A large photo of soldiers from the first World War. It is almost identical to one in the AWM. From the AWM record it is the 2nd Pioneer Battalion before they returned to Australia. From Wikipedia the 2nd Pioneer Battalion was tasked with digging trenches, labouring, constructing strong points and light railways, and undertaking battlefield clearance, the troops assigned to the pioneers required construction and engineering experience in addition to basic soldiering skills. After the Armistice personnel were repatriated to Australia in drafts as part of the gradual demobilisation of the AIF, the battalion's strength dwindled until finally it was disbanded on 18 May 1919 while in the Charleroi area of Belgium. The men are standing on the steps of the Palais de Justice in Charleroi. The lion is one of a pair made by Antoine-Felix Boure a Belgium sculptor, who was renowned for his portrayal of lions. This pair is called Totor et Tutur. The Palais de Justice was replaced by a new building in the 1960s and the lions now stand in the garden of the Palais de Justice. The soldiers wear different uniforms depending on their rank. This photo is a good example of some of them. Legatee Philip E Potts who was president in 1927-28, was a Captain in the 2nd Pioneer Battalion and is likely to be in this photo. Or the photo belonged to him. Another photo of L/ Potts is labelled Charleroi 1919 and mentions a 2nd Division Concert Party and his war record at NAA says he was assigned to the Concert Party at that time.Legacy was founded by returned soldiers from World War 1, hence some founding legatees may be in this photo.Sepia photo of the 2nd Pioneer Battalion on the steps of a building.soldiers, world war one, lion, charleroi, 2nd pioneer battalion, uniforms, philip e potts

The 2nd Pioneer Battalion was an Australian infantry and light engineer unit raised for service during the First World War as part of the all volunteer Australian Imperial Force. Formed in Egypt in March 1916, the battalion subsequently served on the Western Front in France and Belgium, after being transferred to the European battlefields shortly after its establishment. Rectangular shaped black and white Photograph.A Platoon of the 2nd, Pioneer Battalion Att. to the 1St.Aust. Tunnelling Company at Rance in Belgium 19 Jan 1919 Sgt. W J Branch 3rd from right front row. army, rance belgium,australian army, lara r.s.l., !st.australian tunnelling company, 2nd pioneer battalion.

Brown buckram with plastic cover over gold print. Black & white photos & illustrated, 288 pages.books, military history

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

Timber plaque with 2/2nd Battalion insigniaBattalion insignia 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion A.I.F in scroll

This image is one from a series of portraits taken by Rob Elliott to record the character of the Border District through the faces if its identities. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He became the first president of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A black and white photograph of Des Martin in military uniform with his horse. The photo has been mounted in a metal frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club

This image was taken in Melbourne on Anzac Day 1986 where Des had taken place in the annual parade. The photo itself has had a long journey. It was donated to the Star Hotel in Yackandandah, Victoria by Des Martin in 1994. The hotel changed hands so many times that the custodian "Pip" Beatty felt it was best placed at the Light Horse Museum at Bandiana, Victoria. Its journey was complete when the photo was returned to the Wodonga Historical Society. Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. This Battalion saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He became the first president of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a steward at that event. Des also wrote several publications including “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing, and an historical novel “Many a Mile”. He collaborated with R. M. Williams to develop “Hoofs and Horns” to become a national publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. He was also a member of the RSL for almost 50 years and held several committee positions during that time. Des Martin died on 12 April 1995.This is a portrait of a significant member of the Wodonga community who made an outstanding contribution as a farmer, soldier, horseman, author and member of the RSL and other community organisations.A coloured photograph of Des Martin in full military uniform mounted on his horse. The photo has been mounted in an oval wooden frame.des martin, murray valley hunt club, 2/2nd australian pioneer battalion, albury racing club

WW1 identification tag made of tin. This tag was issued to Private A.C. Hill, service number 2377, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, AIF., Church of England. (refer item 00325).

Edward George Longstaff No 3381, enlisted 31.10.1916 age 44years 2 months, embarked for England 6.12.916, posted to 2nd Pioneer Bn, embark for France 22.5.1917, classified with Rhuematism 10.11.1917 and returned to England, Returned to Aust 11.1.918 and then discharged Medically unfit “Senility” 22.4.1918..1) Certificate of Discharge Register No 374 in the name of Regt 3381 Private Edward George LONGSTAFF, 2nd Pioneer Battalion. Cream heavy paper with black writing. .2) Maroon coloured cloth covered Pay Book in the name of 3381 Private Edward George LONGSTAFF.certificate, administrative, paybook

From front cover: "A HANDBOOK OF/ INFORMATION FOR/ MEMBERS OF THE / FORCES ON THE/ ROAD BACK TO/ CIVIL LIFE" Original owner of item: "Frederick James BARNSTABLE", 2rd/2nd Pioneer Battalion, VX55245.Soft cover booklet. Booklet cover - cardboard, navy, red and light blue colour with off white and navy colour print. Spine with metal staples. Illustrated - small Australian Coat of Arms in white colour print. 55 pages - cut, plain, off white colour."frederick james barnstable", booklet, handbook, ww2

From booklet cover "(Words and phrases with their/ equivalent in colloquial ARABIC/ and/or HEBREW in daily requirement/ by Australian Imperial Force in the Middle East)" Original owner of item "Frederick James BARNSTABLE" 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion VX 55245.Soft cover booklet. Booklet - cover cardboard, grey colour with black colour print on front cover. Spire with metal staples. 32 pages - cut, plain, white colour paper. Handwritten information on title page - ink and pencil.Handwritten information - black ink pen "C.B. Laffaw". Also what appears to be numerous grey lead pencil notations.booklet, hardcover, ww2, frederick james barnstable

This is a certificate presented to 2156 Private Christopher Dennis Parkinson who enlisted on 4 April 1916, served in 2nd Pioneer Battalion A.I.F. He was Wounded In Action and died form gunshot wound (abdomen) on 22 December 1917 in Belgium. He is buried in Trois Arbres Military Cemetary, STRENWERCK, 3 and a half miles N.W of Armentieres. Plot 2; Row C; Grave 16. He received the 1914/15 Star; British War Medal and Victory Medal.District of Daylesford. Presented by the Mayor Councillors & Residents.certificate, certificate of recognition, dalesford

L-R William Alfred Hands (Washington), Service No: VX50886 was born on 12 September 1916 and enlisted in the AIF on 25 February 1941. He served in the 2nd/6th Infantry Battalion. Corporal Richard Hands, Service No: VX36558 was born on the 25 January 1920 and enlisted in the AIF on 8 July 1940. Whilst serving in the 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion, he became a POW in Java during 1942 and Died at sea (Rakuyo Maru) on 15 September 1944. Source: vwma.org.au, NAA.gov.au and nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au ww2, william alfred hands (washington), corporal richard hands, aif, prisoner of war

Thomas Henry Fraser was Williamstown’s Town Engineer and Surveyor when he enlisted in the 2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion in January 1916. Eight months after he arrived in France he was killed by enemy shelling on 15 September 1917. city engineer, mr thomas henry fraser, killed in action, ww1

From front cover: "GLIMPSES OF SIR ALBERT COATES/ MASTER SURGEON, SOLDIER, TEACHER, HUMANITARIAN" From donation sheet: "Booklet published in conjunction of/ the erection of Albert Coates/ Statue in Ballarat in recognition of/ the Master Surgeon who was mainly/ private after the war/ My father attended the original/ meeting in Ballarat to plan the project". Original owner of item: "Frederick James BARNSTABLE" 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion, VX55245.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, orange colour background with black ink print on front and back. Illustrated on front - black and white photograph of a statue of Sir Albert Coates. Biography. No page numbers. Cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated black and white photographs. Front end paper - handwritten information.Handwritten information - black ink pen. "TO LYN & GLENDA/ THIS FOR TO TREASURE/ & TO KEEP/ DAD"book, biography, memorials, sir albert coates, ww2, frederick james barnstable

Frederick August Schleibs a 44 year old farmer of Wodonga enlisted in AIF 30 March 1916 and was allocated to 2nd Pioneer Battalion with regimental number 2972. En route to England he was hospitalised at Cape Town with injured knee. He was returned to Australia and discharged 27 October 1916. He reenlisted 21 February 1917 and sailed with 28th Reinforcements 8th Light Horse to Egypt. He returned to Australia following the war. Unusual to see a foreign coin used as an identity disc.Soldiers identify disc set connected by string; one aluminium and one a Portuguese 20 Reis coin. Both are stamped with information relating to 3383 Frederick Augustus Schleibs who served with 8th Australian Light Horse in World War One.On aluminium disc "A F Schleibs / 3383 / 8LH / CE", and on reverse "Wife / Wadonga / Vic / Aust". On coin "FAS / 3383 / CE"schleibs, light horse, 8th, world war one, wwi, aif, pioneer, wodonga

Lieutenant Des Martin was a member of the Wodonga Troop of the pre-WWII 8th Light Horse (Indi) regiment. He volunteered for the AIF, 12/6/1940 (VX31564) and served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion in Syria and New Guinea. He was discharged 11/2/1944 with the rank of lieutenant. He was a horseman of considerable repute and was the author of the book “Australia Astride”. He provided valuable assistance to the 8/13 VMR Heritage Troop when it was raised. Wearing this uniform, he rode with a group of former light horsemen leading ANZAC Day marches in Melbourne for many years.Half mannequin dress in service dress tunic with 8th Light Horse lapel badges, silver buttons, badges of rank and colour patches. Complemented with slouch hat with 8th Light Horse hat badge and emu plumes, and Sam Browne belt.military, anzac day, melbourne, martin, pioneer, vmr, light horse, world war two, wwii

Six POW postcards sent by Private Stanley Pascoe CHANDLER VX57554 to his mother Christina Chandler in Wahgunyah Victoria. Chandler was born in Wahgunyah and enlisted on the 11/6/1941 at Royal Park in Victoria. Chandler served with the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion and was reported missing in Java in April 1942 during WW2. He was discharged on the 15/1/1946 The post cards were printed by the Imperial Japanese Army for POW's to send home that describes the good climate, food, medicine and clothes. They also allow room for a brief message. Chandler wrote that he was interred with his friend Frank Allen, received 10 cents per day and has not had any illness. POWs were supposed to be able to communicate with their family at home through the International Red Cross under certain conditions. For example, they were limited to 100 letters. However, in reality it was impossible for them to communicate with family more than once or twice during the duration of imprisonment, and there were camps where the POWs were not allowed to communicate with the world outside the camp at all. The average number of cards which the Japanese allowed to be sent out was from four to five for the whole period of captivity, and only some of these reached their destinations.Timber frame containing six POW postcards mounted on cardboard. Postcards printed by Imperial Japanese Army for POW's to send to families, describing their health and living conditions.Postcards have messages home, "Dear Mother, prisoner of war, unwounded and well. Hope all well at home. Love and kisses Stan".pow, world war 2, burma, wahgunyah victoria, prisoner of war, stanley pascoe chandler

Item donated to Colac RSL by the Baulch Family February 2008. Constructed of Otway Forest Blackwood. Made by Frank Nemec of Eden N.S.W High SignificanceBlackwood Timber Frame. Blue material cloth background, with photos and military badges. Banner - Blue material with gold writingPhoto Frame:- Upper Left. Private Frank Baulch. VX72238 + small Rising Sun Badge. Born 15/11/1911 at Glen Aire, Vic. Enlisted 15/2/1942 in Caulfield, Vic. Discharged 3/12/1945. 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion. Lower Left. Corporal Horace Baulch. VX869036 + Large Rising Sun Badge. Born 29/4/1942 at Colac, Vic. Enlisted 29/4/1942 at Seymour, Vic. Discharged 13/3/1946. H.Q. AMF School of Mechanization. Centre. Lance Corporal Stanley Baulch VX72233. Born 8/12/1914 at Gellibrand, Vic. Enlisted 19/1/1942 in Caulfield, Vic. Discharged 5/12/1945. 2nd/2nd Pioneer Battalion. Private Jack Baulch VX72232. Born 18/5/1917 at Colac, Vic. Enlisted 15/1/1942 in Colac, Vic. Discharged 29/1/1946. ? Battalion Lower Centre. Female Relatives Badges and Information sheet. Badges:- Sarah, Alice, Iris and Elizabeth Baulch. Photo Sarah and Fred Baulch. Upper Right. Alexander Baulch VX56771 + small Rising Sun Badge. Born 21/2/1919 at Collingwood, Vic. Enlisted 28/5/1942 at Royal Park, Vic. Discharged 20/11/1945. ? Batt. Lower Right. Norman Baulch. VX86902 + large Rising Sun Badge. Enlisted 28/5/1942 at Royal Park, Vic. Born 5/12/1921 at Colac, Vic. Enlisted 29/7/1942 in Seymour, Vic. Discharged 28/2/1945. ?Batt.

The Australian Service Medal and Pacific Star Medal that were awarded to Private Arthur Norman Comben VX26251 for his war service in World War Two. From the AWM website Private Arthur N Comden of the 2/21st Australian Infantry Battalion, who died on Hainan Island, China, on 27 June 1945. The DVA records show he was born 6 April 1907 in Yarraville and enlisted on 17 June 1940 whilst residing in Coopers Creek Victoria. His next of kin was shown as H Dilks. Also that he had been a prisoner of war. His connection with Legacy is not known, he may have been a junior legatee though there's no record of his father Arthur John Louis Comben serving for Australia in WW1. More research is needed to check, it is possible the medals were donated to Legacy as no family members wanted them. Additional information provided by a distant relative - Arthur's mother (Mary Eleanor Norman) remarried twice after his fathers death in 1911. His stepfather Horace Dilks served in World War 1 with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion.These are examples of World War 2 medals awarded to a serviceman who participated in the conflict in the Pacific region. Many returned servicemen joined Legacy after World War 2 and would have had similar medals.Silver circular medal and bronze star shaped medal from World War 2 mounted on ribbons initially together by a safety pin. 01700.1 The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945’. The normal ribbon is missing and it is on the ribbon meant for the UK War Medal which is of red, white and blue to represent the colours of the Union Flag. 01700.2 The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Pacific Star’. The ribbon has central yellow and green stripes that represent the forests and the beaches of the Pacific, flanked dark blue, light blue and red stripes that represent the service of the Naval Forces and Merchant Navy, the Air Forces and the Armies.Both engraved with 'VX26251 A. N. Comben'.medals, world war two, arthur comden

These photographs and medals are of the McIntyre family. Three members of Lara's McIntyre family served during the First and Second World Wars, and two were members of the Lara RSL. John Lachlan McIntyre was born at Beeac, Victoria in December 1890. He enlisted in the 1st AIF in July 1915. John fought on the Western Front, taking part in the battles of Fromelles and the 2nd Battle of the Somme. He was severely wounded at Fromelles and spent 12 months in hospital in England before returning to the front. John returned home in 1919 and was granted a soldier settlement block in Lara in 1937. He was a founding member of Lara RSL and is its longest serving member. John died in 1990. Thomas Gordon McIntyre was born at Lara in 1901. Thomas, known as Gordon, was too young to enlist in the First World War with his brothers. At the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion. He fought in the Syrian Campaign, before being recalled to Australia to fight in the pacific campaign. Gordon was wounded in a battle against the Japanese in Java on the 19/02/1942, and taken prisoner. No record of him after this was ever discovered, and he is presumed to have been killed. Jim McIntyre was born in 1893, and grew up in Lara and Geelong. Jim enlisted in the 1st AIF in 1916, and served with the 14th Battalion through the war. He was wounded twice. Jim died in 1976. The McIntyre family were early pioneers in the Lara district, and the brothers were founding members of the Lara RSL. Their medals and photographs represent a significant link to the history of the town and sub-branch. Three photographs and three sets of medals in a pine wood frame with glass covering. Photographs are black and white portraits of soldiers in uniform mounted on cream card. The medals are mounted on black felt. T.G. McIntyre VX20754 - 35-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and the Australian Service Medal 39-45. J.L. McIntyre 3591 - War Medal and Victory Medal J.W. McIntyre 7049 - War Medal and Victory Medal J.L. McIntyre REG. No. 3591 58th. BATT. 1st A.I.F Foundation Member Lara R.S.L 1890 - 1990 REG. NO. VX20754 T.G. MC INTYRE 2/2nd PIONEERS 2nd A.I.F 7049 J.W. McINTYRE 14th BTN. 1893-1975photograph, mcintyre, medals, wwi, wwii, world war 1, world war 2, aif, pioneers, lara, rsl

WWI Historical significance.1# Letter of commendation for Pte Christopher Parkinson. 2# Photo of internment for C. Parkinson 2156, 2nd Battalion Trois Arlines Military Cemetary.1# Second Australian Pioneer Battalion. Battalion Headquarters, January 5th 1918. To Mrs E. Parkinson Pridfort St, Daylesford Vic. Letter reads The Commanding Officer has directed me to advise you that the name of 2156 Pte Parkinson C. has been published in the routine orders of this Battalion, for good work done by him previous to his death, and in forwarding this note to you wishes to express his appreciation of this man's services with this Battalion. Signed by Capt. & Adj. 2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. 2# Parkinson Christopher 2156. Private. 2nd Battalion, Trois Arlines Military Cemetry. A photo on the opposite side Of Pte Parkinson's grave.

Longmore set aside his life as a farm-hand in Geelong, Victoria, when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at age 21. Private (Pte) Roy Longmore, 3rd Reinforcements, 21st Battalion, of Bannockburn, Victoria enlisted on 13 July 1915; and he embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Anchises on 26 August 1915.[2] After training in Egypt, was sent to the Battle of Gallipoli where he was a tunnel digger with the 2nd Division, burrowing underneath the Turkish positions and laying mines. After evacuation from Turkey, he fought at Pozières, Armentières, and Villers-Bretonneux.[1] He was wounded three times in France and was momentarily given up for dead when he was shot as the Armistice in November 1918, approached. He later recalled, "We were patrolling in a gully when suddenly half a dozen Germans appeared over a hill armed with machine guns and opened fire. Jerry riddled me, knocking me flat on my back, and the last I heard was 'Longy's had it, they got him.'" Fortunately, his fellow soldiers saw him move and rescued him.[3] Lance Sergeant (LSgt) and returned to Australia on 16 March 1919 as a member of the 2nd Pioneer Battalion.[2] Civilian life[edit] After returning to Australia in 1919, his injuries made returning to farm work impossible, so he drove a taxi in Melbourne. Another change caused by the war was more telling. Before, he had hunted rabbits; but he later explained that when he returned home, he no longer had an appetite for firing at anything alive.[3] Longmore married and had one son, Eric.[1] The one-time LSgt Longmore died peacefully in his sleep at a Burwood Nursing Home aged 107 on 21 June 2001. He was the second last Anzac to die.[2] At his death, Australia honored him one final time with a state funeral.[3] Australian "legend"[edit] In 2000, Longmore was recognized as one of the "Australian Legends." His name and photograph were honored as part of an annual series of commemorative postage stamps issued by Australia Post since 1997. The stamps commemorate living Australians "who have made lifetime contributions to the development of Australia's national identity and character".[4] Longmore lived to fully enjoy this honor.[3] Longmore's 45-cent Legend stamp displays the soldier's portrait as a young man, photographed just prior to his departure for Gallipoli. Formal photographs of the other two ANZAC centenarians complete this stamp set. In addition, a fourth stamp features the 1914-15 star medal which was presented to all those who fought in campaigns during those war years.[5] These stamps, designed by Cathleen Cram of the Australia Post Design Studio, commemorate the story of events and people shaping contemporary Australia.[6] The Longmore stamp honors him as an individual and as a representative of all 68,000 soldiers at Gallipoli whose actions affected Australia's evolving self-image.[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_LongmoreFramed painting of Roy Longmore wooden frame glass fronted

2396.01 - Photograph Walter Peeler VC 2396.02 - Extract History of Walter Peeler includes Family Background World War One then Enter War Period and World War Two then Post World War Two and Addresses and Recreations and Decorations and The Victoria Cross and Citation for Walter Peelers Victoria Cross then The Victoria Cross for Australia and Walters Childrens Service History 2396.03 - Extract of War Records for Walter Peeler|2396.04 - Extract of Casualty Form Active Service 2396.05 - Extract of Rank and Unit at time of award for Walter Peeler 23 November 1917 2396.06 - Notes of Walter Peeler 2396.07 - Typed notes Walter Peeler and extracts from Australian Dictionary of Biography 2396.08 - Extract from the Story of the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion by EF Aitken 2396.09 - Walter Peeler - They Dared Mightily Extract Front Cover Photo 01.jpg 2396.09 - Walter Peeler - They Dared Mightily Extract Page 105 Photo 02.jpg 2396.09 - Walter Peeler - They Dared Mightily Extract Page 106 Photo 03.jpgwalter peeler, victorian cross, world war 1914 - 1918, world war 1939 - 1945

Des Martin lived all his life in Wodonga, except for his years of service during World War Two. He was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. In 1937 he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment but in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, which saw service in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. He was granted permission by the Victorian Racing Club to participate as an amateur “gentleman” rider. He was a founder of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and also the Murray Valley Hunt Club, for which he was Master for 21 years. He was a prolific writer, cartoonist, photographer and poet, contributing to The Border Morning Mail, The Age, and the Herald and Weekly Times amongst other publications. Des Martin’s other literary works included Australia Astride (1959), A Tale of Twin Cities, Part One (1981) and Backing up the Boys (1998). In 1976, Des wrote an historical novel, “Many a Mile”, based on a fictional region which highly resembled the Albury-Wodonga and Upper Murray area of Victoria. It was set in the last 10 years leading up to Federation. Throughout this period tensions (caused by fluctuating border duties, including an infamous impost on cattle and horses) occasioned the intermittent posting of heavily armed police detachments along the River Murray. Des also wrote eight 50-minute scripts from “Many a Mile” as a television series and were presented to Michael Pate, one of Australia’s leading actors and producers. Also, funding was sought through the Australian Broadcasting Commission ... unfortunately the series never came to fruition. This album is a pictorial precis, including photos and scene descriptions, created to promote the concept of the series and have it produced locally in North Eastern Victoria featuring local settings, skilled horsemen and actors. It was to be called “Ringer’s River” ... Ringer being the title accorded to either a top cattle hand, or the fastest shearer in the wool shed. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995.These albums and images are significant because they document literature written by a prominent member of the Wodonga community. The presentation of this precis was supported by several significant district families and individuals.Documents written to introduce the concept of "Ringer's River" to gain interest for the development of a television seriesdes martin, many a mile, ringer's river, northeast victoria stories

This manuscript and letter represent the connection between two significant people from the North East of Victoria and their common interest in literature and development of the Upper Murray. Des Martin was raised on the family property Aherlo in the Huon Creek Valley. He joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment and in May 1940 led his Wodonga Troop into the 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, serving in Syria, Java, New Guinea and Borneo. After the war, Des returned to Aherlo and his horses. Amongst other pursuits he became the first President of the Victorian Amateur Riders Association and founded the Murray Valley Hunt Club. Des also played a major role in Australia entering an equestrian team in the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and served as a Steward at that event. As well as “Many a Mile”, Des also wrote “Australia Astride” in 1959, a history of the Albury Racing Club – a Century of Racing and a “Tale of Twin Cities” as well as collaborating with R. M. Williams to develop the “Hoofs and Horns” publication. From 1969 to 1973, Des Martin also wrote a column for the Border Mail newspaper. Des Martin died on 12th April 1995. Thomas Walter Mitchell was born at "Towong Hill" near Corryong, Victoria and was educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney and Cambridge University. A keen skier, Mitchell founded the Australian National Ski Federation, captained the Australian skiing team and won gold medals in competitions against England and New Zealand. He was an Australian champion in the downhill and long-time member of the Ski Club of Australia. In 1937 he published Australia’s first ski handbook "Ski Heil". Mitchell joined the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1940 and was a Captain in the 2/22nd Battalion and Headquarters 8th Division. He was captured and interned in Changi POW camp until 1945. Tom Mitchell served as the Country Party Member for Benambra in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1976. He was awarded the C.M.G. “For distinguished services to the Community, particularly in the fields of Politics, Alpine Sports and Safety, and Writing.” He died on 4th February 1984. This volume is significant because it is the manuscript of a book written by a local Wodonga author. The letter written to Tom Mitchell contains anecdotes and details of the writing of the novel, Many a Mile.An original typed manuscript bound in blue coverboard. It is accompanied by a typed letter.des martin, tom mitchell, many a mile

Merton Charles WILLOUGHBY VX54056 (born or op, enlisted Royal Park) on 24.4.41 in the 2nd AIF aged 37 years. Posted to Pioneer Wing 23.6.1941, graded Cook Group 2 in 2/2nd Pioneer Bn. Embark for the Middle East 2.11.1941 disembarking 4.11.1941, relinquishes Group 2 Cook position, embark for Batavia 18.2.1942, reported Missing in Action Java then Missing POW 7.3.1942, recovered POW Siam 20.8.1945, embark from Singapore 29.9.45 disembarking Australia 17.10.1945, discharged from the Army 1.3.1946. With the entry of Japan into the war the 2/2nd Battalion embarked from the Middle East for Australia but was diverted to defend Java with 7th Division elements under what was called “Blackforce”. Some 800 where taken POW and 258 died in captivity. Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) re M.C Willoughby. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. The Pacific Star. 3. British War Medal 1939-1945. 4. Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45"VX54056 MC Willoughby"medals, military, history