Black and White photo Company "A" 2/21Rare item of historical value due to the battallion being taken prisoner by Imperial Japanese soldiers at Ambon. The Australians suffered at the hands of their captures.Photograph of members of " A" Company 2/21st Battalion Australian infantry Taken in Melbourne. Vic. Group portrait of A Company, 2/21st Battalion. Left to right: front row: Chafer, Hartley, Bailey, Fisher, Breen, Marsh, Lance Corporal (L Cpl) Billings, Smith, Knuckey, McKenzie, Wilson, Dallagh, Jones, Redwood, Turnbull, Rutley, Minetti, Gravener and Corporal Borr (?). Second row: Winter, Brander, M.F. Osborne, V.F.H. Hubbard, Gladigou, Alison, Davies, Blair, Edney, Tuddenham, B. Tucker, Sergeant (Sgt) Stanbridge, Captain (Capt) Wesley, Lieutenant (Lt) Thomas, Sgt Stayte, Beachley, Hallowell, A. Osborne, Thatcher, Watson, unidentified, Ericson, Hadlow, Tucker, McGregor, C.R. O'Bryan and Bradley. Third row: Walker, R.R. Hubbard, Hutchins, L Cpl Kirwan, Mason, J.M. Francis, Corson (?), Leslie, Dunbar, Arnold, Inkster, Balcombe, Corporal Leary, Beckwirth, Barclay, Blanks, Conway, Bolwell, Rigney, Orange, Taylor, Dihood, Mitchell, Donchi, Howard, Flintoff, Hill, Capon, Lewin, L Cpl Eouid (?), Sgt Jacobs. Fourth row: Sgt Seabrooke, Privates King, Jorgenson, O'Halloran, Simmons, Amesbury, Kofoid, Daff, L Cpl Guest, Cooke, Ordish, Stratton, three cooks named Keel, Tullett and Brown, Privates Turner, Dahlberg, Uren, Ansett, Moran, Fry, Penny, Phillips, Lock, Loch, Perrin, Snodgrass, Argus, Gee, Corp Boyce.Photo and frame A Coy 2/21 with names inscribed there on. Black ans white photo by H.M. Walker, Wentworht House, 203 Collins Street, Melbourne.a coy 2/21 battallion

Stone from Abbey ruins at Mont St. Quentin, captured by the 21st Battalion A.I.F. on 1st Sept. 1918 & presented to the Myrtleford Sub-Branch by the Twenty-First Battalion Association, 20th November, 1971.The Stone is from the Abbey at Mont St. Quentin, captured by the 21st Battalion, 2nd Division A.I.F., on the 1st Sept. 1918. A Battle described by General Sir Henry Rawlinson, Commander, British Fourth Army as "The finest single feat of the War". During this Battle Sergeant "Alby" Lowerson, from Myrtleford was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading several men to capture a group of enemy machine guns that were holding up the advance. The Stone was presented in 1971 by members of the 21st Battalion Association, (named on the reverse side) to Myrtleford Sub-Branch R.S.L. Stone mounted on wooden board.Board inscribed with details of the mounted stone, with the names of those present on the reverse.world war 1, ww1, 21st battalion aif, 2nd australian division, western front, mont st quentin, sgt. a.d. lowerson v.c., myrtleford rsl

index, ill, maps, p.291.non-fictionA listing of the roll, honours and awards and history of the 21st battallion during the first waraustralian army - 21st battalion, regimental histories - australia

These are original items of VX5104 L/Col VJ Schofield MBE who served with 23rd Battalion (The City of Geelong Regiment). In 1929 this Battalion was amalgamated with the 21st Battalion to become 23rd/21st Battalion and adopted the territorial designation of 'The City of Geelong Regiment/The Victorian Rangers'. The Battalion went to the Northern Territory during WW2 before being disbanded, however VX5104 VJ Schofield became redeployed and served in New Guinea during WW2. He was awarded an MBE for his service. (Reference The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Friday 20 July 1945. (Awards for Service in Papua-New Guinea). The original plaques were located at the Geelong Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airman Woollen Mill (commonly referred to as the RS&S Mill). Schofields Father was responsible for the raising of the Mill, with Federal Funding, he was the CEO. It is not known if Victor John Schofield worked at this Mill but the plaques were found there and donated to the Geelong RSL Sub Branch by Roger Burt CEO of Godfrey Hirst Group during the Hirst takerover of the RS&S Mill.Two Plaques - one the Rising Sun, one the Maxwell Family Crest which is related to L/Col Schofield MBE. Timber materials used in the manufacture of both items.None on the Rising Sun. One The Maxwell Family Crest 'Rebiresco' Maxwell.ww2, vx5104 jc schofield mbe, papua-new guinea, city of geelong regiment, 23rd/21st battalion

Private James Argent (318), served with the No. 8 Platoon, B. Company, 21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd Division. He was born in Yandoit, and was a 24 year old labourer when her enlised for service at Kingston on 20 April 2015 during World War One. HIs next of kin was his wife Harriett Argent of Kooroocheang, Victoria. He was wounded in Acton at France on 04 July 1914, and had shell shock for the second occation on 03 August 1916. On 22 August 1916 he embarked on the "Denis" for England suffering from Shell Shock. He was transefered permanently to Base in England on 18 June 1917. He was admitted to hospital with VD on 21 August 1917 (63 days), and sailed for Austrlalia on 30 January 1918 with Neurasthenia. (NAA: B2455, ARGENT J)Photographic portrait of Mrs Argent, and her son James Argent in his World World One AIF uniform. j. argent, world war one, 21st battalion, yandoit, kooroocheang, james argent, harriett argent, uniform, jim argent

Private James Argent (318), served with the No. 8 Platoon, B. Company, 21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd Division. He was born in Yandoit, and was a 24 year old labourer when he enlisted for service at Kingston on 20 April 2015 during World War One. His next of kin was his wife Harriett Argent of Kooroocheang, Victoria. He was wounded in Acton at France on 04 July 1914, and had shell shock for the second occasion on 03 August 1916. On 22 August 1916 he embarked on the "Denis" for England suffering from Shell Shock. He was transferred permanently to Base in England on 18 June 1917. He was admitted to hospital with VD on 21 August 1917 (63 days), and sailed for Australia on 30 January 1918 with Neurasthenia. (NAA: B2455, ARGENT J)Photographic portrait of James Argent in his World World One AIF uniform. j. argent, world war one, 21st battalion, yandoit, kooroocheang, james argent, harriett argent, uniform, aif

Index, notes, bibliography, ill, p.298.non-fictionIn the hands of Peter Stanley, one of Australia's leading military historians, a famous battlefield in France becomes unforgettably connected with Australian men and their families in the long aftermath of the Great War.australian army - 21st battalion - 9 platoon - history, world war 1914-1918 - 2nd battle of the somme

Item was in the collection relating to William Leslie Tibbett VX28381, Refer 491.3P for his service history. Photograph of a flag covered in names of 2/21st Battalion, BDE, 8th Division AIF at Bonegilla December 1942, Mounted on card.photography-photographs, personnel, flags

Diary commences November 1917 with embarkation on HMT Nestor through service in Europe until disembarkation in May 1919 on HMT Czar, transhipped to HS Dongola.Hardbound notebook of approximatley one hundred and fifty typed pages. WW1 diary of William Montgomery (6847A - 21st Battalion, 20th Reinforcement).ww1, diaries, 21 battalion, william mitchell montgomery

Three soldiers January 1916. 21st Battalion A.I.F. Raymond Edward Membrey on right of photo with friends Perch Nash & Herb Godbear,Photographic post card of three W.W.1 soldiers in uniform.Written under photo print Percy Nash, Herb Godbear (friends) Raymond Edward Membrey. January 1916. 21st Battalion A.I.F. Written on the post card dated 10.12.15. Dear Tot & Lil. I owe you a letter but there not much news this time. We have been on weekend leave from yesterday at 12 o'clock till midnight tonight I am going up for a swim and then out to Harolds. Did M. J McKinnon come home in the hospital ship. It was hard luck that cake being shook by the dog. We went to poyts last night. We are going to Tugamah on New Year's Day. We have to meet another hospital ship tomorrow in the morning and play at Moonie Ponds in the afternoon. All the news this time. Raymondstawell ww1

Letter dated 23/6/1941 from Chris McKinley VX46283. From 21st Aust Infantry Training Battalion, abroad in Middle East. Letter sent home to Miss L. Crozier. Letter is signed off by soldier's Officers and filled in on Salvation Army stationary specifically for Australian troops.1 & 2. Two page letter on Salvation Army stationary of approx A.4 size. Paper faded to a yellow colour. Folded into sixth size. 3. Envelope has address and stamp saying "Passed by Censor". Corners of the envelope ripped.Front marked "Air-Mail" and signature of Officer. Two pages off content and also signature of Officer. Both envelope and letters marked in imprint of "The Salvation Army" and red shield has stamp saying "Passed by Censor".middle east, 21st infantry training battalion., letter

Refer James Clarence WATT, Cat No 3554.2 for his service history..1) 21st Battalion Association 1937 badge. White background with red outer edge, black printing & battalion emblem in centre. Clasping pin at back. .2) 21st Battalion Association 1938 badge. White background with black outer edge, red printing & battalion emblem in centre. Clasping pin at back. .3) 24st Battalion Association 1952-53 badge. Battalion emblem on blue background, cream backing with clasping pin.badges, association, battalion

In Memoriam booklet of 34 pages.

Corporal Hazard. Was in "D" Company 21st. Battalion 6th.Infantry Brigade 1st. A.I.F. Diary from 8th. May 1915 to 31st. December 1915.DonatiDonated by Mrs. Joyce M. Hazard 20 Pinnocks Road.,Emerald, Victoria 3782.

Photos labelled Jack are John Alfred TAYLOR NX102933 21st Guard Battalion. .28) This is Roy TAYLOR NX 94268 21st Field Regiment. Roy is on the left of photos. These men were brothers.Collection of photos, black / white & sepia. Some in Australia re Light Horse pre war. Most are presumably taken in New Britain up to & at wars end in 1945. One photo is in New Guinea. Many have been written on the back in pen. Photos are various sizes. Average noted. .16) Men & Bren gun carriers .17) Men & bulldozer .18) 7 men with machine gun .19) Native boats .20) Soldier & natives with canoe .21) Soldier & natives with canoe .22) 2 soldiers with POW .23) Soldier with plane wreckage .24) 3 soldiers with natives .25) 8 soldiers in group .26) Soldier sitting in plane wreck .27) Soldier in native canoe .28) Artillery unit in position firing, 4 men Handwritten on the back in pen: .1) “Jack Taylor” .2) “Jap Prisoners” .3) “After surrender, jap prisoners on New Britain” .4) “Camp on New Britain” .5) “Jap prisoners of war” .6) Jacks collection of photos New Britain .7) Jack New Britain 1945 .8) Jap Working Party New Britain .9) Camp probably New Britain .10) Wrecked jap planes on New Britain .11) Jack & mates with Jap Sword (Jack centre) .12) More japs .13) Jack & group, probably some of 21st Guard Battalion .14) 21st Light Horse Regt in Camp Wagga? .15) Two Light Horsemen, Jacks matesphotographs, japs, new britain, native

These photographs are part of the Lawless Collection. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for serv ice in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.These personal documents, photographs and books give an insight into the human element of World War 1 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and died while playing a vital role during this time are remembered.Four black and white copies of photographs of the Lawless family. 1846.8 is a photograph of Ted Lawless. 1846.9 is a photograph of Ruby Lawless Wallace and Ray Lawless at Elizabeth Lawless' house. 1846.10 is a photograph of the Lawless family at the Boundary Road house in Orbost.1846.8 on back - Ted Lawless 1846.9 on back - Ruby Lawless 1846.10 on back - Family with Elizabeth 1846.11 on back - Grandmother 21st Battalion Wallace wife at Home Boundary Rd Lawless AIF & Ray at Grandma Orbost Lawless House It is still there Orbost? Ray Lawless June 2010photographs lawless-family

This archive folder pertains to three brothers; FRANCIS GRANT HINDLEY Regiment No. 790 58th Battalion. HAROLD HINDLEY Regiment No. 2570 5th Infantry Battalion Field Ambulance JOHN JAMES HINDLEY Regiment No. 27747 21st Battalion. Refer Cat No 1776.3P for their full service histories.1. Folder - archival, black plastic with three D-ring holders, clear plastic archival sleeves containing original documents, transcribed text and photocopied information. Contained within the plastic sleeves are- -an information sheet. - original newspaper cuttings - photocopies of an original newspaper cutting. - typewritten correspondence. - photocopies of correspondence. - original black and white photograph postcards. - original service records - photocopies of original service records. - original handwritten letters with transcribed typed text of letters. - original postcards with handwritten letters with transcribed typed text. 2. Box - black plastic archival box for archival folder. Rectangular shape with flaps to fold and secure. 3. USB Stick - black and blue plastic with attached purple plastic label with split ring. Handwritten details on paper insert. Stored inside archival folder.2. Box - embossed in plastic "Archival survival". 3. USB stick plastic label, handwritten black ink pen "HINDLEY BROTHERS/ WAR HISTORY 1914-1918".memorabilia, ww1, hindley brothers

Between 31 August and 2 September 1918, Australia's Second Division attacked and captured the German stronghold of Mont St Quentin, the key to the strategic town of Péronne on the Somme River. Tired and under strength, units such as the 21st Battalion skilfully drove the enemy from their well-established positions,This photograph shows the aftermath of fighting in Peronne.Rectangular shaped Sepia Photograph.Peronne France 2 Sept. 1918. The ruined town,seen from across the Somme Canal.Immediately above the centre of town shrapnel may be observed bursting over the old historic church.ww1, peronne france, lara r.s.l. australian 2nd division, mont st quentin.

JOHN JOSEPH COLLINS (born Bendigo, enlisted Bendigo) No 3483 enlisted in the AIF in 8th reinforcements 21st Battalion on 4.8.1915 age 18 years. Embarked for Egypt 29.12.1915, transfer to 57th Bn 15.3.1916, embark for France 17.6.1916, appointed Driver 18.4.1916, return to Australia 8.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 15.8.1919.Brown wooden framed, hand coloured portrait of AIF Soldier JOHN JOSEPH COLLINS in uniform. portraits, photography, aif

CORPORAL STEPHEN NICHOLAS FLETT, No 97, 25th Infantry Battalion. Killed in Action 14 Nov 1916 in France. PRIVATE WILLIAM LAUNDRY FLETT, No 1767, 22nd Infantry Battalion, 21st & 224th Battalion AIF, Returned to Australia 13/4/1919Memorabilia - FRAMED STORY OF TWO BROTHERS, SOLDIERS, IN COLOUR, USING MEMORABILIA OF THE SOLDIERS AND THEIR LIVES. Printed on paper. Frame - Black extruded plastic, glass front, cardboard backing.FLETT BROTHERSframed item, anzacs, eaglehawk

Medal awarded to Pte Ralph Henry Perkins, No. 1016, (Born Campbellfield, Enlisted Bendigo) on 31.1.1915 in D Coy 21st Battalion aged 18 years 11 months, embarked for Eygpt 8.5.1915, embark for France 19.3 1916, WIA 9.6.1918 Gassed, rejoin unit 17.6.1918, transfer to 24th Bn 13.10.1918, discharged from the Army 9/3/1919.Bronze coloured WW1 1914-15 Star, with original red, white and blue ribbon. Recipients' name engraved on reverse.Engraved on reverse: "1016, Pte R.H. Perkins, 21/Bn, A.I.F"medal, award, 1914-15 star, ww1, r.h.perkins

This literary work pertains to three brothers; FRANCIS GRANT HINDLEY Regiment No. 790 58th Battalion. HAROLD HINDLEY Regiment No. 2570 5th Infantry Battalion - Field Ambulance. JOHN JAMES HINDLEY Regiment No. 2747 21st Battalion. From donation sheet " It is our desire that this information be freely available for purposes of research and to enable the war experiences of the three Hindley Brothers to be told to future generations". Refer Cat No 1776.3P for their full service histories.Literary work presented in a facsimile book form with clear plastic front cover over title page and black colour cardboard back cover. Black plastic spiral binding. Title page has black ink print, illustrated with Rising Sun Badge and a colour illustration from a WW1 certificate with two flags shield with states emblem, Kangaroo and Emu. The words "1914, THE GREAT WAR 1919" on scroll bottom. 167 pages, cut, plain white paper. Illustrated with many examples of black and white and colour of photographs, document's, certificates, handwritten letters, postcards, diary notes, telegrams, newspaper cuttings etc. Facsimile copy book available on USB stick.publication, book, ww1, hindley brothers

Cpl. Jack was a farmer from Seville, Victoria. He Served 1915-1917. K.I.A. October 9th. 1917. No known grave. Remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Belgium.Framed Certificate In Memoriam / Anzac's, you've graved your name upon Immortal Scroll. Naught can compare with what the World acclaims. Zenith of fighting patriot soul. A host of heroes, you have but echoed back with Clarion tongue. Coo-ee! Comrades "Kia Ora" your distant couch eill ever be Sacred to all Eternity sub heading / 655/ Private L. Jack/21st. Battalion/ 6th. Brigade/ "C" Company.

Before Victor Fisher enlisted, he was a jockey and labourer from Lilydale. Victor had previously attempted to enlist on five occasions but had been medically rejected due to severe foot problems. He was eventually accepted and embarked with the 18th Reinforcements, 21st Battalion from Melbourne on HMAT Hororata (A20) on 23 November 1916. He later transferred to the 5th Battalion, but his foot problems reappeared, and he returned to Australia on 17 December 1918 and was medically discharged. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.Framed photocopy of photograph and precis of military service history of Private Victor Valentine Fisher (6315)

PRIVATE WILLIAM JOHN MOYLE, NO 6544, 14TH INFANTRY BATTALION, RTA 5/4/1919.. PRIVATE/DRIVER CHARLES MOYLE, No 2400, 7th Battalion, wounded twice while on active service, RTA 23/7/1919. PRIVATE RICHARD JOHN MOYLE, (aka Henry) No. 15152, 14th Australian General Hospital, RTA 29//4/1919. PRIVATE GEORGE THOMAS MOYLE, No. 1836, 5th Infantry Battalion, 58th Battalion, wounded 4 separate occasions, RTA 13/3/1918. PRIVATE EDGAR WALTER MOYLE, No 4028 24th Infantry Battalion, 1st ANZAC Entrenching Battalion, wounded twice, RTA 2/3/1919. PRIVATE REUBEN IVOR MOYLE, No 4477, 21st Infantry Battalion, invalided home 8/4/1917. PRIVATE LESLIE MAFEKING MOYLE, No. 5439, 6th Infantry Battalion, 21st Battalion RTA 14/1/1917. Memorabilia - framed story of seven brothers, soldier, in colour, using memorabilia of soldiers and their lives Printed on paper. Frame - black extruded plastic, glass front, cardboard backing.MOYLE FAMILYframed item, anzacs, eaglehawk

Description of Nine Platoon, 21st Australian Infantry Battalion, Mont St. Quentin, France, WW1.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard with light grey green paper adhered cover. Gold and black colour print on front, spine and back. Front to back illustration, sepia colour portrait of soldier and women, collage of maps and photos in background. Soft plastic adhesive cover. 297 pages, cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs. Book cover and pages have various ink stamps, adhesive labels and handwritten information related to "Bendigo Senior Secondary College Library". This is a donated second hand book.publication, book, military history, ww1

This short history is in a display of photos and a copy of a letter written home by Sgt Carroll to his Aunt.A brief written life history from birth to death of William Carroll service Number 815. As written by a member of Red Cliffs R.S.L. in consultation with the family.Born in Wangaratta in 1891, was a drover and boundary rider in Queensland when enlisted.Sgt. Carroll was one of the original members of the 21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st AIF, which was formed at Broadmeadows early 1915. The battalion embarked from Melbourne on the Uylsses on the 8th May 1915 enroute to the Middle East. Saw action Middle East> Gallipoli>Middle East to reform and reorganise > Western Front> Somme> Bullecourt> Ypres> Somme> Mont St. Quentin> Villiers Bretonneux> Hamel Mutiny./ Sgt. Carroll was twice wounded in action (at Fluers and Broondseinde)and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, with a Sgt Cozens (No 825 also original member, on the 15th September 1916, for exceptional zeal in the performance of their duties and coolness in action, which had a great affect on the moral of their mem. He was discharged medically unfit with gun wounds to his left knee and back. Of the full Battalion strength of the original Officers and men, there were 16 Officers and 24 Or's left. 21st Battalion left buried on foreign soil 47 Officers and 827 Or's. It was the highest decorated Battalion of the 6th Brigade. Listed are some of the Battles and Misfortunes that Sgt. Carrol survived to return to Australia. Torpedoed on the troop ship Southland enroute to Gallipoli 1915;/ First Australian troops to Garrison Cairo; First Australian Infantry Unit into line in France; Last out of the line; Staging a successful mutiny; 21st Battalion was disbanded in 1918. Sgt. Carroll was given block 276 Red Cliffs, he sold his block in 1982. He was interested in Community affairs and was involved in ADFA, RSL, Mildura Club, and Mildura Show Society and was the third last Red Cliffs Soldier Settler to die. He was in his 100th year.medal, distinguished, battalion, aif, 21st, 6th, brigade, 1st, mutiny, gallipoli, wangaratta, 1891, boundary, rider, ulysses, middle, east, western, front, conduct

Private ARTHUR ERNEST DOWER, No 1825, 38th Battalion, died of wounds 3 October 1918. Private EDGAR BRITON PENALUNA, No 3584, 21st Infantry Battalion. killed in Action 19 July 1916 in France.Framed story of two soldiers in colour using memorabilia of the two soldiers and their life. Printed on paper. Frame - black extruded plastic, glass front, cardboard baking."ARTHUR E. DOWER" "EDGAR B PENALUNA" framed item, anzacs, eaglehawk

Mr. Adde Andress Matiess John COOPER was a WW1 soldier from Chiltern and served with the 21st Battalion. He enlisted in 1916 at 21 years of age. He had previous experience pre WW1 in the local based Militia Unit at Chiltern. He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field whilst in France on the 3/4/1917. He was wounded in France with a gun shot wound to the upper left arm. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cooper. He then went on to serve after WW1 with the local based Militia unit (44BN) and was appointed as the Officer in Charge at the rank of Captain. His employment prior to WW1 was that of a Sleeper Cutter for the railway. Black and white photograph of WW1 Soldier in uniform, being Adde Cooper Service Number 5002, Chiltern Resident. attached to the back of the photograph is a piece of paper with the description - Mr. Adde Cooper 1st World War Later Captain Chiltern Branch Victorian Defence Corps. ww1, military medal, adde cooper

Plaque present to Corporal Sperry BODSWORTH MID who served with the 2/21st Battalion and involved with the Battle of Ambon. On the night of 30-31 January 1942 this small force of 1131 Australian soldiers were stationed at Ambon, an island which formed part of the Netherland East Indies (now Indonesia). An invasion of approximately 20,000 Japanese overwhelmed Gull Force and the majority of the Australian soldiers were taken prisoner. The execution of 229 at Laha, starvation, over work, disease and the absence of medical supplies led to horrific loss. At the cessation of hostilities only 352 of the original 1131 had made it back to Australia. 779 members of Gull Force made the supreme sacrifice and now lie in foreign fields. The Battle of Ambon (30 January – 3 February 1942) occurred on the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), during World War II. Japan invaded and conquered the island in a few days, facing Dutch, American and Australian forces. The chaotic and sometimes bloody fighting was followed by a series of major Japanese war crimes. Allied casualties in the battle were relatively light. However, at intervals for a fortnight after the surrender, Japanese personnel chose more than 300 Australian and Dutch prisoners of war at random and summarily executed them, at or near Laha airfield. In part, this was revenge for the sinking of the Japanese minesweeper, as some surviving crew of the minesweeper took part.. Three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Of the 582 who remained on Ambon, 405 died. They died of overwork, malnutrition, disease and one of the most brutal regimes among camps in which bashings were routine. Blood Oath, a 1990 Australian feature film is based on the real-life trial of Japanese soldiers for war crimes committed against Allied prisoners of war on the island of Ambon, in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), such as the Laha massacre of 1942.Brown timber in the shape of a shield mounted with a metal a coat of arms depicting white seagull above black and orange diamond within pale blue oval shape.Gull Force 2/21 Battalion Ambon Laha Plaque - Cpl Sperry Bodsworth VX23435 MIDgull force, 2/21 battalion, ambon, ww2