembarked in Alexandria, Egypt on 3 December 1914, and the men moved to training camps near Cairo. It was in Egypt that the AIF and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) formed one united corps - the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). This group of troops trained in the desert beneath the pyramids until March 1915.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. The record's unique research potential is strengthened by its relationship to a historically significant site: the Egyptian pyramids. Since the postcard was produced in 1916, the record can be used as primary evidence for historians and conservationists studying these sites, or how these sites have evolved over time. The record may also be a useful resource for those interested in the history of Egyptian textiles. Furthermore, it may also provide insight into international relations between Egypt and Australia in the past and present.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: 172 / Reverse: 6536 / CARTE POSTALE / 4/3/16 / Rough riders under / the shadow of the / pyramids /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, egypt, pyramid, great sphinx of giza, textiles, australian imperial force, aif, uniform -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1918
It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard
The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken some time between 1914-1918. Depicted are five unidentified Australian soldiers. They are all dressed in military uniforms. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are rectangular colour patches. One is visible on the soldier in the front row, first from the left on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the right arms of a soldier’s tunic. The sepia nature of the record means that we cannot determine the colour, and therefore cannot establish which battalion this soldier was part of. Furthermore, the man seated in the middle of the front row has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the sepia nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / hyossest (?) / 6538 /military album, army, aif, australian imperial force, postcard, wwi, world war i, portrait, soldiers