The 59th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised for service during World War I, the battalion fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium between 1916 and 1918, before being disbanded in 1919. In 1921, it was re-raised as a part-time unit of the Militia in Victoria. They remained in existence until 1942 when, due to a manpower shortage in the Australian economy, the decision was made to amalgamate the battalion with the 58th Battalion to form the 58th/59th Battalion. Together they remained linked throughout World War II, serving in New Guinea and Bougainville in 1943–1945. In 1952, the 59th Battalion was re-raised and subsequently was absorbed into the Royal Victoria Regiment in 1960.Brown timber frame containing cream coloured mount and photograph of large group of soldiers and bandsmenPlaque -59th Militia Circa 193959th militia, ww1, ww2, 1939

Frank joined the army in 1915 and served with the 1st Bn. On 20/7 /1916 he was hospitalised with Shell Shock and medically discharged unfit on 20/12/1916. He re-enlisted on 3/8/1917 and joined the 13th battalions and proceeded to France. In October 1918. On 15/4/1919 he was hospitalised for unknown illness and returned to Australia. In 1938 he joined the 59th Battalion (Militia). On 26/6/1940 he was taken on strength (V30012) and served with the 2/21 and 2/14 Training Bn’s. On 16/2/1945 he was seconded for special duties with Z Special Unit and performed duty outside Australia between 27/4 and 30/9/1945. On 3/5/1946 he was placed on the retirement list . He joined the RSL in 1916 and Wangaratta Sub-Branch in 1933. He was President from 1937-38 and Assistant Secretary from 1935-1936 and for many years served on the Committee as well as Welfare Officer.Timber framed black and white photograph of a male attired in a suitFRANK H. McDONAGHmcdonagh, frank h. mcdonagh, wwi, wwii