WWII Australia in the War 1939-1945. ARMY Benghazi List of events from 31st March 1939 - March 1941Historical record of Australia in the war of 1939 - 1945 March 1939 - March 1941Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - To Benghazi. Volume 1Australian War Memoriala second aif, the middlel east, after the fall of france, victory at sidi barrani, the capture of tobruk, the capture of giarbub

The 17th Australian Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade in the Australian Army. First formed in 1917 during World War I, it did not see any action. Reformed during World War II, before being disbanded in 1946. Today, its name is perpetuated by the 17th Combat Service Support Brigade, which was raised as a logistics formation in May 2006. The 17th Brigade was reformed on 13 October 1939, again as part of the 6th Division, recruited from Victoria. The 17th Brigade fought in the Western Desert Campaign in Libya, the Battle of Greece, the Battle of Wau, the Salamaua-Lae campaign in Papua, and in the Aitape-Wewak campaign in New Guinea. The photographs are of national significance as they may reflect the only known photographs of individuals from WW2.4 page newspaper pictures of 17th Brigade, Second AIFThe Argus 17th Australian Infantry Brigade, Second AIF, Souvenir Supplement, Thursday, February 22, 1940 Page 1 2/5th Battalion - Picture 1 Officers of the 2/5th Battalion; Picture 2 Senior NCO's of the 2/5th Battalion; Picture 3 A Company 2/5th Battalion Page 2 B Company 2/5th Battalion; C Company 2/5th Battalion; D Company 2/5th Battalion Page 3 Headquarters 2/2nd Field Regiment 6th Divisional Artillery; 3rd Battery 2/2nd Field Regiment 6th Divisional Artillery Page 4 Officers, NCO's and men of 2/2nd Field Company, 6th Divisional Engineers; Officers NCO's and men 2/2nd Field Ambulance and 2/2nd Australian General Hospital 6th Divisional Australian Army Medical Corpsaif, army, 17th brigade, second aif, 2/5th battalion, australian army, australian infantry brigade, 2/2nd field aumbulance, 2/2nd australian general hospital, 6th divisional australian army medical corps, 6th divisional engineers

A WW2 servicemans pocket size record book which has been recovered with a plain, buff coloured cardboard. The book contains detailed records relating to Private Edwin Walter Gillbee, service number VX135249 of the Second AIF.

Brown & beige part buckram (on spine) cover. Purple print on cover & red & purple colour patch. Black & white photos, 132 pages.With the compliments of the Twenty Second Battalion AIF Associationbooks, military history

16 paged newspaper. Beige coloured with black writing with photo of Brigadier S.G. Savige on front page, 17th Australian Infantry Brigade, Second AIF. Souvenir supplement, Thursday, February 22, 1940. Photographs of Brigade staff and battalions.newspaper, ww2, magazine, souvenir

A WW2 servicemans pocket size Demobilization Procedure Book issued by the Australian Military Forces. The book has a buff coloured cardboard cover and bears the reference AAB 87. The book contains demobilization records relating to Private Edwin Walter Gillbee, service number VX135249 of the Second AIF.

This is a photograph of Pte Bruce Kingsbury VC who served with the Second AIF 1940-1942.Pte Bruce Kingsbury served in the Middle East and New Guinea. Pte Kingsbury won his VC during the Battle of Isurava. He was the first serviceman to receive the VC in Australian territory.Blue Metal Photograph Frame with Black and White photograph of B S Kingsbury VC.Inscription with the photograph - In proud memory of Pte Bruce Steel Kingsbury, VC. 2/14 Battalion who with great personal courage and at the cost of his life won the Victoria Cross at Isurava by counter attacking and clearing a path through the enemy position. "Lest We Forget"kingsbury ww2 new guinea isurava

Toohey's Blue Label Bitter (1 of 2) Salute Second World War - AIFcollectables, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Toohey's Blue Label Bitter (2 of 2) Salute Second World War - AIFcollectables, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Illustration of Sgt Jack Dodd of Goolwa, S.A. Jack joined the 3rd Light-Horse Regiment in 1929 and served with the Second AIF in Britain and the Middle East including Tobruk. Jack is depicted tent-pegging.Print by Madeleine Cobb 1984 (series)325 /1000

A photo of the second AIF, 17th Infantry Brigade commander and staff. Lieut General Sir Stanley Savige, the founder of Melbourne Legacy had returned to active service in the Second World War. Caption describes: Front left to right- FRONT ROW: Captain I K Whittaker (Intelligence Officer); Major B W Pulver (Brigade Major); Brigadier S G Savige, DSO, MC, ED (Brigade Commander); Captain G H Brock (Staff Captain). REAR ROW: Lieutenant N M French (Entertainment Co-ordinating Officer); Captain A T McLean (Supply Officer); Captain J N Henry (Veterinary Officer); Lieutnant J A H McGeoch (Transport Officer). The bulldog is Roger, the Brigade mascot.The photo includes Sir Stanley Savige as a Brigadier in the 2nd A.I.F. as he returned to active service in the second world war.Black and white photo of a group of officers in a timber frame.Caption describes the names, rank, and position held within the brigade.savige, stan savige, world war two

Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings of Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant, which is consistent with the rank on this jacket). Name not written on item but known to be part of set which includes slouch hat, which does contain the name, and other related items which include Service Number, verifying identity. See further service details in "Links" above. Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Khaki jacket; long sleeve 4 front buttons (attached with continuous leather strip) 4 pockets (buttons sewn on) Shoulder straps (buttons sewn on) Cuff buttons (sewn on) Badges on lapels & on shoulder straps Unit Patches on upper sleeves (Part of set with Slouch Hat, 0030.2)Inside label: V300; 1942; Size (2 - 'faint', may be other numbers indicating size details) Brass badges: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (both lapels); Australia (both shoulder straps) Badge of rank (Sergeant) - 3 chevrons (R upper sleeve) Colour patches on both sleeves for 2/5 Battalion, 6th Division Second AIF Years of Service insignia - 3 chevrons, indicating 3 years O/S service (R lower sleeve) Unit patches - rectangle black over red (2/5 Battalion, WW2)

Cpl. Ronald Warren Ellis, EM (VX502517) was born in Brunswick in 1927. His family moved to Lara when he was young, and his schooling took place at the Lara State School. After finishing his education, Ron took up employment at Sims Coopers in Corio. Ron was enlisted in the second AIF at Melbourne, and posted to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Greta west of Newcastle, NSW. After 3 months training, he was sent to the Service Corps Training Centre for driver and maintenance training in Ingleburn, south of Sydney. When this course was completed, Ron was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps as a driver motor vehicle with the 2nd AIF. Rons service with the AIF lasted 425 days, when he was then transferred to the Interim Army for a further 309 days. The duration of his service was in NSW. Ron was discharged from the Army in Melbourne on the 4th of May 1948. In 1957, Ron enlisted in the CMF and served with 22nd Construction Squadron for 17 years with the last 5 as a Corporal, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal for long service and good conduct.Brown canvas booklet that is folded into three. Licence gives details of Army number, name, rank and type of vehicle that is able to be driven. Licence has been issued to Private Ronald Warren Ellis on 24/01/1948. No. 258778 Army No. V?SOL517 Rank: Private Name in full: Ellis, Ronald Warren Unit: Transferred to (unit): Having passed the prescribed tests ... authorised to drive... types of ... vehicles within the Commonwealth of Australia and Territories. Signature of Driver: drivers licence, australian military forces, army, private, ellis, ww2, wwii, world war two, second world war

Pedal Organ. Possibly belonged to Oscar Flight (Snr). Oscar Flight was a well known and Highly respected Musician in Bendigo. Lived at 44 Carpenter St, Quarry Hill. The father of The Engineer/Surveyor Lt Oscar Thomas Flight. Pedal Organ. This is a “Two Pedal” organ with a 50 Ivory Key, keyboard. The woodwork is relatively good condition. Across the front of the organ and just above the Keyboard are the words “Aucher Freres - Paris'' Lt Oscar Thomas Flight, No 2 Squadron AFC Lt Flight was a 20 year old university student from Bendigo, Victoria when he enlisted in the AIF and embarked for overseas as a Sapper (service number 3018) with the 5th Field Company Engineers (FCE) from Melbourne on 24 November 1915 aboard HMAT Ceramic. After serving in France with the 5th FCE, he transferred to the AFC on 28 August 1917 and graduated as a pilot on 22 January 1918. After being posted to France on 27 February 1918, he was captured on 28 March 1918 and held as a POW in Germany until repatriated to England on 13 December 1918. Lt Flight arrived back in Australia on 7 April 1919. Oscar Flight served as a lieutenant in the Second AIF.person, individual, oscar flight

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.A gold plated bar brooch with suspended medallion having a blue enamelled ring surrounding the City of Kew crest in reliefFront: City of Kew, above the city of Kew crest with Council below Rear: Mrs H. G. Ferguson, Mayoress, 1959-60city of kew, mayoresses - kew (vic), mrs hg ferguson

Hugh George Ferguson was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Second AIF. In 1945, he was reported to be the ACF (Australian Comforts Fund) Commissioner in Borneo [Kalimantan]. After the Second World War, he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and as campaign director for Arthur Rylah in Victorian politics. He directed the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including ‘Australia Makes It Exhibition’ in 1947, the ‘Australian Industrial Fair’ in 1949 and 1950, the ‘Modern Home Exhibition’ in 1949, and ‘Made in Australia’ in 1952. The funds raised during the latter were earmarked for a ‘bankrupt’ Queen Victoria Hospital. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor in 1959. Hugh Ferguson died in 1975, aged 75. He was buried on 2 September in Grave 201, Special (Non- Denominational) Compartment A, Boroondara General Cemetery.City of Kew identification badge issued to sitting councillors. The City of Kew cost is surrounded by a blue enamel band with City of Kew Council picked out in gold cloisonné.Front: City of Kew to top, Crest in middle with Council below Rear: Cr H. G. Ferguson 27-8-1955mayors of kew - cr hg ferguson, kew council, city of kew

This photo is from 1917 and is of Private Harry Groves (standing) with his cousin Arthur Whitter (seated). Private Groves was the Uncle of Ron Ellis, who was a Lara Sub-Branch member. Cpl. Ronald Warren Ellis, EM (VX502517) was born in Brunswick in 1927. His family moved to Lara when he was young, and his schooling took place at the Lara State School. After finishing his education, Ron took up employment at Sims Coopers in Corio. Ron was enlisted in the second AIF at Melbourne, and posted to the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Greta west of Newcastle, NSW. After 3 months training, he was sent to the Service Corps Training Centre for driver and maintenance training in Ingleburn, south of Sydney. When this course was completed, Ron was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps as a driver motor vehicle with the 2nd AIF. Rons service with the AIF lasted 425 days, when he was then transferred to the Interim Army for a further 309 days. The duration of his service was in NSW. Ron was discharged from the Army in Melbourne on the 4th of May 1948. In 1957, Ron enlisted in the CMF and served with 22nd Construction Squadron for 17 years with the last 5 as a Corporal, and was awarded the Efficiency Medal for long service and good conduct. This photo represents the connection that Lara RSL members and their family members have to the conflicts that Australia has been involved in over time. Photograph of Harry Grove (standing) with his cousin Arthur Witter (seated) - France 1917. The black and white photo is framed within a wooden frame, and above it is a piece of paper with details about the photo written in red texta. The photo is black and white, and in the bottom right corner in pencil is written: Sincerely Yours, Arthur. The remainder of the text extends under the frame, but looks as though it says: Arthur, France. world war 1, ww1, wwi, photo, family, private, corporal

The cards relate to a collection re John EDWARDS VX3857 2nd AIF. Refer Cat No 536 for his service details and Miss McLURE..1) Envelope, faded blueish colour, stamped by censor in top left corner and signed. Stamped by P.O appears to be 16 Dec 42. Envelope addressed to "Miss A.E McClure 40 York St Prahran TI Victoria Australia." .2) Christmas card, folds in half, yellow ribbon at fold, front has colour patch at top, under "Second Australian General hospital AIF, Middle East Christmas 1941." Inside, photo of lake and boats. Printed with "Season's Greetings," handwritten message included..2) "WIshing you a Merry Christmas & a Bright & Happy New Year 1941, from John to Addie."cards, xmas, 2nd agh

Battery Quartermaster Sergeant Harold Bauerle served with the Albury Battery in the 1920s and 1030s. Shortly following Federation the military unit in Albury was redesignated No 4 New South Wales Battery Australian Field Artillery (AFA). It was under the command of Major John Wilkinson, an Albury solicitor and comprised about 100 citizen soldiers, 4 guns and about 40 horses. Training centred on the Albury Drill Hall located in Victoria Street. A reorganisation in 1912 resulted in the Battery being named No 17 Battery AFA. When war broke out in 1914 the Battery then under the command of Major Joseph Shellshear, and Albury doctor, offered its services as a trained artillery battery to the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). The Battery cooled its heels and continued to train till July 1915 when a second division was raised in the AIF and trained artillery was needed. When the call came 150 officers and men of the 17th Battery went into the AIF, many to the 13th Battery with Major Shellshear in command and others to other AIF batteries of the 4th and 5th Artillery Brigades. The 13th Battery was adopted immediately by the townsfolk of Albury as the Albury Battery. The Battery served in France and Belgium and was involved in all the major battles fought by the Australians perhaps most notably at Noreuil where the Battery found itself surrounded but continued to fight till eventually the enemy was driven back. Following the war members of the Battery nominated this battle as their most significant achievement and consequently a newly developed recreational reserve on the Murray River foreshore was named Noreuil Park. In 1919 the Battery resumed training as part of the Citizen Military Forces or Militia. Changes of title were frequent, first 27th Battery, then 60th Battery and finally 40th Battery AFA. Battery commanders included Captain Leslie Colquhoun, an Albury real estate agent, Captain Roy Collings, Albury town clerk and Captain Clifton Mott a newspaper editor. The Depression of the early 1930s almost brought about the closure of the Albury Battery but it survived through the intervention of the mayor, Alderman Alfred Waugh, who made direct representation to the Minister for Defence. When the Second World War erupted in 1939, the Battery was at full strength and a rich source of officers and trained men for the second AIF. Militia training of the few remaining officers and Albury adopted the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion which had been raised at the Showground. Following WWII, CMF soldiering recommenced in the form of an armoured regiment, the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles. After nearly a half a century of service in war and peace the Albury Battery has faded and exists now in this collection of objects and images. This trophy is representative of community support for a Citizen Military Forces unit drawn from a regional NSW Town in the period between the World Wars.Silver cup with two handles mounted on Bakelite base being the McClure Cup for most efficient NCO in Albury Battery 1935-36 . inscription on side of cup."McClure Cup / for / Most efficient NCO / 1935-36 / won by / BQMS H.C. Bauerle"bauerle h c bqms, albury battery, mcclure cup

Item issued to Cyril John WATSON. Cyril enlisted initially in the 17th Machine Gun Regt on 29.9.1939. He rose through the ranks to Lieut on 23.7.1940. Seconded to the 2nd AIF as VX39057 on 1.11.1940 with 4th Anti Tank Regt age 22 years 5 months. Embarked for Malaya 3.2.1941, hospital on ship with Influenza 11.2.1942, disembark Singapore 18.2.1942 and into hospital, rejoin unit 3.3.1941. Listed as Missing 16.2.1942, reported POW Borneo dated 22.3.1943, rescued from the Japanese 12.9.1945 at Kuching Borneo, hospital 2/9th AGH with Malnutrition and Malaria then to 2/2nd Aust Hospital Ship and stopping Morotai arriving Sydney 19.9.1945, then to Victoria and Heidelberg Military Hospital 14.10.1945. Although a bit sketchy it appears on his records he may have had Pulm T.B in early 1946, finally being discharged from the AIF on 17.1.1947. Over 500 members of 4th Anti Tank Regt were taken POW. Refer also Cat No 1121..1) Tropical dress uniform jacket. .2) & .3) Rising sun lapel badges (attached to jacket, right one is broken in two.)uniforms - army, numismatics-badges, pow, borneo, watson

After the death of Stan Savige this address was given at the Canberra Conference in October 1954. It is tribute to his life. Sir Stanley Savige KBE : Commemorative Address Federal Conference of Legacy Clubs, Canberra : October 1954. On the 15th of May this year Legacy learned to its enduring sorrow of the death of its Founder, Lieut. General Stanley George Savige KBE, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, ED, for more than 30 years affectionately known to us all as Legatee Stan Savige. He was the embodiment of all those things for which Legacy stands, and each one of us who knew him and worked with him feels a great and abiding sense of personal loss. It is proper, therefore, that those of us at this Conference, the first after his passing, representative of Legacy throughout the Commonwealth, and comprising so many who were his friends, so many who knew the depth of his love for Legacy, should acknowledge our debt to our Founder and ensure, so far as we may, that the inspiration of his life and work in this Cause shall not be lost to those who follow after. It was not ordained that Stanley George Savige - should enjoy a long life, but it was to prove a life of outstanding service. Born at Morwell in Victoria some 63 years ago, he received with his brothers and sisters such education as was then available to a lad in a mining district. He had no particular opportunities of advancement, but from his early days he cherished a strong ambition to make a success of his life, and with this in view he lost no opportunity of adding to his knowledge. Always a lover of the open country, a good bushman and a fine shot, he became as a young man, a Scoutmaster with a keen following of boys. Even in those early days he attracted youth and showed undoubted promise of the quality of leadership which later was to make him famous. Opportunity came with the first World War, and he took his place as a private soldier in the original 24th Battalion AIF. Followed Gallipoli and Anzac where his marksmanship and bush craft stood him in good stead. Conscious that his early training was not sufficient to secure the promotion he desired, he set himself to enlarge it. Only a man of fine fibre and rare determination could apply himself to study on that war torn Peninsula, where our men, hitherto untested, suffered every known hardship and no man knew, from hour to hour, whether he would survive. But Savige achieved it. Himself then a Corporal he found another Corporal who was a former Schoolmaster and learned from him all that he had to teach. Savige was on his way. He was commissioned on the Field and allotted the heroic task of leading the last party off that desperate coast during the famous evacuation. In France he became the Adjutant of his Battalion and one of the best known officers in the 6th Brigade. He won the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches. Early in 1918 he received a signal distinction, He was included in a small but distinguished band of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from the British and Dominion Forces most carefully selected for individual courage and proved qualities of leadership, and was sent to Persia, under the command of Major-General Dunsterville, Kipling’s famous Stalky, to assist and mobilise the friendly tribes with a view to protecting the road to India, left wide open by the withdrawal of Russia. The story of the Dunsterforce, its suffering and achievements in the face of incredible hardships and difficulties, was later to be told by Savige in his book “Stalky’s Forlorn Hope”. He emerged, finally, unscathed, despite his active participation in several of the bloodiest battles of all time, with the rank of Captain and a DSO and MC to his credit, to say nothing of three mentions in despatches. In later years, further decorations were to be conferred upon him, but I believe he valued none of these so highly as his awards for outstanding personal bravery won in the Field when he was an Officer of comparatively junior rank. Such was the man who in August 1923, at the instance of his former Commander, Major-General Sir John Gellibrand, gathered around him a handful of men who had fought and laughed with him over four well remembered years. This small band adopted the name of “Legacy”, but its purpose then was, in the main, to assist in safeguarding the interests of ex-servicemen in this country. Worthy although the case undoubtedly was, the conception and ideal which was to distinguish Legacy from all kindred post-war movements did not emerge until two years later. The torch had not been lit. Legacy had not yet found its soul. What has been achieved since then is known to you all. The Legacy ideal, unique in its conception, with no known counterpart elsewhere, is now accepted, welcomed and honoured throughout the Commonwealth and abroad. But in those early days the achievements of our Founder in the face of all manner of difficulties and frustrations are worthy of our lasting memory and thankfulness. As the source of every river lies in the hills, so must the inspiration from which stems a great conceptions of service to one’s fellow men be lofty and above reproach. Savige was the embodiment of this new expression of comradeship, as he was the central figure and driving force of the little group that sponsored it. But for his zeal, his faith and determination, it is likely that the flame, newly kindled, might have flickered and died. The idea of men returned from active service pledging for the sake of their former comradeship, their personal assistance to the widows, and above all, to the children of those who had fought beside them and paid the full price of War, was so completely new and unexpected that it was by no means readily accepted. There were no funds, no precedents to guide the new adventurers, only the clear bright flame of an ideal just envisaged, and the conviction that the Cause was unassailable. Nor were there lacking many who said that the community held no place for Legacy, that it was born of sentiment only, and would quickly pass. The scoffers are gone and one since forgotten, but the torch remains and burns brighter than ever. Down the years of Legacy there are many names deserving of honour, men from all States and all stations of life, but no name stands out in such clear and bold relief as does the name of our Founder. By his works you shall know him. He was, in truth, the Soul of Legacy. He sought no office and preferred to work as one of the team. Six years went by before he accepted the Presidency of Melbourne Club, and then only because his fellows would book no further delay. “The Spirit of Legacy is Service” - so runs the Charter, and that was Savige’s Creed. By virtue of his attainments he was called upon to take a leading part in the administration of Legacy, first within his own club and later, as Chairman of the Co-ordinating Council of Legacy in Australia. But always it was the essentially human character of the work which enthralled and upheld him, and the tasks which gave him most joy were those which brought him into close personal contact with the youngsters and their home life. Like their elders they recognised his goodwill and his leadership and responded to it. It was Savige who made possible the first camps held for the boys and girls by Melbourne Club. These were erected on his own seaside property, and were originally conducted under his personal direction and largely with the aid of funds he had collected. There was hardly an important post in his own Club that Savige did not at some time occupy and adorn. He was happiest in the company of those men with whom he had served in the field, and cherished always the comradeship born of active service which is of the essence of Legacy. He was a man of strong convictions but attentive always to another’s point of view. As a Legatee he played a leading part in bringing hope and encouragement to many a mother on whom the whole responsibility of a young family had been suddenly and tragically laid; in the attainment of the ambitions of many an orphan child, which not so long since had seemed to him or her to be mere dreams, impossible of realisation. Comfort for the bereaved, new hope for the children’s physical and educational welfare, assistance with the home, aid for the sick, money for the needy and a new courage to face a future that hitherto had held no promise, all these facets of Legacy endeavour combine to present a living and enduring memorial to the man we honour as our Founder today. Between the two World Wars in addition to establishing himself successfully in civilian life and answering the constant calls of Legacy on his energy and time, Savige maintained an active association with the Army. He was convinced that a Second AIF would one day be urgently called upon, and as a Battalion Commander he spared no effort to train the Officers under his charge during the uneasy years of peace for the trial that he felt must come. These men have all subsequently had distinguished military careers, their names are well known and many of the serve in Legacy today. When the second crisis came, Savige himself was one of the first to offer, and although his youth was spent, he proudly carried the number VX13 throughout the terrible years that followed. This time he was to command, first the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade in the first action of the Second AIF against the enemy at Barida, and subsequently at Tobruk and Derna - all famous names now. It was his patrols which gave the warning - unheeded at the time - that Rommel’s reinforcements were reaching North Africa far earlier than was expected. Then followed the grim days of Greece and Crete when the fine qualities of his leadership were put to the utmost test. I have been told by those who were closest to him it was typical of Savige that when his convoys were on the move back and were being blasted from the air by the unopposed Luftwaffe, he should sit by the side of the open road, wearing his red banded cap, to steady the morale of men who had then no chance of hitting back at the enemy. Unorthodox no doubt, but here was a man indeed. Throughout the whole campaign and later when he commended the 3rd division in New Guinea and later still when with the rank of Lieutenant-General he became a Corps Commander in New Guinea and Bouganville, it was at all times characteristic of him that he should see for himself the situation in the forward areas. He dealt personally with his subordinate commanders whenever it was possible to do so. No one says his G.S.O. 1. understood better than he did the importance of front line troops seeing their G.O.C. frequently, and knowing that he was aware of and prepared to share their hardships and dangers. He took many risks that he should not have taken, exhausted himself physically and mentally times without number, and considered himself not at all in order to secure the success of his operations. Finally, in Bouganville, he brought his campaign to a victorious conclusion and accepted the personal surrender of the Japanese Commander. Savige is known as one of Australia’s most human military leaders, but let no one believe that he did not ask and receive the utmost of his men. He trained them in a hard school but he was ever conscious of their needs and observant and thoughtful of their welfare. Fearless and untiring under conditions which brought younger men down, he asked nothing that he was not himself prepared to give and do. The close of the Second World War left him with the same brave heart; but a vitality greatly impaired. He was called up again and again to perform important national tasks, notably that of Co-ordinator of Demobilisation and Dispersal. But his interest in Legacy never flagged it was in fact more personal than ever, for under his command many junior legatees, sons of former comrades had proved themselves worthy of their Fathers in war and in peace. In the bearing and achievements of the young men of the Second A.I.F. he took a particular and justifiable pride. He applied himself to the Extension of Legacy to areas where it had not previously been practicable to operate. His record of service and close personal contact with the men of both wars made him a most welcome pioneer and many new Clubs and Groups resulted from his efforts. He founded, and I doubt whether any one else could have done so, the Club in the great Capital of our Empire. His reputation and obvious sincerity surmounted obstacles that might well have daunted lesser man. Legacy’s debt to him visibly increased. But he was ever a simple man, with a great love and understanding of his fellow men and a true Legatee at heart. Much that he did will never be known or recognised, save by those who benefitted. His service in Legacy ranged from the humble kitchen of cottage and farm to our representation in Westminster Abbey itself. A knighthood set the seal upon an outstanding career. None the less when upon the death of Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey, Lieut. General Sir Stanley Savige became the Patron of the Melbourne Club, he retained at his own express desire, the title of Legatee Savige, and when on that final day we bade him farewell, when the Flags he had served so well were lowered and the guns which had formed a grim final salute, it was apparent to all who had eyes to see that this great and simple man had won such a place in the hearts and affection of his fellow country men as is given to few men indeed. From the packed Cathedral, escorted by his fellow Generals, followed by men of his own Units, by Legatees and a great company of others who had cause to honour and esteem him, he made his last journey. But that is not the end. His voice and presence are lost to us but his memory and inspiration must ever remain. As he has bequeathed to the National War Memorial yonder his diaries, records and battle plans, so he has bequeathed to us his fellow Legatees his greatest achievement and his trust, Legacy itself. Never was the Torch passed by worthier hands. Now it is ours to hold it high. Whatever material memorial the future many hold for him, Legacy owes its Founder a livelier recompense. It is within our power to implement what I believe to be his greatest wish, that Legacy and its ideal of comradeship and service shall flourish and endure. Let each one of us then resolve that we shall, within our Clubs, in all tasks to which we are assigned, both great and small, keep in our minds the life and spirit of Stanley George Savige, so that we may be proud at all times to say of Legacy to those who follow after - “If you would see his memorial - Look around you”.The tribute to Stanley Savige shows how greatly he was regarded by the Legatees.Off white quarto paper with black type, address given about Stan Savige to the Canberra Conference, x 12 pages.savige, speech, obituary

This six-postcard group is the second in a series of records of items in the collection of Edgar Dawson DCM. Dawson was the Regimental Sergeant Major of 57th Battalion, AIF. The 57th had a company of men largely from Bendigo and Eaglehawk. These postcards are from his personal album. Many are annotated in Dawson's hand with explanatory notes on the subject. Refer to Cat No 893 for his service details. Items originally in album cat. no. 207P Service details available through the NAA. Collection of six black and white postcards: 1. Photographic portrait from left William George Saville 4182, Alexander Pollock 3587 57th Btn, and unidentified trooper, possible 4th Light Horse Regiment. 2. Photographic portrait of Light Horse trooper. 3. Photographic portrait of William Tamlyn Curnow, 5078, 57th Btn 4. Photographic portrait of "Jim", 5. Photographic portrait of Septimus Fletcher, 4485, 57th Btn 6. Photographic portrait of Robert Gamble, 4644, 57th Btn 2. Card is addressed to "1904 L.Cpl W.W. Martin, D Cpy 57th Batt". Martin was 2150, KIA 26th September 1917. 3. On front "Sincerely, W. T. Curnow". On verso, "To Hec, from his old pal Curnow Sgt" 'Hec' was Dawson's nickname. 4. On front "Yours sincerely Jim". On verso, card addressed "350 Pte Melen, R. C., 15th Field Ambulance, via Manners St Maryborough Victoria" The 15th Field Ambulance Cpy, supported the 57th and other battalions of the 15th Brigade. 5. On verso "This is an Eaglehawk boy Septimus Fletcher, he came over with me and was with us a long time, but is on Division now" 6. On verso "This is our signal Cpl wearing his military medal for keeping communication at Bullecourt". Gamble won the MM for his actions 13th May 1917.57th battalion, postcards, album dawson dcm, edgar dawson dcm

This three-photograph group is the fifth in a series of records of items in the collection of Edgar Dawson DCM. Dawson was the Regimental Sergeant Major of 57th Battalion, AIF. C Company of the 57th was composed of men drawn from Echuca, Eaglehawk and Bendigo. The postcards are from his personal album, and many are annotated in Dawson's hand with explanatory notes on the subject. Refer to Cat No 893 for his service details. Items originally in album cat. no. 207P These three photographs above portray various members of the AIF on leave in Killarney, Ireland. Three photographs taken by a commercial photographer in Killarney Ireland. These photographs illustrate how men from different units relaxed together on leave. 1. A group of AIF soldiers enjoying leave outside the Graham Hotel, Killarney. The soldier on left is a corporal in 2nd Division Pioneers, next to him is a private in the 1st Division, then a signaller from 5th Division with two years' overseas service chevrons and two wound stripes, RSM Hector Dawson, 57th Btn, then a Gallipoli veteran with what seems to be a Fifth Division patch, unknown, and lastly a 1st Division sergeant. 2. A relaxed group outside the Graham Hotel. RSM Dawson is third from the right. Second from the left is an officer of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. 3. RSM Dawson (hatless) and comrades setting off to likely see the famous local lakes. Each photograph is inscribed on verso "To dear Mother and Father, with love from Heck, Killarney" with the date.postcards, 57th battalion, edgar dawson dcm

Map extract showing the towns of Cheddar, Rodney Stoke, Westbury and a smaller town of Easton. The area depicted is part of Somerset, England. Map is hand drawn by J.J. Raisbeck date unknown. John James RAISBECK was born on 4 July 1880 at Christchurch New Zealand. He served 4 years (Citizen Military Force - CMF) in 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment in Central VIC with the rank 2nd Lieutenant. He was the first Australian appointed to the Survey Section RAE, on 16 April 1910, as a draughtsman which was his civilian profession, with the rank Warrant Officer, honorary 2nd Lieutenant. He was required to resign his commission in the CMF. He supervised the draughting work of the Section in Melbourne and was largely responsible for the mapping standards and specifications set in the production of the Cowes one-inch-to-one-mile military map, which became the enduring Australian standard. He was also responsible for supervising the printing of the maps by the Victorian Government Printer. He was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the AIF Survey Corps draft on 6 December 1917 (from Melbourne) embarking for England on 22 December 17. He was attached to the Australian Corps Topographic Section in France from 21 April 1918 to 5 March 1919 serving as Second-in-Command and as Officer Commanding. He was promoted Lieutenant 15 October 1918, attending the AIF Survey School, Southampton in 1919, returning to Australia 23 June 1919, before his AIF appointment was terminated 17 July 1919. He went on to serve the Survey Section RAE and Australian Survey Corps, including in the Second World War, having been promoted Captain then Major and Officer Commanding Army Headquarters Cartographic Section until February 1940. He retired after 33 years of service to military survey, and after serving the Corps in two world wars, on 4 July 1943 with the retired rank Lieutenant-Colonel. He was the author of the article ‘A Short History of the Military Survey of Australia, 1907-1936’, published in The Australian Surveyor, Sept 1, 1937Map extract slightly larger than A4. Scale: One Inch to One and a half Mile. 1:31680, 9 x copiesSignature of "J.J. Raisbeck" bottom right-hand cornerroyal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

The outer envelope is addressed Mr E. Fielding which is believed to be Richard Edward (Eddie) Fielding. It is understood from Tom Fielding, that this item was collected by his Uncle Bill Teagle when visiting Japan in the 1920s whilst serving in the Navy. It is further understood that Bill always made efforts to collect souvenirs from his travels to give to family members. William George Teagle, more commonly known as Bill, was born 2 August 1899 at Sandringham, Victoria. Bill, a milk carter first attempted to enslist in the AIF in October 1917 but was rejected on the grounds of being too small. On a second attempt he was successful and his application was accepted 1 June 1918. He embarked in November 1918 for overseas with the 17th Reinforcements. He was discharged a year later in December 1918. On 6 May 1919 he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy for a period of 7 years service with the rank of Stoker however he remained with the navy throughout till the end of the Second World War, and was finally discharged 14 November 1945 with the rank of Petty Officer. This item, a souvenir from Japan from between the wars (circa 1923) was brought home to Research, Victoria by Bill Teagle who was serving in the Royal Australian Navy (1919-1945). Bill Teagle's sister Violet Amelda Teagle had married Theodore (Curly) Feldbauer in 1933. Bill's brother-in-law Curly was taken as a Prisoner of War by the Japanese and died at Sandakan in March 1945. The family did not learn of Curly’s death till months later and Bill's sister, Violet, herself could never forgive the Japanese for what happened to Curly. Curly is remembered on the Eltham Roll of Honour Board and his son, Albert Feldbauer (Bill’s nephew and youngest child of the children of the soldier fathers attending a school in the district), was given the honour of turning the first sod for the Eltham War Memorial Infant Welfare Centre Building. Despite this, the family maintained this cherished souvenir from a time of previous foreign friendship with Japan. The item was possibly given by Bill Teagle to his sister Margaret Rose (formerly Ingram) who later married Richard Edward (Eddie) Fielding in early 1948. (Eddie had been engaged to someone else before he went to war, but his fiancée broke it off before his return to Australia.) It was cared for by the Teagle/Fielding family for approximately one hundred years. It is of particular significance given the family's connection to the Eltham War Memorial and the significance of that memorial to the local community and represents that despite the horrors of war, former friends then foes can become friends again.tom fielding collection

"Postal acknowledgement delivery personal" "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that VX10044 Sapper G. E. Castledine has been killed in action April 18th & desire to convey to you the profound sympathy of the Minister for the Army and the Military Board. - Minister for the Army" Sapper George Ernest Castledine (1914-1941), son of Arthur Frederick and Annie Castledine, enlisted 23 January 1940 at Lower Plenty and was assigned to the 2/2 Field Company. He is buried in the Phaleron War Cemetery, Athens, Greece and is remembered on the Roll of Honour at Eltham.George was the first soldier from the Shire of Eltham to be killed in the Second World War. The telegram is oil stained as it was kept by George's brother Sid in his toolbox.Digital image of original held in private collection of Joan Castledine (niece of George Ernest Castledine and daughter of Sid and Polly (nee Arrowsmith) Castledine).Original bears oil stains from being stored in a tool box2/2 field company, aif, annie castledine, arthur frederick castledine, eltham war memorial, george ernest castledine, military, minister for the army, roll of honour, second word war, sid castledine, telegram

Certificate of appreciation presented to Private George Melville Balfour, VX6104, for voluntary enlistment for active service overseas. Prior to the war, George Balfour lived at Wangakeirra(?), Kangaroo Ground. Post war, he lived at Lavender Park, Eltham. He served in the 2/8 Batallion, AIF, in North Africa and taken prisoner of war in Greece. In the UK post May 1945 and in Australia December 1949. Never married.Colour photocopy 33 x 24 cm of a certificate 2/8 battallion, aif, certiificate, cr. a. brinkkotter, cr. price, eltham, george melville balfour, lavender park, prisoner of war, second word war, shire of eltham, vx6104

Digital file only - scanned by EDHS from item on loan 2nd aif, cairo, dave thomson, egypt, letters, lew howard collection, second world war, sefton thomas cranton howard, ww2