Framed print-out of the adjacent map's storyDetails the story of the 2/2 Battalion in the Aitape Wewak campaign, and the story of its connection with the present owners

Wooden Plaque 15cm x 13cm with insignia of 2/2 Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.2/2 Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

Photographic copy of original which is in private handsStory of 2/2 Battalion in NG in 1945 and its history with present owners

From page following title page: "2/2 Pioneer Battalion History. To the memory of All Ranks of the 2/2 Pioneer Battalion who were killed or died, as free men or prisoners during the Second World War" Refer Cat No 4072.2P, John Donald (Jock) VX19003, POW twice. Hard cover, cardboard, buckram, dark red colour, gold print on spine. 228 pages, cut plain white. Illustrated with black & white photos & maps. Front & back fly leaf & end papers illustrated, grey & white drawing of a scene with trees & soldiers in action. book, 2/2nd, pioneer

During the Second World War, the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion was a militia unit undertaking garrison duties on the mainland. This set of images are from a set donated to the museum by the family of Robert Hillman. These images showmen of the 2/16th Battalion at camp in New Guinea. When the 2/38th Battalion was broken up August 1944, may of the men joined the 2/16th Battalion Some of the men identified in these images are: Robert Cameron Hillman, VX137175, from Bendigo. After the 38th, Robert served in the 2/16th Battalion. Ormond George Bottomley, VX88423, from Castlemaine. After the 38th, Ormond served in the 2/4th Pioneer Battalion. Ted Phair, VX137488 from Bendigo , who later served in 28th Battalion Leonard John Dunkley-Smith, VX149067, from Ballarat. After the 38th, Leonard served in the 2/16th Battalion Black and white photographs Easch photograph has a descriptive inscription on the rear which is reproduced in the images in this record2/38th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/28th battalion

During the Second World War, the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion was a militia unit undertaking garrison duties on the mainland. This set of images are from a set donated to the museum by the family of Robert Hillman. These images are of the 2/38th travelling to Darwin from Western Australia, where the Battalion was disbanded to reinforce AIF and Militia units. Some of the men identified in these images are: Robert Cameron Hillman, VX137175, from Bendigo. After the 38th, Robert served in the 2/16th Battalion. Ormond George Bottomley, VX88423, from Castlemaine. After the 38th, Ormond served in the 2/4th Pioneer Battalion. Ted Phair, VX137488 from Bendigo , who later served in 28th Battalion Leonard John Dunkley-Smith, VX149067, from Ballarat. After the 38th, Leonard served in the 2/16th Battalion Black and white photographs Easch photograph has a descriptive inscription on the rear which is reproduced in the images in this record2/38th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/28th battalion

During the Second World War, the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion was a militia unit undertaking garrison duties on the mainland. This set of images are from a set donated to the museum by the family of Robert Hillman. In August 1944 the 38th was disbanded to supply reinforcements to various AIF and CMF units. Hillman served in the 16th Battalion. These images show official group photographs mainly of the 16th Battalion in training in Darwin Some of the men identified in these images are: Robert Cameron Hillman, VX137175, from Bendigo. After the 38th, Robert served in the 2/16th Battalion. Ormond George Bottomley, VX88423, from Castlemaine. After the 38th, Ormond served in the 2/4th Pioneer Battalion. Ted Phair, VX137488 from Bendigo , who later served in 28th Battalion Leonard John Dunkley-Smith, VX149067, from Ballarat. After the 38th, Leonard served in the 2/16th Battalion Black and white photographs Easch photograph has a descriptive inscription on the rear which is reproduced in the images in this record2/38th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/28th battalion

Black and white memorial photograph of Pte. A B Leach, a member of the brigade who died as a prisoner of war 26th July 1945. Photgraph is of Pte Leach in uniform and is framed in a dark brown timber frame with painted gold trim on the inner edge of the frameBallarat Fire Brigade / Social Club / In Memory of our Late Member / Pte. A.B. Leach / 2/2 Pioneer Battalion / Died P.O.W. 26th July 1945 / 105 "Killo" camp, Burma / Thorton Richards & Co / Ballaratballarat fire brigade, p o w, burma, pte a b leach, leach, leach a b, 1945, ballarat fire brigade social club, 2 2 pioneer battalion

This 1917 dated 18pr shell case has a plaque in memory of Ernest 'Cappy' Sinclair. WW1 18pr guns were all that was available in the early days of WW2 and were used until the arrival of modern 25pr guns. Ernest served in the 2/2 Pioneer Battalion which was raised in Puckapunyal in Victoria in May 1940. After completing training, the battalion sailed for the Middle East aboard the Queen Mary in April 1941. Brass shell casing with in-memorium plaque attached.Plaque affixed to item: "PRESENTED TO / MONTMORENCEY RSL SUB BRANCH / In Memory Of Our Father / EARN "CAPPY" SINCLAIR / VX74235 - 2/2 PIONEER BN / THE SINCLAIR FAMILY" Engravings from original shell on bottom (see image)shell, 2/2 pioneer battalion, ernest sinclair, ww2, second world war, vx74235

Original medal awarded to Leslie Lawrence CROSS NX9817. Born 27/8/1095 at Cootamundra. Served overseas in the Middle East and New Guinea with the 2/2 Bn. KIA 10/11/1942 Buried Wairopi New GuineaThe Defence Medal is a campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945, to be awarded to citizens of the British Commonwealth for both non-operational military and certain types of civilian war service during the Second World WarRound silver metal medal with green orange and black striped ribbon attachedNX9817 L L Cross2/2 battalion, ll cross, nx9817, new guinea, ww2

Hard-cover book with cream coloured dust jacket. There is an olive green and black toned photographic image wrapped around the top half of the cover and spine, it shows soldiers leading a man with bandaged eyes towards a jeep in the jungle, with other soldiers gathered around. The lower half of the cover is cream with blue text. There is a white label on the base of the spine with blue handwritten call number .non-fictionIt is the story of the men of 2/2 Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces, who fought in the Middle East, Greece, and Papua New Guinea. The author describes the experience of battle and warfare itself: of fear and injury, of hunger and tiredness, of sickness, of marches through snow and jungles, of loneliness and bravery. The book provides an anatomy of war through the experience of this volunteer battalion who fought in all major theatres in World War II in which Australians took part. [from Trove]2/2 battalion, psychological impacts of war, ww2, wwii, world war 1939-1945, world war two, human side of warfare, infantry

Perspex case containing model of section of Kokoda Trackww11, kokoda, new guinea, diorama, 39th battallion, 2/14th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/27 battalion, 53rd battalion, papuan infantry battalion

During the Second World War, the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion was a militia unit undertaking garrison duties on the mainland. This set of images are from a set donated to the museum by the family of Robert Hillman. In August 1944 the 38th was disbanded to supply reinforcements to various AIF and CMF units. Hillman served in the 16th Battalion. These selected images from his collection are representative of the set of 97 undigitized photographs from official sources illustrating conditions in various areas of New Guinea where the 16th Battalion served. They show the local indigenous population and emphasize that the war affected not just the combatants but was a confronting and disruptive experience for the civilian population caught up in the war. Whilst many are reproduced elsewhere, the images are important in the context of being significant to Robert Hillman as illustrative of his experiences militarily and culturally. Black and white photographs Each photograph has a descriptive inscription on the rear which is reproduced in the images in this record2/38th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/28th battalion, robert hillman

During the Second World War, the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion was a militia unit undertaking garrison duties on the mainland. This set of images are from a set donated to the museum by the family of Robert Hillman. In August 1944 the 38th was disbanded to supply reinforcements to various AIF and CMF units. Hillman served in the 16th Battalion. These selected images are representative of the set of 60 undigitized photographs from official sources illustrating conditions in various areas of New Guinea where the 16th Battalion served. Whilst many are reproduced elsewhere, the images are important in the context of being significant to Robert Hillman as illustrative of his time in the 16th. Black and white photographs Each photograph has a descriptive inscription on the rear which is reproduced in the images in this record2/38th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/28th battalion, robert hillman

During the Second World War, the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion was a militia unit undertaking garrison duties on the mainland. This set of images are from a set donated to the museum by the family of Robert Hillman. They show the battalion in training in Western Australia. Later, the battalion would move to Darwin, where in August 1944 it was disbanded, with the men being offered the opportunity to join AIF and militia units actively engaged in the fighting in New Guinea and elsewhere. Some of the men identified in these images are: Robert Cameron Hillman, VX137175, from Bendigo. After the 38th, Robert served in the 2/16th Battalion. Ormond George Bottomley, VX88423, from Castlemaine. After the 38th, Ormond served in the 2/4th Pioneer Battalion. Ted Phair, VX137488 from Bendigo , who later served in 28th Battalion Leonard John Dunkley-Smith, VX149067, from Ballarat. After the 38th, Leonard served in the 2/16th Battalion Black and white photographs Easch photograph has a descriptive inscription on the rear which is reproduced in the images in this record2/38th battalion, 2/16 battalion, 2/28th battalion

WWII significance.Square pocket book for the use of United States troops in the Southwest Pacific Area. VX37033 Pte A. Bishop B.coy 2/2/Battalion is written in ink on the front cover.

Maxwell Barry Cowden VX19297 enlisted in the 2/nd AIF on 30.5.1940 age 18 years (put his age up to 21) in 2/2 Pioneer Battalion AIF, embarked for the Middle East 8.4.1941, promoted L/Cpl 25.6.1941, promoted Cpl 29.10.1941, took part in the Syrian Campaign. On 31.1.1942 the unit embarked for Australian but were diverted to Java to defend it, disembarked 18.2.1942. Java surrendered and they were taken POW, reported MIA on 30.4.1942 then after as POW. As a POW he worked on the Burma Railway. In December 1944 they were on the Hell Ship AWA Maru and sailed for Japan to work in the Coal Mines arriving mid Jan 1945. He was repatriated back to Australia on the HMS Formidable, discharged on 28.11.1945 with the rank of Cpl. Refer also Cat No 7077.Brown wood frame with gold edge, contains a photo and medals on a green background re a WW2 soldier/POW. The medals are a mixture of official and unofficial not in the correct order. Medals top. 1. Miniature Dutch medal 1942 - 45 official. 2. Prisoner of war medal, commemorative unofficial. Centre row. 1.Dutch medal 1942 - 45 official. 2. Africa star, official. 3. 1939 - 45 Star, official. 4. Pacific Star, official. 5. Front line service medal, unofficial. Bottom. 1. Defence medal, official. 2.Australian Service medal 1939 - 45, official. 3. For Combatant duties in active service, unofficial. 4. Foreign service medal, unofficial. 5. British war medal 1939 - 45, official."Max Cowden VX19297 2/2 Pioneer Battalion AIF"award, medals, photo, pow, 2/2

From Title page. “I'll Walk Beside You/ Love Loss/ The Burma/ Railway and/ the Human/ Spirit."Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, white coloured print on front, spine and back. Background grey/black coloured. Illustrated - front photograph of two servicemen in summer uniform, khaki coloured. Appear to be brothers. Back - muted black and white photograph of a WW2 railway scene. 536 pages, cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps.publications, books, military history, ww2, 2/2 pioneer battalion

These photographs were donated by the son of Favell Ellis Wilson Clyde. Clyde was from Holbrook, near Albury, and had originally enlisted in the 2/23rd battalion AIF, “Albury's Own”. Early in 1941 Clyde was transferred to the support column of the 9th Division, taking the rank of Driver. After service in the Middle East his unit served in New Guinea and the Islands. These photographs are of stock images, falling into two main groups - low quality, retouched images of the battlefield and harbour, and high quality images of various buildings in Tobruk. An interesting aspect of the images are that the are mostly printed on German Agfa Lupex photo stock, likely left behind by the Axis forces as they retreated. 10795.11P is an image of Tobruk cemetery, during the siege. It mentions Cpl Johnson - John Leslie Johnson VX42266, and Cpl Joy - Patrick Joy VX46250, both of the 2/23rd Battalion, both from Albury, killed during the siege, and likely friends of Clyde. Set of photographs of stock images of Tobruk harbour and townshipEach photograph, with the exception of 10795.03P has description on back, which is included with the image2/23rd battalion, 2/11 transport platoon, favell ellis wilson clyde, siege of tobruk 1941

Hand drawn Coat of Arms for the soldiers known as the Rats of Tobruk with signatures of those involved in the engagement between 5th April to the 22nd of October 1941 The drawing is signed by artist John DOWIE AM, SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion Signatories are: VX42389 Eric Hamilton, 2/32 Battalion; VX30189 F.Baldwin, 2/23 Battalion; VX34544, F.J.Mc.Intosh 2/24 Battalion; VX34554 W.Harrison, 2/24 Battalion; WX7281 P.Bone 2/25 Battalion; VX33719 Duke Goldsmith, 2/24 Battalion; VX41179 Harry Frazer, 2/24 Battalion; VX29652 A.R.Stribley, 2/24 Battalion; SX6367 Arthur “Jack” Foley, 2/43 Battalion ( died in 1980 buried at Wangaratta); VX48340 Harry Jones, 2/23 Battalion; VX42317 Aub Jarrott, 2/24Battalion; VX28869 Rod Deering 2/24Battalion; VX15719 Ian F. Joss 7th Division AASC; VX19723 Len Dauria, 2/12 Field Regiment; NX35852 R.E (Snowy) Cornelius 2/13 Battalion; VX32559 Jim Gray, 2/24Battalion - James Cyril GRAY Born 6/1/1916 in Orroroo South Australia. Enlisted 28/5/1940 at Mildura. Awarded Military Medal for remarkable coolness, bravery and leadership at Tobruk on 24/4 and 1/5/1941. He was promoted to Sergeant on 14/8/1941, Lieutenant in November 1942 then Captain on 9/4/1945. He was wounded in action on 11/9/1943 and discharged on 20/12/1945. He married and had three children. He died on 10/4/1992 aged 76 and buried at Wangaratta Cemetery.This original drawing is by John DOWIE SX6087 who served with the 2/43rd Battalion during the second world war and is signed by the artist and soldiers from the 2/24th Battalion known as "Wangaratta's Own". John Stuart Dowie AM (15 January 1915 – 19 March 2008) was an Australian painter, sculptor and teacher. He was born in the suburb of Prospect in Adelaide, South Australia, and studied architecture at the University of Adelaide. During World War II, Dowie worked in the Military History Unit of the Australian Imperial Force, and as an assistant to Australia's official war sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell. As a soldier, he was one of the Rats of Tobruk. After studying art in London and Florence, Dowie returned to Australia. His work includes over 50 public sculpture commissions, including the "Three Rivers" fountain in Victoria Square, "Alice" in Rymill Park, the "Victor Richardson Gates" at Adelaide Oval and the "Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial" at Adelaide Airport. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 in recognition of service to the arts as a sculptor and painter. Dowie died on 19 March 2008, aged 93. There is a similiar version of the drawing on page 32 of the book Desert Sand and Jungle Green by Geoffrey Boss-Walker which is an illustrated history of the 2/43rd Battalion.Timber frame containing hand drawn Coat of Arms consisting of "rats" as shield supporters, crest with a swastika in the centre and motto surrounded by signatures.Signatures of artist John Dowie and soldiers engaged at Tobruk. The crest depicts a latrine and the motto reads NON FASCES SED FAECES (Latin translation - "Do not move but the dregs") rats of tobruk, coat of arms, 1941, john dowie, ww2, middle east, 2/24 battalion, 2/43 battalion

An article about the an exhibition at the Australian War Museum for the 70th Anniversary of the Tobruk campaign.The article records some anecdotes of the "Rats of Tobruk". A 2 page magazine article from the RSL's publication MUFTI.tobruk, rats of tobruk, 2/15 battalion, 2/13 field company rae

Large coloured topographic map of Tarakan Island NorthLarge detailed coloured topographic map of Tarakan Island Northww2, map, 2/24 battalion, 2/1 aust army topo survey corps, tarakan island north, 1945

Large coloured topographic map of Tarakan Island SouthLarge laminated detailed coloured map of Tarakan Island Southww2, map, 2/24 battalion, 2/1 aust army topo survey corps, 1945, tarakan island south

Private Frank BALL (Service no: NX88372), was born in Williamstown on 29 Dec 1920 and enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 04 Sep 1939. He served in the 2/2 Australian Pioneer Battalion Source: vwma.org.au australian military forces, private frank ball

Actual photograph taken in the battlefield Actual battlefield photographer A laminated photograph depicting diggers taking cover during aerial and mortar attack in PNG 1945on bottom right corning on paper held inn place with adhesive tape: MEMBERS OF THE 2/2 INFANTRY BATTALION UNDER / ARTILLERY AND MOTAR FIRE DURING THE CROSSING OF / MANIB CREEK ON 16/3/1945 LEADING TO THE CAPTURE OF / BUT DROME ON THE 17/3/1945; on the bottom left hand side DIGGERS TAKE SHELTER AS / JAPANESE SHELLS COME OVER / ON THE ADVANCE FROM AITAPE.photograph, laminated photograph

One of several letters sent to Mrs M MacDonald of Grey Street Wangaratta by soldiers during the second world war. This one is from Private Peter Alan ANDERSON VX 33905 Born 17/2/1910 Enlisted 21/2/1941 Served with 2/24th and 2/29th Battalions Prisoner of War - B Force / Japanese Died 25/2/1945 due to illness in Borneo - Labuan Memorial Malaya - POW No 282 Victoria's 2/24th Infantry Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. Many of the soldiers maintained life long friendships with the people of Wangaratta. Even though the Battation was disbanded in 1946 members and their families return each year, in November, for a commemorative service at the 2/24th Battalion Memorial Wall at the Wangaratta Cemetery.Cream paper envelope with censor stamp and stickerTop left - By air mail Left side - AIF Censor stamp and sticker along fold "Opened by Censor" Right side - Mrs M MacDonald "Monald" 32 Grey Street Wangaratta Victoria Australia Rear VX33905 Pte P Anderson R.O.D A.I.F Malaya ww2, pow, private peter alan anderson vx 33905, 2/24th batt, 2/29th batt

RSS&AILA Victorian Branch Receipt No 12410 B for one pound five shillings received from T A Coleman being foundation membership issued by Wangaratta Sub Branch dated 13/7/1954. Private Thomas Andrew Coleman SX33126 born 3/7/1910 at Thomastown, Victoria. Enlisted on 24/8/1943 and served with the 2/43 Battalion and 2/2 MGB at Morotai and Labuan. Discharged on 7/3/46 and died 3/10/83.Cream colour paper with black print with RSL logo mounted on cardboardwangaratta rsl sub branch, foundation membership, t a coleman

Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge dated 27/7/1945 issued to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 recovered POW arrived in UK prior to returning to Australia. Cream coloured paper certificate with words printed and hand written in black ink.Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge No 173511ta karnatz, ww2, pow, tobruk, 2/24 battalion