This ornamental Sphinx is a memento of the founder of Melbourne Legacy, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, K.B.E, C.B., D.S.O., M.C., E.D.O The Sphinx was presented to the then Sergeant Stanley Savige as the 24th Battalion Musketry Prize, whilst he was serving in that unit in Egypt, during the First World War.Sir Stanley Savige founded Melbourne Legacy in 1923. This item is significant as it was awarded to him during his war service, prior to the foundation of Legacy. Brass sphinx trophy. The Sphinx is mounted on a plinth, which is decorated in hieroglyphics made of copper and lead. Sphinx's head opens to reveal an ash tray and a decorative necklace.24th BATTALION MUSKETRY PRIZE SERGT. S.G. SAVIGE EGYPT. Aug. 1915stan savige, trophy, 24th battalion

"Wangaratta's Own", the 2nd 24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta on 1st July 1940, during World War Two. They camped at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, where they trained until they marched out of Wangaratta on 28th September 1940. Before they marched out Alan MacFarlane and the Battalion were presented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Thomas Nolan. They fought in . On 28th September 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Battalion leaving Wangaratta, (retired) Alan MacFarlane, President of the 2nd 24th Battalion Association were presented the Freedom of the City and represented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Kevin Gleeson & Cr Val Gleeson, Cr Thomas Nolan's son in law & daughter. This was an Army Battalion formed in Wangaratta. The young men interacted with the businesses, sporting & social societies & families of Wangaratta in the early 1940's. Lifelong friendships were made."Wangaratta's Own", the 2nd 24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta on 1st July 1940, during World War Two. They camped at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, where they trained until they marched out of Wangaratta on 28th September 1940. Before they marched out Alan MacFarlane and the Battalion were presented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Thomas Nolan. They fought in . On 28th September 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Battalion leaving Wangaratta, (retired) Alan MacFarlane, President of the 2nd 24th Battalion Association were presented the Freedom of the City and represented with the Battalion pennant by Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Kevin Gleeson & Cr Val Gleeson, Cr Thomas Nolan's son in law & daughter. army battalion wangaratta's own world war two

Sergeant William James Harvey, MM (Military Medal) was an Australian journalist and veteran of the 24th Battalion, AIF. Enlisting in April 1915, he earned the Military Medal for bravery at Pozières and famously authored the official unit history, "The Red and White Diamond". "The Red and White Diamond: The Official History of the 24th Battalion, AIF", was published in 1920. It is widely celebrated as a highly detailed and authorized account of the battalion's service on Gallipoli and the Western Front. This book, containing 340 pages including maps and photographs, is one of a limited edition of 200 copies which belonged to Private George Ferguson 1095 A Coy 24th Battalion. Grey hardback cover book with black printingInside cover - George Ferguson 1095 Pte. A Coy 24th Battalion24th australian infantry battalion, ww1, george ferguson, william james harvey mm, gallipoli, western front

Printed and published in the field, by the 24th Battalion Press.The Diamond - Field newspaper of the 24th Battalion.(no. 4) November 15, 1918. Small paper newsletter.Price - 25 centimesnewspapers, newsletters

Identity Disc originally possessed by Lieutenant Alfred Leonard Bacon from Warrnambool, Victoria. He served in the First AIF from 1915-1918 and appears to have died of complications from war wounds before 1921.

A copy of an address given to a Legacy luncheon by Legatee Frank Doolan. He speaks of the 24th Battalion and their role at Gallipoli and in France. The story of the withdrawal from Gallipoli is interesting. Legatees Savige and HC Brinsmead were two of the three last lieutenants on the peninsula. Both were foundation members as was John Anderson who was also mentioned. He digresses to relate a story of an evening when he was with a 'VC mate' (assumed to be L/ Donovan Joynt) and they decided to speak to the editor of the Argus, Allan Spowers, about the newspaper's stance against the building of the Shrine of Remembrance. He related the paper published an article two days later in favour of the Shrine project and shortly after so did 'The Age'. The address also relates the return to war in 1939 and the formation of the 2/24th and it fighting in Tobruk. It was absorbed into the 9th division and later a new 2/24th was formed to wear the 'Red and White Diamond'. 'This unit consisted of younger men who had served with the CNF between the wars and included several sons of Legatees and several Junior Legatees. Our President Don, was attached for a short time.' (referring to L/ Don Simonson who was president in 1970). It went on to fight in New Guinea. Legatee Doolan's aim had been to link the 24th battalion with Legacy and suggests the book about the history of the 24th Battalion by Bob Serle was worth reading. He then introduced two other speakers, Squadron Leader Hicks, Conductor of the Royal Australian Air Force Band and Mr John Anderson of AWA. From the speakers record this event was in June 1970. The notation H27 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. Legatee Frank Doolan was part of the archive project around the 1970s.A significant account of the withdrawal from Gallipoli and other experiences of the 24th Battalion retold at a Legacy luncheon. Speakers at Legacy luncheons were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken on were many and varied. White foolscap paper with black type x 5 pages of a speech by Legatee Frank Doolan.Handwritten H27 in red pen.history, battalion, speakers, speech, gallipoli, frank doolan, 24th battalion

Black and white photographImage shows 8 recruits of the 24th Battalion in group photograph at Broadmeadows camp.

This pictorial battle history book contains two maps, sketches of characters "Bluey and Curley" and Nominal Roll of personnel who served overseas with the 24th Battalion in New Guinea and Bougainville during WW2. Beige cardboard dust cover with title in grey and red writing and red and white diamond with grey surround lower left corner. Inside cover contains two maps which have three photocopies Nelson Dinning - handwritten top right corner of cover Inside Dedication - This book is dedicated to our fallen comrades Lest we forget Inside Foreword by Lieutenant General S G Saviage, CB, CBE, DSO, MC.ED24th battalion, ww2, new guinea, bougainville

Gallipoli star medal and badge belonged to Private Thomas E. Rollings 1983 who was born at Tallangatta and enlisted on the 21/6/1915 at age 24 . He served with the 24th Battalion and on the 11/ 11/1915 at Lone Pine received severe bomb wounds to both legs and right arm. On 24/12/1915 his right leg was amputated and he was repatriated home in January 1916. He passed away in 1966 and is buried at Eldorado.Black timber frame containing bronze coloured star shaped metal medal with red blue and white striped ribbon and a gold-coloured metal badge/medallion depicted a soldier with rifle both mounted on red felt."1983 / Pte. Thomas E. Rollings / 24th Battalion A.I.F."gallipoli star, medal, anzac, wwi, world war one, 24th battalion

The table and chairs once belonged to the Officers' Mess, 24th Battalion. From 1928 - 1936 the CO of the 24th Battalion was Lt Col S.G. Savige, DSO MC. It was during this time that the chairs were made and used for dining-in nights. During the a ceremony of remembrance, each officer stood behind a chair and called the name on its back as a mark of respect for those KIA during WW1. At the inaugural meeting of the Club, from which arose Melbourne Legacy, in September 1923, eight of the fourteen members had worn the colour patch of 24th Battalion.The connection to Savige and the fact that many of his officers from 24th Battalion became members of Melbourne Legacy. This table and its chairs were formally gifted to Melbourne Legacy on 9th May 1956 when the Legacy Club of Melbourne moved to Legacy House. They have been used since in the Board Room, now located on level 1, Legacy House, 293 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Two Legatees were responsible for fully refurbishing the table and chairs - Legatee Gordon Beith (Morrabbin Branch) and Legatee Ted McKenzie (Footscray/Sunshine Branch) Board Room Table - Clear varnished timber table with a two piece glass top Table legs are turned timber on wheels x 5. Two at each end and one in the centre. Chairs - Clear varnished timber with leather cushions x 20. Each chair has an engraved plaque with an officer's name from 24th Battalion. With the exception of one who died shortly after returning to Australia all were KIA in various battles during WW1. The 24th Battalion (the Kooyong Regiment) Robinson Road, Surrey Hills. Vic Names inscribed on each chair: Lt A.L. Bacon, 2Lt W.A. Baldie, Capt J.C.L. Biggsley, Lt P.S. Carne MSM, Lt J.B.N. Carvick MC, Lt J.R. Clarke, 2Lt F.M. Coffee, Lt P.G. Denton-Fethers, Lt W.S. Finlay, Capt J.H. Fletcher, Lt A.C. Fogarty, 2Lt A.G. Gilchrist, Lt J. Harris, Lt A.J. Kerr, Maj. C.E. Manning, Capt G.L. Maxfield MC, 2Lt H.L. Rhynehart, Capt W.H. Tatnall, 2Lt R.N. Thomas, Capt C.M. Williams MC furniture, 24th battalion

Unique and significant, could be only surviving copyA4 paper sheetSee Photo for complete details

Soldiers of the 2/24th Battalion C Company.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of large group of unknown soldiers in four rows, standing and sitting on the ground in front of open structure with corrugated roof. Partial C Company2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image of Frederick James "Jack" McIntosh VX34544 who served with the 2/24th Infantry Battalion during the Second World War He was born on the 9th May 1905 at Beechworth. He joined the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch in 1946. He was Vice President for 15 years and as Chairman of the Building Committee he was mainly responsible for many improvements to the clubrooms. In 1963 he was presented with his Life Membership Badge by Sir Charlies McKay, then President of the Victorian Branch. Timber framed photograph of male in suit.JACK McINTOSH enlisted in the 2/24th Inf. Battalion in 1943. Joined Wangaratta Sub-Branch in 1946. Jack was given his life membership in 1963 .2/24th battalion, jack mcintosh, life member, wangaratta rsl, ww2

The badge on the uniform worn by these soldiers indicates they served with the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced photograph of large group of unknown soldiers standing and sitting on the ground.2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Unit colour patches on uniforms indicate soldiers are members of the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of group of armed soldiers at rest in open barren landscape Stamped on rear - resting en route2/24th battalion, wangaratta, middle east

Image relates to the 2/24th Battalion however Iocation and identities of soldiers are unknown.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced photograph of group of 17 soldiers in two rows with front row kneeling. A large warehouse is in the background.2/24th battalion, wangaratta

Image relates to the 2/24th Battalion however Iocation and identities of soldiers are unknown.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Photograph of group of 3 unknown soldiers wearing shorts and hard helmets standing in front of corrugated iron clad building2/24th battalion, wangaratta

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of camel train on dirt track with white tents on right and small buildings and tents on left."Dimra Camp" handwritten on note adhered to rear.2/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

An issue of the Field Newspaper of the 24th Battalion by the 24th Battalion Press printed entirely in the field. This edition is Volume No. 5 January 1919. The articles reports on Christmas 1918, honours and awards given to the Battalion, and the arrangements for returning home to Australia. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Legatee Frank Doolan he was on the archive committee and made attempts to collate the history of Legacy. A record of publications made for the troops in World War 1. The founding members of Legacy would have been familiar with items like this as they fought in the first World War.A copy of the Red and White Diamond field newspaper x 12 pages, published for the troops in World War 1.world war one, souvenir, 24th battalion

The sender of one (or more) of the cards was John William Hunter (4713 - 24th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement). Hunter died of wounds on 8th May 1917 at Bullecourt.Album collection of embroidered and non-embroidered WW1 postcards from various sources to an unknown recipient.john william hunter, ww1, 24th battalion

Anzac commemorative medallion issued to the next of kin of Private Thomas Emanuel Rollings - 1983 - 24th Battalion, Wangaratta who served at Gallipoli during WW1The Anzac Commemorative Medallion was instituted 1967. It was awarded to surviving members of the Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916.Bronze commemorative medallion depicting Simpson and his donkey on the front and Australia, New Zealand and the southern cross on the back.Medallion is set inside a plastic hinged lid box with a deep purple velvet lining. Original white cardboard box with two sections. Top section has brown paper label with handwritten address and white/blue stamp on outside. The medallion is cast in bronze and is approximately 75 millimetres high and 50 millimetres wide. The obverse of the medallion depicts Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier to safety. It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves. The name and initials of the recipient is engraved on the reverse. The medallion is issued in a presentation box.Medallion - Front: "1915" "ANZAC" Back: "T. E. ROLLINGS" hand engraving Cardboard box - Top section: "St Kilda Rail., S.2 / Victoria / No. 8248"printed "Mrs A E Rollings / Eldorado / Victoria" handwritten "If not claimed in seven days return to :- Central Army Records Office, Albert Park Barracks, Melb" anzac, medallion, commemorative medallion, bronze, eldorado, 24th battalion, wangaratta, gallipoli, ww1

Members of the 2/24th Battalion marching in Wangaratta. The Unit was raised in Wangaratta in July 1940 and the photograph was taken in late 1940 prior to overseas deployment to the middle east during WW2The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced photograph of soldiers marching along street lined with parked vehiclesHandwritten on rear - 2/24th Marching in Wangaratta late 19402/24th battalion, wangaratta, ww2

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine where they were based prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. Whilst in camp the band entertained the troops.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph depicts soldiers playing brass instruments seated in two rows in a semi circle facing conductor in the open.Handwritten on rear 2/24 Band"Dimra Camp" prior to Tobruk 19412/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

image of soldiers wearing shorts loading stretcher into rear of vehicle most likely taken during the middle east campaign in 1941 one of whom is possibly Francis Williams VX 34295 of the 2/24th Battalion.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of seven soldiers of which four are loading a stretcher into rear of vehicle.Handwritten on rear - Tobruk 1941 Left Francis William ? ???2/24th battalion, tobruk, ww2, middle east

Assorted personal papers, cards and letter belonging to Private John William ELLIS 218,5334 24th Battalion and Australia Flying Corps. Born Rupanyup. Occ Farmer at Nyarrin. Served Gallipoli and Western Front. Returned to Australia 15/2/1918YMCA Aldwych Hut x 2 No 46137 and 46200 Bed only YMCA In the Field notepaper dated Jan 7 1918 handwritten letter in pencil Receipt dated Mar 29 1919 for Australian piano and stool. Four page letter written in pencil dated July 10th France from brother Bob Statement of Account for AIF pay and allowances Pte J W Ellis Card - cream coloured - From the Majoress of Exeter and Committee Wishing you good luck Card - cream coloured stamped in red Massage Dept. Daily Appointment with handwriting in pen Card x 2 one pink one orange Welcome Home - Returned Soldier's Hospitality Committee, FremantleAs abovejohn william ellis, 24th battalion, ww1, personal papers

An issue of the Field Newspaper of the 24th Battalion by the 24th Battalion Press printed entirely in the field. This edition is Volume 1 No.5, the Xmas Number 1918. The articles summarise battles that the 24th had been involved in, greetings from the Commanders, and news of the battalion. This issue has photographs of the officers who have had long service with the Battalion including Lieut.-Col. W.E. James, Col W.W.R. Watson, Maj. W.H. Ellwood, Capt. F.P. Selleck, and Capt. A.A. Ball. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Legatee Frank Doolan, he was on the archive committee and made attempts to collate the history of Legacy. The founding members of Legacy would have been familiar with items like this as they fought in the first World War.A copy of the Red and White Diamond field newspaper x 16 pages, published for the troops in World War I.From L/tee F. Doolan in black penworld war one, souvenir, 24th battalion, frank selleck

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground with four rifles upright in foreground. Resting during march Wangaratta to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of 4 unknown soldiers sitting on the ground. Resting enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers resting during the 60 mile march.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers sitting on the ground in bush land. Night bivouac enroute to Bonegilla2/24th battalion, wangaratta