Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. This 2/23rd Battalion Association transfer has been laminated and attached to a card. This logo became the colour patch for the unit after their service in Tobruk. Below colour patch "2/23rd BATTALION ASSOCIATION/ BOX 551D, G.P.O. MELBOURNE"world war 11, rats of tobruk, 2/23rd battalion

Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A souvenir banner representing the 2/23rd Battalion - Albury's Own. The banner incorporates the insignia of the Commonwealth of Australia Military Forces. It also includes the Unit colour patch which is a lozenge shape, divided into brown over red, with a grey trim. This patch was used from 1940 to 1942 when the patch representing service at Tobruk was introduced. world war 11, 2/23rd battalion, albury's own, arthur lock

Arthur Lock was enlisted with the 2/23rd Battalion in World War 2. After the conclusion of the war, he was an active member of the Rats of Tobruk Association and the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion Association. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A blue tie featuring the Tobruk T colour patch adopted by the 2/23rd Battalion from 1942 until the unit was disbanded in 1946.world war 11, tobruk, 2/23rd battalion, arthur lock

Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A wooden plaque in the shape of a shield commemorating the 2/23rd Battalion known as "Abury's Own". It incorporates a representation of the 2/23rd Battalion colour patch worn after the Siege of Tobruk. At top of plaque "2/23RD AUST.IN.BN./ALBURY'S/OWN"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, arthur lock

Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A plaque commemorating "Albury's Own" - the 2/23rd Battalion. It incorprates the Unit badge and a a list of battlefronts they served in as part of the 9th Brigade. The Latin in the centre of the badge translates as "I will either find a way or make one". In circular badge "ALBURY'S OWN/ 2/23 RD BN. AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM " On metal oblong "9th DIVISION /EL ALAMEIN -TOBRUK- LAE/ SATELEBERG - TARAKAN"world war 11, 2/23rd battailon, albury's own

A wide range of memorabilia was created to commemorate the 2/23 rd Australian Infantry Battalion. Later pieces incorporated the Tobruk unit patch which was incorporated into their uniform from 1942 until 17 February 1946 when the unit was disbanded at Puckapunyal, Victoria.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A plastic shield depicting the 2/23rd Tobruk colour patch above scroll inscribed with 2/23RD AUST INF. BN. This has been screwed onto a piece of metal. 2/23RD AUST INF. BNworld war 11, 2/23rd battalion

Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.Circular tin lapel button with pin back fastening. The front is made of paper and covered with clear plastic. The printed design on the front shows the post 1942 T-shaped colour patch of the 2/23 Battalion surrounded by the words "ALBURY'S OWN 2/23RD BN." There are 3 similar badges in our collection. Above colour patch "ALBURY'S OWN" Below colour patch "2/23RD BN."world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, arthur lock

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury Rats of Tobruk Association. 14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A green tie featuring the insignia of the Rats of Tobruk and a Tobruk "T" tie pin.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

The majority of the 2/23rd Battalion's initial intake of volu nteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own" and were adopted by the city of Albury. In 1946 the2/23 Australian Infantry Battalion Association adopted the children`s ward of the Albury Base Hospital as a memorial ward to honour those who made the supreme sacrifice. Members of the Association continued to raise funds for the hospital, On Anzac Day, 1976 a service was held to dedicate a plaque marking the Children's Ward as a memorial of the 2/23rd Battalion. This is the program from that dedication service. An addition plaque commemorating the efforts of the 2nd / 23rd Australian Infantry Battalion Association in raising funds for the Albury Base Hospital was added on Tuesday 30th November, 1999.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A program marking the Dedication of the Children's Ward of the Albury Base hospital in honour of the men of the 2/23rd Battalion known as "Albury's Own".world war 11, 2/23rd battalion

Set of eight medals awarded to Private Henry JONES VX48340 who enlisted at Wangaratta on 25th July 1940 and served with the 2/23rd Battalion 2nd A.I.F. He was twice wounded and spent time in hospital in Alexandria after being wounded at Tobruk. He was discharged from the army on 26th of September 1945. Brown timber frame with maroon velvet mount containing 8 medals, black and white photograph, two brass badges and a black plaque with white inscription .VX48340. Pte. Henry G Jones, 2/23rd Battalion 2nd A.I.F. Enlisted at Wangaratta 25/7/1940, Twice wounded in action. Discharged 26th September. 1945 henry jones, tobruk, 2/23rd battalion, ww2

HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970's.This photograph depicts a typical soldier portrait of WWII. Mervyn was a patient and died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Replica sepia toned portrait photograph of WWII soldier Mervyn Hutchins. mervyn hutchins collection, rats of tobruk, heidelberg repatriation hospital, caulfield, 2/23rd battalion, vx27912

HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970's.Mervyn Thomas was a patient at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Four medals with ribbons. Star (.1), Star (.2), Silver (.3), Silver (.4) awarded to Mervyn Hutchins56.1 Front Crown Emblem. GRJ / VI / The 1939 - 1945 STAR 5.1 Back VX27912 M.A.T. HUTCHINS 56.2 Front Crown Emblem. GRJ / VI / The AFRICA STAR Back VX27912 M.A.T. HUTCHINS 56.3 Bare head effigy King George VI facing left. GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP. Back shows the Royal Crown resting on an oak sapling, flanked by a lion and a lioness above waves. At the top left is the year "1939" and at the top right the year "1945". The exergue has the words "THE DEFENCE MEDAL" in two lines. 56.4 Front crowned effigy of King George VI, facing left and signed "PM" below neck. Around the perimeter is the legend "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP:" Back The reverse shows a lion standing wanton on the body of a double-headed dragon. Top right are the years "1939" and "1945" in two lines. "ECRP" near the rim at the nine o'clock positionmervyn hutchins collection, rats of tobruk, heidelberg repatriation hospital, caulfield, 2/23rd battalion, vx27912, 1939-1945 star, star of africa, defence medal, war medal, wwii

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle East.Some images have inscriptions on verso. These are included in the title information displayed with each image as it is clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton, syrian campaign, rats of tobruk, cairo

Photo, Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked on2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Photo, Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

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

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .05P) Tom Francis. Believed to be Thomas Francis VX40096, enlisted 22.6.1940. Middle East service listed as 16.11.1940 - 31.1.1943, discharged Medically unfit with the Rank of WO 2 on 25.11.1943, awarded a Mention in Despatches. .10P) This could be Tom Francis .Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .O1P) Captain Morrell is believed to be Francis Gordon Morrell VX48502. Enlisted in the AIF 16.8.1916 age 27 with the rank of WO 2 No 4976 (had 9 years pre service) in14th Reinforcements 32 Bn AIF. Embarked for England 22.12.1917, embark for France 7.4.1918, WIA Shell Wound Buttock 15.5.1918, rejoin unit 18.8.1918, embark for Aust 22.1.1920, discharged 8.4.1920. Stayed in the Permanent Army. Enlisted in the 2nd AIF 1.7.1940 No VX48504. Overseas service listed as Middle East 16.11.1940 - 23.5.1942, New Guinea 8.9.1943 - 9.6.1944, Netherlands East Indies 16.5.1945 - 23.4.1946. He enlists then in the Interim Army No 3/133 on 1.7.1947 until 1.4.1950,, serves in Japan listed as 30.1.1948 - 6.5.1948. Discharged 1.4.1950 with the rank of Major. “Roms Reynard” is not yet identified.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the images are clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .07P) CSM Lee. Believed to be Leslie Douglas Lee VX69519, enlisted 23.12.1941, Middle East service listed as 28.2.1942 - 25.2.1943, discharged 27.11.1945. Lt Fallon. Believed to be John Francis Fallon VX48644. Enlisted 31.7.1940, embarked for the Middle East 16.11.1940, WIA Blast perforation injury 30.10.1942, RTA 9.1.1943 Discharged 20.5.1943 with the rank of Capt. Rupert Rattray VX38937, enlisted 21.10.1940, Middle East service listed as 6.11.1940? - 8.8.1942, New Guinea service 21.2.1943 - 14.9.1943, discharged on 4.4.1946 with the rank of Major. Awarded the MC on April 22 when leading a raiding Party in Tobruk 1941, also awarded C In C’s card in 1941. Graham Grantham Anderson VX48780, enlisted 5.8.1940 age 21, DOW’s on 13.7.1942, he held the rank of Captain. Gilbert Ferguson Urquhart VX48258 enlisted 25.7.1940 age 29, KIA 22.7.1942, hel held the rank of Major. He had pre War service in the CMF from 9.1.1939 - 24.7.1940.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle East.Some photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the images are clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton, cpt ferguson urquhart vx42858

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .01P) Brigadier R.W. Tovell, CBE, DSO & Bar, ED - MID 5 times. He had 5.5 years pre WW1 service in the Cadets, on discharge he held the rank of Lieutenant. Enlisted in the AIF 28.4.1915 age 29 years, appointed Lt 6.7.1915 in 2nd Reinforcements 29th BN. Embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, embark for France 4.6.1916. He rose through the Ranks in various Commands to Brigade Major by 19.2.1918. Awarded MID24.10.1918, DSO & MID on 23.5.1919, MID on 30.10.1919. Appointment terminated in the AIF on 12.12.1920. Stayed on in the full time Army to be T/Brigader on 14.10.1939 to Command the 10th INF Brigade. Transfers to the 2nd AIF 1.7.1940 No VX46983and appointed to Command the 26th Brigade. Overseas service listed as Middle East 16.11.1940 - 10.11.1942. New Guinea 17.2.19144 - 21.3.1944 & 10.3.1945 - 23.3.1945, Darwin area 8.9.1944 - 19.9.1944. Awarded Bar to the DSO 30.12.1941, MID 26.6.1942 & 15.12.1942, CBE 15.4.1943. Appointed Deputy Adjutant General 3.5.1944, appointment terminated in the 2nd AIF on 20.12.1945, placed on the Reserve list of Officers with the rank of Colonel & Honorary Brigadier. Lt Col Evans VX478119. Bernard Evans had service going back to 1924. Enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 22.7.1940. His overseas service is listed as Middle East 16.11.1940 - 30.3.1943 - New Guinea 20.7.1943 - 10.11.1943, discharged fro m the AIF on 22.10.1945 with the rank of Colonel, awarded the DSO. .02P) Believed to be Benjamin Thomas Shiels VX58180, enlisted 24.6.1941, embarked for the Middle East 3.9.1941, KIA 29.10.1942. Joe Harrison is not yet identified. Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Photograph and medals belonging to Private John Leonard PARKER VX56265 2/23 Battalion AIF Killed in Action on 24/11/1943 during WW2. Buried at Lae cemetery in New Guinea. The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in August 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The battalion did its initial training in Albury before moving to Bonegilla, Victoria, before sailing for the Middle East in November. The 2/23rd left Alamein on 2 December and headed back to Gaza in Palestine, where it participated in the 9th Division parade on 22 December. The battalion left Palestine in the third week of January 1943 and reached Sydney at the end of February. Reorganised for jungle operations, on 4 September the 2/23rd participated in the division's amphibious landing at Red Beach, north west of Lae. Shortly before the landing occurred, the invasion fleet was attacked by six Japanese fighters and three bombers. Most of the Japanese bombs missed the Allied ships but one bomb hit the landing craft carrying the 2/23rd headquarters - killing the battalion commander and the ship's captain. The landing craft, however, made it to shore and the 2/23rd participated in the subsequent fighting around Lae, Finschhafen, and Sattelberg. After Sattelberg, the 2/23rd continued to move inland, capturing Masangkoo, Kuanko, and finally on 9 December, Wareo. Brown timber frame with dark blue background containing photograph of soldier, three round and three star shaped medals and document with coloured crest."This scroll commemorates Private J. L Parker Australian Military Forces held in honour as one who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died."private john leonoard parker, 2/23rd battalion, ww2, new guinea

This items identify Mervyn Hutchins war experience. Mervyn served in the 2/23rd Battalion, was sent to Tobruk and was a patient at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Ring "TOBRUK", tie pin and button with pin fastenermervyn hutchins collection, rats of tobruk, 2/23rd battalion, tobruk ring

The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977 to troops who were in action during the Siege of Tobruk between April and December 1941. Medal issued posthumously to Corporal Percy Angus KIELY VX48300 Born 30/1/1906 at Wangaratta who served with 2/23 Battalion in the MIddle East and New Guinea. Percy died on 25/4/44 from a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage when struck by a falling limb of a tree on 21/4/44 at Whitfield. The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977. The Tobruk Siege medal known as the T medal was issued to Australian, British, Indian, New Zealand and Polish troops who were in action during the Siege of Tobruk between April and December 1941. T shape medal in silver metal with cream coloured ribbon with red and light blue strip Tobruk Seige 1941tobruk, t medal, ww2, percy kiely, 2/23rd battalion

This is the original colour patch of 2/23 Rd Battalion based on the 23rd Battalion 1st AIF colour patch. After the siege of Tobruk, the patch was changed to a 'T' shape. See Catalogue No. 7835.3. Part of the Cooper Collection.1. - 4. Diamond shaped colour patch on grey cloth background. Colour patch consists of brown over red.cooper collection, colour patch, 2/23rd battalion.

Photograph of Private Henry JONES Born 22/4/1918 at King Valley- VX48340 2/23rd Battalion - Wounded in Action twice - and Private Arthur STRIBLEY DOB 22/2/1920 from Wangaratta- VX29652 2/24th Battalion convalescing in hospital in Alexandria, Egypt after being wounded in the Battle of Tobruk during World War Two. Black plastic frame containing two black and white photographs one depicting three men and the other of a Hospital Ward.Taken in Alexandria while in hospital after being wounded in Tobruk. Arthur Stribley Wangaratta 2/24th Left side of photo Harry Jones in the middle 2/23rd Battalion Arthur Stribley. Harry Jones. Bill *************** Photo of Hospital Ward in Alexandriahenry jones, arthur stribley, alexandria hospital, tobruk, wangaratta

Owner and donor details. see Cat No. 5836.3. "As I saw it..." From Tobruk to Tarakan/ 1940-1945/ New Guinea/ Middle East" . "A short History of the 2/23rd Battalion " WW2.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, green, red and cream colour print on front cover with cream, green, red background. 88 pages - cut, plain, white. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps.books, military history, ww2, battalion history

This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, egypt

Army kit bag belonging to Private Henry JONES VX48340 who enlisted at Wangaratta on 25th July 1940 and served with the 2/23rd Battalion 2nd A.I.F. He was twice wounded and after being wounded at Tobruk spent time in hospital in Alexandria. (refer item 69) He was discharged from the army on 26th of September 1945. Keywords Light khaki canvas kit bag with metal eyeletsH.G. Jones VX48340wwii, kit bag, h.g. jones vx48340

Arthur Lock was born in Newport, England and migrated to Australia with his widowed mother in 1924. After spending time in Queensland, he moved to Victoria where he enlisted in the Australian Army at Royal Park, Melbourne on 17 Jun 1940. His service number was VX31240. After basic training, Arthur was enlisted into the 2/23rd Battalion which was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. The battalion was moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, and 2/23rd Battalion became known as "Albury's Own". Arthur saw service in the Middle East and Africa where he was involved in the siege at Tobruk, becoming one of the Rats of Tobruk. He also served in El Alamein, New Guinea, Borneo and Tarakan. In his post war life, Arthur dedicated much time and energy to the Scouting movement and in 1972 was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in Wodonga, Victoria.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A black and white photo of Private Arthur Lock taken whilst on service in the Middle East.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk